UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 
 

 
FORM 10-Q
 


  Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2017

OR

  Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the transition period from ____________ to ____________.
 
Commission File Number 0-13928
 
U.S. GLOBAL INVESTORS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Texas
74-1598370
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
 
 
7900 Callaghan Road
San Antonio, Texas
 
78229
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
 
(210) 308-1234
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
Not Applicable
(Former name, former address, and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
 
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 ☒   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 ☒   NO ☐
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer
Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer   (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company
Emerging growth company
 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes ☐   No ☒
 
On April 28, 2017, there were 13,866,601 shares of Registrant’s class A nonvoting common stock issued and 13,120,260 shares of Registrant’s class A nonvoting common stock issued and outstanding, no shares of Registrant’s class B nonvoting common shares outstanding, and 2,068,947 shares of Registrant’s class C voting common stock issued and outstanding.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
 
 
 
 
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
1
 
 
1
1
2
3
4
5
18
23
24
 
 
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
25
 
 
25
25
25
26
 
 
27
 
 
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
   
March 31, 2017
   
June 30, 2016
 
Assets
 
(UNAUDITED)
       
(dollars in thousands)
           
Current Assets
           
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
3,434
   
$
3,993
 
Restricted cash
   
1,000
     
1,000
 
Investment securities - trading, at fair value
   
9,720
     
10,104
 
Accounts and other receivables
   
803
     
787
 
Note receivable
   
2,000
     
2,000
 
Prepaid expenses
   
313
     
290
 
Total Current Assets
   
17,270
     
18,174
 
                 
Net Property and Equipment
   
2,273
     
2,466
 
                 
Other Assets
               
Investment securities - available-for-sale, at fair value
   
3,524
     
3,481
 
Other investments
   
2,637
     
1,924
 
Note receivable, long term
   
234
     
212
 
Other assets, long term
   
98
     
89
 
Total Other Assets
   
6,493
     
5,706
 
Total Assets
 
$
26,036
   
$
26,346
 
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
               
Current Liabilities
               
Accounts payable
 
$
99
   
$
148
 
Accrued compensation and related costs
   
326
     
451
 
Dividends payable
   
114
     
115
 
Other accrued expenses
   
507
     
586
 
Total Current Liabilities
   
1,046
     
1,300
 
                 
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 11)
               
                 
Shareholders’ Equity
               
Common stock (class A) - $0.025 par value; nonvoting; authorized, 28,000,000 shares; issued, 13,866,601 and 13,866,421 at March 31, 2017, and June 30, 2016, respectively
   
347
     
347
 
Common stock (class B) - $0.025 par value; nonvoting; authorized, 4,500,000 shares; no shares issued
   
-
     
-
 
Convertible common stock (class C) - $0.025 par value; voting; authorized, 3,500,000 shares; issued, 2,068,947 and 2,069,127 shares at March 31, 2017, and June 30, 2016, respectively
   
52
     
52
 
Additional paid-in-capital
   
15,648
     
15,651
 
Treasury stock, class A shares at cost; 740,985 and 688,700 shares at March 31, 2017, and June 30, 2016, respectively
   
(1,748
)
   
(1,663
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax
   
(16
)
   
(149
)
Retained earnings
   
10,185
     
10,290
 
Total U.S. Global Investors Inc. Shareholders’ Equity
   
24,468
     
24,528
 
Non-Controlling Interest in Subsidiary
   
522
     
518
 
Total Shareholders’ Equity
   
24,990
     
25,046
 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
 
$
26,036
   
$
26,346
 

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

 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

   
Nine Months Ended March 31,
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
 Operating Revenues
                       
 Advisory fees
 
$
5,064
   
$
3,615
   
$
1,604
   
$
1,279
 
 Administrative services fees
   
228
     
254
     
65
     
51
 
     
5,292
     
3,869
     
1,669
     
1,330
 
 Operating Expenses
                               
 Employee compensation and benefits
   
2,818
     
3,953
     
932
     
886
 
 General and administrative
   
2,569
     
3,345
     
836
     
871
 
 Advertising
   
108
     
182
     
28
     
33
 
 Depreciation and amortization
   
191
     
240
     
64
     
80
 
     
5,686
     
7,720
     
1,860
     
1,870
 
 Operating Loss
   
(394
)
   
(3,851
)
   
(191
)
   
(540
)
 Other Income
                               
 Investment income
   
663
     
411
     
161
     
148
 
 Total Other Income
   
663
     
411
     
161
     
148
 
 Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes
   
269
     
(3,440
)
   
(30
)
   
(392
)
 Provision for Income Taxes
                               
 Tax expense (benefit)
   
13
     
(5
)
   
3
     
(16
)
 Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations
   
256
     
(3,435
)
   
(33
)
   
(376
)
 Discontinued Operations
                               
 Loss from discontinued operations of distributor before income taxes
   
-
     
(18
)
   
-
     
-
 
 Tax benefit
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
 Loss from Discontinued Operations
   
-
     
(18
)
   
-
     
-
 
 Net Income (Loss)
   
256
     
(3,453
)
   
(33
)
   
(376
)
 Less: Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Non-Controlling Interest
   
18
     
(23
)
   
-
     
(26
)
 Net Income (Loss) Attributable to U.S. Global Investors, Inc.
 
$
238
   
$
(3,430
)
 
$
(33
)
 
$
(350
)
                                 
 Earnings Per Share Attributable to U.S. Global Investors, Inc.
                               
 Basic
                               
 Income (loss) from continuing operations
 
$
0.02
   
$
(0.22
)
 
$
-
   
$
(0.02
)
 Loss from discontinued operations
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
 Net income (loss)
 
$
0.02
   
$
(0.22
)
 
$
-
   
$
(0.02
)
 Diluted
                               
 Income (loss) from continuing operations
 
$
0.02
   
$
(0.22
)
 
$
-
   
$
(0.02
)
 Loss from discontinued operations
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
 Net income (loss)
 
$
0.02
   
$
(0.22
)
 
$
-
   
$
(0.02
)
 Basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding
   
15,220,134
     
15,306,676
     
15,200,280
     
15,277,098
 
 Diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding
   
15,220,134
     
15,306,676
     
15,200,280
     
15,277,098
 


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


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED)

   
Nine Months Ended March 31,
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
 Net Income (Loss) Attributable to U.S. Global Investors, Inc.
 
$
238
   
$
(3,430
)
 
$
(33
)
 
$
(350
)
 Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax:
                               
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities arising during period
   
175
     
774
     
(194
)
   
417
 
Less:  reclassification adjustment for gains/losses included in net income
   
(15
)
   
(286
)
   
-
     
(14
)
Net change from available-for-sale investments, net of tax
   
160
     
488
     
(194
)
   
403
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
   
(42
)
   
(79
)
   
12
     
95
 
 Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
   
118
     
409
     
(182
)
   
498
 
 Comprehensive Income (Loss)
   
356
     
(3,021
)
   
(215
)
   
148
 
 Less: Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Non-Controlling Interest
   
(15
)
   
(28
)
   
4
     
33
 
 Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to U.S. Global Investors, Inc.
 
$
371
   
$
(2,993
)
 
$
(219
)
 
$
115
 


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

 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

   
Nine Months Ended March 31,
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
2017
   
2016
 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
           
Net income (loss)
 
$
256
   
$
(3,453
)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
         
Depreciation and amortization
   
191
     
240
 
Net recognized (gain) loss on securities
   
(15
)
   
2
 
Stock bonuses
   
4
     
11
 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Accounts and notes receivable
   
(42
)
   
1,080
 
Prepaid and other assets
   
(34
)
   
2
 
Trading securities
   
384
     
2,505
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
   
(248
)
   
(378
)
Total adjustments
   
240
     
3,462
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
496
     
9
 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
               
Purchase of property and equipment
   
-
     
(13
)
Purchase of available-for-sale securities
   
(518
)
   
-
 
Purchase of other investments
   
(776
)
   
(750
)
Proceeds on sale of available-for-sale securities
   
649
     
1,014
 
Return of capital on investment
   
63
     
32
 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
   
(582
)
   
283
 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
               
Issuance of common stock
   
4
     
59
 
Repurchases of common stock
   
(97
)
   
(269
)
Dividends paid
   
(342
)
   
(460
)
Net cash used in financing activities
   
(435
)
   
(670
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
   
(38
)
   
(72
)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
   
(559
)
   
(450
)
Beginning cash and cash equivalents
   
3,993
     
3,507
 
Ending cash and cash equivalents
 
$
3,434
   
$
3,057
 
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information
               
Cash paid for income taxes
 
$
12
   
$
-
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

NOTE 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

U.S. Global Investors, Inc. (the “Company” or “U.S. Global”) has prepared the consolidated financial statements pursuant to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) that permit reduced disclosure for interim periods. The financial information included herein reflects all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments), which are, in management’s opinion, necessary for a fair presentation of results for the interim periods presented. The Company has consistently followed the accounting policies set forth in the notes to the consolidated financial statements in the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016, except for the adoption of new accounting pronouncements discussed below.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries, U.S. Global Brokerage, Inc., U.S. Global Investors (Bermuda) Limited, U.S. Global Investors (Canada) Limited (“USCAN”), and U.S. Global Indices, LLC, and its 65 percent interest in Galileo Global Equity Advisor Inc. (“Galileo”). U.S. Global Brokerage, Inc. ceased operations in December 2015 as discussed in Note 12.

Galileo is consolidated with the operations of the Company. The non-controlling interest in this subsidiary is included in “non-controlling interest in subsidiary” in the equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Frank Holmes, CEO, and Susan McGee, President and General Counsel, serve as directors of Galileo.

The Company’s evaluation for consolidation includes whether entities in which it has an interest or from which it receives fees are variable interest entities (“VIEs”) and whether the Company is the primary beneficiary of any VIEs identified in its analysis. A VIE is an entity in which either (a) the equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its own activities without additional financial support or (b) the group of holders of the equity investment at risk lack certain characteristics of a controlling financial interest. The primary beneficiary is the entity that has the obligation to absorb a majority of the expected losses or the right to receive the majority of the residual returns and consolidates the VIE on the basis of having a controlling financial interest.

The Company holds variable interests in, but is not deemed to be the primary beneficiary of, certain funds it advises. The Company’s interests in these VIEs consist of the Company’s direct ownership therein and any fees earned but uncollected. In the ordinary course of business, the Company may choose to waive certain fees or assume operating expenses of the funds it advises for competitive, regulatory or contractual reasons (see Note 3 for information regarding fee waivers). The Company has not provided financial support to any of these entities outside the ordinary course of business. The Company’s risk of loss with respect to these VIEs is limited to the carrying value of its investments in, and fees receivable from, the entities. The Company does not consolidate these VIEs because it is not the primary beneficiary. The Company’s total exposure to unconsolidated VIEs, consisting of the carrying value of investment securities and receivables for fees, was $11.4 million at March 31, 2017, and $11.8 million at June 30, 2016.

All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain amounts have been reclassified for comparative purposes. The results of operations for the nine months ended March 31, 2017, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year.

The unaudited interim financial information in these condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements contained in the Company’s annual report.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting Pronouncements Adopted During the Period

In February 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-02, Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis (“ASU 2015-02”), which amends the consolidation requirements in ASC 810, Consolidation. This standard modifies existing consolidation guidance for reporting organizations that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. ASU 2015-02 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2015, and requires either a retrospective or a modified retrospective approach to adoption. The Company adopted this standard on a modified retrospective approach effective July 1, 2016. The adoption did not result in any change in consolidated entities. See further discussion of the Company’s analysis for consolidation in Note 1, Basis of Presentation.

In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-07, Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent) (“ASU 2015-07”). ASU 2015-07 removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the NAV per share practical expedient. The update is effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and requires the retrospective adoption approach. The Company adopted this standard for the September 30, 2016, financial statements on a retrospective basis and modified the presentation of the fair value hierarchy tables included in the notes to financial statements.

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes (“ASU 2015-17”). ASU 2015-17 requires entities to present deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as noncurrent in a classified balance sheet. It simplifies the current guidance, which requires entities to separately present deferred tax assets and liabilities as current or noncurrent in a classified balance sheet. Netting by tax jurisdiction is still required under the new guidance. The update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods, and early adoption is permitted. Entities are permitted to apply the amendments either prospectively or retrospectively. The Company early adopted this guidance effective September 30, 2016, on a prospective basis. As a full reserve valuation allowance is recorded for deferred tax balances, adoption of the guidance did not result in any changes or reclassifications in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2016. No prior periods were retrospectively adjusted.

Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”), which supersedes nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is to recognize revenues when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 defines a five-step process to achieve this core principle and, in doing so, more judgment and estimates may be required within the revenue recognition process than are required under existing U.S. GAAP. The standard will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods therein. Early adoption is permitted, but the Company currently does not expect to implement the new standard before the required effective date. The standard allows adoption using either of the following transition methods: (i) a full retrospective approach reflecting the application of the standard in each prior reporting period with the option to elect certain practical expedients, or (ii) a retrospective approach with the cumulative effect of initially adopting ASU 2014-09 recognized at the date of adoption (which includes additional footnote disclosures). Management has not yet determined the method by which it will adopt the standard. The Company is in the process of evaluating its contracts using the prescribed five-step process to determine the impact of this standard and does not currently expect the adoption to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entitys Ability to Continue as a Going Concern (“ASU 2014-15”). This update requires an entity’s management to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued (or within one year after the date that the financial statements are available to be issued when applicable). When conditions or events raise substantial doubts about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, management shall disclose: i) the principal conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern; ii) management’s evaluation of the significance of those conditions or events in relation to the entity’s ability to meet its obligations; and iii) management’s plans that are intended to mitigate the conditions or events - and whether or not those plans alleviate the substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. ASU 2014-15 is effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual period and interim periods thereafter. Early application is permitted. Management does not currently anticipate that this update will have any impact on the Company’s financial statement disclosures.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“ASU 2016-01”). ASU 2016-01 amends the guidance on the classification and measurement of investments in equity securities. It also amends certain presentation and disclosure requirements. Under the amended guidance, all equity investments in unconsolidated entities (other than those accounted for using the equity method of accounting) will generally be measured at fair value through earnings. There will no longer be an available-for-sale classification (changes in fair value reported in other comprehensive income) for equity securities with readily determinable fair values. ASU 2016-01 is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. As indicated, when this standard is adopted, changes in the fair value of the Company’s investments securities classified as available-for-sale will no longer be reported through other comprehensive income, but rather through earnings, causing our investment income (loss) to be more volatile. The Company is currently evaluating other potential impacts of this standard on its consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (“ASU 2016-02”). ASU 2016-02 introduces a lessee model that brings most leases on the balance sheet. The new guidance will be effective for public business entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods therein. Early adoption is permitted. The Company’s current leases are primarily for equipment and for office space for the Canadian subsidiary. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts from Customers - Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net) (“ASU 2016-08”). ASU 2016-08 amends the guidance in ASU 2014-09, which is not yet effective. Among other things, the ASU clarifies that an entity should evaluate whether it is the principal or the agent for each specified good or service promised in a contract with a customer. The effective date and transition requirements for the amendments in ASU 2016-08 are the same as the effective date and transition requirements of ASU 2014-09. The Company is evaluating the effect of this ASU in conjunction with the evaluation of ASU 2014-09.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2016-09”). ASU 2016-09 includes provisions intended to simplify various aspects related to how share-based payments are accounted for and disclosed. ASU 2016-09 is effective for public business entities for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption will be permitted in any interim or annual period, as long as all elements of the new standard are adopted at the same time. Management currently does not expect to implement the new standard before the required effective date. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of this standard but does not currently expect the adoption to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”). ASU 2016-13 adds to U.S. GAAP an impairment model (known as the current expected credit loss (CECL) model) that is based on expected losses rather than incurred losses. Under the new guidance, an entity recognizes as an allowance its estimate of expected credit losses. ASU 2016-13 is effective for public business entities that are SEC filers for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those years. Earlier application is permitted only for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (“ASU 2016-15”). ASU 2016-15 may change how an entity classifies certain cash receipts and cash payments on its statement of cash flows to reduce existing diversity in practice. The guidance will generally be applied retrospectively and is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted, and the Company is in the process of determining whether the standard will be early adopted. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of this standard but does not currently expect the adoption to have a material impact on the consolidated statements of cash flows.

In November 2016, the FASB issued 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash (“ASU 2016-18”). Under ASU 2016-18, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents will be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-18 is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The guidance will be applied retrospectively, and early adoption is permitted. The Company is in the process of determining whether the standard will be early adopted.

NOTE 2. INVESTMENTS

As of March 31, 2017, the Company held investments with a fair value of approximately $13.2 million and a cost basis of approximately $14.0 million. The fair value of these investments is approximately 50.9 percent of the Company’s total assets. In addition, the Company held other investments of $2.6 million accounted for under the cost method of accounting. On March 31, 2017, the Company had $10.7 million and $430,000 at fair value invested in U.S. Global Investors Funds (“USGIF” or the “Funds”) and an offshore fund the Company advises, respectively. These amounts were included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as “trading securities” and “available-for-sale securities.”

Investments in securities classified as trading are reflected as current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at their fair value. Unrealized holding gains and losses on trading securities are included in earnings in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Investments in securities classified as available-for-sale, which may not be readily marketable, are reflected as non-current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at their fair value. Unrealized holding gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are excluded from earnings and reported in other comprehensive income as a separate component of shareholders’ equity until realized.

Other investments consist of equity investments in entities over which the Company is unable to exercise significant influence and which do not have readily determinable fair values. These investments are accounted for under the cost method of accounting and evaluated periodically for impairment.

The Company considers many factors in determining impairment, including the severity and duration of the decline in value below cost, the Company’s interest and ability to hold the security for a period of time sufficient for an anticipated recovery in value, and the financial condition and specific events related to the issuer. When an impairment of a security is determined to be other than temporary, the impairment is recognized as a loss in the Company’s earnings.

The Company records security transactions on trade date. Realized gains (losses) from security transactions are calculated on the first-in/first-out cost basis, unless otherwise identifiable, and are recorded in earnings on the date of sale.


The following details the components of the Company’s investments recorded as fair value as of March 31, 2017, and June 30, 2016.

   
March 31, 2017
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Cost
   
Gains
   
(Losses)
   
Fair Value
 
Trading securities1
                       
Mutual funds - Fixed income
 
$
8,884
   
$
50
   
$
(7
)
 
$
8,927
 
Mutual funds - Domestic equity
   
535
     
-
     
(172
)
   
363
 
Other
   
45
     
-
     
(45
)
   
-
 
Offshore fund
   
1,184
     
-
     
(754
)
   
430
 
Total trading securities
 
$
10,648
   
$
50
   
$
(978
)
 
$
9,720
 
                                 
Available-for-sale securities2
                               
Common stock - Domestic
 
$
109
   
$
16
   
$
-
   
$
125
 
Common stock - International
   
575
     
5
     
(233
)
   
347
 
Corporate debt
   
1,038
     
397
     
-
     
1,435
 
Mutual funds - Fixed income
   
1,148
     
1
     
(2
)
   
1,147
 
Mutual funds - Domestic equity
   
394
     
14
     
-
     
408
 
Other
   
55
     
7
     
-
     
62
 
Total available-for-sale securities3
 
$
3,319
   
$
440
   
$
(235
)
 
$
3,524
 
 
   
June 30, 2016
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Cost
   
Gains
   
(Losses)
   
Fair Value
 
Trading securities1
                       
Mutual funds - Fixed income
 
$
9,284
   
$
124
   
$
-
   
$
9,408
 
Mutual funds - Domestic equity
   
535
     
-
     
(197
)
   
338
 
Other
   
45
     
-
     
(45
)
   
-
 
Offshore fund
   
1,184
     
-
     
(826
)
   
358
 
Total trading securities
 
$
11,048
   
$
124
   
$
(1,068
)
 
$
10,104
 
                                 
Available-for-sale securities2
                               
Common stock - Domestic
 
$
109
   
$
21
   
$
-
   
$
130
 
Common stock - International
   
613
     
16
     
(83
)
   
546
 
Corporate debt
   
1,038
     
86
     
-
     
1,124
 
Mutual funds - Fixed income
   
1,226
     
18
     
(23
)
   
1,221
 
Mutual funds - Domestic equity
   
394
     
2
     
-
     
396
 
Other
   
56
     
8
     
-
     
64
 
Total available-for-sale securities3
 
$
3,436
   
$
151
   
$
(106
)
 
$
3,481
 

1  
Unrealized and realized gains and losses on trading securities are included in earnings in the statement of operations.
2  
Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are excluded from earnings and recorded in other comprehensive income as a separate component of shareholders’ equity until realized.
3  
Net unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities gross and net of tax as of March 31, 2017, are $205 and $205, respectively, and as of June 30, 2016, are $45 and $45, respectively.

Investment income can be volatile and varies depending on market fluctuations, the Company’s ability to participate in investment opportunities, and timing of transactions. The Company expects that gains and losses will continue to fluctuate in the future.

Investment income (loss) from the Company’s investments includes:

•  
realized gains and losses on sales of securities;
•  
unrealized gains and losses on trading securities;
•  
realized foreign currency gains and losses;
•  
other-than-temporary impairments on available-for-sale securities;
•  
other-than-temporary impairments on held-at-cost securities; and
•  
dividend and interest income.


The following summarizes investment income (loss) reflected in earnings for the periods discussed:

(dollars in thousands)
 
Nine Months Ended March 31,
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Investment Income
 
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
Realized gains on sales of available-for-sale securities
 
$
31
   
$
545
   
$
-
   
$
14
 
Realized gains (losses) on sales of trading securities
   
-
     
(32
)
   
-
     
3
 
Unrealized gains (losses) on trading securities
   
16
     
(103
)
   
42
     
30
 
Realized foreign currency gains (losses)
   
(25
)
   
24
     
(20
)
   
(28
)
Other-than-temporary declines in available-for-sale securities
   
(16
)
   
(259
)
   
-
     
-
 
Other-than-temporary declines in securities held at cost
   
-
     
(258
)
   
-
     
-
 
Dividend and interest income
   
657
     
494
     
139
     
129
 
Total Investment Income
 
$
663
   
$
411
   
$
161
   
$
148
 

Included in investment income were other-than temporary declines in value on available-for-sale securities of approximately $16,000 for the nine months ended March 31, 2017, and $259,000 for the nine months ended March 31, 2016, respectively. There were no impairment losses for the three months ended March 31, 2017, and 2016. The impairment losses resulted from fair values of securities being lower than book value and from proposed changes to debt securities. During the nine months ended March 31, 2017, two securities with a combined cost basis of $98,000 were written down to a combined fair value of $82,000. During the nine months ended March 31, 2016, eight securities with a combined cost basis of $702,000 were written down to a combined fair value of $466,000. Also during the nine months ended March 31, 2016, a debt security with a cost basis of $970,000 was written down to $947,000 based on the net present value of estimated cash flows. Also included in investment income for the nine months ended March 31, 2016, were other-than-temporary declines in value on securities held at cost of approximately $258,000. The impairment loss resulted from the estimated values of certain securities being lower than cost. Three securities held at cost with a combined cost basis of $1.1 million were written down to a combined adjusted cost basis of $867,000. In making these determinations, the Company considered the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than cost basis, financial condition and prospects of the issuers and the Company’s ability to hold the investment until recovery.

Unrealized Losses

The following tables show the gross unrealized losses and fair values of available-for-sale investment securities with unrealized losses aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position. The Company reviewed the gross unrealized losses shown as of March 31, 2017, and determined that the losses were not other-than-temporary based on consideration of the nature of the investment and the cause, severity and duration of the loss.

   
March 31, 2017
 
   
Less Than 12 Months
   
12 Months or Greater
   
Total
       
         
Gross
         
Gross
         
Gross
 
         
Unrealized
         
Unrealized
         
Unrealized
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Fair Value
   
Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Losses
 
Available-for-sale securities
                                   
Common stock - Domestic
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
Common stock - International
   
295
     
(233
)
   
-
     
-
     
295
     
(233
)
Corporate debt
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Mutual funds - Fixed income
   
-
     
-
     
98
     
(2
)
   
98
     
(2
)
Mutual funds - Domestic equity
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Other
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Total available-for-sale securities
 
$
295
   
$
(233
)
 
$
98
   
$
(2
)
 
$
393
   
$
(235
)
 
   
June 30, 2016
 
   
Less Than 12 Months
   
12 Months or Greater
   
Total
       
         
Gross
         
Gross
         
Gross
 
         
Unrealized
         
Unrealized
         
Unrealized
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Fair Value
   
Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Losses
 
Available-for-sale securities
                                   
Common stock - Domestic
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
Common stock - International
   
246
     
(60
)
   
23
     
(23
)
   
269
     
(83
)
Corporate debt
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Mutual funds - Fixed income
   
1
     
-
     
201
     
(23
)
   
202
     
(23
)
Mutual funds - Domestic equity
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Other
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Total available-for-sale securities
 
$
247
   
$
(60
)
 
$
224
   
$
(46
)
 
$
471
   
$
(106
)


Fair Value Hierarchy

ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures, defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC 820 establishes a hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value and requires companies to disclose the fair value of their financial instruments according to a fair value hierarchy (i.e., Levels 1, 2, and 3 inputs, as defined below). The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs.

Financial instruments measured and reported at fair value are classified and disclosed in one of the following categories:
Level 1 – Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the reporting date. Since valuations are based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available in an active market, value of these products does not entail a significant degree of judgment.
Level 2 – Valuations based on quoted prices in markets for which not all significant inputs are observable, directly or indirectly. Corporate debt securities valued in accordance with the evaluated price supplied by an independent service are categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy. Other securities categorized as Level 2 include securities valued at the mean between the last reported bid and ask quotation.
Level 3 – Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the financial instrument. The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with the investing in those securities. Because of the inherent uncertainties of valuation, the values reflected may materially differ from the values received upon actual sale of those investments.

For actively traded securities, the Company values investments using the closing price of the securities on the exchange or market on which the securities principally trade. If the security is not traded on the last business day of the quarter, it is generally valued at the mean between the last bid and ask quotation. Mutual funds, which include open- and closed-end funds, exchange-traded funds, and offshore funds, are valued at net asset value or closing price, as applicable. Certain corporate debt securities not traded on an exchange may be valued by an independent pricing service using an evaluated quote based on such factors as institutional-size trading in similar groups of securities, yield, quality maturity, coupon rate, type of issuance and individual trading characteristics and other market data. As part of its independent price verification process, the Company periodically reviews the fair value provided by the pricing service using information such as transactions in these investments, broker quotes, market transactions in comparable investments, general market conditions and the issuer’s financial condition. Certain debt securities may be valued based on review of similarly structured issuances in similar jurisdictions, when possible, or based on other traded debt securities issued by the issuer. The Company also takes into consideration numerous other factors that could affect valuation such as overall market conditions, liquidity of the security and bond structure. Securities for which market quotations are not readily available are valued at their fair value as determined by the portfolio management team. The portfolio management team includes representatives from the investment, accounting and legal/compliance departments. The portfolio management team meets periodically to consider a number of factors in determining a security’s fair value, including the security’s trading volume, market values of similar class issuances, investment personnel’s judgment regarding the market experience of the issuer, financial status of the issuer, the issuer’s management, and back testing, as appropriate. The fair values may differ from what may have been used had a broader market for these securities existed. The portfolio management team reviews inputs and assumptions and reports material items to the board of directors.


The following presents fair value measurements, as of March 31, 2017, and June 30, 2016, for the major categories of U.S. Global’s investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

   
March 31, 2017
 
         
Significant
   
Significant
       
           Other     Unobservable        
   
Quoted Prices
   
Inputs
   
Inputs
       
(dollars in thousands)
 
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
   
Total
 
Trading securities
                       
Mutual funds - Fixed income
 
$
8,927
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
8,927
 
Mutual funds - Domestic equity
   
363
     
-
     
-
     
363
 
Other
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Offshore fund investment measured at net asset value1
                           
430
 
Total trading securities
   
9,290
     
-
     
-
     
9,720
 
Available-for-sale securities
                         
Common stock - Domestic
   
125
     
-
     
-
     
125
 
Common stock - International
   
347
     
-
     
-
     
347
 
Corporate debt
   
1,435
     
-
     
-
     
1,435
 
Mutual funds - Fixed income
   
1,147
     
-
     
-
     
1,147
 
Mutual funds - Domestic equity
   
408
     
-
     
-
     
408
 
Other
   
62
     
-
     
-
     
62
 
Total available-for-sale securities
   
3,524
     
-
     
-
     
3,524
 
Total
 
$
12,814
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
13,244
 
 
   
June 30, 2017
 
         
Significant
   
Significant
       
          Other     Unobservable        
   
Quoted Prices
   
Inputs
   
Inputs
       
(dollars in thousands)
 
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
   
Total
 
Trading securities
                       
Mutual funds - Fixed income
 
$
9,408
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
9,408
 
Mutual funds - Domestic equity
   
338
     
-
     
-
     
338
 
Other
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Offshore fund investment measured at net asset value1
                           
358
 
Total trading securities
   
9,746
     
-
     
-
     
10,104
 
Available-for-sale securities
                         
Common stock - Domestic
   
130
     
-
     
-
     
130
 
Common stock - International
   
546
     
-
     
-
     
546
 
Corporate debt
   
1,124
     
-
     
-
     
1,124
 
Mutual funds - Fixed income
   
1,221
     
-
     
-
     
1,221
 
Mutual funds - Domestic equity
   
396
     
-
     
-
     
396
 
Other
   
64
     
-
     
-
     
64
 
Total available-for-sale securities
   
3,481
     
-
     
-
     
3,481
 
Total
 
$
13,227
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
13,585
 
 
1  
In accordance with Subtopic 820-10, certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

As of March 31, 2017, and June 30, 2016, 100 percent of the Company’s financial assets classified in the fair value hierarchy were derived from Level 1 inputs. The Company recognizes transfers between levels at the end of each quarter.

The Company’s available-for-sale investments in corporate debt securities mature in 2020.

The Company has an investment in an affiliated offshore fund, classified as trading, which invests in companies in the energy and natural resources sectors. The fair value of this investment has been estimated based on the net asset value per share at $430,000 and $358,000 as of March 31, 2017, and June 30, 2016, respectively. The Company may redeem this investment on the first business day of each month after providing a redemption notice at least forty-five days prior to the proposed redemption date.


The following table is a reconciliation of investments for which unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value during the nine months ended March 31, 2017, and March 31, 2016:

Changes in Level 3 Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
 
   
March 31, 2017
   
March 31, 2016
 
(dollars in thousands)
       
Corporate Debt
 
Beginning Balance
 
$
-
   
$
539
 
Return of capital
   
-
     
(13
)
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized)
               
Included in earnings (investment income)
   
-
     
(23
)
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)
   
-
     
710
 
Purchases
   
-
     
-
 
Sales
   
-
     
-
 
    Transfers into Level 3
   
-
     
-
 
    Transfers out of Level 3
   
-
     
(1,001
)
Ending Balance
 
$
-
   
$
212
 

The transfers out of Level 3 shown above in the prior period were corporate debt securities that were transferred to Level 1 when they started trading on a market. The securities previously had been valued based on other traded debt from the same issuer.

NOTE 3. INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND OTHER FEES

The Company serves as investment adviser to USGIF and receives a fee based on a specified percentage of net assets under management. The Company recorded base advisory fees from USGIF totaling $1.2 million and $3.8 million, respectively, for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2017, compared with $869,000 and $2.6 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods in the prior fiscal year.

The advisory agreement for the equity funds within USGIF provides for a base advisory fee that is adjusted upwards or downwards by 0.25 percent when there is a performance difference of 5 percent or more between a fund’s performance and that of its designated benchmark index over the prior rolling 12 months. For the three and nine months ended March 31, 2017, the Company realized a (decrease) increase in its base advisory fees from USGIF of ($16,000) and $14,000, respectively. For the corresponding periods in the prior fiscal year, the Company realized an increase (decrease) in its base advisory fees from USGIF of $58,000 and ($180,000), respectively.

The Company has agreed to contractually limit the expenses of the Near-Term Tax Free Fund through April 2018. The Company has voluntarily waived or reduced its fees and/or agreed to pay expenses on the remaining USGIF funds. These caps will continue on a voluntary basis at the Company’s discretion. The aggregate fees waived and expenses borne by the Company for USGIF for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2017, were $218,000 and $764,000, respectively, compared with $311,000 and $1.1 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods in the prior fiscal year. Management cannot predict the impact of future waivers due the number of variables and the range of potential outcomes.

The Company receives administrative service fees from USGIF based on the average daily net assets at an annual rate 0.05 percent per investor class and 0.04 percent per institutional class of each fund. Effective December 10, 2015, the agreement was amended and the level of administrative services performed and corresponding fees was reduced. Prior to the amendment, the administrative fees were at an annual rate of 0.10 percent per investor class and 0.08 percent per institutional class of each fund, plus a base fee of $7,000 per fund.

As of March 31, 2017, the Company had $626,000 in receivables from fund clients, of which $448,000 was from USGIF.

The Company also serves as investment adviser to an exchange traded fund (“ETF’) client, U.S. Global Jets ETF, which commenced operations in April 2015. The Company receives a unitary management fee of 0.60 percent of average net assets and has agreed to bear all expenses of the ETF. The Company recorded ETF advisory fees totaling $98,000 and $239,000, respectively, for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2017, compared with $74,000 and $217,000, respectively, for the corresponding periods in the prior fiscal year.

The Company provides advisory services for offshore clients and receives advisory fees based on the net asset values of the clients and performance fees, if any, based on the overall increase in net asset values. The Company recorded advisory fees from these clients of $34,000 and $102,000, respectively, for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2017, compared with $22,000 and $66,000, respectively, for the corresponding periods in the prior fiscal year. The Company recorded no performance fees from these clients for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2017, and 2016. Frank Holmes, CEO, serves as a director of the offshore clients.

Galileo provides advisory services for clients in Canada and receives advisory fees based on the net asset values of the clients. Galileo recorded advisory fees from these clients totaling $285,000 and $887,000, respectively, for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2017, compared with $255,000 and $879,000, respectively, for the corresponding periods in the prior fiscal year.

NOTE 4. NOTES RECEIVABLE

The Company has invested in notes receivable consisting of two promissory notes. One note in the amount of $2 million was entered into with an unrelated third party in June 2016 and matures in June 2017. The note has a one-year extension option by the issuer upon payment of a 2.5 percent extension fee. The note bears interest at 12 percent, with 10 percent payable monthly and 2 percent payable at maturity. In case of prepayment, there would be a penalty for the amount of lost interest.

The other note of $234,000 is with an unrelated third party, has an annual interest rate of 15 percent and matures in 2021. This note was amended in November 2016. Upon amendment, the maturity date was extended from 2017 to 2021, unpaid interest was added to the principal, and provisions for penalty interest were added for failure to make scheduled interest or principal payments or failure to provide timely financial statements. Principal repayments on the amended note are scheduled to start in February 2019.

The Company considered the credit quality of the other parties and determined that no allowance for credit losses is necessary.

NOTE 5. BORROWINGS

As of March 31, 2017, the Company has no borrowings or long-term liabilities.

The Company has access to a $1 million credit facility for working capital purposes. The credit agreement requires the Company to maintain certain covenants; the Company has been in compliance with these covenants during the current fiscal year. The credit agreement will expire on May 31, 2017, and the Company intends to renew annually. The credit facility is collateralized by $1 million at March 31, 2017, shown as restricted cash on the balance sheet, held in deposit in a money market account at the financial institution that provided the credit facility. As of March 31, 2017, the credit facility remains unutilized by the Company.

NOTE 6. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Payment of cash dividends is within the discretion of the Company’s board of directors and is dependent on earnings, operations, capital requirements, general financial condition of the Company, and general business conditions. A monthly dividend of $0.0025 per share was paid for July 2016 through March 2017 and is authorized through June 2017, at which time it will be considered for continuation by the Board.

The Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program on December 7, 2012, authorizing the Company to purchase up to $2.75 million of its outstanding common shares, as market and business conditions warrant, on the open market in compliance with Rule 10b-18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 through December 31, 2013. On December 12, 2013, December 10, 2014, December 9, 2015, and December 6, 2016, the Board of Directors renewed the repurchase program for calendar years 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively. The total amount of shares that may be repurchased in calendar year 2017 under the renewed program is $2.75 million. The acquired shares may be used for corporate purposes, including shares issued to employees in the Company’s stock-based compensation programs. For the three and nine months ended March 31, 2017, the Company repurchased 9,879 and 57,431 class A shares using cash of $17,000 and $97,000, respectively.

Stock compensation plans

The Company’s stock option plans provide for the granting of class A shares as either incentive or nonqualified stock options to employees and non-employee directors. Options are subject to terms and conditions determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. There were 2,000 options outstanding and exercisable at March 31, 2017, at a weighted average exercise price of $12.31. There were no options granted, exercised or forfeited for the nine months ended March 31, 2017.

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718 Compensation – Stock Compensation. Stock-based compensation expense is recorded for the cost of stock options. There was no stock-based compensation expense for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2017, and 2016. As of March 31, 2017, and 2016, there was no unrecognized share-based compensation cost related to share-based compensation granted under the plans to be recognized over the remainder of their respective vesting periods.


NOTE 7. EARNINGS PER SHARE

The basic earnings per share (“EPS”) calculation excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution of EPS that could occur if options to issue common stock were exercised.

The following table sets forth the computation for basic and diluted EPS:

   
Nine Months Ended March 31,
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
Net Income (Loss)
                       
Income (loss) from continuing operations
 
$
256
   
$
(3,435
)
 
$
(33
)
 
$
(376
)
Less:  Income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest in subsidiary
   
18
     
(23
)
   
-
     
(26
)
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to U.S. Global Investors, Inc.
   
238
     
(3,412
)
   
(33
)
   
(350
)
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to U.S. Global Investors, Inc.
   
-
     
(18
)
   
-
     
-
 
Net income (loss) attributable to U.S. Global Investors, Inc.
 
$
238
   
$
(3,430
)
 
$
(33
)
 
$
(350
)
                                 
Weighted average number of outstanding shares
                               
     Basic
   
15,220,134
     
15,306,676
     
15,200,280
     
15,277,098
 
Effect of dilutive securities
                               
     Employee stock options
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
     Diluted
   
15,220,134
     
15,306,676
     
15,200,280
     
15,277,098
 
                                 
Earnings Per Share Attributable to U.S. Global Investors, Inc.
                               
Basic
                               
 Income (loss) from continuing operations
 
$
0.02
   
$
(0.22
)
 
$
-
   
$
(0.02
)
 Loss from discontinued operations
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
 Net income (loss)
 
$
0.02
   
$
(0.22
)
 
$
-
   
$
(0.02
)
Diluted
                               
 Income (loss) from continuing operations
 
$
0.02
   
$
(0.22
)
 
$
-
   
$
(0.02
)
 Loss from discontinued operations
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
 Net income (loss)
 
$
0.02
   
$
(0.22
)
 
$
-
   
$
(0.02
)
 
The diluted EPS calculation excludes the effect of stock options when their exercise prices exceed the average market price for the period. For the three and nine months ended March 31, 2017, and 2016, 2,000 options were excluded from diluted EPS.

During the three and nine months ended March 31, 2017, and 2016, the Company repurchased class A shares on the open market. Upon repurchase, these shares are classified as treasury shares and are deducted from outstanding shares in the earnings per share calculation.

NOTE 8. INCOME TAXES

The Company and its non-Canadian subsidiaries file a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return. USCAN and Galileo file separate tax returns in Canada. Provisions for income taxes include deferred taxes for temporary differences in the bases of assets and liabilities for financial and tax purposes, resulting from the use of the liability method of accounting for income taxes. The Company has not recognized deferred income taxes on undistributed earnings of Galileo since such earnings are considered to be reinvested indefinitely.

For federal income tax purposes at March 31, 2017, the Company has charitable contribution carryovers totaling approximately $146,000, with $68,000 expiring in fiscal year 2018, $34,000 expiring in fiscal year 2019, $19,000 expiring in fiscal year 2020, $5,000 expiring in fiscal year 2021 and $20,000 expiring in fiscal year 2022. The Company has federal net operating loss carryovers of $5.1 million with $2.4 million expiring in fiscal year 2035 and $2.7 million expiring in fiscal year 2036. For Canadian income tax purposes, Galileo has cumulative eligible capital carryovers of $247,000 with no expiration and net operating loss carryovers of $112,000; $44,000 and $120,000 expiring in fiscal 2027, 2030 and 2036, respectively. If certain changes in the Company’s ownership should occur, there could be an annual limitation on the amount of net operating loss carryovers that could be utilized.

A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax amount will not be realized. At March 31, 2017, and June 30, 2016, a valuation allowance of $3.0 million and $3.1 million, respectively, was included to fully reserve for net operating loss carryovers, other carryovers and book/tax differences in the balance sheet.

In November 2015, the FASB issued accounting guidance that simplifies the presentation of deferred income taxes. The guidance requires that deferred tax balances be classified as non-current in a statement of financial position. The Company early adopted this guidance effective September 30, 2016, on a prospective basis. As a full reserve valuation allowance is recorded for deferred tax balances, adoption of the guidance did not result in any changes or reclassifications in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. No prior periods were retrospectively adjusted.

NOTE 9. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

The following table presents change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) by component:

(dollars in thousands)
 
Unrealized gains (losses)
on available-for-sale
investments 1
   
Foreign currency
adjustment
   
Total
 
 Nine Months Ended March 31, 2017
                 
 Balance at June 30, 2016
 
$
45
   
$
(194
)
 
$
(149
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
   
175
     
(27
)
   
148
 
Tax effect
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
Amount reclassified from AOCI
   
(15
)
   
-
     
(15
)
Tax effect
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
Net other comprehensive income (loss) for nine months ended March 31, 2017
   
160
     
(27
)
   
133
 
 Balance at March 31, 2017
 
$
205
   
$
(221
)
 
$
(16
)
                         
 Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
                       
 Balance at December 31, 2016
 
$
399
   
$
(229
)
 
$
170
 
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
   
(194
)
   
8
     
(186
)
Tax effect
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
Amount reclassified from AOCI
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
Tax effect
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
Net other comprehensive income (loss) for quarter
   
(194
)
   
8
     
(186
)
 Balance at March 31, 2017
 
$
205
   
$
(221
)
 
$
(16
)
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Unrealized gains (losses)
on available-for-sale
investments 1
   
Foreign currency
adjustment
   
Total
 
 Nine Months Ended March 31, 2016
                 
 Balance at June 30, 2015
 
$
(339
)
 
$
(144
)
 
$
(483
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
   
774
     
(50
)
   
724
 
Tax effect
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
Amount reclassified from AOCI
   
(286
)
   
-
     
(286
)
Tax effect
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
Net other comprehensive income (loss) for nine months ended March 31, 2016
   
488
     
(50
)
   
438
 
 Balance at March 31, 2016
 
$
149
   
$
(194
)
 
$
(45
)
                         
 Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
                       
 Balance at December 31, 2015
 
$
(254
)
 
$
(257
)
 
$
(511
)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
   
417
     
63
     
480
 
Tax effect
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
Amount reclassified from AOCI
   
(14
)
   
-
     
(14
)
Tax effect
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
Net other comprehensive income for quarter
   
403
     
63
     
466
 
 Balance at March 31, 2016
 
$
149
   
$
(194
)
 
$
(45
)

1.
Amounts reclassified from unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale investments, net of tax, were recorded in investment income (loss) on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.


NOTE 10. FINANCIAL INFORMATION BY BUSINESS SEGMENT

The Company operates principally in three business segments: providing investment management services to USGIF, offshore clients and an ETF client; investment management services in Canada; and investing for its own account in an effort to add growth and value to its cash position. The following schedule details total revenues and income by business segment:

(dollars in thousands)
 
Investment Management
Services
   
Investment Management Services - Canada
   
Corporate Investments
   
Consolidated
 
Nine months ended March 31, 2017
                       
Net operating revenues
 
$
4,405
   
$
887
   
$
-
   
$
5,292
 
Net other income
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
663
   
$
663
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
 
$
(413
)
 
$
36
   
$
646
   
$
269
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
$
179
   
$
12
   
$
-
   
$
191
 
Capital expenditures
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
Gross identifiable assets at March 31, 2017
 
$
6,027
   
$
1,606
   
$
18,403
   
$
26,036
 
Deferred tax asset
                         
$
-
 
Consolidated total assets at March 31, 2017
                         
$
26,036
 
Nine months ended March 31, 2016
                               
Net operating revenues
 
$
2,990
   
$
879
   
$
-
   
$
3,869
 
Net other income
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
411
   
$
411
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
 
$
(3,727
)
 
$
(130
)
 
$
417
   
$
(3,440
)
Loss from discontinued operations
 
$
(18
)
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
(18
)
Depreciation and amortization
 
$
192
   
$
48
   
$
-
   
$
240
 
Capital expenditures
 
$
13
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
13
 
Three months ended March 31, 2017
                               
Net operating revenues
 
$
1,384
   
$
285
   
$
-
   
$
1,669
 
Net other income
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
161
   
$
161
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
 
$
(190
)
 
$
6
   
$
154
   
$
(30
)
Depreciation and amortization
 
$
60
   
$
4
   
$
-
   
$
64
 
Capital expenditures
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
Three months ended March 31, 2016
                               
Net operating revenues
 
$
1,075
   
$
255
   
$
-
   
$
1,330
 
Net other income
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
148
   
$
148
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
 
$
(511
)
 
$
(41
)
 
$
160
   
$
(392
)
Loss from discontinued operations
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
$
64
   
$
16
   
$
-
   
$
80
 
Capital expenditures
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
 
Net operating revenues from investment management services include revenues from USGIF of $1.3 million and $4.1 million, respectively, for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2017, and $977,000 and $2.7 million, respectively, for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2016. The loss from discontinued operations in investment management services includes revenues from USGIF of $608,000 for the nine months ended March 31, 2016.

Net operating revenues from investment management services in Canada includes revenues from Galileo funds of $215,000 and $663,000, respectively, for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2017, and $193,000 and $689,000, respectively, for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2016, and from other significant advisory clients of $66,000 and $214,000, respectively, for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2017, and $60,000 and $183,000, respectively, for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2016.

NOTE 11. CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS

The Company continuously reviews all investor, employee and vendor complaints, and pending or threatened litigation. The likelihood that a loss contingency exists is evaluated through consultation with legal counsel, and a loss contingency is recorded if probable and reasonably estimable.


During the normal course of business, the Company may be subject to claims, legal proceedings, and other contingencies. These matters are subject to various uncertainties, and it is possible that some of these matters may be resolved unfavorably. The Company establishes accruals for matters for which the outcome is probable and can be reasonably estimated. Management believes that any liability in excess of these accruals upon the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

The Board has authorized a monthly dividend of $0.0025 per share through June 2017, at which time it will be considered for continuation by the Board. Payment of cash dividends is within the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors and is dependent on earnings, operations, capital requirements, general financial condition of the Company, and general business conditions. The total amount of cash dividends expected to be paid to class A and class C shareholders from April to June 2017 is approximately $114,000.

NOTE 12. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

In December 2015, USGIF elected a new slate of trustees to the Board of Trustees of the Funds. The Company proposed the election of new trustees with the intention of streamlining the Company’s responsibilities, so it can better focus on strategic activities. The new Board of Trustees of USGIF adopted several new agreements. As anticipated, effective December 10, 2015, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, U.S. Global Brokerage, Inc., ceased to be the distributor for USGIF and no longer receives distribution fees and shareholder services fees from USGIF. Due to this transition, the Company is no longer responsible for paying certain distribution and shareholder servicing related expenses and is reimbursed for certain distribution expenses from the new distributor for USGIF. As a result of this change, the Company filed Form BDW, the Uniform Request Withdrawal From Broker-Dealer Registration, with FINRA, which was approved in February 2016. This constitutes a strategic shift that has had, and will continue to have, a major effect on the Company’s operating revenues and expenses.

The distribution and shareholder services revenues and the expenses associated with certain distribution operations for USGIF are reflected as discontinued operations in the Statements of Operations and are, therefore, excluded from continuing operations results. Comparative periods shown in the Statements of Operations have been adjusted to conform with this presentation. These revenues and expenses had previously been included in the investment management services segment.

The discontinued operations did not have depreciation, amortization, capital expenditures or significant non-cash operating and investing items.

There were no assets and liabilities related to discontinued operations at March 31, 2017, and June 30, 2016.

The components of loss from discontinued operations were as follows for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2017, and March 31, 2016:

   
Nine Months Ended March 31,
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
Revenues
                       
  Distribution fees
 
$
-
   
$
425
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
  Shareholder services fees
   
-
     
183
     
-
     
-
 
     
-
     
608
     
-
     
-
 
Expenses
                               
  Employee compensation and benefits
   
-
     
188
     
-
     
-
 
  General and administrative
   
-
     
77
     
-
     
-
 
  Platform fees
   
-
     
347
     
-
     
-
 
  Advertising
   
-
     
14
     
-
     
-
 
     
-
     
626
     
-
     
-
 
Loss from discontinued operations of distributor before income taxes
   
-
     
(18
)
   
-
     
-
 
Tax benefit
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Loss from discontinued operations of distributor
 
$
-
   
$
(18
)
 
$
-
   
$
-
 
 
Through December 9, 2015, USGIF paid the Company a distribution fee at an annual rate of 0.25 percent of the average daily net assets of the investor class of each of the equity funds. Effective December 10, 2015, the Company, through U.S. Global Brokerage, Inc., ceased to be the distributor for USGIF and no longer receives distribution fees directly from the Funds.

In addition, through December 9, 2015, the Company received shareholder servicing fees from USGIF based on the value of Fund assets held through broker-dealer platforms. Effective December 10, 2015, the Company ceased to be the distributor for USGIF and no longer receives shareholder services fees from the Funds.

Due to this transition, the Company is no longer responsible for paying the platform fees for the USGIF equity funds and is reimbursed for certain distribution expenses from the new distributor for USGIF.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

U.S. Global Investors, Inc. (the “Company” or “U.S. Global”) has made forward-looking statements concerning the Company’s performance, financial condition, and operations in this report. The Company from time to time may also make forward-looking statements in its public filings and press releases. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties and do not guarantee future performance. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, some of which are beyond the Company’s control, including: (i) the volatile and competitive nature of the investment management industry, (ii) changes in domestic and foreign economic conditions, (iii) the effect of government regulation on the Company’s business, and (iv) market, credit, and liquidity risks associated with the Company’s investment management activities. Due to such risks, uncertainties, and other factors, the Company cautions each person receiving such forward-looking information not to place undue reliance on such statements. All such forward-looking statements are current only as of the date on which such statements were made.

BUSINESS SEGMENTS

The Company, with principal operations located in San Antonio, Texas, manages three business segments: (1) the Company offers a broad range of investment management products and services to meet the needs of individual and institutional investors; (2) the Company, through its Canadian subsidiary, owns a 65 percent controlling interest in Galileo Global Equity Advisors Inc. (“Galileo”), which offers investment management products and services in Canada; and (3) the Company invests for its own account in an effort to add growth and value to its cash position. Although the Company generates the majority of its revenues from its investment advisory segments, the Company holds a significant amount of its total assets in investments. The following is a brief discussion of the Company’s three business segments.

Investment Management Services

The Company generates operating revenues from managing and servicing U.S. Global Investors Funds (“USGIF” or the “Funds”) and other advisory clients. These revenues are largely dependent on the total value and composition of assets under its management. Fluctuations in the markets and investor sentiment directly impact the asset levels of the Funds and other advisory clients, thereby affecting income and results of operations. As discussed further in Results of Operations, distribution services to USGIF ceased in December 2015. Detailed information regarding the Funds managed by the Company within USGIF can be found on the Company’s website, www.usfunds.com, including the prospectus and performance information for each Fund. The mutual fund shareholders in USGIF are not required to give advance notice prior to redemption of shares in the Funds.

Beginning in April 2015, the Company provides advisory services for an exchange traded fund (“ETF”) client and receives monthly advisory fees based on the net asset values of the fund. Information on the ETF can be found at www.usglobaletfs.com, including the prospectus, performance and holdings. The ETF authorized participants are not required to give advance notice prior to redemption of shares in the ETF, and the ETF does not charge a redemption fee.

The Company provides advisory services for offshore clients and receives advisory fees based on the net asset values of the clients and performance fees, if any, based on the overall increase in net asset values. The offshore shareholders may redeem on the first business day of each month after providing a redemption notice at least forty-five days prior to the proposed redemption date. The offshore funds do not charge a redemption fee. Frank Holmes, CEO, serves as a director of the offshore clients.

At March 31, 2017, total assets under management, including USGIF, offshore clients and the ETF client, were $697.3 million versus $660.3 million at March 31, 2016, an increase of 5.6 percent. During the nine months ended March 31, 2017, average assets under management were $757.1 million versus $595.9 million during the nine months ended March 31, 2016. Total assets under management as of period-end at March 31, 2017, including USGIF, offshore clients and the ETF client, were $697.3 million versus $760.2 million at June 30, 2016, the Company’s prior fiscal year end.



The following tables summarize the changes in assets under management for USGIF for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2017, and 2016:

   
Changes in Assets Under Management
 
   
Nine Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2017
   
2016
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Equity
   
Fixed Income
   
Total
   
Equity
   
Fixed Income
   
Total
 
Beginning Balance
 
$
525,778
   
$
177,242
   
$
703,020
   
$
442,243
   
$
148,583
   
$
590,826
 
Market appreciation (depreciation)
   
(21,064
)
   
(1,066
)
   
(22,130
)
   
12,294
     
2,105
     
14,399
 
Dividends and distributions
   
(7,722
)
   
(1,238
)
   
(8,960
)
   
(14,068
)
   
(1,209
)
   
(15,277
)
Net shareholder purchases (redemptions)
   
(23,550
)
   
(34,389
)
   
(57,939
)
   
(24,195
)
   
24,795
     
600
 
Ending Balance
 
$
473,442
   
$
140,549
   
$
613,991
   
$
416,274
   
$
174,274
   
$
590,548
 
                                                 
Average investment management fee
   
0.97
%
   
0.01
%
   
0.74
%
   
0.92
%
   
0.00
%
   
0.65
%
Average net assets
 
$
522,191
   
$
165,256
   
$
687,447
   
$
380,689
   
$
159,610
   
$
540,299
 
 
   
Changes in Assets Under Management
 
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2017
   
2016
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Equity
   
Fixed Income
   
Total
   
Equity
   
Fixed Income
   
Total
 
Beginning Balance
 
$
450,011
   
$
152,095
   
$
602,106
   
$
357,633
   
$
169,331
   
$
526,964
 
Market appreciation
   
24,473
     
879
     
25,352
     
59,891
     
952
     
60,843
 
Dividends and distributions
   
-
     
(339
)
   
(339
)
   
-
     
(476
)
   
(476
)
Net shareholder purchases (redemptions)
   
(1,042
)
   
(12,086
)
   
(13,128
)
   
(1,250
)
   
4,467
     
3,217
 
Ending Balance
 
$
473,442
   
$
140,549
   
$
613,991
   
$
416,274
   
$
174,274
   
$
590,548
 
                                                 
Average investment management fee
   
0.98
%
   
0.00
%
   
0.75
%
   
0.93
%
   
0.00
%
   
0.64
%
Average net assets
 
$
493,173
   
$
147,143
   
$
640,316
   
$
375,557
   
$
171,350
   
$
546,907
 
 
As shown above, period-end assets under management were higher at March 31, 2017, compared to March 31, 2016. Also, average net assets for the three- and nine-month periods in the current fiscal year were higher than the same periods in the previous fiscal year. The three months ended March 31, 2017, and the three and nine months ended March 31, 2016, had net market appreciation, primarily in the gold funds, compared to net market depreciation in the nine months ended March 31, 2017, also primarily in the gold funds. The three and nine months ended March 31, 2017, had total shareholder redemptions compared to total shareholder purchases in the prior periods.

The average annualized investment management fee rate (total mutual fund advisory fees, excluding performance fees, as a percentage of average assets under management) was 74 basis points for the nine months ended March 31, 2017, and 65 basis points for the same period in the prior year. The average investment management fee for the equity funds for the nine months ended March 31, 2017, was 97 basis points and 92 basis points for the same period in the prior year. The Company has agreed to contractually or voluntarily limit the expenses of the Funds. Therefore, the Company waived or reduced its fees and/or agreed to pay expenses of the Funds. Due to fee waivers, the average investment management fee for the fixed income funds was nil or close to nil for all periods.

Investment Management Services - Canada

The Company owns a 65 percent controlling interest in the Canadian asset management firm Galileo. These revenues are largely dependent on the total value and composition of assets under its management. Fluctuations in the markets and investor sentiment directly impact the funds’ asset levels, thereby affecting income and results of operations.

At March 31, 2017, total Galileo assets under management were $99.1 million versus $112.6 million at March 31, 2016, a decrease of 12.0 percent. During the nine months ended March 31, 2017, average assets under management were $122.4 million versus $115.5 million during the nine months ended March 31, 2016. Total assets under management at March 31, 2017, were $99.1 million versus $122.8 million at June 30, 2016, the Company’s prior fiscal year end.

Investment Activities

Management believes it can more effectively manage the Company’s cash position by broadening the types of investments used in cash management and continues to believe that such activities are in the best interest of the Company. The Company’s investment activities are reviewed and monitored by Company compliance personnel, and various reports are provided to certain investment advisory clients. Written procedures are in place to manage compliance with the code of ethics and other policies affecting the Company’s investment practices. This source of revenue does not remain consistent and is dependent on market fluctuations, the Company’s ability to participate in investment opportunities, and timing of transactions.

As of March 31, 2017, the Company held investments with a fair value of approximately $13.2 million and a cost basis of approximately $14.0 million. The fair value of these investments is approximately 50.9 percent of the Company’s total assets. See Note 2 (Investments) for additional detail regarding investment activities. In addition, the Company held other investments of $2.6 million accounted for under the cost method of accounting and $2.2 million in notes receivable.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS – Three months ended March 31, 2017, and 2016

The Company posted a net loss attributable to U.S. Global Investors, Inc. of $33,000 ($0.00 per share loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared with a net loss attributable to U.S. Global Investors, Inc. of $350,000 ($0.02 per share loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2016, a decrease in loss of $317,000. The positive change is primarily due to an increase in revenues, which was the result of an increase in assets under management, as discussed further below.
 
Operating Revenues

Total consolidated operating revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2017, increased $339,000, or 25.5 percent, compared with the three months ended March 31, 2016. This increase was primarily attributable to the following:

•  
Advisory fees increased by $325,000, or 25.4 percent, as a result of higher assets under management. USGIF advisory fees are comprised of two components: a base management fee and a performance fee.
•  
Base management fees increased $399,000. Base fees increased primarily as a result of higher average assets under management, primarily due to market appreciation in the gold and natural resources funds.
•  
Performance fees paid out in the current period were $16,000 compared to $58,000 in fees received in the corresponding period in the prior year, a negative difference of $74,000. The performance fee, which applies to the USGIF equity funds only, is a fulcrum fee that is adjusted upwards or downwards by 0.25 percent when there is a performance difference of 5 percent or more between a fund’s performance and that of its designated benchmark index over the prior rolling 12 months.
•  
Administrative services fee revenue increased by $14,000, or 27.5 percent, due to higher average net assets under management upon which these fees are based in the current period.

Operating Expenses

Total consolidated operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2017, decreased $10,000, or 0.5 percent, compared with the three months ended March 31, 2016. The change in operating expenses was primarily attributable to the following:
 
•  
Employee compensation and benefits increased by $46,000, or 5.2 percent, primarily due to bonuses paid related to improved portfolio performance.
•  
General and administrative expenses decreased $35,000, or 4.0 percent, primarily due to the effect of strategic cost-cutting measures.
•  
Depreciation and amortization expense decreased by $16,000, or 20.0 percent, primarily due to a decrease in the amortization of the intangible asset for the Galileo non-compete agreement, which became fully amortized in May 2016.
 
Other Income

Total consolidated other income for the three months ended March 31, 2017, increased $13,000, or 8.8 percent, compared with the three months ended March 31, 2016, primarily due to an increase in dividend and interest income and unrealized gains on trading securities, offset somewhat by less realized gains on sales of available-for-sale securities.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS – Nine months ended March 31, 2017, and 2016

The Company posted net income attributable to U.S. Global Investors, Inc. of $238,000 ($0.02 per share) for the nine months ended March 31, 2017, compared with a net loss attributable to U.S. Global Investors, Inc. of $3.4 million ($0.22 per share loss) for the nine months ended March 31, 2016, a positive change of $3.7 million. The change is mainly due to an increase in revenues, resulting from an increase in assets under management, and a decrease in expenses, as discussed further below.
 

Operating Revenues

Total consolidated operating revenues for the nine months ended March 31, 2017, increased $1.4 million, or 36.8 percent, compared with the nine months ended March 31, 2016. This increase was primarily attributable to the following:

•  
Advisory fees increased by $1.4 million, or 40.1 percent, as a result of higher assets under management and performance fees received. USGIF advisory fees are comprised of two components: a base management fee and a performance fee.
•  
Base management fees increased $1.2 million. Base fees increased as a result of higher average assets under management in all clients, primarily due to market appreciation in USGIF gold funds.
•  
Performance fee adjustments in the current period were $14,000 in fees received compared to $180,000 in fees paid out in the corresponding period in the prior year, a positive difference of $194,000. The performance fee, which applies to the USGIF equity funds only, is a fulcrum fee that is adjusted upwards or downwards by 0.25 percent when there is a performance difference of 5 percent or more between a fund’s performance and that of its designated benchmark index over the prior rolling 12 months.
•  
Administrative services fee revenue decreased by $26,000, or 10.2 percent, primarily as a result of the current period’s fees being subject to a lower rate. Effective December 10, 2015, due to the Company’s reduced administrative responsibilities as a result of outsourcing to other service providers a portion of these services previously provided to USGIF, the administrative fee paid to the Company by USGIF was reduced. The effect of the lower fee rate was somewhat offset by higher average net assets under management upon which these fees are based in the current period.

Operating Expenses

Total consolidated operating expenses for the nine months ended March 31, 2017, decreased $2.0 million, or 26.3 percent, compared with the nine months ended March 31, 2016. This was primarily attributable to the following:

•  
Employee compensation and benefits decreased by $1.1 million, or 28.7 percent, primarily as a result of fewer employees in the current period and severance costs paid in the prior period due to a reduction of workforce resulting from the outsourcing of certain functions.
•  
General and administrative expenses decreased $776,000, or 23.2 percent, due to several factors, including lower fund expense reimbursements, primarily as a result of higher average net assets in the current period, the benefit of strategic cost-cutting measures, and nonrecurring USGIF transition costs in the prior period. Costs were incurred in the prior period related to the transition of certain services previously provided to USGIF by the Company to other service providers. The costs of the transition, which included a proxy of USGIF shareholders, were split equally between the Company and USGIF, and the Company’s portion was approximately $290,000.

Other Income

Total consolidated other income for the nine months ended March 31, 2017, increased $252,000, or 61.3 percent, compared with the nine months ended March 31, 2016. This was primarily due to a decrease in other-than-temporary impairment losses of $501,000, an increase in dividend and interest income of $163,000, and lower unrealized losses on trading securities of $119,000 in the current period compared to the same period in the prior year, offset somewhat by lower realized net gains on sales of trading and available-for-sale securities of $482,000.

Discontinued Operations

Effective December 10, 2015, the Company ceased to be the distributor for USGIF and no longer receives distribution fees and shareholder services fees from USGIF. Due to this transition, the Company is no longer responsible for paying certain distribution and shareholder servicing related expenses and is reimbursed for certain distribution expenses from the new distributor for USGIF. The operations associated with providing these services are considered discontinued operations. See additional information in Note 12 (Discontinued Operations).

Total loss, net of tax, on discontinued operations was $18,000 for the nine months ended March 31, 2016. There was no income or loss on discontinued operations for the nine months ended March 31, 2017.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

At March 31, 2017, the Company had net working capital (current assets minus current liabilities) of approximately $16.2 million and a current ratio (current assets divided by current liabilities) of 16.5 to 1. With approximately $3.4 million in cash and cash equivalents and approximately $13.2 million in marketable securities, the Company has adequate liquidity to meet its current obligations. Total U.S. Global Investors, Inc. shareholders’ equity is approximately $24.5 million, with cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities comprising 64.1 percent of total assets. Approximately $1.3 million in cash in Galileo is included in the amounts above. USGI would be required to accrue and pay taxes to repatriate (i.e., bring back into the U.S.) these funds, and there is no current intention to repatriate.

As of March 31, 2017, the Company has no long-term debt; thus, the Company’s only material commitment going forward is for operating expenses. The Company also has access to a $1 million credit facility for working capital purposes. The credit agreement requires the Company to maintain certain covenants; the Company has been in compliance with these covenants during the current fiscal year. The credit agreement will expire on May 31, 2017, and the Company intends to renew annually. The credit facility is collateralized by $1 million at March 31, 2017, held in deposit in a money market account at the financial institution that provided the credit facility. As of March 31, 2017, the credit facility remains unutilized by the Company.

The investment advisory and administrative services contracts between the Company and USGIF have been renewed through September 2017, and management anticipates that the contracts will be renewed. The investment advisory contract between the Company and the ETF client has been renewed through April 2018. With respect to the Company’s two offshore advisory clients, the contracts between the Company and these offshore clients expire periodically, and management anticipates that its offshore clients will renew the contracts. Galileo’s investment management agreement with Canadian registered mutual funds may be terminated each September 30 with a 180-day prior notice of unitholders’ resolution. Galileo’s advisory agreements with other advisory clients can be terminated upon 30-day written notice.

The primary cash requirements are for operating activities. The Company also uses cash to purchase investments, pay dividends and repurchase Company stock. The cash outlays for investments and dividend payments are discretionary, and management or the Board may discontinue as deemed necessary. The stock repurchase plan is approved through December 31, 2017, but may be suspended or discontinued at any time. Cash and marketable securities of approximately $16.7 million are available to fund current activities. Certain revenues and expenses have decreased due to the outsourcing to other service providers certain services previously provided to USGIF. The transition has allowed the Company to streamline its responsibilities so it can focus on strategic activities. Management believes current cash reserves, investments, and financing available will be sufficient to meet foreseeable cash needs for operating activities.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

For a discussion of other critical accounting policies that the Company follows, please refer to the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2016.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Investment Management and Administrative Services Fees

Revenues are generally based upon a percentage of the market value of assets under management in accordance with contractual agreements. Accordingly, fluctuations in the financial markets have a direct effect on the Company’s operating results. A significant portion of assets under management in equity funds have exposure to international markets and/or natural resource sectors, which may experience volatility. In addition, fluctuations in interest rates may affect the value of assets under management in fixed income funds.

Performance Fees

USGIF advisory fees are comprised of two components: a base management fee and a performance fee. The performance fee is a fulcrum fee that is adjusted upwards or downwards by 0.25 percent when there is a performance difference of 5 percent or more between a fund’s performance and that of its designated benchmark index over the prior rolling 12 months.

As a result, the Company’s revenues are subject to volatility beyond market-based fluctuations discussed in the investment management and administrative fees section above. For the three and nine months ended March 31, 2017, the Company realized a (decrease) increase in its USGIF base advisory fee of ($16,000) and $14,000, respectively, due to these performance adjustments. For the three and nine months ended March 31, 2016, the Company realized an increase (decrease) in its USGIF base advisory fee of $58,000 and ($180,000), respectively, due to these performance adjustments.

The Company also may receive performance fees from its offshore advisory clients based on the overall increase in net asset values, if any. The Company recorded no performance fees from these clients for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2017, and 2016.

Corporate Investments

The Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets includes assets whose fair value is subject to market risks. Due to the Company’s investments in securities recorded at fair value, price fluctuations represent a market risk factor affecting the Company’s consolidated financial position. The carrying values of investments subject to price risks are based on quoted market prices or, if not actively traded, management’s estimate of fair value as of the balance sheet date. Market prices fluctuate, and the amount realized in the subsequent sale of an investment may differ significantly from the reported market value.

The Company’s investment activities are reviewed and monitored by Company compliance personnel, and various reports are provided to certain investment advisory clients. Written procedures are in place to manage compliance with the code of ethics and other policies affecting the Company’s investment practices.

The table below summarizes the Company’s price risks as of March 31, 2017, and shows the effects of a hypothetical 25 percent increase and a 25 percent decrease in market prices.

(dollars in thousands)
 
Fair Value at
March 31, 2017
 
Hypothetical
Percentage
Change
 
Estimated Fair Value
After Hypothetical
Price Change
   
Increase (Decrease) in
Shareholders’ Equity,
Net of Tax
 
Trading securities ¹
 
$
9,720
 
25% increase
 
$
12,150
   
$
2,430
 
         
25% decrease
 
$
7,290
   
$
(2,430
)
Available-for-sale ²
 
$
3,524
 
25% increase
 
$
4,405
   
$
881
 
         
25% decrease
 
$
2,643
   
$
(881
)

1  
Unrealized and realized gains and losses on trading securities are included in earnings in the statement of operations.
2  
Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are excluded from earnings and recorded in other comprehensive income as a component of shareholders’ equity until realized.

The selected hypothetical changes do not reflect what could be considered best- or worst-case scenarios. Results could be significantly different due to both the nature of markets and the concentration of the Company’s investment portfolio.

Foreign currency risk

The Company’s subsidiary Galileo conducts its business in Canada. We translate Galileo’s foreign currency financial statements into U.S. dollars in the financial statement consolidation process. Adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates would lower the carrying value of Galileo’s assets and reduce its results in the consolidated U.S. financial statements. For the three and nine months ended March 31, 2017, Galileo represented 17.1 percent and 16.8 percent of net operating revenues and 20.0 percent and 13.4 percent of income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes, and at March 31, 2017, represented 6.2 percent of total assets (see Note 10, Financial Information by Business Segment, to the Consolidated Financial Statements of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q). Certain corporate investments are held in foreign currencies. Adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates would also lower the value of those corporate investments. Certain assets under management also have exposure to foreign currency fluctuations in various markets, which could impact their valuation and thus the revenue received by the Company.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

An evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2017, was conducted under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2017.

There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2017, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

For a discussion of risk factors which could affect the Company, please refer to Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2016. There have been no material changes since fiscal year end to the risk factors listed therein.

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

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

(dollars in thousands, except price data)
                         
Period
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased 1
   
Total Amount
Purchased
   
Average Price
Paid Per Share 2
   
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plan 3
   
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plan
 
01-01-17 to 01-31-17
   
-
   
$
-
     
N/A
     
-
   
$
2,750
 
02-01-17 to 02-28-17
   
3,201
     
6
     
1.84
     
3,201
     
2,744
 
03-01-17 to 03-31-17
   
6,678
     
11
     
1.67
     
6,678
     
2,733
 
Total
   
9,879
   
$
17
   
$
1.72
     
9,879
         

1  
The Board of Directors of the company approved on December 7, 2012, and renewed on December 12, 2013, December 10, 2014, December 9, 2015, and December 6, 2016, a repurchase of up to $2.75 million in each of calendar years 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017, respectively, of its outstanding class A common stock from time to time on the open market in accordance with all applicable rules and regulations.
2  
The average price paid per share of stock repurchased under the stock repurchase program includes the commissions paid to brokers.
3  
The repurchase plan was approved on December 7, 2012, and renewed on December 12, 2013, December 10, 2014, December 9, 2015, and December 6, 2016, and will continue through calendar year 2017. The total amount of shares that may be repurchased in 2017 under the renewed program is $2.75 million.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

Investors and others should note that the Company announces material financial information to its investors using the website (www.usfunds.com), SEC filings, press releases, public conference calls and webcasts. The Company also uses social media to communicate with its customers and the public about the Company. It is possible that the information it posts on social media could be deemed to be material information. Therefore, the Company encourages investors, the media, and others interested in the Company to review the information it posts on social media channels listed below. This list may be updated from time to time.

https://www.facebook.com/USFunds
https://twitter.com/USFunds
https://twitter.com/USGlobalETFs
https://www.linkedin.com/company/u-s-global-investors
https://www.instagram.com/usglobal
https://pinterest.com/usfunds
https://www.youtube.com/c/usglobalinvestorssanantonio
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDkX1zvbWPyWc99esHOhwRQ

Information contained on the Company’s website or on social media channels is not deemed part of this report.


 ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

1. Exhibits –
 
31
32
   
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 
  


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereto duly authorized.

 
 
U.S. GLOBAL INVESTORS, INC.
 
 
 
DATED:
May 11, 2017
BY: /s/ Frank E. Holmes
 
 
            Frank E. Holmes
 
 
            Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
DATED:
May 11, 2017
BY: /s/ Lisa C. Callicotte
 
 
            Lisa C. Callicotte
 
 
            Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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