SECURITIES & EXCHANGE COMMISSION EDGAR FILING
SILVER BULL RESOURCES, INC.
Form: 10-K
Date Filed: 2017-01-19
Corporate Issuer CIK: 1031093
© Copyright 2017, Issuer Direct Corporation. All Right Reserved. Distribution of this document is strictly prohibited, subject to the terms of use.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
R
£
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED October 31, 2016
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD OF _________ TO _________.
Commission File Number: 001-33125
SILVER BULL RESOURCES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Nevada
State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization
91-1766677
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
777 Dunsmuir Street, Suite 1610
Vancouver, B.C. V7Y 1K4
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (604) 687-5800
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value
Name of each exchange on which registered
None (OTCQB)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act
Yes o No R
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
Yes o No R
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for
the past 90 days.
Yes R 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 (§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).
Yes R No ☐
EDGAR Stream is a copyright of Issuer Direct Corporation, all rights reserved.
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be
contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or smaller reporting company:
Large accelerated filer ☐ Accelerated filer ☐ Non-accelerated filer ☐ Smaller reporting company R
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o No R
As of January 18, 2017, there were 177,894,967 shares outstanding of the registrant's $0.01 par value common stock, the registrant's only outstanding class of
voting securities. As of April 29, 2016, the aggregate market value of the registrant's voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was
approximately $14.8 million based upon the closing sale price of the common stock as reported by the OTCQB. For the purpose of this calculation, the registrant
has assumed that its affiliates as of April 29, 2016 included one shareholder that held approximately 11.0% of its outstanding common stock and all directors and
officers.
Portions of the registrant's definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A in connection with
the 2017 annual meeting of shareholders are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
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SILVER BULL RESOURCES, INC.
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
PART II
Items 1 and
2.
Item 1A.
Item 1B.
Item 3.
Item 4.
BUSINESS AND PROPERTIES
RISK FACTORS
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Item 5.
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF
EQUITY SECURITIES
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Item 6.
Item 7.
Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Item 8.
Item 9.
Item 9A.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
PART III
Item 10.
Item 11.
Item 12.
Item 13.
Item 14.
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
MATTERS
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Item 15.
EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
SIGNATURES
PART IV
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When we use the terms "Silver Bull," "we," "us," or "our," we are referring to Silver Bull Resources, Inc. and its subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise
requires. We have included technical terms important to an understanding of our business under "Glossary of Common Terms" at the end of this section.
Throughout this document we make statements that are classified as "forward-looking." Please refer to the "Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking
Statements" section of this document for an explanation of these types of assertions.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This Annual Report on Form 10-K includes certain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and the
United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities
legislation. We use words such as "anticipate," "continue," "likely," "estimate," "expect," "may," "will," "projection," "should," "believe," "potential," "could," or
similar words suggesting future outcomes (including negative and grammatical variations) to identify forward-looking statements. These statements include
statements regarding the following, among other things:
·
The sufficiency of our existing cash resources and working capital to enable us to continue our operations for the next 12 months as a going concern;
· Our planned activities at the Sierra Mojada project in 2017, including maintaining our property concessions, drilling activities, and continuing to internally
investigate the potential for a high grade underground zinc oxide mine and a small silver open pit;
·
Prospects of entering the development or production stage with respect to any of our projects;
· Whether any part of the Sierra Mojada project will ever be confirmed or converted into SEC Industry Guide 7 – compliant "reserves";
·
·
·
·
·
Ability to obtain permits required for drilling and other exploration activities;
The impact of the fine bubble flotation test work on the recovery of minerals and initial rough concentrate grade;
The possible extension to the Sierra Mojada project of existing nearby gas pipeline;
The impact of recent accounting pronouncements on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows and disclosures;
The impact of changes to current state or federal laws and regulations in Mexico on estimated capital expenditures and operating and/or reclamation
costs;
· Our ability to raise additional capital and the potential impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations of doing so or not;
·
·
The timing and scope of our exploration activities: including in connection with the licenses, permits or other authorizations required to conduct such
activities;
The impact of changing foreign currency exchange rates on our financial condition;
· Our expectations regarding the payment of dividends in the future;
· Our efforts to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of our internal controls and procedures over financial reporting on an ongoing basis;
· Our expectations regarding future recovery of value-added tax paid in Mexico; and
·
The merits of any claims in connection with, and the expected timing of any, ongoing legal proceedings.
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These statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by us in light of our experience and our perception of historical trends, current
conditions, expected future developments and other factors we believe are appropriate in the circumstances. Such statements are subject to a number of
assumptions, risks and uncertainties and our actual results could differ from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements as a result of the
factors described under "Risk Factors" in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including:
•
•
Our ability to obtain additional financial resources on acceptable terms to (i) conduct our exploration activities and (ii) maintain our general and
administrative expenditures at acceptable levels;
Results of future exploration at our Sierra Mojada Project;
• Worldwide economic and political events affecting (i) the market prices for silver, zinc, lead, copper and other minerals that may be found on our
exploration properties (ii) interest rates and (iii) currency exchange rates;
The amount and nature of future capital and exploration expenditures;
Volatility in our stock price;
Our inability to obtain required permits;
Competitive factors, includes exploration-related competition;
Timing of receipt and maintenance of government approvals;
Unanticipated title issues;
Changes in tax laws;
Changes in regulatory frameworks or regulations affecting our activities;
Our ability to retain key management and consultants and experts necessary to successfully operate and grow our business; and
Political and economic instability in Mexico and other countries in which we conduct our business, and future potential actions of the governments in
such countries with respect to nationalization of natural resources or other changes in mining or taxation policies.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
These factors are not intended to represent a complete list of the general or specific factors that could affect us.
All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us, or
persons acting on our behalf, are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements. Except as required by law, we undertake no
obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which it is made or to reflect the occurrence
of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.
Cautionary Note Regarding Exploration Stage Companies
We are an exploration stage company and do not currently have any known reserves and cannot be expected to have known reserves unless and until a
feasibility study is completed for the Sierra Mojada concessions that shows proven and probable reserves. There can be no assurance that our concessions
contain proven and probable reserves and investors may lose their entire investment. See "Risk Factors."
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Glossary of Common Terms
The following terms are used throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Concession
A grant of a tract of land made by a government or other controlling authority in return for stipulated services or a
promise that the land will be used for a specific purpose.
Exploration Stage
A prospect that is not yet in either the development or production stage.
Feasibility Study
An engineering study designed to define the technical, economic, and legal viability of a mining project with a high
degree of reliability.
Formation
A distinct layer of sedimentary rock of similar composition.
Mineralized Material
Mineral bearing material such as zinc, silver, gold, lead or copper that has been physically delineated by one or more
of a number of methods including drilling, underground work, surface trenching and other types of sampling. This
material has been found to contain a sufficient amount of mineralization of an average grade of metal or metals to
have economic potential that warrants further exploration evaluation. While this material is not currently or may never
be classified as reserves, it is reported as mineralized material only if the potential exists for reclassification into the
reserves category. This material cannot be classified in the reserves category until final technical, economic and
legal factors have been determined. Under the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's standards, a mineral
deposit does not qualify as a reserve unless the recoveries from the deposit are expected to be sufficient to recover
total cash and non-cash costs for the mine and related facilities and make a profit.
Mining
The process of extraction and beneficiation of mineral reserves to produce a marketable metal or mineral product.
Exploration continues during the mining process and, in many cases, mineral reserves are expanded during the life
of the mine operations as the exploration potential of the deposit is realized.
Ore, Ore Reserve, or Mineable Ore Body
The part of a mineral deposit which could be economically and legally extracted or produced at the time of the
reserve determination.
Reserves
Estimated remaining quantities of mineral deposit and related substances anticipated to be recoverable from known
accumulations, from a given date forward, based on:
(a) analysis of drilling, geological, geophysical and engineering data;
(b) the use of established technology;
(c) specified economic conditions, which are generally accepted as being reasonable, and which are disclosed; and
(d) whether they are permitted and financed for development
Resources
Those quantities of mineral deposit estimated to exist originally in naturally occurring accumulations.
Resources are, therefore, those quantities estimated on a particular date to be remaining in known accumulations
plus those quantities already produced from known accumulations plus those quantities in accumulations yet to be
discovered. Resources are divided into:
(a) discovered resources, which are limited to known accumulations; and
(b) undiscovered resources.
Tonne
A metric ton which is equivalent to 2,204.6 pounds.
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Items 1 and 2. BUSINESS AND PROPERTIES
Overview and Corporate Structure
PART I
Silver Bull Resources, Inc. was incorporated in the State of Nevada on November 8, 1993 as the Cadgie Company for the purpose of acquiring and developing
mineral properties. The Cadgie Company was a spin-off from its predecessor, Precious Metal Mines, Inc. On June 28, 1996, our name was changed to Metalline
Mining Company ("Metalline"). On April 21, 2011, we changed our name to Silver Bull Resources, Inc. We have not realized any revenues from our planned
operations, and we are considered an exploration stage company. We have not established any reserves with respect to our exploration projects and may never
enter into the development stage with respect to any of our projects.
We engage in the business of mineral exploration. We currently own or have the option to acquire a number of property concessions in Mexico within a mining
district known as the Sierra Mojada District, located in the west-central part of the state of Coahuila, Mexico. We conduct our operations in Mexico through our
wholly-owned subsidiary corporations, Minera Metalin S.A. de C.V. ("Minera Metalin") and Contratistas de Sierra Mojada S.A. de C.V. ("Contratistas"), and
through Minera Metalin's wholly-owned subsidiary Minas de Coahuila SBR S.A. de C.V ("Minas").
In April 2010, Metalline Mining Delaware, Inc., our wholly-owned subsidiary, was merged with and into Dome Ventures Corporation ("Dome"). As a result, Dome
became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Silver Bull. Dome has a wholly-owned subsidiary, Dome Asia Inc. ("Dome Asia"), which is incorporated in the British Virgin
Islands. Dome Asia has a wholly-owned subsidiary incorporated in Gabon, African Resources SARL Gabon, as well as a 99.99%-owned subsidiary, Dome
Minerals Nigeria Limited, incorporated in Nigeria. In January 2015, we completed the sale of our subsidiary Dome International Global Inc. ("Dome
International"), including Dome International's wholly-owned subsidiary Dome Ventures SARL Gabon ("Dome Gabon"), which held the Ndjole Prospect in Gabon.
On June 5, 2015, we announced our decision to voluntarily delist our shares of common stock from the NYSE MKT due to costs associated with the continued
listing and NYSE MKT exchange rules regarding maintenance of a minimum share price. On June 29, 2015, our shares began trading on the OTCQB
marketplace operated by OTC Markets Group (the "OTCQB Designation"). Our shares of common stock continue to trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange
("TSX").
Our efforts and expenditures have been concentrated in the exploration of properties, principally in the Sierra Mojada property located in Coahuila, Mexico (the
"Sierra Mojada Property"). We have not determined whether the exploration properties contain ore reserves that are economically recoverable. The ultimate
realization of our investment in exploration properties is dependent upon the success of future property sales, the existence of economically recoverable
reserves, our ability to obtain financing or make other arrangements for exploration, development and future profitable production activities. The ultimate
realization of our investment in exploration properties cannot be determined at this time.
Sierra Mojada Project
Location, Access and Infrastructure
The Sierra Mojada project (the "Sierra Mojada Project") is located within a mining district known as the Sierra Mojada District. The Sierra Mojada District is
located in the west-central part of the state of Coahuila, Mexico, near the Coahuila-Chihuahua state border approximately 200 kilometers south of the Big Bend
of the Rio Grande River. The principal mining area extends for approximately five kilometers in an east-west direction along the base of the precipitous, 1,000-
meter high Sierra Mojada Range.
The Sierra Mojada Project site is situated to the south of the village of Esmeralda, on the northern side of a major escarpment that forms the northern margin of
the Sierra Mojada range. In general, the site is approximately 1,500 meters above sea level. The project is accessible by paved road from the city of Torreon,
Coahuila, which lies approximately 250 kilometers to the south. Esmerelda is served by a rail spur of the Coahuila Durango railroad. There is an airstrip east of
Esmeralda, although its availability is limited, and another airstrip at the nearby Penoles plant, which we can use occasionally. The Sierra Mojada District has
high voltage electric power supplied by the national power company, Comisión Federal de Electricidad, C.F.E., and is supplied water by the municipality of Sierra
Mojada. Although power levels are sufficient for current operations and exploration, future development of the project, if any, may require additional power
supplies to be sourced.
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Our facilities in Mexico include offices, residences, shops, warehouse buildings and exploration equipment located at Calle Mina #1, La Esmeralda, Coahuila,
Mexico.
The map below shows the location of the Sierra Mojada Project:
Property History
Silver and lead were first discovered by a foraging party in 1879, and mining to 1886 consisted of native silver, silver chloride, and lead carbonate ores. After
1886, silver-lead-zinc-copper sulphate ores within limestone and sandstone units were produced. No accurate production history has been found for historical
mining during this period.
Approximately 90 years ago, zinc silicate and zinc carbonate minerals ("Zinc Manto Zone") were discovered underlying the silver-lead mineralized horizon. The
Zinc Manto Zone is predominantly zinc dominated, but with subordinate lead-rich manto and is principally situated in the footwall rocks of the Sierra Mojada
Fault System. Since discovery and up to 1990, zinc, silver, and lead ores were mined from various mines along the strike of the deposit, including from the Sierra
Mojada Property. Ores mined from within these areas were hand-sorted, and the concentrate shipped mostly to smelters in the United States.
Activity during the period of 1956 to 1990 consisted of operations by the Mineros Norteños Cooperativa and operations by individual owners and operators of
pre-existing mines. The Mineros Norteños operated the San Salvador, Encantada, Fronteriza, Esmeralda, and Parrena mines, and shipped oxide zinc ore to Zinc
National's smelter in Monterrey, while copper and silver ore were shipped to smelters in Mexico and the United States.
We estimate that over 45 mines have produced ore from underground workings throughout the approximately five kilometers by two kilometer area that comprises
the Sierra Mojada District. We estimate that since its discovery in 1879, the Sierra Mojada District has produced approximately 10 million tons of silver, zinc,
lead and copper ore. The District does not have a mill to concentrate ore, and all mining conducted thus far has been limited to selectively mined ore of sufficient
grade to direct ship to smelters. We believe that mill-grade mineralization that was not mined remains available for extraction. No mining operations are
currently active within the area of the Sierra Mojada District, except for a dolomite quarry by Peñoles near Esmeralda.
In the 1990s, Kennecott Copper Corporation ("Kennecott") had a joint venture agreement with USMX, Inc. ("USMX") involving its Sierra Mojada concessions.
Kennecott terminated the joint venture in approximately 1995. We entered into a Joint Exploration and Development Agreement with USMX in July 1996
involving USMX's Sierra Mojada concessions. In 1998, we purchased the Sierra Mojada and the USMX concessions, and the joint exploration and development
agreement was terminated. We also purchased certain other concessions during this time and conducted exploration for copper and silver mineralization from
1997 through 1999.
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Title and Ownership Rights
The Sierra Mojada Project is comprised of 20 concessions consisting of 4,715 hectares (about 11,651 acres). We periodically obtain additional concessions in
the Sierra Mojada Project area and whether we will continue to hold these additional concessions will depend on future exploration work and exploration results
and our ability to obtain financing. As we have done in prior years, we continually assess our concession ownership and we may terminate our rights to certain
concessions holdings.
Each mining concession enables us to explore the underlying concession in consideration for the payment of a semi-annual fee to the Mexican government and
completion of certain annual assessment work. Annual assessment work in excess of statutory annual requirements can be carried forward and applied to future
periods.
Ownership of a concession provides the owner with exclusive exploration and exploitation rights to all minerals located on the concessions, but does not include
the surface rights to the real property. Therefore, we will need to negotiate any necessary agreements with the appropriate surface landowners if we determine
that a mining operation is feasible for the concessions. We own surface rights to five lots in the Sierra Mojada Property (Sierra Mojada lot #1, #3, #4, #6 and #7)
but anticipate that we will be required to obtain additional surface rights if we determine that a mining operation is feasible.
Geology and Mineralization
The Sierra Mojada concessions contain a mineral system which can be separated into two distinct zones: The "Silver Zone" and the "Zinc Zone." These two
zones lie along the Sierra Mojada Fault which trends east-west along the base of the Sierra Mojada range. The majority of the mineralization identified to date is
seen as oxide, which has been derived from primary "sulphide" bodies that have been oxidized and remained in situ or remobilized into porous and fractured rock
along the Sierra Mojada Fault. The formation of a silver-rich zone (the Silver Zone) and a zinc-rich zone (the Zinc Zone) is a reflection of the mobility of the
metals in the ground water conditions at Sierra Mojada.
The geology of the District is composed of a Cretaceous limestone and dolomite sequence sitting on top of the Jurassic "San Marcos" red sediments. This
sedimentary sequence has then later been intruded by Tertiary volcanics, which are considered to be responsible for the mineralization seen at Sierra Mojada.
Historical mines are dry, and the rocks are competent for the most part. We believe that the thickness and attitude of the mineralized material could potentially be
amenable to high volume mechanized mining methods and low cost production.
June 2015 Technical Report
On June 30, 2015, Tuun Consulting Inc. and AKF Mining Services Inc. delivered an amended technical report (the "Report") on the silver and zinc mineralization
at the Sierra Mojada Project in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101"). The Report includes an update on the silver and zinc
mineralization which was estimated from 1,363 diamond drill holes, 24 reverse circulation drill holes, 9,027 channel samples and 2,346 underground long holes.
Using a net smelter return economic cut-off, the Report indicates mineralized material in the Lerchs-Grossman optimized pit of 56.8 million tonnes at an average
silver grade of 50 grams/tonne silver, an average zinc percentage of 3.4%, an average copper percentage of 0.04% and an average lead percentage of 0.3%. In
addition, using the net smelter return economic cut-off, the Report indicates underground mineralized material outside the Lerchs-Grossman optimized pit of 1.9
million tonnes at an average zinc percentage of 9.4%, an average copper percentage of 0.02% and an average lead percentage of 0.4%. Mineralized material
estimates do not include any amounts categorized as inferred resources.
"Mineralized material" as used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, although permissible under the Securities and Exchange Commission's ("SEC's") Industry
Guide 7, does not indicate "reserves" by SEC standards. We cannot be certain that any part of the Sierra Mojada Project will ever be confirmed or converted
into SEC Industry Guide 7 compliant "reserves." Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of the mineralized material will ever be confirmed or
converted into reserves or that mineralized material can be economically or legally extracted.
Sampling, Analysis, Quality Control and Security
Our activities conform to mining industry standard practices and follow the Best Practices Guidelines of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy, and
Petroleum (CIM). Sampling is directed and supervised by trained and experienced geologists. Drill core and other samples are processed and logged using
industry standard methods. Standard samples, duplicates and blanks are periodically entered into the stream of samples submitted for assays, and campaigns
of re-sampling and duplicate analyses and round-robin inter-laboratory validations are conducted periodically. We use ALS Chemex – Vancouver ("ALS
Chemex") laboratory as our independent primary laboratory. ALS Chemex is ISO 9001:2000 certified. All analytical results that are used in resource models are
exclusively from the independent primary laboratory.
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Our consultants perform technical audits of our operations, including our formal quality assurance/quality control ("QA/QC") program, and recommend
improvements as needed. A systematic program of duplicate sampling and assaying of representative samples from previous exploration activities was
completed in 2010 under the direction and control of our consultants. Results of this study acceptably confirm the values in the project database used for
resource modeling.
We formerly operated a sample preparation and an analytical laboratory at the project that prepared samples for shipment, performed QA/QC analyses to
ensure against cross-contamination of samples during preparation and removed most low-value samples from the flow to the primary laboratory. For cost and
other reasons, the internal laboratory has been shut down, and all drill samples are submitted directly to ALS Chemex for sample preparation and analyses.
Prior Exploration Activities
We have focused our exploration efforts on two primary locations: the Silver Zone and the Zinc Zone. As further described below, we have conducted various
exploration activities at the Sierra Mojada Project; however, to date, we have not established any reserves, and the project remains in the exploration stage and
may never enter the development stage.
Prior to 2008, exploration efforts largely focused on the Zinc Zone with surface and underground drilling. In fiscal year 2009, we scaled back our exploration
activities and administrative costs to conserve capital while we tried to secure additional sources of capital.
After closing the transaction with Dome in April 2010, we focused our exploration activities at Sierra Mojada primarily on the Silver Zone, which lies largely at
surface. By the end of calendar 2015, approximately 100,000 meters of diamond drilling from surface and 10,000 meters of underground drilling had been
completed.
The silver contained within the Silver Zone is seen primarily as silver halide minerals. The zinc contained within the Zinc Zone is contained mostly in the mineral
hemimorphite and, to a lesser amount, in the mineral smithsonite.
2016 Exploration Activities
Our board of directors approved a calendar year 2016 budget of $0.4 million for the Sierra Mojada Property. As a result of completion of the private placements
and improvement of market conditions, our board approved an updated budget for the Sierra Mojada Property in September 2016. Our updated exploration
budget for the Sierra Mojada Property for the period from September 2016 to December 2016 was $0.6 million compared to $0.1 million in the original budget.
The updated exploration budget was focused on the drilling program described below, securing additional surface rights, maintaining our property concessions
and continuing to internally investigate the potential for a high-grade underground zinc oxide mine and a small silver open-pit targeting the "at-surface" silver
mineralization with a small project with a low strip ratio.
A 3,000-meter drill program had been initially planned in the September 2016 to December 2016 Sierra Mojada Property budget with approximately seven holes
targeting sulfide mineralization which we believe represents the extension of our mineralized zone at depth. We completed a high resolution magnetic survey
over the target areas in July 2016 and started the drilling program incorporating this data in November 2016. As of December 31, 2016 we completed two holes
totaling 1,465 meters and are currently waiting for assay results.
2017 Exploration Program
The focus of the 2017 calendar year program is the drilling program, maintaining our property concessions and continuing to internally investigate the potential
for a high-grade underground zinc oxide mine and a small silver open-pit targeting the "at-surface" silver mineralization with a small project with a low strip ratio.
In calendar year 2016, we completed two holes totaling 1,465 meters and are currently waiting for assay results. Based on the analysis of these assay results
and other technical information, we will determine the drill hole locations for additional holes. Our 2017 Sierra Mojada budget includes 1,600 meters of drilling.
Metallurgical Studies
During May 2015, we selected and shipped samples of high-grade zinc material to a lab in Denver, Colorado for "fine bubble" flotation test work and to a group in
Australia to assess their proprietary hydrometallurgy process. Previous test work completed by Silver Bull using mechanical flotation has shown an 87%
recovery of zinc from the white zinc zone to produce a rough concentrate of 43% zinc, and a 72.5% recovery of zinc from the red zinc zone to produce a rough
concentrate of 30% zinc. The "fine bubble" flotation test work that was performed did not improve recovery, but based on analysis of the results, it was
determined that the "fine bubble" flotation test process may be able to be adjusted to improve recovery. Further testing is not planned at this time.
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Test work completed by Hazen Research Inc. in 2012 focused on roasting high-grade zinc in a rotary kiln to fume off the zinc and collect it as a zinc oxide
concentrate. Recoveries of up to 98% of the zinc were recorded. The roasting of the zinc samples aims to simulate a "Waelz Kiln," a kiln that is used extensively
to recycle zinc from steel dust and which regularly achieves recoveries in excess of 90%. In considering this process, the zinc mineralization at Sierra Mojada
has a number of possible advantages, including the fact that it lies in the state of Coahuila, which is the largest coal producing state in Mexico, and it has an
existing gas pipeline nearby that may be able to be extended to the project. Either option could provide the fuel to run the kiln. The project also has a functioning
railway right to site to potentially allow for transport of coal to the site and of the zinc concentrate from the site.
In addition, we previously conducted a metallurgical program to test the recovery of the silver mineralization using the agitation cyanide leach method and
recovery of the zinc mineralization using the SART process (sulfidization, acidification, recycling, and thickening). The test work on the silver zone focused on
cyanide leach recovery of the silver using "Bottle Roll" tests to simulate an agitation leach system and to determine the recovery of low-grade zinc that occurs in
the silver zone and high-grade zinc from the zinc zone that had been blended with mineralization from the silver zone to the leach solution. The silver was
recovered from the cyanide leach solution using the Merrill Crowe technique, and the zinc was recovered from the leach solution using the SART process. The
SART process is a metallurgical process that regenerates and recycles the cyanide used in the leaching process of the silver and zinc and allows for the
recovery of zinc that has been leached by the cyanide solution. The results showed an overall average silver recovery of 73.2%, with peak values of 89.0% and
an overall average zinc recovery of 44% in the silver zone.
Gabon, Africa Licenses and Interests
On January 23, 2015, we closed the sale to BHK Mining Corp. (formerly BHK Resources, Inc.) of 100% of the issued and outstanding securities of our former
subsidiary Dome International, which held, indirectly, a 100% interest in the Ndjole concession in Gabon. Under the terms of the share purchase agreement, we
received cash consideration of $1,500,000 and the reimbursement of our expenses of $75,000 in cash. In addition, we have returned the Mitzic exploration
license in Gabon to the Gabonese government.
Executive Officers of Silver Bull Resources
We have three executive officers: (1) a Chairman, (2) a President and Chief Executive Officer and (3) a Chief Financial Officer. Set forth below is information
regarding our executive officers.
Name and Residence
Brian Edgar
Vancouver, BC
Tim Barry
Vancouver, BC
Sean Fallis
Vancouver, BC
Age
67
Chairman
Position
41
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Chief Financial Officer
37
Brian Edgar. Mr. Edgar was appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors in April 2010. Mr. Edgar has broad experience working in junior and mid-size natural
resource companies. He previously served as Dome's President and Chief Executive Officer from February 2005 until it was acquired by Silver Bull in April
2010. Further, Mr. Edgar served on Dome's board of directors from 1998 to 2010. Mr. Edgar currently serves as a director of BlackPearl Resources Inc., Denison
Mines Corp., Lucara Diamond Corp., and ShaMaran Petroleum Corp. Mr. Edgar practiced corporate/securities law in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada for
16 years.
Tim Barry. Mr. Barry has served as a director, President and Chief Executive Officer of Silver Bull since March 2011. From August 2010 to March 2011, he
served as our Vice President – Exploration. Between 2006 and August 2010, Mr. Barry spent five years working as Chief Geologist in West and Central Africa
for Dome. During this time, he managed all aspects of Dome's exploration programs, as well as oversaw corporate compliance for Dome's various subsidiaries.
Mr. Barry also served on Dome's board of directors. In 2005, he worked as a project geologist in Mongolia for Entree Gold, a company that has a significant
stake in the Oyu Tolgoi mine in Mongolia. Between 1998 and 2005, Mr. Barry worked as an exploration geologist for Ross River Minerals on its El Pulpo
copper/gold project in Sinaloa, Mexico, for Canabrava Diamonds on its exploration programs in the James Bay lowlands in Ontario, Canada, and for Homestake
on its Plutonic Gold Mine in Western Australia. He has also worked as a mapping geologist for the Geological Survey of Canada in the Coast Mountains, and as
a research assistant at the University of British Columbia, where he examined the potential of CO2 sequestration in Canada using ultramafic rocks. Mr. Barry
received a bachelor of science from the University of Otago in Dundein, New Zealand and is a Chartered Professional Geologist (CPAusIMM). He also serves
on the board of directors of Acme Resources Inc. and Astar Minerals Ltd., junior exploration companies listed on the TSX Venture Exchange.
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EDGAR Stream is a copyright of Issuer Direct Corporation, all rights reserved.
Sean Fallis. Mr. Fallis was appointed Chief Financial Officer in April 2011. From February 2011 to April 2011, he served as our Vice President – Finance. From
July 2008 to February 2011, Mr. Fallis served as the Corporate Controller for Rusoro Mining Ltd. Prior to working at Rusoro Mining Ltd, he worked at
PricewaterhouseCoopers as an Audit Senior Associate from January 2007 to June 2008, where he worked with both Canadian and U.S. publicly-listed
companies in the audit and assurance practice. At PricewaterhouseCoopers, Mr. Fallis focused on clients in the mining industry. Further, he worked at Smythe
LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants as a staff accountant from September 2004 to December 2006. Mr. Fallis received a bachelor of science from Simon
Fraser University in 2002 and is a CPA (Chartered Professional Accountant), CA.
Competition and Mineral Prices
Mineral Prices
Silver and zinc are commodities, and their prices are volatile. From January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016 the price of silver ranged from a low of $13.58 per
troy ounce to a high of $20.71 per troy ounce, and from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016 the price of zinc ranged from a low of $1,520 per tonne to a high
of $2,665 per tonne. Silver and zinc prices are affected by many factors beyond our control, including prevailing interest rates and returns on other asset classes,
expectations regarding inflation, speculation, currency values, governmental decisions regarding the disposal of precious metals stockpiles, global and regional
demand and production, political and economic conditions and other factors. The competitive nature of the business and the risks with which we are therefore
faced are discussed further in the item entitled "Risk Factors," below.
The following tables set forth, for the periods indicated, on the London Metal Exchange, high and low silver and zinc prices in U.S. dollars per troy ounce and per
tonne, respectively. On October 31, 2016, the closing price of silver was $17.76 per troy ounce. On October 31, 2016, the closing price of zinc was $2,311 per
tonne.
Year
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
Year
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Silver
(per troy ounce)
High
Low
19.18 $
30.70 $
48.70 $
37.23 $
32.23 $
22.05 $
18.23 $
20.71 $
Zinc
(per tonne)
High
Low
2,374 $
2,414 $
2,473 $
2,040 $
2,129 $
2,327 $
2,281 $
2,665 $
11
10.51
15.14
26.16
26.67
18.61
15.28
13.71
13.58
1,118
1,746
1,871
1,816
1,831
2,008
1,528
1,520
EDGAR Stream is a copyright of Issuer Direct Corporation, all rights reserved.
Competition
Our industry is highly competitive. We compete with other mining and exploration companies in connection with the acquisition and exploration of mineral
properties. There is competition for a limited number of mineral property acquisition opportunities, some of which is with other companies having substantially
greater financial resources, staff and facilities than we do. As a result, we may have difficulty acquiring attractive exploration properties, staking claims related to
our properties and exploring properties. Our competitive position depends upon our ability to successfully and economically acquire and explore new and existing
mineral properties.
Government Regulation
Mineral exploration activities are subject to various national, state/provincial, and local laws and regulations, which govern prospecting, development, mining,
production, exports, taxes, labor standards, occupational health, waste disposal, protection of the environment, mine safety, hazardous substances and other
matters. Similarly, if any of our properties are developed and/or mined, those activities are also subject to significant governmental regulation and oversight. We
plan to obtain the licenses, permits and other authorizations currently required to conduct our exploration program. We believe that we are in compliance in all
material respects with applicable mining, health, safety and environmental statutes and the regulations applicable to the mineral interests we now hold in
Mexico.
Environment Regulations
Our activities are subject to various national and local laws and regulations governing protection of the environment. These laws are continually changing and, in
general, are becoming more restrictive. We intend to conduct business in a way that safeguards public health and the environment and in compliance with
applicable laws and regulations.
Changes to current state or federal laws and regulations in Mexico could, in the future, require additional capital expenditures and increased operating and/or
reclamation costs. Although we are unable to predict what additional legislation, if any, might be proposed or enacted, additional regulatory requirements could
impact the economics of our projects.
During fiscal year 2016, we had no material environmental incidents or non-compliance with any applicable environmental regulations.
Employees
We have three employees, all of whom are full time. Contratistas, our wholly-owned operating subsidiary in Mexico currently has three full time
employees. Minera Metalin, our mineral holding company in Mexico, does not have any employees.
Corporate Offices
Our corporate office is located at 777 Dunsmuir Street, Suite 1610, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V7Y 1K4. Our telephone number is (604) 687-5800,
and our fax number is (604) 563-6004.
Available Information
We maintain an internet website at http://www.silverbullresources.com. The information on our website is not incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on
Form 10-K. We make available on or through our website certain reports and amendments to those reports that we file with or furnish to the SEC in accordance
with the Exchange Act. Alternatively, you may read and copy any information we file with the SEC at its public reference room at 100 "F" Street NE, Washington,
D.C. 20549. You may obtain information about the operation of the public reference room by calling 1-800-SEC-0330. You may also obtain this information from
the SEC's website, http://www.sec.gov.
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Item 1A. RISK FACTORS
A purchase of our securities involves a high degree of risk. Our business or operating or financial condition could be harmed due to any of the following risks.
Accordingly, investors should carefully consider these risks in making a decision as to whether to purchase, sell or hold our securities. In addition, investors
should note that the risks described below are not the only risks facing us. Additional risks not presently known to us, or risks that do not seem significant today,
may impair our business operations in the future. You should carefully consider the risks described below, as well as the other information contained in this
Annual Report on Form 10-K and the documents incorporated by reference herein, before making a decision to invest in our securities.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS:
There is substantial doubt about whether we can continue as a going concern.
We have earned no revenues to date and have incurred net losses of $2,234,884 and $18,745,829 during the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 and
October 31, 2015, respectively. In addition, we have limited financial resources. As of October 31, 2016, we had cash and cash equivalents of $1,467,328 and
working capital of $1,248,616. Therefore, our continuation as a going concern is dependent upon our achieving a future financing or strategic transaction, joint
venture opportunities on the Sierra Mojada Property, asset divestitures or some other strategic transaction. However, there is no assurance that we will be
successful pursuing these financing and strategic options. Accordingly, there is substantial doubt as to whether our existing cash resources and working capital
are sufficient to enable us to continue our operations for the next 12 months as a going concern. Ultimately, in the event that we cannot obtain additional
financial resources, or achieve profitable operations, we may have to liquidate our business interests and investors may lose their investment. The
accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that our company will continue as a going concern. Continued operations are
dependent on our ability to obtain additional financial resources or generate profitable operations. Such additional financial resources may not be available or
may not be available on reasonable terms. Our consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that may result from the outcome of this
uncertainty.
We may have difficulty meeting our current and future capital requirements.
Our management and our board of directors monitor our overall costs and expenses and, if necessary, adjust our programs and planned expenditures in an
attempt to ensure we have sufficient operating capital. We continue to evaluate our costs and planned expenditures for our ongoing exploration efforts at our
Sierra Mojada Project. As of October 31, 2016, we had working capital of $1.25 million and cash and cash equivalents of $1.47 million. The continued
exploration and possible development of the Sierra Mojada Project will require significant amounts of additional capital. If we are unable to fund future operations
by way of financings, including public or private offerings of equity or debt securities, we will need to significantly reduce operations, which will result in an
adverse impact on our business, financial condition and exploration activities. See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report
on Form 10-K. We do not have a credit, off-take or other commercial financing arrangement in place that would finance continued evaluation or development of
the Sierra Mojada Project, and we believe that securing credit for these projects may be difficult due to continuing volatility in global credit markets. Moreover,
equity financing may not be available on attractive terms and if available, will likely result in significant dilution to existing shareholders.
We are an exploration stage mining company with no history of operations.
We are an exploration stage enterprise engaged in mineral exploration in Mexico. We have a very limited operating history and are subject to all the risks
inherent in a new business enterprise. As an exploration stage company, we may never enter the development and production stages. To date, we have had no
revenues and have relied upon equity financing to fund our operations. The likelihood of our success must be considered in light of the problems, expenses,
difficulties, complications, and delays frequently encountered in connection with an exploration stage business, and the competitive and regulatory environment
in which we operate and will operate, such as under-capitalization, personnel limitations, and limited financing sources.
We have no commercially mineable ore body.
No commercially mineable ore body has been delineated on our Sierra Mojada Project, nor have our properties been shown to contain proven or probable
mineral reserves. Investors should not assume that the projections contained in the Report on our Sierra Mojada Project will ever be realized. We cannot assure
you that any mineral deposits we identify on the Sierra Mojada Project or on another property will qualify as an ore body that can be legally and economically
exploited or that any particular level of recovery of silver, zinc or other minerals from discovered mineralization will in fact be realized. Most exploration projects
do not result in the discovery of commercially mineable ore deposits. Even if the presence of reserves is established at a project, the legal and economic viability
of the project may not justify exploitation.
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Mineral resource estimates may not be reliable.
There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of mineralized material such as silver, zinc, lead, and copper, including many factors beyond
our control, and no assurance can be given that the recovery of mineralized material will be realized. In general, estimates of mineralized material are based
upon a number of factors and assumptions made as of the date on which the estimates were determined, including:
·
·
·
·
·
·
geological and engineering estimates that have inherent uncertainties and the assumed effects of regulation by governmental agencies;
the judgment of the engineers preparing the estimate;
estimates of future metals prices and operating costs;
the quality and quantity of available data;
the interpretation of that data; and
the accuracy of various mandated economic assumptions, all of which may vary considerably from actual results.
All estimates are, to some degree, uncertain. For these reasons, estimates of the recoverable mineral resources prepared by different engineers or by the same
engineers at different times, may vary substantially. As such, there is significant uncertainty in any mineralized material estimate, and actual deposits
encountered and the economic viability of a deposit may differ materially from our estimates.
Our business plan is highly speculative, and its success largely depends on the successful exploration of our Sierra Mojada concessions .
Our business plan is focused on exploring the Sierra Mojada concessions to identify reserves, and if appropriate, to ultimately develop this property. Further,
although we have reported mineralized material on our Sierra Mojada Project, we have not established any reserves and remain in the exploration stage. We
may never enter the development or production stage. Exploration of mineralization and determination of whether the mineralization might be extracted profitably
is highly speculative, and it may take a number of years until production is possible, during which time the economic viability of the project may change.
Substantial expenditures are required to establish reserves, extract metals from ore and construct mining and processing facilities.
The Sierra Mojada Project is subject to all of the risks inherent in mineral exploration and development. The economic feasibility of any mineral exploration
and/or development project is based upon, among other things, estimates of the size and grade of mineral reserves, proximity to infrastructures and other
resources (such as water and power), anticipated production rates, capital and operating costs, and metals prices. To advance from an exploration project to a
development project, we will need to overcome various hurdles, including the completion of favorable feasibility studies, issuance of necessary permits, and the
ability to raise significant additional capital to fund activities. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in overcoming these risks. Because of our
focus on the Sierra Mojada Project, the success of our operations and our profitability may be disproportionately exposed to the impact of adverse conditions
unique to the Torreon, Mexico region, as the Sierra Mojada Project is located 250 kilometers north of this area.
Due to our history of operating losses, we are uncertain that we will be able to maintain sufficient cash to accomplish our business objectives.
During the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 and October 31, 2015, we suffered net losses of $2,234,884 and $18,745,829 respectively. At October 31, 2016,
we had stockholders' equity of $8,537,334 and working capital of $1,248,616. Significant amounts of capital will be required to continue to explore and potentially
develop the Sierra Mojada concessions. We are not engaged in any revenue producing activities, and we do not expect to be in the near future. Currently, our
potential sources of funding consist of the sale of additional equity securities, entering into joint venture agreements or selling a portion of our interests in our
assets. There is no assurance that any additional capital that we will require will be obtainable on terms acceptable to us, if at all. Failure to obtain such
additional financing could result in delays or indefinite postponement of further exploration of our projects. Additional financing, if available, will likely result in
substantial dilution to existing shareholders.
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Our exploration activities require significant amounts of capital that may not be recovered.
Mineral exploration activities are subject to many risks, including the risk that no commercially productive or extractable resources will be encountered. There
can be no assurance that our activities will ultimately lead to an economically feasible project or that we will recover all or any portion of our investment. Mineral
exploration often involves unprofitable efforts, including drilling operations that ultimately do not further our exploration efforts. The cost of minerals exploration is
often uncertain, and cost overruns are common. Our drilling and exploration operations may be curtailed, delayed or canceled as a result of numerous factors,
many of which are beyond our control, including title problems, weather conditions, compliance with governmental requirements, including permitting issues, and
shortages or delays in the delivery of equipment and services.
Our financial condition could be adversely affected by changes in currency exchange rates, especially between the U.S. dollar and the Mexican peso
("$MXN") and the U.S dollar and the Canadian dollar ("$CDN") given our focus on the Sierra Mojada Project and our corporate office in Vancouver,
Canada.
Our financial condition is affected in part by currency exchange rates, as portions of our exploration costs in Mexico and general and administration costs in
Canada are denominated in the local currency. A weakening U.S. dollar relative to the $MXN and $CDN will have the effect of increasing exploration costs and
general and administration costs while a strengthening U.S. dollar will have the effect of reducing exploration costs and general and administration costs. The
exchange rates between the $CDN and the U.S. dollar and between the $MXN and U.S. dollar have fluctuated widely in response to international political
conditions, general economic conditions and other factors beyond our control.
RISKS RELATING TO THE MINERAL EXPLORATION INDUSTRY:
There are inherent risks in the mineral exploration industry
We are subject to all of the risks inherent in the minerals exploration industry, including, without limitation, the following:
·
·
·
·
·
·
we are subject to competition from a large number of companies, many of which are significantly larger than we are, in the acquisition, exploration, and
development of mining properties;
we might not be able raise enough money to pay the fees and taxes and perform the labor necessary to maintain our concessions in good status;
exploration for minerals is highly speculative, involves substantial risks and is frequently unproductive, even when conducted on properties known to
contain significant quantities of mineralization, and our exploration projects may not result in the discovery of commercially mineable deposits of ore;
the probability of an individual prospect ever having reserves that meet the requirements for reporting under SEC Industry Guide 7 is remote and any
funds spent on exploration may be lost;
our operations are subject to a variety of existing laws and regulations relating to exploration and development, permitting procedures, safety
precautions, property reclamation, employee health and safety, air quality standards, pollution and other environmental protection controls, and we may
not be able to comply with these regulations and controls; and
a large number of factors beyond our control, including fluctuations in metal prices, inflation, and other economic conditions, will affect the economic
feasibility of mining.
Metals prices are subject to extreme fluctuation.
Our activities are influenced by the prices of commodities, including silver, zinc, lead, copper and other metals. These prices fluctuate widely and are affected by
numerous factors beyond our control, including interest rates, expectations for inflation, speculation, currency values (in particular the strength of the U.S. dollar),
global and regional demand, political and economic conditions and production costs in major metal-producing regions of the world.
Our ability to establish reserves through our exploration activities, our future profitability and our long-term viability depend, in large part, on the market prices of
silver, zinc, lead, copper and other metals. The market prices for these metals are volatile and are affected by numerous factors beyond our control, including:
·
·
global or regional consumption patterns;
supply of, and demand for, silver, zinc, lead, copper and other metals;
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EDGAR Stream is a copyright of Issuer Direct Corporation, all rights reserved.
·
·
·
·
speculative activities and producer hedging activities;
expectations for inflation;
political and economic conditions; and
supply of, and demand for, consumables required for production.
Future weakness in the global economy could increase volatility in metals prices or depress metals prices, which could in turn reduce the value of our properties,
make it more difficult to raise additional capital, and make it uneconomical for us to continue our exploration activities.
There are inherent risks with foreign operations.
Our business activities are primarily conducted in Mexico, and as such, our activities are exposed to various levels of foreign political, economic and other risks
and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, terrorism, hostage taking, military repression, extreme fluctuations in currency
exchange rates, high rates of inflation, labor unrest, the risks of war or civil unrest, expropriation and nationalization, renegotiation or nullification of existing
concessions, licenses, permits, approvals and contracts, illegal mining, changes in taxation policies, restrictions on foreign exchange and repatriation, changing
political conditions, currency controls and governmental regulations that favor or require the rewarding of contracts to local contractors or require foreign
contractors to employ citizens of, or purchase supplies from, a particular jurisdiction.
Changes, if any, in mining or investment policies or shifts in political attitude in Mexico may adversely affect our exploration and possible future development
activities. We may also be affected in varying degrees by government regulations with respect to, but not limited to, foreign investment, maintenance of claims,
environmental legislation, land use, land claims of local people, water use and mine safety. Failure to comply strictly with applicable laws, regulations and local
practices relating to mineral right applications and tenure could result in loss, reduction or expropriation of entitlements, or the imposition of additional local or
foreign parties as joint venture partners with carried or other interests.
The occurrence of these various factors and uncertainties cannot be accurately predicted and could have an adverse effect on our operations. In addition,
legislation in the United States, Canada or Mexico regulating foreign trade, investment and taxation could have a material adverse effect on our financial
condition.
Our Sierra Mojada Project is located in Mexico and is subject to various levels of political, economic, legal and other risks.
The Sierra Mojada Project, our primary focus, is in Mexico. In the past, Mexico has been subject to political instability, changes and uncertainties, which have
resulted in changes to existing governmental regulations affecting mineral exploration and mining activities. Mexico's status as a developing country may make it
more difficult for us to obtain any required financing for the Sierra Mojada Project or other projects in Mexico in the future. Our Sierra Mojada Project is also
subject to a variety of governmental regulations governing health and worker safety, employment standards, waste disposal, protection of historic and
archaeological sites, mine development, protection of endangered and protected species and other matters. Mexican regulators have broad authority to shut
down and/or levy fines against facilities that do not comply with regulations or standards.
Our exploration activities in Mexico may be adversely affected in varying degrees by changing government regulations relating to the mining industry or shifts in
political conditions that increase the costs related to the Sierra Mojada Project. Changes, if any, in mining or investment policies or shifts in political attitude may
adversely affect our financial condition. Expansion of our activities will be subject to the need to obtain sufficient access to adequate supplies of water, assure the
availability of sufficient power, as well as sufficient surface rights which could be affected by government policy and competing operations in the area.
We also have litigation risk with respect to our operations. See Part I, Item 3 – Legal Proceedings of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for material pending legal
proceedings to which Silver Bull or any of its subsidiaries is a party.
The occurrence of these various factors and uncertainties cannot be accurately predicted and could have an adverse effect on our financial condition. Future
changes in applicable laws and regulations or changes in their enforcement or regulatory interpretation could negatively impact current or planned exploration
activities with the Sierra Mojada Project or in respect to any other projects in which we become involved in Mexico. Any failure to comply with applicable laws
and regulations, even if inadvertent, could result in the interruption of exploration operations or material fines, penalties or other liabilities.
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Title to our properties may be challenged or defective.
Our future operations, including our activities at the Sierra Mojada Project and other exploration activities, will require additional permits from various
governmental authorities. Our operations are and will continue to be governed by laws and regulations governing prospecting, mineral exploration, exports, taxes,
labor standards, occupational health, waste disposal, toxic substances, land use, environmental protection, mine safety, mining royalties and other matters.
There can be no assurance that we will be able to acquire all required licenses, permits or property rights on reasonable terms or in a timely manner, or at all,
that such terms will not be adversely changed, that required extensions will be granted, or that the issuance of such licenses, permits or property rights will not
be challenged by third parties.
We attempt to confirm the validity of our rights of title to, or contract rights with respect to, each mineral property in which we have a material interest. However,
we cannot guarantee that title to our properties will not be challenged. The Sierra Mojada Property may be subject to prior unregistered agreements, interests or
native land claims, and title may be affected by undetected defects. There may be valid challenges to the title of any of the claims comprising the Sierra Mojada
Property that, if successful, could impair possible development and/or operations with respect to such properties in the future. Challenges to permits or property
rights, whether successful or unsuccessful; changes to the terms of permits or property rights; or a failure to comply with the terms of any permits or property
rights that have been obtained, could have a material adverse effect on our business by delaying or preventing or making continued operations economically
unfeasible.
A title defect could result in Silver Bull losing all or a portion of its right, title, and interest to and in the properties to which the title defect relates. Title insurance
generally is not available, and our ability to ensure that we have obtained secure title to individual mineral properties or mining concessions may be severely
constrained. In addition, we may be unable to operate our properties as permitted or to enforce our rights with respect to our properties. We annually monitor the
official mining records in Mexico City to determine if there are annotations indicating the existence of a legal challenge against the validity of any of our
concessions. As of January, 2017 and to the best of our knowledge, there are no such annotations, nor are we aware of any challenges from the government or
from third parties, except for a Court order to record with the Public Registry of Mines the action (as described in Part I, Item 3 – Legal Proceedings of this Annual
Report on the Form 10K filed by a local cooperative named Sociedad Cooperativa de Exploración Minera Mineros Norteños, S.C.L. against our subsidiary,
Minera Metalin, in the Local First Civil Court in the District of Morelos, State of Chihuahua, Mexico). See Part I, Item 3 – Legal Proceedings of this Annual
Report on Form 10-K for further details. We do not have evidence or information as to the enforcement of this court order to date. However, based on a
subsequent ruling (appeal), we believe that it is unlikely that the court order will be enforced.
In addition, in connection with the purchase of certain mining concessions, Silver Bull agreed to pay a net royalty interest on revenue from future mineral sales
on certain concessions at the Sierra Mojada Project, including concessions on which a significant portion of our mineralized material is located. The aggregate
amount payable under this royalty is capped at $6.875 million (the "Royalty"), an amount that will only be reached if there is significant future production from the
concessions. As noted above, this Royalty is currently the subject of a dispute with a local cooperative. In addition, records from prior management indicate that
additional royalty interests may have been created, although the continued applicability and scope of these interests are uncertain. The existence of these royalty
interests may have a material effect on the economic feasibility of potential future development of the Sierra Mojada Project.
We are subject to complex environmental and other regulatory risks, which could expose us to significant liability and delay and, potentially, the
suspension or termination of our exploration efforts.
Our mineral exploration activities are subject to federal, state and local environmental regulations in the jurisdictions where our mineral properties are located.
These regulations mandate, among other things, the maintenance of air and water quality standards and land reclamation. They also set forth limitations on the
generation, transportation, storage and disposal of solid and hazardous waste. No assurance can be given that environmental standards imposed by these
governments will not be changed, thereby possibly materially adversely affecting our proposed activities. Compliance with these environmental requirements
may also necessitate significant capital outlays or may materially affect our earning power.
Environmental legislation is evolving in a manner which will require stricter standards and enforcement, increased fines and penalties for non-compliance, more
stringent environmental assessments of proposed projects, and a heightened degree of responsibility for companies and their officers, directors and employees.
As a result of recent changes in environmental laws in Mexico, for example, more legal actions supported or sponsored by non-governmental groups interested
in halting projects may be filed against companies operating in all industrial sectors, including the mining sector. Mexican projects are also subject to the
environmental agreements entered into by Mexico, the United States and Canada in connection with the North American Free Trade Agreement.
Future changes in environmental regulations in the jurisdictions where our projects are located may adversely affect our exploration activities, make them
prohibitively expensive, or prohibit them altogether. Environmental hazards may exist on the properties in which we currently hold interests, such as the Sierra
Mojada Project, or may hold interests in the future, which are unknown to us at present and that have been caused by us or previous owners or operators, or
that may have occurred naturally. We may be liable for remediating any damage that we may have caused. The liability could include costs for removing or
remediating the release and damage to natural resources, including ground water, as well as the payment of fines and penalties.
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We may face a shortage of water.
Water is essential in all phases of the exploration and development of mineral properties. It is used in such processes as exploration, drilling, leaching, placer
mining, dredging, testing, and hydraulic mining. Both the lack of available water and the cost of acquisition may make an otherwise viable project economically
impossible to complete. In November 2013, Silver Bull was granted the right to exploit up to 3.5 million cubic meters of water per year from six different well sites
by the water regulatory body in Mexico, Comisión Nacional del Agua, but it has yet to be determined if the six well sites can produce this much water over a
sustained period of time.
Our non-operating properties are subject to various hazards.
We are subject to risks and hazards, including environmental hazards, the encountering of unusual or unexpected geological formations, cave-ins, flooding,
earthquakes and periodic interruptions due to inclement or hazardous weather conditions. These occurrences could result in damage to, or destruction of,
mineral properties or future production facilities, personal injury or death, environmental damage, delays in our exploration activities, asset write-downs,
monetary losses and possible legal liability. We may not be insured against all losses or liabilities, either because such insurance is unavailable or because we
have elected not to purchase such insurance due to high premium costs or other reasons. Although we maintain insurance in an amount that we consider to be
adequate, liabilities might exceed policy limits, in which event we could incur significant costs that could adversely affect our activities. The realization of any
significant liabilities in connection with our activities as described above could negatively affect our activities and the price of our common stock.
We need and rely upon key personnel.
Presently, we employ a limited number of full-time employees, utilize outside consultants, and in large part rely on the personal efforts of our officers and
directors. Our success will depend, in part, upon the ability to attract and retain qualified employees. In particular, we have only three executive officers, Brian
Edgar, Timothy Barry and Sean Fallis, and the loss of the services of any of these three would adversely affect our business.
RISKS RELATING TO OUR COMMON STOCK:
Further equity financings may lead to the dilution of our common stock.
In order to finance future operations, we may raise funds through the issuance of common stock or the issuance of debt instruments or other securities
convertible into common stock. We cannot predict the size of future issuances of common stock or the size and terms of future issuances of debt instruments or
other securities convertible into common stock or the effect, if any, that future issuances and sales of our securities will have on the market price of our common
stock. Any transaction involving the issuance of previously authorized but unissued shares, or securities convertible into common stock, would result in dilution,
possibly substantial, to present and prospective security holders. Demand for equity securities in the mining industry has been weak; therefore, equity financing
may not be available on attractive terms and if available, will likely result in significant dilution to existing shareholders.
No dividends are anticipated.
At the present time, we do not anticipate paying dividends, cash or otherwise, on our common stock in the foreseeable future. Future dividends will depend on
our earnings, if any, our financial requirements and other factors. There can be no assurance that we will pay dividends.
Our stock price can be very volatile.
Our common stock is listed on the TSX and trades on the OTCQB. The trading price of our common stock has been, and could continue to be, subject to wide
fluctuations in response to announcements of our business developments, results and progress of our exploration activities at the Sierra Mojada Project,
progress reports on our exploration activities, and other events or factors. In addition, stock markets have experienced significant price volatility in recent months
and years. This volatility has had a substantial effect on the share prices of companies, at times for reasons unrelated to their operating performance. These
fluctuations could be in response to:
·
·
·
volatility in metal prices;
political developments in the foreign countries in which our properties are located; and
news reports relating to trends in our industry or general economic conditions.
These broad market and industry fluctuations may adversely affect the price of our common stock, regardless of our operating performance.
We cannot make any predictions or projections as to what the prevailing market price for our common stock will be at any time, including as to whether our
common stock will achieve or remain at levels at or near its offering price, or as to what effect the sale of shares or the availability of common stock for sale at
any time will have on the prevailing market price.
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Item 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
On May 20, 2014, a local cooperative named Sociedad Cooperativa de Exploración Minera Mineros Norteños, S.C.L. ("Mineros Norteños") filed an action in the
Local First Civil Court in the District of Morelos, State of Chihuahua, Mexico, against our subsidiary, Minera Metalin, claiming that Minera Metalin breached an
agreement regarding the development of the Sierra Mojada Project. On January 19, 2015, the case was moved to the Third District Court (of federal
jurisdiction). Mineros Norteños is seeking payment of the Royalty, including interest at a rate of 6% per annum since August 30, 2004, notwithstanding that no
revenue has been produced from the applicable mining concessions, and it is also seeking payment of wages to the cooperative's members since August 30,
2004, notwithstanding that none of the individuals were ever hired or performed work for Minera Metalin under this agreement and Minera Metalin never
committed to hiring them. We and our Mexican legal counsel believe that this claim is without merit and have asserted all applicable defenses. All necessary
testimony and evidence has been produced before the court and we expect to receive a preliminary or final judgment of the Federal Third Circuit in Chihuahua
prior to the end of the second quarter of 2017. We have not accrued any amounts in our consolidated financial statements with respect to this claim. See Note
16 – Commitments and Contingencies to our consolidated financial statements.
On February 15, 2016, Messrs. Jaime Valdez Farias and Maria Asuncion Perez Alonso (collectively, "Valdez") filed an action before the Local First Civil Court of
Torreon, State of Coahuila, Mexico, against our subsidiary, Minera Metalin, claiming that Minera Metalin had breached an agreement regarding the development
of the Sierra Mojada Project. Valdez seeks payment in the amount of $5.9 million for the alleged breach of the agreement. On April 28, 2016, Minera Metalin
filed its response to the complaint, asserting various defenses, including that Minera Metalin terminated the agreement before the payment obligations arose and
that certain conditions precedent to such payment obligations were never satisfied by Valdez. The lawsuit is currently in the phase of evidence submission by
the parties. We and our Mexican legal counsel have asserted all applicable defenses. We have not accrued any amounts in our consolidated financial
statements with respect to this claim. See Note 16 – Commitments and Contingencies to our consolidated financial statements.
Item 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
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PART II
Item 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY
SECURITIES
Market Information
From May 2, 2011 to June 28, 2015, our common stock traded on the NYSE MKT or its predecessor stock exchange under the symbol "SVBL." On June 5,
2015, we announced our decision to voluntarily delist our shares of common stock from the NYSE MKT due to costs associated with the continued listing and
NYSE MKT exchange rules regarding maintenance of a minimum share price. On June 29, 2015, our shares began trading on the OTCQB marketplace operated
by OTC Markets Group. Since August 26, 2010, our common stock has been trading on the TSX under the symbol "SVB."
The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices of our common stock for each quarter during the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016, October 31,
2015, as well as through January 18, 2017, as reported by the NYSE MKT, OTCQB and the TSX. The sales prices on the OTCQB reflect inter-dealer prices,
without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.
NYSE MKT/OTCQB
(SVBL)
High
Low
($)
Toronto
Stock Exchange
(SVB)
High
Low
(CDN$)
$
0.16 $
0.09 $
0.21 $
0.12
0.21
0.10
0.28
2017
First Quarter (through January 18, 2017)
2016
Fourth Quarter (October 31, 2016)
Third Quarter (July 31, 2016)
0.19
0.08
0.25
Second Quarter (April 30, 2016)
0.14
0.03
0.18
First Quarter (January 31, 2016)
0.06
0.02
0.08
2015
Fourth Quarter (October 31, 2015)
$
0.10 $
0.05 $
0.13 $
Third Quarter (July 31, 2015)
0.14
0.06
0.17
Second Quarter (April 30, 2015)
0.14
0.10
0.18
First Quarter (January 31, 2015)
0.20
0.13
0.30
0.15
0.10
0.04
0.04
0.07
0.08
0.13
0.14
The closing price of our common stock as reported on January 18, 2017 on the OTCQB, was $ 0.14 per share.
Holders
As of January 18, 2017, there were 196 holders of record of our common stock. This does not include persons who hold our common stock in brokerage
accounts or otherwise in "street name."
Dividends
We did not declare or pay cash or other dividends on our common stock during the last two fiscal years. We have no plans to pay any dividends in the
foreseeable future.
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Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
As of October 31, 2016, we had one active formal equity compensation plan, the 2010 Stock Option and Bonus Plan, as amended (the "2010 Plan"). The 2010
Plan was adopted by the board of directors in December 2009 and approved by the shareholders in April 2010. Under the 2010 Plan, the lesser of (i)
30,000,000 shares or (ii) 10% of the total shares outstanding will be reserved to be issued upon the exercise of options or the grant of stock bonuses. As of
October 31, 2016, there are 17,789,496 shares reserved for issuance under the 2010 Plan. Options to acquire 11,475,000 shares of common stock are
outstanding pursuant to the 2010 Plan, and 5,637,830 shares remain available for issuance under the plan. The 2006 Stock Option Plan (the "2006 Plan") was
adopted by the board of directors in May 2006, and approved by the shareholders in July 2006. Five million shares of common stock were reserved for issuance
under the 2006 Plan. As of October 31, 2016, options to acquire 42,858 shares of common stock are outstanding pursuant to the 2006 Plan. As of May 1, 2016,
no additional shares remain available for issuance under the 2006 Plan.
The following table gives information about our common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of options, warrants and rights under our compensation
plans as of October 31, 2016.
Plan Category
Equity compensation plans
approved by security holders
Total
Number of securities to be issued
upon exercise of outstanding
options, warrants
and rights
Weighted average exercise
price of outstanding
options, warrants and rights
Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance
11,517,858(1)
11,517,858
$0.28
$0.46
5,637,830 (2)
5,637,830
(1)
(2)
Includes (i) options to acquire 42,858 shares of common stock under the 2006 Plan; and (ii) options to acquire 11,475,000 shares of common stock
under the 2010 Plan.
Includes 5,637,830 shares of common stock available for issuance under the 2010 Plan.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities and Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
On May 19, 2016, June 3, 2016 and June 29, 2016, we completed a three-tranche private placement for an aggregate of 11,362,310 units at a purchase price of
$CDN 0.13 per unit (the "$CDN 0.13 Unit") for aggregate gross proceeds of $1,137,643 ($CDN 1,477,100). Each $CDN 0.13 Unit consists of one share of our
common stock and one warrant (the "$CDN 0.13 Warrant"). Each $CDN 0.13 Warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire one share of common stock at a
price of $CDN 0.16 for the period of 12 months from the closing of the tranche of the private placement. If the closing price of our common stock on the OTCQB
Venture Marketplace is $0.18 or higher for five consecutive trading days, then the $CDN 0.13 Warrant will expire 30 trading days from such fifth consecutive
day. We paid an 8% finder's fee totaling $19,644 to certain agents with respect to certain purchasers who were introduced by these agents. We incurred other
costs of $55,799 related to this private placement. In the $CDN 0.13 Unit private placement, the securities were issued to non-U.S. persons in off-shore
transactions pursuant to the exemption from registration provided for under Regulation S, promulgated under the Securities Act. Each investor represented that
he, she or it was not a "U.S. person" as such term is defined in Regulation S.
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On July 20, 2016, we completed a private placement of an aggregate of 4,340,000 units at a purchase price of $CDN 0.15 per unit (the "$CDN 0.15 Unit") for
aggregate gross proceeds of $504,729 ($CDN 651,000). Each $CDN 0.15 Unit consists of one share of our common stock and one warrant (the "$CDN 0.15
Warrant"). Each $CDN 0.15 Warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire one share of common stock at a price of $CDN 0.16 for the period of 36 months from
the closing of the private placement. If, commencing on the date that is four months after the closing of the private placement, the closing price of the common
stock on the TSX is higher than $CDN 0.30 for 20 consecutive trading days, then on the 20th consecutive trading day (the "Acceleration Trigger Date") the expiry
date of the $CDN 0.15 Warrants may be accelerated to the 20th trading day after the Acceleration Trigger Date by the issuance, within three trading days of the
Acceleration Trigger Date, of a news release announcing such acceleration. We paid a 6% finder's fee totaling $23,326 to a placement agent with respect to
certain purchasers who were introduced by this agent. In addition, the placement agent received 200,400 non-transferable warrants (the "Placement Agent's
Warrants"). Each Placement Agent's Warrant entitles the placement agent to acquire one share of common stock until the date that is two years following
closing of the private placement at $CDN 0.205 and is subject to the acceleration provision noted above. The fair value of the Placement Agent's Warrants was
determined to be $11,621, and we incurred other offering costs of $40,349. We relied on the exemption from registration under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities
Act or Rule 506 of Regulation D, or Regulation S, for purposes of the $CDN 0.15 Unit private placement.
On August 5, 2016, the warrant expiry acceleration clause contained in the $CDN 0.13 Warrants was triggered following a period of five consecutive trading
days in which the closing price of our common stock on the OTCQB Venture Marketplace was $0.18 or higher. In total, 11,362,310 $CDN 0.13 Warrants were
accelerated with a new expiration date of September 19, 2016. On September 15, 2016, 2,500,000 warrants to acquire 2,500,000 shares of common stock were
exercised at an exercise price of $CDN 0.16 per share of common stock for aggregate gross proceeds of $303,951 ($CDN 400,000) . On September 19, 2016,
620,000 warrants to acquire 620,000 shares of common stock were exercised at an exercise price of $CDN 0.16 per common stock for aggregate gross
proceeds of $75,112 ($CDN 99,200). We incurred costs of $1,509 related to these warrant exercises. We relied on the exemption from registration under
Regulation S for purposes of the common stock issued upon the exercise of the $CDN 0.13 Warrants.
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Company and Affiliated Purchasers
No purchases of equity securities were made by or on behalf of Silver Bull or any "affiliated purchaser" within the meaning of Rule 10b-18 under the Exchange
Act during the period covered by this report.
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Item 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Not applicable.
Item 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Business Overview
Silver Bull, incorporated in Nevada, is an exploration stage company, engaged in the business of mineral exploration. Our primary objective is to define sufficient
mineral reserves on the Sierra Mojada Property to justify the development of a mechanized mining operation. We conduct our operations in Mexico through our
wholly-owned Mexican subsidiaries, Minera Metalin and Contratistas, and through Minera Metalin's wholly-owned subsidiary, Minas. However, as noted above,
we have not established any reserves at the Sierra Mojada Property, and are in the exploration stage and may never enter the development or production stage.
On June 5, 2015, we announced our decision to voluntarily delist our shares of common stock from the NYSE MKT due to costs associated with the continued
listing and NYSE MKT exchange rules regarding maintenance of a minimum share price. On June 29, 2015, our shares of common stock began trading on the
OTCQB marketplace operated by OTC Markets Group. Our shares of common stock continue to trade on the TSX.
Our principal office is located at 777 Dunsmuir Street, Suite 1610, Vancouver, BC, Canada V7Y 1K4, and our telephone number is 604-687-5800.
Current Year Developments
2016 Private Placements and Warrants Exercises
In May, June and July 2016, we raised net proceeds of approximately $1,503,000 in two private placements of units consisting of one share of common stock
and one common stock purchase warrant as described in the "Material Changes in Financial Condition; Liquidity and Capital Resources" section . In addition, in
September 2016, we raised net proceeds of $378,000 from the exercise of share purchase warrants as described in the "Material Changes in Financial
Condition; Liquidity and Capital Resources" section.
Sierra Mojada Property
Our board of directors approved a calendar year 2016 budget of $0.4 million for the Sierra Mojada Property. As a result of completion of the private placements
and improvement of market conditions, our board approved an updated budget for the Sierra Mojada Property in September 2016. Our updated exploration
budget for the Sierra Mojada Property for the period from September 2016 to December 2016 was $0.6 million compared to $0.1 million in the original budget.
The updated exploration budget was focused on the drilling program described below, securing additional surface rights, maintaining our property concessions
and continuing to internally investigate the potential for a high-grade underground zinc oxide mine and a small silver open-pit targeting the "at-surface" silver
mineralization with a small project with a low strip ratio.
Drilling
A 3,000-meter drill program had been initially planned in the September 2016 to December 2016 Sierra Mojada Project budget with approximately seven holes
targeting sulfide mineralization which we believe represents the extension of our mineralized zone at depth. We completed a high resolution magnetic survey
over the target areas in July 2016 and started the drilling program incorporating this data in November 2016. As of December 31, 2016, we completed two holes
totaling 1,465 meters and are currently waiting for assay results.
2017 Exploration Program
As discussed in the "Material Changes in Financial Condition; Liquidity and Capital Resources" section below we have approved a calendar year 2017 capital
budget of $0.6 million for the Sierra Mojada Property. The focus of the 2017 calendar year program is the drilling program, maintaining our property concessions
and continuing to internally investigate the potential for a high-grade underground zinc oxide mine and a small silver open-pit targeting the "at-surface" silver
mineralization with a small project with a low strip ratio.
In calendar year 2016 we completed two holes totaling 1,465 meters and are currently waiting for assay results. Based on the analysis of these assay results and
other technical information, we will determine the drill hole locations for additional holes. Our 2017 Sierra Mojada budget includes 1,600 meters of drilling.
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Gabon Property
On January 23, 2015, we closed the sale to BHK Mining Corp. (formerly BHK Resources, Inc.) of 100% of the issued and outstanding securities of the
Company's former subsidiary Dome International Global Inc. ("Dome International") (the "Gabon Sale"), including Dome International's wholly-owned subsidiary
Dome Ventures SARL Gabon ("Dome Gabon"), which held a 100% interest in the Ndjole concession. Under the terms of the share purchase agreement, we
received cash consideration of $1,500,000 and reimbursement of certain expenses of $75,000 in cash. The disposal of this former subsidiary was presented as
a discontinued operation.
Results of Operations
Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2016 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2015
For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2016, we reported a consolidated net loss of $2,235,000 or approximately $0.01 per share, compared to a consolidated
net loss of $18,746,000 or approximately $0.12 per share during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015. The $16,511,000 decrease in the consolidated net
loss was primarily due to a $16,169,000 decrease in exploration and property holding costs (which was significantly the result of the $16,437,000 goodwill
impairment in the 2015 fiscal year described below), a $292,000 decrease in general and administrative expenses and $94,000 in other income in the 2016
fiscal year compared to $93,000 in other expenses in the 2015 fiscal year which was partially offset by $nil in income from discontinued operations, net of
income taxes in the 2016 fiscal year compared to a $128,000 in income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes (including a gain on sale of assets of
discontinued operations of $287,000, net of income taxes) in the 2015 fiscal year as described below.
Exploration and Property Holding Costs
Exploration and property holding costs decreased $16,169,000 to $1,127,000 in the 2016 fiscal year from $17,296,000 in the 2015 fiscal year. This decrease
was the result of reduced employees, reduced property concessions' taxes as we decided to reduce our concessions' holdings and the decrease in the value of
the $MXN compared to the U.S. dollar in the 2016 fiscal year compared to the 2015 fiscal year. Also, we recorded a $16,437,000 goodwill impairment in the
2015 fiscal year compared to a $nil goodwill impairment in the 2016 fiscal year. The decrease was partially offset by a $589,000 concessions' impairment in the
2016 fiscal year as we decided to reduce our concessions' holdings during the 2016 fiscal year .
At October 31, 2015, we did not elect to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is
less than its carrying amount and therefore performed the two-step goodwill impairment test. Based on our goodwill impairment test as described in Note 2,
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – Impairment of Long-Lived Assets, Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – Goodwill and Note 8,
Goodwill, to our consolidated financial statements, we recorded a goodwill impairment of $16,437,000 in the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015. During fiscal
2016 year, no such impairment was required.
General and Administrative Costs
General and administrative expenses decreased $292,000 to $1,193,000 in the 2016 fiscal year from $1,485,000 in the 2015 fiscal year as described below.
Personnel costs decreased $50,000 to $470,000 in the 2016 fiscal year from $520,000 in the 2015 fiscal year. This decrease was mainly due to the temporary
reduction in salaries for our employees, the decrease in the value of the $CDN compared to the U.S. dollar and the decrease in stock-based compensation
expense to $61,000 in the 2016 fiscal year from $75,000 in the 2015 fiscal year as a result of stock options vesting in the 2016 fiscal year having a lower fair
value than stock options vesting in the 2015 fiscal year.
Office and administrative expenses decreased $106,000 to $372,000 in the 2016 fiscal year from $478,000 in the 2015 fiscal year. This decrease was mainly
the result of a decrease in the value of the $CDN compared to the U.S. dollar, decreased corporate office leasing costs and a decrease in listing fees due to
voluntarily delisting our shares of common stock from the NYSE MKT on June 26, 2015, which was partially offset by increased costs associated with investor
relations activities related to the 2016 private placements.
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EDGAR Stream is a copyright of Issuer Direct Corporation, all rights reserved.
Professional services decreased $68,000 to $212,000 in the 2016 fiscal year from $280,000 in the 2015 fiscal year. This decrease is mainly due to a decrease in
accounting fees.
Directors' fees decreased $56,000 to $138,000 in the 2016 fiscal year as compared to $194,000 for the 2015 fiscal year. This decrease was primarily due to a
reduction in the number of directors, a temporary decrease in director fees and a $12,000 decrease in stock-based compensation expense to $26,000 in the
2016 fiscal year from $38,000 in the 2015 fiscal year as a result of stock options vesting in the 2016 fiscal year having a lower fair value than stock options
vesting in the 2015 fiscal year.
We recorded a provision of $2,000 for uncollectible value-added taxes ("VAT") in the 2016 fiscal year compared to a provision of $12,000 in the 2015 fiscal
year. The allowance for uncollectible taxes was estimated by management based upon a number of factors, including the length of time the returns have been
outstanding, responses received from tax authorities, general economic conditions in Mexico and estimated net recovery after commissions.
Other Income (Expenses)
We recorded other income of $94,000 for the 2016 fiscal year as compared to other expenses of $93,000 in the 2015 fiscal year. The significant factors
contributing to other income was $134,000 in miscellaneous income, which was partially offset by a $38,000 foreign currency transaction loss compared to a
$94,000 foreign currency transaction loss in the 2015 fiscal year.
The miscellaneous income in the 2016 fiscal year was primarily the result of a $133,000 gain on the sale of office and mining equipment at the Sierra Mojada
Property. The foreign currency transaction loss in the 2016 fiscal year was primarily the result of the depreciation of the $CDN and $MXN. The foreign currency
transaction loss in the 2015 fiscal year was primarily the result of the depreciation of the $CFA and the resulting impact on the intercompany loans between
Silver Bull and our Gabonese subsidiaries.
Results of Discontinued Operations
Pursuant to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") , Dome International and Dome International's wholly owned
subsidiary, Dome Gabon, have been reported in discontinued operations for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015. Loss from discontinued operations, net of
income tax expense for the 2015 fiscal year was $159,000, which is mainly exploration and property holding costs of $86,000 and a foreign currency translation
loss of $70,000 due to the depreciation of the $CFA and the resulting impact on intercompany loans between Silver Bull and our Gabonese subsidiaries. In
addition, for the 2015 fiscal year, as a result of the Gabon Sale, we realized a gain on sale of assets of discontinued operations of $287,000, net of income
taxes.
Material Changes in Financial Condition; Liquidity and Capital Resources
2016 Private Placements and Warrants Exercises
On May 19, 2016, June 3, 2016 and June 29, 2016, we completed a three-tranche private placement for an aggregate of 11,362,310 units at a purchase price of
$CDN 0.13 per unit (the "$CDN 0.13 Unit") for aggregate gross proceeds of $1,137,643 ($CDN 1,477,100). Each $CDN 0.13 Unit consists of one share of our
common stock and one warrant (the "$CDN 0.13 Warrant"). Each $CDN 0.13 Warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire one share of common stock at a
price of $CDN 0.16 for the period of 12 months from the closing of the tranche of the private placement. If the closing price of our common stock on the OTCQB
Venture Marketplace is $0.18 or higher for five consecutive trading days, then the $CDN 0.13 Warrant will expire 30 trading days from such fifth consecutive
day. We paid an 8% finder's fee totaling $19,644 to certain agents with respect to certain purchasers who were introduced by these agents. We incurred other
costs of $55,799 related to this private placement.
On July 20, 2016, we completed a private placement of an aggregate of 4,340,000 units at a purchase price of $CDN 0.15 per unit (the "$CDN 0.15 Unit") for
aggregate gross proceeds of $504,729 ($CDN 651,000). Each $CDN 0.15 Unit consists of one share of our common stock and one warrant (the "$CDN 0.15
Warrant"). Each $CDN 0.15 Warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire one share of common stock at a price of $CDN 0.16 for the period of 36 months from
the closing of the private placement. If, commencing on the date that is four months after the closing of the private placement, the closing price of the common
stock on the TSX is higher than $CDN 0.30 for 20 consecutive trading days, then on the 20th consecutive trading day (the "Acceleration Trigger Date") the expiry
date of the $CDN 0.15 Warrants may be accelerated to the 20th trading day after the Acceleration Trigger Date by the issuance, within three trading days of the
Acceleration Trigger Date, of a news release announcing such acceleration. We paid a 6% finder's fee totaling $23,326 to a placement agent with respect to
certain purchasers who were introduced by this agent. In addition, the placement agent received 200,400 non-transferable warrants (the "Placement Agent's
Warrants"). Each Placement Agent's Warrant entitles the placement agent to acquire one share of common stock until the date that is two years following
closing of the private placement at $CDN 0.205 and is subject to the acceleration provision noted above. The fair value of the Placement Agent's Warrants was
determined to be $11,621, and we incurred other offering costs of $40,349.
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On August 5, 2016, the warrant expiry acceleration clause contained in the $CDN 0.13 Warrants was triggered following a period of five consecutive trading
days in which the closing price of our common stock on the OTCQB Venture Marketplace was $0.18 or higher. In total, 11,362,310 $CDN 0.13 Warrants were
accelerated with a new expiration date of September 19, 2016. On September 15, 2016, 2,500,000 warrants to acquire 2,500,000 shares of common stock were
exercised at an exercise price of $CDN 0.16 per share of common stock for aggregate gross proceeds of $303,951 ($CDN 400,000) . On September 19, 2016,
620,000 warrants to acquire 620,000 shares of common stock were exercised at an exercise price of $CDN 0.16 per share of common stock for aggregate gross
proceeds of $75,112 ($CDN 99,200). We incurred costs of $1,509 related to these warrant exercises.
Cash Flows
During the 2016 fiscal year, we primarily utilized cash and cash on hand to fund exploration activities at the Sierra Mojada Property and for general and
administrative expenses. In addition, we received net proceeds of $1,503,000 from the private placements and $378,000 from the warrants exercises . As a
result of the net cash proceeds received from the private placements and warrants exercises, which was partially offset by cash expenditures on exploration
activities and general and administrative expenses, cash and cash on hand increased from $951,000 at October 31, 2015 to $1,467,000 at October 31, 2016.
Cash flows used in operations for the 2016 fiscal year was $1,485,000 as compared to $2,341,000 in the 2015 fiscal year. This decrease was mainly due to the
decreased exploration work at the Sierra Mojada Property and decreased general and administrative expenses in the 2016 fiscal year compared to the 2015
fiscal year. In addition, accounts payable and accrued liabilities and expenses increased $75,000 in the 2016 fiscal year compared to a decrease of $163,000 in
the 2015 fiscal year.
Cash flows provided by investing activities for the 2016 fiscal year was $141,000 in proceeds from the sale of office and mining equipment. Cash flows provided
by investing activities in the 2015 fiscal year was $1,415,000, which was significantly related to the Gabon Sale proceeds of $1,365,000.
Cash flows provided by financing activities for the 2016 fiscal year was $1,881,000 as compared to $nil for the 2015 fiscal year. The cash flows provided by
financing activities was due to net proceeds received of $1,503,000 for the private placements we completed and $378,000 in net proceeds received for the
warrants exercises.
Capital Resources
As of October 31, 2016, we had cash and cash on hand of $1,467,000 and working capital of $1,249,000 as compared to cash and cash on hand of $951,000
and working capital of $832,000 as of October 31, 2015. The increase in our liquidity and working capital was primarily the result of the private placements we
completed, warrants exercised and the proceeds from the sale of office and mining equipment, which was partially offset by cash and cash equivalents used by
exploration activities at the Sierra Mojada Property and general and administrative expenses.
Our continuation as a going concern is dependent upon our achieving a future financing or strategic transaction, joint venture opportunities on the Sierra Mojada
Property, asset divestitures or some other strategic transaction. However, there is no assurance that we will be successful in pursuing these financing and
strategic options. Accordingly, even after taking into account the proceeds from our recent private placements and warrants exercises, there is substantial doubt
as to whether our existing cash resources and working capital are sufficient to enable us to continue our operations for the next 12 months as a going concern.
Any future additional financing in the near term will likely be in the form of the issuance of equity interests, which will result in dilution to our existing
shareholders. Moreover, we may incur significant fees and expenses in the pursuit of a financing or other strategic transaction, which will increase the rate at
which our limited cash and working capital is depleted.
Capital Requirements and Liquidity; Need for Additional Funding
Our management and board of directors monitor our overall costs, expenses, and financial resources and, if necessary, will adjust our planned operational
expenditures in an attempt to ensure we have sufficient operating capital. We continue to evaluate our costs and planned expenditures, including for our Sierra
Mojada Property as discussed below. As noted above, however, if we are unable to obtain adequate additional financial resources, there is substantial doubt as
to whether our existing cash resources and working capital are sufficient to enable us to continue our operations for the next 12 months as a going concern.
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The continued exploration of the Sierra Mojada Property will require significant amounts of additional capital. In January 2017, our board of directors approved a
calendar year 2017 budget of $0.6 million for the Sierra Mojada Property and a $0.9 million budget for general and administrative expenses. As of December 31,
2016, we had approximately $1.1 million in cash and cash on hand. We will continue to evaluate our ability to obtain additional financial resources, and we will
attempt to reduce expenditures on the Sierra Mojada Property and general and administrative costs if we determine that additional financial resources are
unavailable or available on terms that we determine are unacceptable. However, if we are unable to fund future operations by obtaining additional financial
resources, including through public or private offerings of equity, there is substantial doubt as to whether we can continue our operations for the next 12 months
as a going concern. Debt or equity financing may not be available to us on acceptable terms, if at all. Equity financing, if available, will likely result in substantial
dilution to existing shareholders. Moreover, the continued exploration and if warranted, development, of the Sierra Mojada Property ultimately will require us to
raise significant additional capital or identify a strategic partner.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no significant off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, revenues or
expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that are material to our shareholders.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in the Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2016
Effective November 1, 2015, we adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board's ("FASB") Accounting Standards Update (" ASU") 2014-08, "Presentation of
Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of
Components of an Entity." Under ASU 2014-08, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations are presented as discontinued operations. In addition,
ASU 2014-08 requires expanded disclosures about discontinued operations that will provide additional information about the assets, liabilities, income, and
expenses of discontinued operations. ASU 2014-08 also requires disclosure of the pre-tax income attributable to a disposal of a significant part of an organization
that does not qualify for discontinued operations reporting. The adoption of this update did not have a material impact on our financial position, results of
operations or cash flows and disclosures.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, "Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230)," which provides guidance on presentation and classification of certain
cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows. These changes become effective for our fiscal year beginning November 1, 2018. We have not
determined the effects of this update on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows and disclosures at this time.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, "Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting," which amends several aspects of the
accounting for share-based payment transaction, including income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on
the statement of cash flows. These changes become effective for our fiscal year beginning November 1, 2017. We have not determined the effects of this update
on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows and disclosures at this time.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases," which will require lessees to recognize assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by
most leases on the balance sheet. These changes become effective for our fiscal year beginning November 1, 2019. Modified retrospective adoption for all
leases existing at, or entered into after, the date of initial application, is required with an option to use certain transition relief. We have not determined the effects
of this update on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows and disclosures at this time.
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, "Financial Instruments – Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities,"
which (i) requires equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting, or those that result in consolidation of the investee) to
be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income, (ii) requires public business entities to use the exit price notion when measuring
the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes, (iii) requires separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement
category and form of financial asset, and (iv) eliminates the requirement for public business entities to disclose the method(s) and significant assumptions used to
estimate the fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost. These changes become effective for our fiscal year
beginning November 1, 2018. Early application is permitted. We have not determined the effects of this update on our financial position, results of operations or
cash flows and disclosures at this time.
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EDGAR Stream is a copyright of Issuer Direct Corporation, all rights reserved.
In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, "Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes," which requires entities with a classified balance sheet to
present all deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent. These changes become effective for our fiscal year beginning November 1, 2017. Early application is
permitted. We have not determined the effects of this update on our financial position, and disclosures at this time.
In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, "Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments," which eliminates the requirement for an
acquirer to retrospectively adjust the financial statements for measurement-period adjustments that occur in periods after a business combination is
consummated. These changes became effective for our fiscal year beginning November 1, 2016. We have not determined the effects of this update on our
financial position, results of operations or cash flows and disclosures at this time.
In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, "Deferral of the Effective Date," which defers the effective date of ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with
Customers" to become effective for our fiscal year beginning November 1, 2018. We have not determined the effects of this update on our financial position,
results of operations or cash flows and disclosures at this time.
In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, "Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory," which provides a revised, simpler measurement for inventory to be
measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. These changes become effective for our fiscal year beginning November 1, 2017. We have not
determined the effects of this update on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows and disclosures at this time.
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, "Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs," which requires that debt issuance costs related to a
recognized debt liability be presented as a reduction to the carrying amount of that debt liability, not as an asset. These changes became effective prospectively
for our fiscal year beginning November 1, 2016. We have not determined the effects of this update on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows
and disclosures at this time.
In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, "Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis," which amends the consolidation
requirements in Accounting Standards Codification 810. These changes became effective prospectively for our fiscal year beginning November 1, 2016. We
have not determined the effects of this update on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows and disclosures at this time.
In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, "Presentation of Financial Statements—Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties About an
Entity's Ability To Continue as a Going Concern." ASU 2014-15 is intended to define management's responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt
about an organization's ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. The update provides guidance to an organization's
management, with principles and definitions that are intended to reduce diversity in the timing and content of disclosures that are commonly provided by
organizations today in the financial statement footnotes. The amendments are effective for our fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after
November 1, 2017. Early application is permitted. We have not determined the effects of this update on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows
and disclosures at this time.
Other recent accounting pronouncements issued by the FASB (including its Emerging Issues Task Force) and the SEC did not or are not believed to have a
material impact on our present or future consolidated financial statements.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to establish accounting policies and make estimates and assumptions that affect our
reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements. These financial statements include some estimates and
assumptions that are based on informed judgments and estimates of management. We evaluate our policies and estimates on an ongoing basis and discuss the
development, selection and disclosure of critical accounting policies with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors. Predicting future events is inherently an
imprecise activity and as such requires the use of judgment. Our consolidated financial statements may differ based upon different estimates and assumptions.
We discuss our significant accounting policies in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to our consolidated financial statements. Our significant
accounting policies are subject to judgments and uncertainties that affect the application of such policies. We believe these consolidated financial statements
include the most likely outcomes with regard to amounts that are based on our judgment and estimates. Our consolidated financial position and results of
operations may be materially different when reported under different conditions or when using different assumptions in the application of such policies. In the
event estimates or assumptions prove to be different from the actual amounts, adjustments are made in subsequent periods to reflect more current information.
We believe the following accounting policies are critical to the preparation of our consolidated financial statements due to the estimation process and business
judgment involved in their application:
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Use of Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates based on assumptions about future
events that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and related notes to the consolidated financial statements. Actual results could
differ from those estimates. Estimates and assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis based on historical experience and other factors that are considered
to be relevant under the circumstances. Revisions to estimates and assumptions are accounted for prospectively.
Significant areas involving the use of estimates include determining the allowance for uncollectible taxes, evaluating recoverability of property concessions,
evaluating impairment of long-lived assets, evaluating impairment of goodwill, establishing a valuation allowance on future use of deferred tax assets and
calculating stock-based compensation.
Property Concessions
Property concessions acquisition costs are capitalized when incurred and will be amortized using the units of production method following the commencement of
production. If a property concession is subsequently abandoned or impaired, any capitalized costs will be expensed in the period of abandonment or
impairment. To date, no property concessions have reached the production stage.
Acquisition costs include cash consideration and the fair market value of shares issued on the acquisition of property concessions.
Exploration Costs
Exploration costs incurred are expensed to the date of establishing that costs incurred are economically recoverable. Exploration expenditures incurred
subsequent to the establishment of economic recoverability are capitalized and included in the carrying amount of the related property. To date, we have not
established the economic recoverability of our exploration prospects; therefore, all exploration costs are being expensed.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
We review and evaluate our long-lived assets for impairment when events and changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts of our assets
may not be recoverable. Impairment is considered to exist if the future cash flows on an undiscounted basis are less than the carrying amount of the long-lived
asset. An impairment loss is measured and recorded based on the difference between book value and fair value of the asset group. In estimating future cash
flows, assets are grouped at the lowest level for which there is identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of cash flows from other asset groups. In
estimating future cash flows we estimate the price that would be received to sell an asset group in an orderly transaction between market participants at the
measurement date. Significant factors that impact this price include the price of silver and zinc, and general market conditions for exploration companies, among
other factors.
In determining the fair value of our long-lived assets, including goodwill, we used our market capitalization at October 31, 2015 and reduced this amount by our
cash and cash on hand at October 31, 2015. We determined market capitalization less cash and cash on hand to be sufficiently representative of fair value due
to the limited number of comparable assets, all of which have unique characteristics.
Assets Held for Sale
Office and mining equipment is classified as held for sale when the following conditions are met: (i) assets (or group of assets) are actively marketed for a price
which reasonably approximates the fair value at the time of sale; (ii) management has committed to a plan to sell the assets (or group of assets); (iii) the assets
(or group of assets) are available for sale in their current condition; and (iv) sale is probable within the next 12 months.
Goodwill
Goodwill is the purchase premium after adjusting for the fair value of net assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized but is reviewed for potential impairment on
an annual basis, or when events or circumstances indicate a potential impairment, at the reporting unit level. We perform our annual goodwill impairment tests at
April 30th of each fiscal year.
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EDGAR Stream is a copyright of Issuer Direct Corporation, all rights reserved.
In performing the goodwill impairment tests, we have the option to elect to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not
that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If we determine that this is the case or we do not chose to elect to perform a qualitative
assessment, we are required to perform the currently prescribed two-step goodwill impairment test to identify potential goodwill impairment and measure the
amount of goodwill impairment loss to be recognized for that reporting unit (if any). If we determine based on the qualitative assessment that the fair value of a
reporting unit is not less than its carrying amount, the two-step goodwill impairment test is not required.
Income Taxes
We follow the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on
temporary differences between the tax basis and accounting basis of the assets and liabilities measured using tax rates enacted at the balance sheet date. We
recognize the tax benefit from uncertain tax positions only if it is at least "more likely than not" that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing
authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are measured based on
the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement with the taxing authorities. This accounting standard also provides
guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods and disclosure.
A valuation allowance is recorded against deferred tax assets if management does not believe we have met the "more likely than not" standard imposed by this
guidance to allow recognition of such an asset. Management recorded a full valuation allowance at October 31, 2016 and October 31, 2015 against the deferred
tax assets as it deems future realization would not meet the "more likely than not" criteria.
Stock-Based Compensation and Warrants
We use the Black-Scholes pricing model as a method for determining the estimated fair value for all stock options awarded to employees, officers, directors and
consultants. The expected term of the options is based upon evaluation of historical and expected future exercise behavior. The risk-free interest rate is based
upon U.S. Treasury rates at the date of grant with maturity dates approximately equal to the expected life of the options. Volatility is determined based upon
historical volatility of our stock and adjusted if future volatility is expected to vary from historical experience. The dividend yield is assumed to be none as we
have not paid dividends nor do we anticipate paying any dividends in the foreseeable future. We use the graded vesting attribution method to recognize
compensation costs over the requisite service period.
We also used the Black-Scholes valuation model to determine the fair market value of a placement agent's compensation warrants. Expected volatility is based
upon weighted average historical volatility over the contractual term of the warrant and implied volatility. The risk-free interest rate is based upon implied yield on
a U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issue with a remaining term equal to the contractual term of the warrants. The dividend yield is assumed to be none as we have
not paid dividends and do not anticipate paying any dividends in the foreseeable future.
Foreign Currency Translation
During the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 and October 31, 2015, the functional currency of Silver Bull Resources, Inc. and our subsidiaries is the U.S.
dollar except for the Gabonese subsidiaries whose functional currency is the CFA.
During the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 and October 31, 2015 our Mexican operations' monetary assets and liabilities were translated into U.S. dollars at
the period-end exchange rate and non-monetary assets and liabilities were translated using the historical exchange rate. Our Mexican operations' revenue and
expenses were translated at the average exchange rate during the period except for depreciation of office and mining equipment, and impairment of property
concessions and office and mining equipment which are translated using the historical exchange rate. Foreign currency translation gains and losses of our
Mexican operations are included in the consolidated statement of operations.
During the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 and October 31, 2015, assets and liabilities of our Gabonese operations were translated into U.S. dollars at the
period-end exchange rate, and revenue and expenses were translated at the average exchange rate during the period. Exchange differences arising on
translation were disclosed as a separate component of stockholders' equity. Realized gains and losses from foreign currency transactions were reflected in the
results of operations and comprehensive loss.
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EDGAR Stream is a copyright of Issuer Direct Corporation, all rights reserved.
Accounting for Loss Contingencies and Legal Costs
From time to time, we are named as a defendant in legal actions arising from our normal business activities. We record an accrual for the estimated loss from a
loss contingency when information available prior to issuance of our financial statements indicates that it is probable that a liability has been incurred at the date
of the financial statements and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Disclosure of a loss contingency is made by Silver Bull Resources, Inc. if
there is at least a reasonable possibility that a loss has been incurred, and either an accrual has not been made or an exposure to loss exists in excess of the
amount accrued. In cases where only disclosure of the loss contingency is required, either the estimated loss or a range of estimated loss is disclosed or it is
stated that an estimate cannot be made. Legal costs incurred in connection with loss contingencies are considered period costs and accordingly are expensed in
the period services are provided.
Discontinued Operations
Dome International's consolidated statements of operations are presented as income/loss from discontinued operations in the 2015 consolidated statements of
operations. The 2015 consolidated statements of cash flows have not been adjusted to reflect discontinued operations.
Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Not applicable.
Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
See "Index to Consolidated Financial Statements" following the signature page of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
Item 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
(a)
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of October 31, 2016, we have carried out an evaluation under the supervision of, and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief
Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange
Act). Based on the evaluation as of October 31, 2016, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and
procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) were effective.
Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act
is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include,
without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act is
accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely
decisions regarding required disclosure.
(b)
Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as that term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under
the Exchange Act. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, we
assessed, as of October 31, 2016, the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. This assessment was based on criteria established in the
Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our assessment
using those criteria, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2016 was effective.
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EDGAR Stream is a copyright of Issuer Direct Corporation, all rights reserved.
Internal control over financial reporting is defined as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, our principal executive and principal financial officers and
effected by our board of directors, management and other personnel 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, and includes those policies and
procedures that:
·
·
·
pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets;
provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit the preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S.
generally accepted accounting principles and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our
management and directors; and
provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of our assets that could have a
material effect on the financial statements.
A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the internal control
system are met. Because of the inherent limitations of any internal control system, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control
issues, if any, within a company have been detected.
(c) Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2016 that materially affected, or were reasonably
likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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EDGAR Stream is a copyright of Issuer Direct Corporation, all rights reserved.
PART III
Item 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
For information regarding our executive officers, see "Items 1 and 2: Business and Properties – Executive Officers of Silver Bull Resources. "
Information relating to this item will be included in an amendment to this report or in the proxy statement for our 2017 annual shareholders meeting and is
incorporated by reference in this report.
We have adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to all of our directors and employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal
accounting officer, and those of our officers performing similar functions. The full text of our Code of Ethics can be found on the Corporate Governance page of
our website – at http://www.silverbullresources.com/s/corporate_governance.asp. In the event our board approves an amendment to or waiver from any
provision of our Code of Ethics, we will disclose the required information pertaining to such amendment or waiver on our website.
Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Information relating to this item will be included in an amendment to this report or in the proxy statement for our 2017 annual shareholders meeting and is
incorporated by reference in this report.
Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Information relating to this item will be included in an amendment to this report or in the proxy statement for our 2017 annual shareholders meeting and is
incorporated by reference in this report.
Item 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Information relating to this item will be included in an amendment to this report or in the proxy statement for our 2017 annual shareholders meeting and is
incorporated by reference in this report.
Item 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Information relating to this item will be included in an amendment to this report or in the proxy statement for our 2017 annual shareholders meeting and is
incorporated by reference in this report.
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EDGAR Stream is a copyright of Issuer Direct Corporation, all rights reserved.
PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules
See "Index to Consolidated financial statements" on page F-1.
Exhibit
Number
3.1
3.2
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
10.1+
10.2+
10.3+
10.4+
10.5+
10.6+
10.7+
10.8+
10.9+
Restated Articles of Incorporation.
Exhibit Description
Form
10-K
Date of Report
10/31/2010
Exhibit
3.1.1
Amended and Restated Bylaws
10-K
10/31/2010
3.1.2
Filed
Herewith
Incorporated by Reference
Rights Agreement
Form of Warrant Certificate
Form of Silver Bull Resources, Inc. Warrant Certificate (Investors)
Form of Silver Bull Resources, Inc. Warrant Certificate (Sprott Global Resource
Investments, Ltd.)
2006 Stock Option Plan.
2010 Stock Option Plan and Stock Bonus Plan, as amended
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated February 26, 2013, by
and between the Company and Timothy Barry
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated February 26, 2013, by
and between the Company and Sean Fallis
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated February 26, 2013, by
and between the Company and Brian Edgar
Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated February 26, 2015, by and
between the Company and Sean Fallis.
Form of Amendment to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated
June 4, 2015, by and between the Company and each of Timothy Barry, Sean
Fallis and Brian Edgar.
Amendment
February 23, 2016, by and between the Company and Timothy Barry
to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated
Amendment
February 23, 2016, by and between the Company and Sean Fallis
to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated
8-A
8-K
8-K
8-K
06/12/2007
05/23/2016
07/20/2016
07/20/2016
10-KSB
10/31/2006
10-Q
8-K
04/30/2016
02/26/2013
1
10.2
10.2
10.4
4.2
10.3
10.1
8-K
8-K
8-K
8-K
8-K
8-K
8-K
02/26/2013
10.2
02/26/2013
10.3
02/26/2015
10.1
06/04/2015
10.1
02/26/2016
10.1
02/26/2016
10.2
02/26/2016
10.3
10.10+
Amendment
February 23, 2016, by and between the Company and Brian Edgar
to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated
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EDGAR Stream is a copyright of Issuer Direct Corporation, all rights reserved.
10.11
Form of Subscription Agreement
10.12+
Amendment to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated
June 24, 2016, by and between the Company and Brian Edgar
8-K
8-K
05/23/2016
06/28/2016
10.1
10.1
10.13+
Amendment to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated
8-K
06/28/2016
10.2
June 24, 2016, by and between the Company and Timothy Barry
10.14+
Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated June 24, 2016, by and
8-K
06/28/2016
10.3
between the Company and Sean Fallis
10.15
10.16
14.1
16.1
21.1
23.1
23.2
23.3
23.4
31.1
31.2
32.1
32.2
Form of Silver Bull Resources, Inc. Subscription Agreement, dated July
14, 2016
Placement Agent Agreement, dated July 7, 2016, by and between Silver
Bull Resources, Inc. and Sprott Global Resource Investments, Ltd.
8-K
8-K
07/20/2016
10.1
07/20/2016
10.3
Code of Ethics
Letter of Hein & Associates LLP to the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission, dated February 16, 2016
10-KSB
10/31/2006
8-K
02/18/2016
14
16.1
Subsidiaries of the Registrant
Consent of Smythe LLP
Consent of Hein & Associates LLP
Consent of Tuun Consulting Inc.
Consent of AKF Mining Services Inc.
Certification of CEO Pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14,
as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification of CFO Pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14,
as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification of CEO Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted
pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification of CFO Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted
pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101.INS*
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH*
XBRL Schema Document
101.CAL*
XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF*
XBRL Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB*
XBRL Labels Linkbase Document
101.PRE*
XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document
99.1
Sierra Mojada location map. (1)
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
* The following financial information from Silver Bull Resources, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2016, formatted in
XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): Consolidated Balance Sheets, Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss,
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity, Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
+ Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
(1) Filed herewith under Items 1 and 2 – Business and Properties.
EDGAR Stream is a copyright of Issuer Direct Corporation, all rights reserved.
35
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.
SIGNATURES
Date: January 18, 2017
Date: January 18, 2017
SILVER BULL RESOURCES, INC.
By:
By:
/s/ Timothy Barry
Timothy Barry,
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Sean Fallis
Sean Fallis,
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting
Officer)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
Date: January 18, 2017
Date: January 18, 2017
Date: January 18, 2017
Date: January 18, 2017
By:
/s/ Timothy Barry
Timothy Barry,
President and Chief Executive Officer and Director
By:
/s/ Brian Edgar
Brian Edgar,
Director
By:
/s/ Daniel Kunz
Daniel Kunz,
Director
By:
/s/ John McClintock
John McClintock,
Director
36
EDGAR Stream is a copyright of Issuer Direct Corporation, all rights reserved.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SILVER BULL RESOURCES, INC.
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Financial Statements:
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
[The balance of this page has been intentionally left blank.]
F-1
PAGE NO.
F-2
F-4
F-5
F-6 – F-7
F-8
F-9 – F-24
EDGAR Stream is a copyright of Issuer Direct Corporation, all rights reserved.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Silver Bull Resources, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Silver Bull Resources, Inc. (an exploration stage company) as of October 31, 2016, and the
related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the year ended October 31, 2016. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our
audit. The consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the year ended October 31, 2015, were audited by other auditors; whose report dated
January 19, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements and also included an explanatory paragraph about the
Company's ability to continue as a going concern.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we
plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not
required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over
financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the
effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test
basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Silver Bull Resources, Inc.
(an exploration stage company) as of October 31, 2016, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with U.S.
generally accepted accounting principles.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1
to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has suffered recurring losses, and has a lack of sufficient working capital. This raises substantial doubt
about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. Management's plans in regard to these matters also are discussed in Note 1. The consolidated
financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
/s/ Smythe LLP
Smythe LLP
Vancouver, Canada
January 18, 2017
F-2
EDGAR Stream is a copyright of Issuer Direct Corporation, all rights reserved.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Silver Bull Resources, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Silver Bull Resources, Inc. (an exploration stage company) as of October 31, 2015, and the
related consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the year ended October 31, 2015. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we
plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not
required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over
financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the
effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test
basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Silver Bull Resources, Inc.
(an exploration stage company) as of October 31, 2015, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with U.S.
generally accepted accounting principles.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1
to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has suffered recurring losses, and has a lack of sufficient working capital. This raises substantial doubt
about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. Management's plans in regard to these matters also are discussed in Note 1. The consolidated
financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
/s/ Hein & Associates LLP
HEIN & ASSOCIATES LLP
Denver, Colorado
January 19, 2016
F-3
EDGAR Stream is a copyright of Issuer Direct Corporation, all rights reserved.
SILVER BULL RESOURCES, INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY)
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
Value-added tax receivable, net of allowance for uncollectible taxes of $88,283 and $103,429
respectively (Note 4)
Income tax receivable
Other receivables
Prepaid expenses and deposits
Assets held for sale (Note 5)
Total Current Assets
Office and mining equipment, net (Note 6)
Property concessions (Note 7)
Goodwill (Note 8)
TOTAL ASSETS
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable
Accrued liabilities and expenses (Note 9)
Income tax payable
Total Current Liabilities
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Notes 1, 10 and 16)
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Notes 10, 11, 12 and 13)
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 300,000,000 shares authorized,
177,894,967 and 159,072,657 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
Additional paid-in capital
Accumulated deficit
Other comprehensive income
Total Stockholders' Equity
October 31,
2016
October 31,
2015
$
1,467,328 $
950,878
117,276
—
4,652
116,271
21,283
1,726,810
226,301
5,004,386
2,058,031
9,015,528 $
132,207
2,596
18,400
135,421
—
1,239,502
305,614
5,593,263
2,058,031
9,196,410
133,274 $
334,297
10,623
478,194
119,371
282,933
5,436
407,740
$
$
1,778,949
126,820,897
(120,281,820)
219,308
8,537,334
1,590,726
125,025,319
(118,046,936)
219,561
8,788,670
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
$
9,015,528 $
9,196,410
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-4
EDGAR Stream is a copyright of Issuer Direct Corporation, all rights reserved.
SILVER BULL RESOURCES, INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
REVENUES
EXPLORATION AND PROPERTY HOLDING COSTS
Exploration and property holding costs
Depreciation and property concessions' impairment (Notes 5 and 7)
Goodwill impairment (Note 8)
TOTAL EXPLORATION AND PROPERTY HOLDING COSTS
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
Personnel
Office and administrative
Professional services
Directors' fees
Provision for uncollectible value-added taxes
Depreciation
TOTAL GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES)
Interest and investment income
Interest and finance costs (Note 9)
Foreign currency transaction loss
Miscellaneous income (Note 5)
TOTAL OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES)
Years Ended October 31,
2016
2015
$
—
$
—
488,957
638,264
—
1,127,221
469,555
372,223
211,925
137,607
1,726
—
1,193,036
802,029
56,995
16,437,000
17,296,024
519,884
477,919
280,018
194,175
12,062
889
1,484,947
(2,320,257)
(18,780,971)
998
(2,393)
(37,949)
133,825
94,481
1,462
(528)
(93,526)
67
(92,525)
LOSS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES
(2,225,776)
(18,873,496)
INCOME TAX EXPENSE (Note 14)
LOSS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes (Note 3)
Gain on sale of assets of discontinued operations, net of income taxes (Note 3)
NET LOSS
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Realized foreign currency translation gain on sale of assets of discontinued operations (Note 3)
TOTAL OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
BASIC AND DILUTED NET LOSS PER COMMON SHARE
Loss from continuing operations
Loss from discontinued operations
NET LOSS
9,108
(2,234,884)
—
—
(2,234,884)
(253)
—
(253)
(2,235,137)
(0.01)
—
(0.01)
$
$
$
$
336
(18,873,832)
(159,277)
287,280
(18,745,829)
54,210
7,163
61,373
(18,684,456)
(0.12)
—
(0.12)
$
$
$
$
BASIC AND DILUTED WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING
165,345,167
159,072,657
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-5
EDGAR Stream is a copyright of Issuer Direct Corporation, all rights reserved.
SILVER BULL RESOURCES, INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used by operating activities:
Depreciation and asset's impairment
Goodwill impairment (Note 8)
Provision for uncollectible value-added taxes
Gain on sale of assets of discontinued operations (Note 3)
Gain on sale of office and mining equipment (Note 5)
Foreign currency transaction loss
Stock options issued for compensation
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Value-added tax receivable
Income tax receivables
Other receivables
Prepaid expenses and deposits
Accounts payable
Accrued liabilities and expenses
Income tax payable
Net cash used in operating activities
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Other assets
Proceeds from sale of equipment
Acquisition of property concessions
Net proceeds from sale of discontinued operations (Note 3)
Net cash provided by investing activities
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of offering costs (Note 11)
Proceeds from exercise of warrants, net of costs (Note 11)
Net cash provided by financing activities
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents beginning of year
Years Ended October 31,
2016
2015
$
(2,234,884) $
(18,745,829)
638,264
—
1,726
—
(132,817)
31,375
102,993
(3,968)
2,365
12,927
17,167
13,935
60,796
5,467
(1,484,654)
—
141,285
—
—
141,285
1,503,254
377,554
1,880,808
61,189
16,437,000
12,062
(287,280)
—
175,220
104,169
(11,147)
(569)
6,690
75,019
(141,404)
(21,646)
(4,564)
(2,341,090)
80,238
—
(30,000)
1,364,757
1,414,995
—
—
—
(20,989)
(9,196)
516,450
950,878
(935,291)
1,886,169
Cash and cash equivalents end of year
$
1,467,328 $
950,878
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-6
EDGAR Stream is a copyright of Issuer Direct Corporation, all rights reserved.
SILVER BULL RESOURCES, INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURES:
Income taxes paid
Interest paid
NON-CASH FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Warrants issued for financing fees (Note 13)
Years Ended October 31,
2016
2015
$
$
$
4,863 $
2,393 $
9,562
528
11,621 $
—
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-7
EDGAR Stream is a copyright of Issuer Direct Corporation, all rights reserved.
SILVER BULL RESOURCES, INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Balance, November 1, 2014
Common Stock
Additional
Number of
Shares
159,072,657
Amount
1,590,726
$
Paid-in
Capital
$ 124,921,150
Accumulated
Deficit
$ (99,301,107)
Other
Comprehensive
Income
$
158,188
Total
$ 27,368,957
Stock option activity as follows:
-Stock based compensation for options issued to
officers, employees, consultants and directors
Other comprehensive income...
Net loss
Balance, October 31, 2015
—
—
—
159,072,657 $
—
—
—
—
—
(18,745,829)
1,590,726 $ 125,025,319 $ (118,046,936) $
104,169
—
—
— —
61,373
———
219,561 $
104,169
61,373
(18,745,829)
8,788,670
Issuance of common stock as follows:
- for cash at a price of Canadian dollar ("$CDN") $0.13
per share with attached warrants less offering costs of
$75,443 (Note 11)
- for cash at a price of $CDN 0.15 per share with
attached warrants less offering costs of $75,296 (Note
11)
- exercise of warrants at an average price of $CDN
0.16 per share less costs of $1,509 (Note 11)
Stock option and warrants activity as follows:
- Stock-based compensation for options issued to
directors, officers and employees
- fair value of warrants issued to agent in connection
with the $CDN 0.15 per share private placement
(Notes 11 and 13)
Other comprehensive loss
Net loss
Balance, October 31, 2016
11,362,310
113,623
948,577
—
—
1,062,200
4,340,000
43,400
386,033
3,120,000
31,200
346,354
—
—
—
429,433
—
377,554
—
—
102,993
—
—
102,993
—
—
—
177,894,967 $
—
—
—
—
—
(2,234,884)
1,778,949 $ 126,820,897 $ (120,281,820) $
11,621
—
—
—
(253)
———
219,308 $
11,621
(253)
(2,234,884)
8,537,334
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-8
EDGAR Stream is a copyright of Issuer Direct Corporation, all rights reserved.
NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION, DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND GOING CONCERN
Silver Bull Resources, Inc. (the "Company") was incorporated in the State of Nevada on November 8, 1993 as the Cadgie Company for the purpose of acquiring
and developing mineral properties. The Cadgie Company was a spin-off from its predecessor, Precious Metal Mines, Inc. On June 28, 1996, the Company's
name was changed to Metalline Mining Company. On April 21, 2011, the Company's name was changed to Silver Bull Resources, Inc. The Company has not
realized any revenues from its planned operations and is considered an exploration stage company. The Company has not established any reserves with
respect to its exploration projects and may never enter into the development stage with respect to any of its projects.
The Company engages in the business of mineral exploration. The Company currently owns or has the option to acquire a number of property concessions in
Mexico (collectively known as the "Sierra Mojada Property"). The Company conducts its operations in Mexico through its wholly-owned subsidiary corporations,
Minera Metalin S.A. de C.V. ("Minera Metalin") and Contratistas de Sierra Mojada S.A. de C.V. ("Contratistas") and through Minera Metalin's wholly-owned
subsidiary Minas de Coahuila SBR S.A. de C.V. ("Minas").
On April 16, 2010, Metalline Mining Delaware, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, was merged with and into Dome Ventures Corporation
("Dome"). As a result, Dome became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Dome has a wholly-owned subsidiary Dome Asia Inc. ("Dome Asia"), which is
incorporated in the British Virgin Islands. Dome Asia has a wholly-owned subsidiary incorporated in Gabon, African Resources SARL Gabon ("African
Resources"), as well as a 99.99%-owned subsidiary, Dome Minerals Nigeria Limited, incorporated in Nigeria. In January 2015, the Company completed the sale
of its subsidiary Dome International Global Inc. ("Dome International"), including Dome International's wholly-owned subsidiary Dome Ventures SARL Gabon
("Dome Gabon"), which held the Ndjole prospect in Gabon.
The Company's efforts and expenditures have been concentrated on the exploration of properties, principally in the Sierra Mojada Property located in Coahuila,
Mexico. The Company has not determined whether its exploration properties contain ore reserves that are economically recoverable. The ultimate realization of
the Company's investment in exploration properties is dependent upon the success of future property sales, the existence of economically recoverable reserves,
and the ability of the Company to obtain financing or make other arrangements for exploration, development, and future profitable production activities. The
ultimate realization of the Company's investment in exploration properties cannot be determined at this time.
Going Concern
Since its inception in November 1993, the Company has not generated revenue and has incurred a deficit of $120,281,820. Accordingly, the Company has not
generated cash flows from operations, and since inception the Company has relied primarily upon proceeds from private placements and registered direct
offerings of the Company's equity securities and warrant exercises as the primary sources of financing to fund the Company's operations. As of October 31,
2016, the Company had working capital of $1,248,616 and cash and cash equivalents of $1,467,328. The Company's continuation as a going concern is
dependent upon several possible financing and strategic options not limited to the following: obtaining adequate equity financing, joint venture opportunities on
the Sierra Mojada Property, and asset divestitures. However, there is no assurance that the Company will be successful in pursuing these financing and
strategic options. Accordingly, even after taking into account the proceeds from the Company's recent private placements and warrants exercised, there is
substantial doubt as to whether the Company's existing cash resources and working capital are sufficient to enable the Company to continue its operations for
the next 12 months as a going concern.
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis and do not include any adjustments to the amounts and classification of
assets and liabilities that may be necessary in the event the Company can no longer continue as a going concern.
F-9
EDGAR Stream is a copyright of Issuer Direct Corporation, all rights reserved.
NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
This summary of significant accounting policies is presented to assist in understanding the consolidated financial statements. The consolidated financial
statements and notes are representations of the Company's management, which is responsible for their integrity and objectivity.
Basis of Presentation
The Company's consolidated financial statements are presented in the U.S. dollar and have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") using the accrual method of accounting, except for cash flow amounts.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries, after elimination of intercompany accounts and
transactions. The wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company are listed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of these consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates based on assumptions about
future events that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and related notes to the consolidated financial statements. Actual results
could differ from those estimates. Estimates and assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis based on historical experience and other factors that are
considered to be relevant under the circumstances. Revisions to estimates and assumptions are accounted for prospectively.
Significant areas involving the use of estimates include determining the allowance for uncollectible taxes, evaluating recoverability of property concessions,
evaluating impairment of long-lived assets, evaluating impairment of goodwill, establishing a valuation allowance on future use of deferred tax assets and
calculating stock-based compensation.
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue when the title and risks and rewards of ownership pass to the buyer, the selling price is fixed and determinable, persuasive
evidence of an arrangement exists and collection of the sale proceeds is considered probable. As of October 31, 2016, the Company has not recognized any
revenues.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include all highly-liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase.
Property Concessions
Property concessions acquisition costs are capitalized when incurred and will be amortized using the units of production method following the commencement of
production. If a property concession is subsequently abandoned or impaired, any capitalized costs will be expensed in the period of abandonment or
impairment. To date, no property concessions have reached the production stage.
Acquisition costs include cash consideration and the fair market value of shares issued on the acquisition of property concessions.
Exploration Costs
Exploration costs incurred are expensed to the date of establishing that costs incurred are economically recoverable. Exploration expenditures incurred
subsequent to the establishment of economic recoverability are capitalized and included in the carrying amount of the related property. To date, the Company
has not established the economic recoverability of its exploration prospects; therefore, all exploration costs are being expensed.
F-10
EDGAR Stream is a copyright of Issuer Direct Corporation, all rights reserved.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Assets under construction are depreciated when they are
substantially complete and available for their intended use, over their estimated useful lives. Repairs and maintenance of property and equipment are expensed
as incurred. Costs incurred to enhance the service potential of property and equipment are capitalized and depreciated over the remaining useful life of the
improved asset. Property and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets as follows:
Vehicles – four years
Building and structures – 40 years
Computer equipment and software – three years
· Mining equipment – five to 10 years
·
·
·
· Well equipment – 10 to 40 years
· Office equipment – three to 10 years
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Management reviews and evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment when events and changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts of
its assets may not be recoverable. Impairment is considered to exist if the future cash flows on an undiscounted basis are less than the carrying amount of the
long-lived asset. An impairment loss is measured and recorded based on the difference between book value and fair value of the asset group. In estimating
future cash flows, assets are grouped at the lowest level for which there is identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of cash flows from other asset
groups. In estimating future cash flows the Company estimates the price that would be received to sell an asset group in an orderly transaction between market
participants at the measurement date. Significant factors that impact this price include the price of silver and zinc, and general market conditions for exploration
companies among other factors.
Assets Held for Sale
Office and mining equipment is classified as held for sale when the following conditions are met: (i) assets (or group of assets) are actively marketed for a price
which reasonably approximates the fair value at the time of sale; (ii) management has committed to a plan to sell the assets (or group of assets); (iii) the assets
(or group of assets) are available for sale in their current condition; and (iv) sale is probable within the next 12 months.
Goodwill
Goodwill is the purchase premium after adjusting for the fair value of net assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized but is reviewed for potential impairment on
an annual basis, or when events or circumstances indicate a potential impairment, at the reporting unit level. The Company performs its annual goodwill
impairment tests at April 30th of each fiscal year.
In performing the goodwill impairment tests, the Company has the option to elect to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely
than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the Company determines that this is the case or the Company does not chose to
elect to perform a qualitative assessment, the Company is required to perform the currently prescribed two-step goodwill impairment test to identify potential
goodwill impairment and measure the amount of goodwill impairment loss to be recognized for that reporting unit (if any). If the Company determines based on
the qualitative assessment that the fair value of a reporting unit is not less than its carrying amount, the two-step goodwill impairment test is not required.
During the year ended October 31, 2015, the Company recorded an impairment charge to goodwill of $16,437,000. In determining the fair value of its long-lived
assets, including goodwill, the Company used its market capitalization at October 31, 2015 and reduced this amount by the Company's cash and cash
equivalents at October 31, 2015. The Company determined market capitalization less cash and cash equivalents to be sufficiently representative of fair value
due to the limited number of comparable assets, all of which have unique characteristics. No impairment of goodwill was deemed necessary in fiscal year ended
October 31, 2016.
Income Taxes
The Company follows the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined
based on temporary differences between the tax basis and accounting basis of the assets and liabilities measured using tax rates enacted at the balance sheet
date. The Company recognizes the tax benefit from uncertain tax positions only if it is at least "more likely than not" that the tax position will be sustained on
examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position
are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement with the taxing authorities. This accounting
standard also provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods and disclosure.
F-11
EDGAR Stream is a copyright of Issuer Direct Corporation, all rights reserved.
A valuation allowance is recorded against deferred tax assets if management does not believe the Company has met the "more likely than not" standard
imposed by this guidance to allow recognition of such an asset. Management recorded a full valuation allowance at October 31, 2016 and October 31, 2015
against the deferred tax assets as it deems future realization would not meet the "more likely than not" criteria.
Stock-Based Compensation and Warrants
The Company uses the Black-Scholes pricing model as a method for determining the estimated fair value for all stock options awarded to employees, officers,
directors and consultants. The expected term of the options is based upon evaluation of historical and expected future exercise behavior. The risk-free interest
rate is based upon U.S. Treasury rates at the date of grant with maturity dates approximately equal to the expected life of the options. Volatility is determined
based upon historical volatility of the Company's stock and adjusted if future volatility is expected to vary from historical experience. The dividend yield is
assumed to be none as the Company has not paid dividends nor does the Company anticipate paying any dividends in the foreseeable future. The Company
uses the graded vesting attribution method to recognize compensation costs over the requisite service period.
The Company also uses the Black-Scholes valuation model to determine the fair market value of a placement agent's compensation warrants. Expected
volatility is based upon weighted average historical volatility over the contractual term of the warrant and implied volatility. The risk-free interest rate is based
upon implied yield on a U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issue with a remaining term equal to the contractual term of the warrants. The dividend yield is assumed to
be none as the Company has not paid dividends nor does not anticipate paying any dividends in the foreseeable future.
Loss per Share
Basic loss per share includes no dilution and is computed by dividing net loss available to common shareholders by the weighted average common shares
outstanding for the period. Diluted loss per share reflects the potential dilution of securities that could share in the earnings of an entity similar to fully diluted loss
per share. Although there were stock options and warrants in the aggregate of 16,058,258 shares and 8,657,858 shares outstanding at October 31, 2016 and
2015, respectively, they were not included in the calculation of loss per share because they would have been considered anti-dilutive.
Foreign Currency Translation
During the years ended October 31, 2016 and October 31, 2015, the functional currency of Silver Bull Resources, Inc. and its subsidiaries is the U.S. dollar
except for the Gabonese subsidiaries whose functional currency is the Central African franc ("$CFA").
During the years ended October 31, 2016 and October 31, 2015 the Company's Mexican operations' monetary assets and liabilities were translated into U.S.
dollars at the period-end exchange rate and non-monetary assets and liabilities were translated using the historical exchange rate. The Company's Mexican
operations' revenue and expenses were translated at the average exchange rate during the period except for depreciation of office and mining equipment, cost
of office and mining equipment sold and impairment of property concessions which are translated using the historical exchange rate. Foreign currency translation
gains and losses of the Company's Mexican operations are included in the consolidated statement of operations.
During the years ended October 31, 2016 and October 31, 2015 assets and liabilities of the Company's Gabonese operations were translated into U.S. dollars at
the period-end exchange rate, and revenue and expenses were translated at the average exchange rate during the period. Exchange differences arising on
translation were disclosed as a separate component of stockholders' equity. Realized gains and losses from foreign currency transactions were reflected in the
results of operations and comprehensive loss.
Accounting for Loss Contingencies and Legal Costs
From time to time, the Company is named as a defendant in legal actions arising from its normal business activities. The Company records an accrual for the
estimated loss from a loss contingency when information available prior to issuance of its financial statements indicates that it is probable that a liability has been
incurred at the date of the financial statements and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Disclosure of a loss contingency is made by the
Company if there is at least a reasonable possibility that a loss has been incurred, and either an accrual has not been made or an exposure to loss exists in
excess of the amount accrued. In cases where only disclosure of the loss contingency is required, either the estimated loss or a range of estimated loss is
disclosed or it is stated that an estimate cannot be made. Legal costs incurred in connection with loss contingencies are considered period costs and
accordingly are expensed in the period services are provided.
F-12
EDGAR Stream is a copyright of Issuer Direct Corporation, all rights reserved.
Discontinued Operations
Dome International's consolidated statements of operations are presented as income/loss from discontinued operations in the 2015 consolidated statements of
operations. The 2015 consolidated statements of cash flows have not been adjusted to reflect discontinued operations.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in the Year
Effective November 1, 2015, the Company adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board's ("FASB") Accounting Standards Update (" ASU") 2014-08,
"Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of
Disposals of Components of an Entity." Under ASU 2014-08, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations are presented as discontinued operations.
In addition, ASU 2014-08 requires expanded disclosures about discontinued operations that will provide additional information about the assets, liabilities,
income, and expenses of discontinued operations. ASU 2014-08 also requires disclosure of the pre-tax income attributable to a disposal of a significant part of an
organization that does not qualify for discontinued operations reporting. The adoption of this update did not have a material impact on the Company's financial
position, results of operations or cash flows and disclosures.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, "Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230)," which provides guidance on presentation and classification of certain
cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows. These changes become effective for the Company's fiscal year beginning November 1, 2018. The
Company has not determined the effects of this update on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows and disclosures at this time.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, "Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting," which amends several aspects of the
accounting for share-based payment transaction, including income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on
the statement of cash flows. These changes become effective for the Company's fiscal year beginning November 1, 2017. The Company has not determined
the effects of this update on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows and disclosures at this time.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases," which will require lessees to recognize assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by
most leases on the balance sheet. These changes become effective for the Company's fiscal year beginning November 1, 2019. Modified retrospective adoption
for all leases existing at, or entered into after, the date of initial application, is required with an option to use certain transition relief. The Company has not
determined the effects of this update on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows and disclosures at this time.
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, "Financial Instruments – Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities,"
which (i) requires equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting, or those that result in consolidation of the investee) to
be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income, (ii) requires public business entities to use the exit price notion when measuring
the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes, (iii) requires separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement
category and form of financial asset, and (iv) eliminates the requirement for public business entities to disclose the method(s) and significant assumptions used to
estimate the fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost. These changes become effective for the Company's
fiscal year beginning November 1, 2018. Early application is permitted. The Company has not determined the effects of this update on the Company's financial
position, results of operations or cash flows and disclosures at this time.
In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, "Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes," which requires entities with a classified balance sheet to
present all deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent. These changes become effective for the Company's fiscal year beginning November 1, 2017. Early
application is permitted. The Company has not determined the effects of this update on the Company's financial position and disclosures at this time.
In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, "Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments," which eliminates the requirement for an
acquirer to retrospectively adjust the financial statements for measurement-period adjustments that occur in periods after a business combination is
consummated. These changes became effective for the Company's fiscal year beginning November 1, 2016. The Company has not determined the effects of
this update on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows and disclosures at this time.
F-13
EDGAR Stream is a copyright of Issuer Direct Corporation, all rights reserved.
In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, "Deferral of the Effective Date," which defers the effective date of ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with
Customers" to become effective for the Company's fiscal year beginning November 1, 2018. The Company has not determined the effects of this update on the
Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows and disclosures at this time.
In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, "Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory," which provides a revised, simpler measurement for inventory to be
measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. These changes become effective for the Company's fiscal year beginning November 1, 2017. The
Company has not determined the effects of this update on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows and disclosures at this time.
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, "Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs," which requires that debt issuance costs related to a
recognized debt liability be presented as a reduction to the carrying amount of that debt liability, not as an asset. These changes became effective prospectively
for the Company's fiscal year beginning November 1, 2016. The Company has not determined the effects of this update on the Company's financial position,
results of operations or cash flows and disclosures at this time.
In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, "Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis," which amends the consolidation
requirements in Accounting Standards Codification 810. These changes became effective prospectively for the Company's fiscal year beginning November 1,
2016. The Company has not determined the effects of this update on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows and disclosures at this
time.
In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, "Presentation of Financial Statements—Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties About an
Entity's Ability To Continue as a Going Concern." ASU 2014-15 is intended to define management's responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt
about an organization's ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. The update provides guidance to an organization's
management, with principles and definitions that are intended to reduce diversity in the timing and content of disclosures that are commonly provided by
organizations today in the financial statement footnotes. The amendments are effective for the Company's fiscal year and interim periods within those years
beginning after November 1, 2017. Early application is permitted. The Company has not determined the effects of this update on the Company's financial
position, results of operations or cash flows and disclosures at this time.
Other recent accounting pronouncements issued by the FASB (including its Emerging Issues Task Force) and the SEC did not or are not believed to have a
material impact on the Company's present or future consolidated financial statements.
NOTE 3 – DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
On January 23, 2015, the Company closed the sale to BHK Mining Corp. (formerly BHK Resources, Inc.) of 100% of the issued and outstanding securities of the
Company's former subsidiary, Dome International, which holds, indirectly, a 100% interest in the Ndjole concession. Under the terms of the share purchase
agreement, the Company received cash consideration of $1,500,000 and reimbursement of the Company's expenses of $75,000 in cash. In addition, the
Company incurred transaction costs of $210,243. As a result of this transaction, the Company realized a gain on the sale of assets of discontinued operation of
$287,280, net of income taxes.
The following table details selected financial information included in the (income) loss from discontinued operations for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016
and 2015.
For the Year Ended
October 31,
2016
2015
Exploration and property holding costs
Depreciation and asset impairment
Foreign currency transaction loss
Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of income taxes
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
$
$
— $
—
—
—
— $
85,542
3,305
70,430
(287,280)
(128,003)
F-14
EDGAR Stream is a copyright of Issuer Direct Corporation, all rights reserved.
NOTE 4 – VALUE-ADDED TAX RECEIVABLE
Value-added tax ("VAT") receivable relates to VAT paid in Mexico. The Company estimates net VAT of $117,276 will be received within 12 months of the
balance sheet date. The allowance for uncollectible VAT taxes was estimated by management based upon a number of factors including the length of time the
returns have been outstanding, responses received from tax authorities, general economic conditions in Mexico and estimated net recovery after commissions.
During the year ended October 31, 2016, a provision of uncollectible VAT of $1,726 has been recorded.
A summary of the changes in the allowance for uncollectible VAT taxes for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 and 2015 is as follows:
Allowance for uncollectible VAT taxes – October 31, 2014
Provision for uncollectible VAT Taxes
Write-off VAT receivable
Foreign currency translation adjustment
Allowance for uncollectible VAT taxes – October 31, 2015
Provision for uncollectible VAT Taxes
Write-off VAT receivable
Foreign currency translation adjustment
Allowance for uncollectible taxes – October 31, 2016
$
$
116,274
12,062
(3,550)
(21,357)
103,429
1,726
(3,835)
(13,037)
88,283
NOTE 5 – ASSETS HELD FOR SALE
The Company has classified certain office and mining equipment as assets held for sale as at October 31, 2016 as these assets were approved for immediate
sale in their present condition, the assets were expected to be sold within one year and management has an active program to locate buyers for these assets.
As at October 31, 2016, the assets held for sale had a net book value of $21,283. An impairment of $13,788 was recorded on assets held for sale during the
year ended October 31, 2016. During the year ended October 31, 2016, the Company recorded a gain on sale of office and mining equipment of $132,817,
which is included in miscellaneous income in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.
NOTE 6 – OFFICE AND MINING EQUIPMENT
The following is a summary of the Company's office and mining equipment at October 31, 2016 and October 31, 2015, respectively:
Mining equipment
Vehicles
Building and structures
Computer equipment and software
Well equipment
Office equipment
Less: Accumulated depreciation
Office and mining equipment, net
F-15
October 31,
October 31,
2016
2015
$
$
291,529 $
53,451
182,436
83,701
39,637
52,931
703,685
(477,384)
226,301 $
504,451
81,261
191,966
83,701
39,637
52,931
953,947
(648,333)
305,614
EDGAR Stream is a copyright of Issuer Direct Corporation, all rights reserved.
NOTE 7 – PROPERTY CONCESSIONS
The following is a summary of the Company's property concessions in Sierra Mojada, Mexico as at October 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively:
Property Concessions – October 31, 2014
Acquisitions
Property Concessions – October 31, 2015
Impairment
Property Concessions – October 31, 2016
$ 5,563,263
30,000
$ 5,593,263
(588,877)
$ 5,004,386
During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2016, the Company decided to reduce the Company's concession holdings in Sierra Mojada, Mexico. As a result, the
Company has impaired the capitalized property concession balance related to these concessions of $588,877.
NOTE 8 – GOODWILL
Goodwill represents the excess, at the date of acquisition, of the purchase price of the business acquired over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible
assets acquired. On April 30, 2016, the Company elected to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of
the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Based on this assessment, management determined it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the
reporting unit is less than its carrying amount.
At October 31, 2015, the Company did not elect to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the
reporting unit is less than its carrying amount and therefore performed the two-step goodwill impairment test. Based on the Company's goodwill impairment test
as described in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
– Goodwill, to the consolidated financial statements, the Company recorded a goodwill impairment of $16,437,000 in the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015.
The Company calculated the goodwill impairment as of October 31, 2015 and the Company calculated the fair value in accordance with level three fair value
assumptions.
The following is a summary of the Company's goodwill balance as at October 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively:
Goodwill – October 31, 2014
Impairment
Goodwill – October 31, 2015 and 2016
$ 18,495,031
(16,437,000)
$ 2,058,031
NOTE 9 – ACCRUED LIABILITIES AND EXPENSES
During the year ended October 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company financed an insurance premium at an interest rate of 7.49% and 7.99% respectively. The
insurance premium finance agreements have a maturity of less than one year and have a balance of $87,000 and $65,250 respectively which are included in
accrued liabilities and expenses at October 31, 2016 and 2015.
NOTE 10 – SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS PLAN
On June 11, 2007, the board of directors adopted a shareholders' right plan through the adoption of a Rights Agreement, which became effective immediately. In
connection with the adoption of the Rights Agreement, the board of directors declared a distribution of one share of common stock purchase right (a "Right") for
each outstanding share of the Company's common stock, payable to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 22, 2007. In accordance with the
Rights Agreement, one Right is attached to each share of Company common stock issued since that date. Each Right is attached to the underlying common
stock and will remain with the common stock if the stock is sold or transferred. As of October 31, 2016, there are 177,894,967 shares outstanding with Rights
attached.
In certain circumstances, in the event that any person acquires beneficial ownership of 20% or more of the outstanding stock of the Company's common stock,
each holder of a Right, other than the acquirer, would be entitled to receive, upon payment of the purchase price, which is initially set at $20 per Right, a number
of shares of the Company's common stock having a value equal to two times such purchase price. The Rights will expire on June 11, 2017.
F-16
EDGAR Stream is a copyright of Issuer Direct Corporation, all rights reserved.
NOTE 11 – COMMON STOCK
On May 19, 2016, June 3, 2016 and June 29, 2016, the Company completed a three tranche private placement for an aggregate of 11,362,310 units at a
purchase price of $CDN 0.13 per unit (the "$CDN 0.13 Unit") for aggregate gross proceeds of $1,137,643 ($CDN 1,477,100). Each $CDN 0.13 Unit consists of
one share of the Company's common stock and one warrant (the "$CDN 0.13 Warrant"). Each $CDN 0.13 Warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire one
share of common stock at a price of $CDN 0.16 for the period of 12 months from the closing of the tranche of the private placement. If the closing price of the
common stock of the Company on the OTCQB Venture Marketplace is $0.18 or higher for five consecutive trading days, then the $CDN 0.13 Warrant will expire
30 trading days from such fifth consecutive day. The Company paid an 8% finder's fee totaling $19,644 to certain agents with respect to certain purchasers who
were introduced by these agents. The Company incurred other costs of $55,799 related to this private placement.
On July 20, 2016, the Company completed a private placement of an aggregate of 4,340,000 units at a purchase price of $CDN 0.15 per unit (the "$CDN 0.15
Unit") for aggregate gross proceeds of $504,729 ($CDN 651,000). Each $CDN 0.15 Unit consists of one share of the Company's common stock and one warrant
(the "$CDN 0.15 Warrant"). Each $CDN 0.15 Warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire one share of common stock at a price of $CDN 0.16 for the period of
36 months from the closing of the private placement. If, commencing on the date that is four months after the closing of the private placement, the closing price
of the common stock on the TSX is higher than $CDN 0.30 for 20 consecutive trading days, then on the 20th consecutive trading day (the "Acceleration Trigger
Date") the expiry date of the $CDN 0.15 Warrants may be accelerated to the 20th trading day after the Acceleration Trigger Date by the issuance, within three
trading days of the Acceleration Trigger Date, of a news release announcing such acceleration. The Company paid a 6% finder's fee totaling $23,326 to a
placement agent with respect to certain purchasers who were introduced by this agent. In addition, the placement agent received 200,400 non-transferable
warrants (the "Placement Agent's Warrants"). Each Placement Agent's Warrant entitles the placement agent to acquire one share of common stock until the date
that is two years following closing of the private placement at $CDN 0.205 and is subject to the acceleration provision noted above. The fair value of the
Placement Agent's Warrants was determined to be $11,621 (Note 13), and the Company incurred other offering costs of $40,349.
On August 5, 2016, the warrant expiry acceleration clause contained in the $CDN 0.13 Warrants was triggered following a period of five consecutive trading
days in which the closing price of the common stock of the Company on the OTCQB Venture Marketplace was $0.18 or higher. In total, 11,362,310 $CDN 0.13
Warrants were accelerated with a new expiration date of September 19, 2016. On September 15, 2016, 2,500,000 warrants to acquire 2,500,000 shares of
common stock were exercised at an exercise price of $CDN 0.16 per share of common stock for aggregate gross proceeds of $303,951 ($CDN 400,000) . On
September 19, 2016, 620,000 warrants to acquire 620,000 shares of common stock were exercised at an exercise price of $CDN 0.16 per share of common
stock for aggregate gross proceeds of $75,112 ($CDN 99,200) . The Company incurred costs of $1,509 related to these warrant exercises.
No common stock was issued during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015.
NOTE 12 – STOCK OPTIONS
The Company has one active stock option plan, the 2010 Stock Option and Stock Bonus Plan, as amended (the "2010 Plan"). Under the 2010 Plan, the lesser
of (i) 30,000,000 shares or (ii) 10% of the total shares outstanding are reserved for issuance upon the exercise of options or the grant of stock bonuses. Under
the 2006 Stock Option Plan (the "2006 Plan"), the Company may grant non-statutory and incentive options to employees, directors and consultants for up to a
total of 5,000,000 shares of common stock. However, as of May 1, 2016, no additional options may be issued under the 2006 Plan.
Options are typically granted with an exercise price equal to the closing market price of the Company's stock at the date of grant, have a graded vesting schedule
over approximately one to two years and have a contractual term of two to 10 years.
F-17
EDGAR Stream is a copyright of Issuer Direct Corporation, all rights reserved.
A summary of the range of assumptions used to value stock options granted for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 and 2015 are as follows:
Options
2016
Expected volatility
Risk-free interest rate
Dividend yield
Expected term (in years)
65% – 84%
0.79% – 0.98%
—
2.50 – 3.50
Year Ended
October 31,
2015
—
—
—
—
During the year ended October 31, 2016, the Company granted options to acquire 4,075,000 shares of common stock with an exercise price of $CDN 0.075 and
300,000 shares of common stock with an exercise price of $CDN 0.255. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of stock options granted was $0.03 per
share. No options were exercised during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2016
No options were granted or exercised during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015.
The following is a summary of stock option activity for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 and 2015:
Options
Outstanding at October 31, 2014
Forfeited or Cancelled
Outstanding at October 31, 2015
Granted
Expired
Forfeited or Cancelled
Outstanding at October 31, 2016
Exercisable at October 31, 2016
Shares
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
11,422,144 $
(2,764,286)
8,657,858 $
4,375,000
(1,000,000)
(515,000)
11,517,858
8,601,192 $
0.50
0.64
0.46
0.06
0.85
0.46
0.28
0.35
Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
(Years)
3.00
2.36
2.66
2.09
Aggregate Intrinsic
Value
$
$
$
$
—
—
227,891
75,964
The Company recognized stock-based compensation costs for stock options of $102,993 and $104,169 for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 and 2015,
respectively. As of October 31, 2016, there remains $46,501 of total unrecognized compensation expense, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted
average period of 0.59 years.
Summarized information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at October 31, 2016 is as follows:
Options Outstanding
Options Exercisable
Exercise Price
0.06
0.19 – 0.26
0.37
0.44 – 0.60
2.18
0.06 – 2.18
$
$
Number Outstanding
4,075,000
2,625,000
1,705,000
3,070,000
42,858
11,517,858
Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
(Years)
4.32
3.06
1.65
0.70
1.22
2.66
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
Number Exercisable
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
1,358,334 $
2,425,000
1,705,000
3,070,000
42,858
8,601,192 $
0.06
0.26
0.37
0.51
2.18
0.35
0.06
0.25
0.37
0.51
2.18
0.28
$
$
F-18
EDGAR Stream is a copyright of Issuer Direct Corporation, all rights reserved.
NOTE 13 - WARRANTS
A summary of warrant activity for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 and 2015 is as follows:
Warrants
Shares
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
(Years)
Aggregate Intrinsic
Value
Outstanding at October 31, 2014 and 2015
Issued in the $CDN 0.13 Unit private placement (Note
11)
Issued in the $CDN 0.15 Unit private placement (Note
11)
Placement Agent's Warrants
Exercised
Expired
Outstanding and exercisable at October 31, 2016
— $
11,362,310 $
4,340,000
200,400
(3,120,000)
(8,242,310)
4,540,400 $
—
0.12
0.12
0.16
0.12
0.12
0.12
—
$
—
2.67
$
—
During the year ended October 31, 2016, the Company issued 11,362,310 warrants with an exercise price of $CDN 0.16 in connection with the $CDN 0.13 Unit
private placement (Note 11).
During the year ended October 31, 2016, the Company issued 4,340,000 warrants with an exercise price of $CDN 0.16 in connection with the $CDN 0.15 Unit
private placement and issued 200,400 compensation warrants to a placement agent with an exercise price of $CDN 0.205 (Note 11). The fair value of the
Placement Agent's Warrants was determined to be $11,621 based upon the Black-Scholes pricing model using a risk-free interest rate of 0.73%, expected
volatility of 89%, dividend yield of 0%, and a contractual term of two years.
On August 5, 2016, the warrant expiry acceleration clause contained in the $CDN 0.13 Warrants was triggered following a period of five consecutive trading
days in which the closing price of the common stock of the Company on the OTCQB Venture Marketplace was $0.18 or higher. In total, 11,362,310 $CDN 0.13
Warrants were accelerated with a new expiration date of September 19, 2016. On September 15, 2016, 2,500,000 warrants to acquire 2,500,000 shares of
common stock were exercised at an exercise price of $CDN 0.16 per share of common stock. On September 19, 2016, 620,000 warrants to acquire 620,000
shares of common stock were exercised at an exercise price of $CDN 0.16 per share of common stock. These warrants had an intrinsic value of $57,737 at the
time of exercise. On September 19, 2016, 8,242,310 $CDN 0.13 Warrants expired.
No warrants were issued or exercised during the year ended October 31, 2015.
Summarized information about warrants outstanding and exercisable at October 31, 2016 is as follows:
Exercise Price
0.12
0.15
0.12 – 0.15
$
$
Warrants Outstanding and Exercisable
Number
Outstanding
Weighted Average
Remaining Contractual
Life (Years)
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
4,340,000
200,400
4,540,400
2.72
1.72
2.67
$
$
0.12
0.15
0.12
NOTE 14 – INCOME TAXES
Provision for Taxes
The Company files a United States federal income tax return and a Canadian branch return on a fiscal year-end basis and files Mexican income tax returns for
its three Mexican subsidiaries on a calendar year-end basis. The Company and two of its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Minera Metalin and Minas, have not
generated taxable income since inception. Contratistas, another wholly- owned Mexican subsidiary, has historically generated taxable income based upon
intercompany fees billed to Minera Metalin on the services it provides.
On April 16, 2010, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company was merged with and into Dome, resulting in Dome becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Company. Dome, a Delaware corporation files a tax return in the United States as part of the Company's consolidated tax return and African Resources files a
tax return in Gabon, Africa. Dome and its subsidiaries do not currently generate taxable income.
F-19
EDGAR Stream is a copyright of Issuer Direct Corporation, all rights reserved.
The components of loss before income taxes were as follows:
United States
Foreign
Loss from continuing operations
Income from discontinued operations
Loss before income taxes
The components of the provision for income taxes are as follows:
Foreign
Current tax expense
Deferred tax expense
Total from continuing operations
Total from discontinued operations
For the year ended
October 31,
2016
(1,363,000) $
(863,000)
(2,226,000)
—
(2,226,000) $
2015
(1,657,000)
(17,216,000)
(18,873,000)
128,000
(18,745,000)
For the year ended
October 31,
2016
2015
9,000 $
—
9,000
—
9,000 $
—
—
—
—
—
$
$
$
$
The Company's provision for income taxes for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2016 consisted of a tax expense of $9,108 related to a provision for income
taxes for Contratistas and the Silver Bull Canadian branch return for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2016.
The reconciliation of the provision for income taxes computed at the U.S. statutory rate to the provision for income tax as shown in the statement of operations
and comprehensive loss is as follows:
For the year ended
October 31,
2016
2015
Income tax benefit calculated at U.S. federal income tax rate
$
(779,000) $
(6,561,000)
Differences arising from:
Permanent differences due to goodwill impairment (Note 8)
Other permanent differences
Differences due to foreign income tax rates
Adjustment to prior year taxes
Inflation adjustment foreign net operating loss
Foreign currency fluctuations
Decrease in valuation allowance
Net operation loss carry forwards expiration – Mexico
Other
Net income tax provision
—
40,000
43,000
493,000
(242,000)
1,731,000
(1,452,000)
173,000
2,000
9,000 $
4,931,000
(944,000)
1,210,000
(223,000)
(272,000)
2,091,000
(544,000)
220,000
92,000
—
$
F-20
EDGAR Stream is a copyright of Issuer Direct Corporation, all rights reserved.
The components of the deferred tax assets at October 31, 2016 and 2015 were as follows:
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carry forwards – U.S.
Net capital loss carry forwards – U.S.
Net operating loss carry forwards – Mexico
Stock-based compensation – U.S.
Exploration costs
Other – U.S.
Other – Mexico
Total net deferred tax assets
Less: valuation allowance
Net deferred tax asset
October 31,
2016
2015
$
$
11,353,000 $
103,000
8,300,000
24,000
—
35,000
19,000
19,834,000
(19,834,000)
— $
11,322,000
165,000
9,148,000
53,000
560,000
21,000
20,000
21,289,000
(21,289,000)
—
At October 31, 2016, the Company has U.S. net operating loss carry-forwards of approximately $32 million which expire in the years 2018 through 2036. The
Company has U.S net capital loss carry-forwards of approximately $0.3 million which expire in the year 2020. The Company has approximately $28 million of net
operating loss carry-forwards in Mexico which expire in the years 2017 through 2026.
The valuation allowance for deferred tax assets of $19.8 million and $21.3 million at October 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, relates principally to the
uncertainty of the utilization of certain deferred tax assets, primarily net operating loss carry forwards in various tax jurisdictions. The Company continually
assesses both positive and negative evidence to determine whether it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets can be realized prior to their expiration.
Based on the Company's assessment, it has determined that the deferred tax assets are not currently realizable.
Net Operating Loss Carry Forward Limitation
The Tax Reform Act of 1986 contains provisions that limit the utilization of net operating loss and tax credit carry forwards if there has been a change in
ownership as described in Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. As a result of the Dome merger in April 2010, substantial changes in the Company's
ownership have occurred that may limit or reduce the amount of net operating loss carry forwards that the Company could utilize in the future to offset taxable
income. The Company has not completed a detailed Section 382 study at this time to determine what impact, if any, that ownership changes may have had on
its operating loss carry forwards. In each period since its inception, the Company has recorded a valuation allowance for the full amount of its deferred tax
assets, as the realization of the deferred tax asset is uncertain. As a result, the Company has not recognized any federal or state income tax benefit in its
consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss.
Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes
During the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company has not identified any unrecognized tax benefits or had any additions or reductions in
tax positions and therefore a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is not presented.
The Company does not have any unrecognized tax benefits as of October 31, 2016, and accordingly the Company's effective tax rate will not be materially
affected by unrecognized tax benefits.
The following tax years remain open to examination by the Company's principal tax jurisdictions:
United States:
Mexico:
Canada:
Gabon, Africa:
2012 and all following years
2011 and all following years
2012 and all following years
2013 and all following years
The Company has not identified any uncertain tax position for which it is reasonably possible that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefit will significantly
increase or decrease within the next 12 months.
The Company's policy is to classify tax related interest and penalties as income tax expense. There is no interest or penalties estimated on the underpayment of
income taxes as a result of unrecognized tax benefits.
F-21
EDGAR Stream is a copyright of Issuer Direct Corporation, all rights reserved.
NOTE 15 – FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Fair Value Measurements
All financial assets and financial liabilities are recorded at fair value on initial recognition. Transaction costs are expensed when they are incurred, unless they
are directly attributable to the acquisition of financial assets or the assumption of liabilities carried at amortized cost, in which case the transaction costs adjust
the carrying amount.
The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:
Level 1
Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;
Level 2
Level 3
Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the
asset or liability; and
Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (supported by
little or no market activity).
Under fair value accounting, assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value
measurement. As of October 31, 2016 and October 31, 2015, the Company had no financial assets or liabilities required to be reported for fair value purposes.
The carrying amounts of the Company's financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts payable and accrued liabilities and expenses
approximate fair value at October 31, 2016 and October 31, 2015 due to the short maturities of these financial instruments.
Credit Risk
Credit risk is the risk that the counterparty to a financial instrument will cause a financial loss for the Company by failing to discharge its obligations. To mitigate
exposure to credit risk on financial assets, the Company has established policies to ensure liquidity of funds and ensure that counterparties demonstrate
minimum acceptable credit worthiness.
The Company maintains its U.S. dollar and $CDN cash and cash equivalents in bank and demand deposit accounts with major financial institutions with high
credit standings. Cash deposits held in the United States are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") for up to $250,000 and $CDN cash
deposits held in Canada are insured by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation ("CDIC") for up to $CDN 100,000. Certain United States and Canadian bank
accounts held by the Company exceed these federally insured limits or are uninsured as they related to U.S. dollar deposits held in Canadian financial
institutions. As of October 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company's cash and cash equivalent balances held in United States and Canadian financial institutions
included $1,375,673 and $854,979 respectively, which was not insured by the FDIC or CDIC. The Company has not experienced any losses on such accounts
and management believes that using major financial institutions with high credit ratings mitigates the credit risk in cash and cash equivalents.
The Company also maintains cash in bank accounts in Mexico and Gabon. These accounts are denominated in the local currency and are considered
uninsured. As of October 31, 2016 and 2015, the U.S. dollar equivalent balance for these accounts was $17,010 and $19,393, respectively.
Interest Rate Risk
The Company holds substantially all of the Company's cash and cash equivalents in bank and demand deposit accounts with major financial institutions. The
interest rates received on these balances may fluctuate with changes in economic conditions. Based on the average cash and cash equivalent balances during
the fiscal year ended October 31, 2016, a 1% decrease in interest rates would have resulted in a reduction in interest income for the period of approximately
$578.
Foreign Currency Exchange Risk
The Company is not subject to any material market risk related to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.
F-22
EDGAR Stream is a copyright of Issuer Direct Corporation, all rights reserved.
NOTE 16 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Compliance with Environmental Regulations
The Company's exploration activities are subject to laws and regulations controlling not only the exploration and mining of mineral properties, but also the effect
of such activities on the environment. Compliance with such laws and regulations may necessitate additional capital outlays or affect the economics of a project,
and cause changes or delays in the Company's activities.
Property Concessions Mexico
To properly maintain property concessions in Mexico, the Company is required to pay a semi-annual fee to the Mexican government and complete annual
assessment work.
Royalty
The Company has agreed to pay a 2% net smelter return royalty on certain property concessions within the Sierra Mojada Property based on the revenue
generated from production. Total payments under this royalty are limited to $6.875 million (the "Royalty").
Office Lease Commitment
The Company entered into a six-month office sub-lease agreement from July 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016 for the Company's corporate office in Vancouver,
Canada. Subsequent to December 31, 2016 the office sub-lease agreement is on a month to month basis. The monthly lease payment is $CDN 4,300. As of
October 31, 2016, one U.S. dollar approximates $CDN 1.34.
Litigation and Claims
On May 20, 2014, a local cooperative named Sociedad Cooperativa de Exploración Minera Mineros Norteños, S.C.L. ("Mineros Norteños") filed an action in the
Local First Civil Court in the District of Morelos, State of Chihuahua, Mexico, against the Company's subsidiary, Minera Metalin, claiming that Minera Metalin
breached an agreement regarding the development of the Sierra Mojada Project. On January 19, 2015, the case was moved to the Third District Court (of
federal jurisdiction). Mineros Norteños is seeking payment of the Royalty, including interest at a rate of 6% per annum since August 30, 2004, notwithstanding
that no revenue has been produced from the applicable mining concessions, and it is also seeking payment of wages to the cooperative's members since August
30, 2004, notwithstanding that none of the individuals were ever hired or performed work for Minera Metalin under this agreement and Minera Metalin never
committed to hiring them. The Company and the Company's Mexican legal counsel believe that this claim is without merit and have asserted all applicable
defenses. All necessary testimony and evidence has been produced before the court and the Company expects to receive a preliminary or final judgment of the
Third Circuit Court in Chihuahua prior to the end of the first quarter of 2017. The Company has not accrued any amounts in its consolidated financial statements
with respect to this claim.
On February 15, 2016, Messrs. Jaime Valdez Farias and Maria Asuncion Perez Alonso (collectively, "Valdez") filed an action before the Local First Civil Court of
Torreon, State of Coahuila, Mexico, against the Company's subsidiary, Minera Metalin, claiming that Minera Metalin had breached an agreement regarding the
development of the Sierra Mojada Project. Valdez seeks payment in the amount of $5.9 million for the alleged breach of the agreement. On April 28, 2016,
Minera Metalin filed its response to the complaint, asserting various defenses, including that Minera Metalin terminated the agreement before the payment
obligations arose and that certain conditions precedent to such payment obligations were never satisfied by Valdez. The lawsuit is currently in the phase of
evidence submission by the parties. The Company and the Company's Mexican legal counsel have asserted all applicable defenses. The Company has not
accrued any amounts in its consolidated financial statements with respect to this claim.
From time to time, the Company is involved in other disputes, claims, proceedings and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company
intends to vigorously defend all claims against the Company, and pursue its full legal rights in cases where the Company has been harmed. Although the
ultimate outcome of these proceedings cannot be accurately predicted due to the inherent uncertainty of litigation, in the opinion of management, based upon
current information, no other currently pending or overtly threatened proceeding is expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company's business,
financial condition or results of operations.
F-23
EDGAR Stream is a copyright of Issuer Direct Corporation, all rights reserved.
NOTE 17 – SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company operates in a single reportable segment: the exploration of mineral property interests. The Company has mineral property interests in Sierra
Mojada, Mexico.
Geographic information is approximately as follows:
Net loss
Mexico
Canada
Gabon
Loss from Continuing Operations
Income from Discontinued Operations
Net Loss
For the Year Ended
October 31,
2016
2015
$
$
(1,002,000) $
(1,218,000)
(15,000)
(2,235,000)
-
(2,235,000) $
(17,307,000)
(1,453,000)
(114,000)
(18,874,000)
128,000
(18,746,000)
The following table details allocation of assets included in the accompanying balance sheet at October 31, 2016:
Canada
Mexico
Gabon
Total
Cash and cash equivalents
Value-added tax receivable, net
Other receivables
Prepaid expenses and deposits
Assets held for sale
Office and mining equipment, net
Property concessions
Goodwill
$
$
1,450,000 $
-
3,000
93,000
-
-
-
-
1,546,000 $
17,000 $
117,000
2,000
23,000
21,000
226,000
5,005,000
2,058,000
7,469,000 $
- $
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- $
1,467,000
117,000
5,000
116,000
21,000
226,000
5,005,000
2,058,000
9,015,000
The following table details allocation of assets included in the accompanying balance sheet at October 31, 2015:
Cash and cash equivalents
Value-added tax receivable, net
Income tax and other receivables
Prepaid expenses and deposits
Office and mining equipment, net
Property concessions
Goodwill
Canada
Mexico
Gabon
Total
$
$
932,000 $
-
10,000
104,000
-
-
-
1,046,000 $
18,000 $
132,000
11,000
30,000
306,000
5,593,000
2,058,000
8,148,000 $
1,000 $
-
-
1,000
-
-
-
2,000 $
951,000
132,000
21,000
135,000
306,000
5,593,000
2,058,000
9,196,000
The Company has significant assets in Coahuila, Mexico. Although Mexico is generally considered economically stable, it is always possible that unanticipated
events in Mexico could disrupt the Company's operations. Neither the Mexican government nor the Gabonese government requires foreign entities to maintain
cash reserves in its respective country.
The following table details allocation of exploration and property holding costs for the exploration properties:
Exploration and property holding costs
Mexico Sierra Mojada
Gabon Mitzic
F-24
For the Year Ended
October 31,
2016
2015
$
$
(1,112,000) $
(15,000)
(1,127,000) $
(17,263,000)
(33,000)
(17,296,000)
EDGAR Stream is a copyright of Issuer Direct Corporation, all rights reserved.
EDGAR Stream is a copyright of Issuer Direct Corporation, all rights reserved.
We currently conduct our operations through subsidiaries. The names and ownership structure of our subsidiaries as of January 18, 2017 are set forth in
SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT
Exhibit 21.1
the chart below:
Name
Metalline, Inc. ("Metalline")
Contratistas de Sierra Mojada S.A. de C.V.
Minera Metalin S.A. de C.V.
Minas de Coahuila SBR S.A. de C.V.
Dome Ventures Corporation ("Dome")
Dome Asia Inc.
Dome Minerals Nigeria Limited
African Resources SARL Gabon
Jurisdiction of Incorporation or
Organization
Colorado, USA
Mexico
Mexico
Mexico
Delaware, USA
British Virgin Islands
Nigeria
Gabon
Ownership Percentage
100% by Silver Bull
98% by Silver Bull and 2% by Metalline
99.998% by Silver Bull and 0.002% by Metalline
100% by Minera Metalin S.A. de C.V.
100% by Silver Bull
100% by Dome
99.99% by Dome Asia Inc.
100% by Dome Asia Inc.
EDGAR Stream is a copyright of Issuer Direct Corporation, all rights reserved.
Exhibit 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-214228), as amended, Form S-3 (File No.
333-203393), as amended, and the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (File Nos. 333-140588, 333-171723, 333-180142 and 333-214229) of Silver Bull
Resources, Inc. (the "Company") of our report dated January 18, 2017 relating to the audit of the consolidated financial statements, which appears in this Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2016.
/s/ Smythe LLP
Smythe LLP
Vancouver, Canada
January 18, 2017
EDGAR Stream is a copyright of Issuer Direct Corporation, all rights reserved.
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-214228), as amended, Form S-3 (File No.
333-203393), as amended, and the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (File Nos. 333-140588, 333-171723, 333-180142 and 333-214229) of Silver Bull
Resources, Inc. (the "Company") of our report dated January 19, 2016 relating to the audit of the consolidated financial statements, which appears in this Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2016.
Exhibit 23.2
/s/ Hein & Associates LLP
Hein & Associates LLP
Denver, Colorado
January 18, 2017
EDGAR Stream is a copyright of Issuer Direct Corporation, all rights reserved.
Exhibit 23.3
CONSENT OF TUUN CONSULTING INC.
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference of any mineralized material and other analyses performed by us in our capacity as an independent
consultant to Silver Bull Resources, Inc. (the "Company"), which are set forth in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31,
2016, in the Company's Registration Statements on Form S-1 (File No. 333-214228), Form S-3 (File No. 333-203393), and Form S-8 (File Nos. 333-140588,
333-171723, 333-180142 and 333-214229), or in any prospectuses or amendments or supplements thereto. We also consent to the reference to us under the
heading "Experts" in such Registration Statements and any related amendments or prospectuses.
Date: January 18, 2017
TUUN CONSULTING INC.
By:
/s/ Allan Reeves
Name: Allan Reeves, P.Geo., PMP
Title: President
EDGAR Stream is a copyright of Issuer Direct Corporation, all rights reserved.
Exhibit 23.4
CONSENT OF AKF MINING SERVICES INC.
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference of any mineralized material and other analyses performed by us in our capacity as an independent
consultant to Silver Bull Resources, Inc. (the "Company"), which are set forth in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31,
2016, in the Company's Registration Statements on Form S-1 (File No. 333-214228), Form S-3 (File No. 333-203393), and Form S-8 (File Nos. 333-140588,
333-171723, 333-180142 and 333-214229), or in any prospectuses or amendments or supplements thereto. We also consent to the reference to us under the
heading "Experts" in such Registration Statements and any related amendments or prospectuses.
Date: January 18, 2017
AKF MINING SERVICES INC.
By:
/s/ Tony Loschiavo
Name: Tony Loschiavo
Title: President
EDGAR Stream is a copyright of Issuer Direct Corporation, all rights reserved.
CERTIFICATION OF CEO PURSUANT TO EXCHANGE ACT RULES 13a-14 AND 15d-14,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
Exhibit 31.1
I, Timothy Barry, certify that:
1.
I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Silver Bull Resources, 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(s) 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(s) 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 the 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.
Dated: January 18, 2017
By
/s/ Timothy Barry
Timothy Barry, President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principle Executive Officer)
EDGAR Stream is a copyright of Issuer Direct Corporation, all rights reserved.
EDGAR Stream is a copyright of Issuer Direct Corporation, all rights reserved.
CERTIFICATION OF CFO PURSUANT TO EXCHANGE ACT RULES 13a-14 AND 15d-14,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
Exhibit 31.2
I, Sean Fallis, certify that:
1.
I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Silver Bull Resources, 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(s) 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(s) 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 the 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.
Dated: January 18, 2017
By
/s/ Sean Fallis
Sean Fallis, Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)
EDGAR Stream is a copyright of Issuer Direct Corporation, all rights reserved.
Exhibit 32.1
CERTIFICATION OF CEO PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code), the undersigned officer of Silver
Bull Resources, Inc. (the "Company") does hereby certify with respect to the Annual Report of the Company on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2016
(the "Report") that:
1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
Dated: January 18, 2017
By
/s/ Timothy Barry
Timothy Barry, President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principle Executive Officer)
The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the
United States Code). It shall not be deemed filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. Section 78r) or otherwise subject
to the liability of that section. It shall also not be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates it by reference.
EDGAR Stream is a copyright of Issuer Direct Corporation, all rights reserved.
CERTIFICATION OF CFO PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
Exhibit 32.2
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code), the undersigned officer of Silver
Bull Resources, Inc. (the "Company") does hereby certify with respect to the Annual Report of the Company on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2016
(the "Report") that:
1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
Dated: January 18, 2017
By
/s/ Sean Fallis
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)
The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the
United States Code). It shall not be deemed filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. Section 78r) or otherwise subject
to the liability of that section. It shall also not be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates it by reference.
EDGAR Stream is a copyright of Issuer Direct Corporation, all rights reserved.