UNITED STATESSECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
FORM 10-K
[X] Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
or
[ ] Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934for the transition period from to
Commission File Number 0-13928
U.S. GLOBAL INVESTORS, INC.
IRS Employer Identification No. 74-1598370
Principal Executive Offices:7900 Callaghan RoadSan Antonio, Texas 78229Telephone Number: 210-308-1234
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:Class A common stock($0.05 par value per share)
Registered: Nasdaq Small Cap Issues
Indicate by check mark whether the Company (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 twelve months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No[ ]
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrants knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes [ ] No [X]
The aggregate market value of the 4,650,804 shares of nonvoting class A common stock held by nonaffiliates of the registrant on September 9, 2004, based on the last sale price on Nasdaq as of December 31, 2003, was $19,998,457. Registrants only voting stock is its class C common stock, par value of $0.05 per share, for which there is no active market. The aggregate value of the 104,589 shares of the class C common stock held by nonaffiliates of the registrant on December 31, 2003 (based on the last sale price of the class C common stock in a private transaction) was $52,295. For purposes of this disclosure only, the registrant has assumed that its directors, executive officers, and beneficial owners of 5% or more of the registrants common stock are affiliates of the registrant.
On September 9, 2004, there were 6,311,974 shares of Registrants class A nonvoting common stock issued and 5,976,465 shares of Registrants class A nonvoting common stock issued and outstanding, no shares of Registrants class B nonvoting common stock outstanding, and 1,496,800 shares of Registrants class C common stock issued and outstanding.
Documents incorporated by reference: None
Table of Contents
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Part I of Annual Report on Form 10-K
Item 1. Business
U.S. Global Investors, Inc. (Company or U.S. Global) has made forward-looking statements concerning the Companys 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 Companys 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 Companys business, and (iv) market, credit, and liquidity risks associated with the Companys 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.
This discussion reviews and analyzes the consolidated results of operations for the past three fiscal years and other factors that may affect future financial performance. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements, Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, and Selected Financial Data.
U.S. Global, a Texas corporation organized in 1968, and its wholly owned subsidiaries are in the mutual fund management business. The Company is a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and is principally engaged in the business of providing investment advisory and other services, through the Company or its subsidiaries, to U.S. Global Investors Funds (USGIF) and U.S. Global Accolade Funds (USGAF), both Massachusetts business trusts (collectively, the Trusts or Funds). USGIF and USGAF are investment companies offering shares of nine and three mutual funds, respectively, on a no-load basis.
As part of the mutual fund management business, the Company provides: (1) investment advisory services through the Company or its subsidiaries to institutions (namely, mutual funds) and other persons; (2) transfer agency and record keeping services; (3) mailing services; and (4) distribution services, through its wholly owned broker/dealer, to mutual funds advised by the Company. The fees from investment advisory and transfer agent services, as well as investment income, are the primary sources of the Companys revenue.
In addition to managing USGIF and USGAF, the Company is actively engaged in trading for its proprietary account. Management believes it can more effectively manage the Companys cash position by broadening the types of investments utilized in cash management and continues to believe that such activities are in the best interest of the Company. These activities are reviewed and monitored by Company compliance personnel, and various reports are provided to investment advisory clients.
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Lines of Business
Investment Management Services
Investment Advisory Services. The Company furnishes an investment program for each of the mutual funds it manages and determines, subject to overall supervision by the boards of trustees of the funds, the funds investments pursuant to advisory agreements (Advisory Agreements). Consistent with the investment restrictions, objectives and policies of the particular fund, the portfolio team for each fund determines what investments should be purchased, sold and held, and makes changes in the portfolio deemed to be necessary or appropriate. In the Advisory Agreements, the Company is charged with seeking the best overall terms in executing portfolio transactions and selecting brokers or dealers.
The Company also manages, supervises, and conducts certain other affairs of the funds, subject to the control of the boards of trustees. It provides office space, facilities, and certain business equipment as well as the services of executive and clerical personnel for administering the affairs of the mutual funds. U.S. Global and its affiliates compensate all personnel, officers, directors, and interested trustees of the funds if such persons are also employees of the Company or its affiliates. However, the funds are required to reimburse the Company for a portion of the compensation of the Companys employees who perform certain state and federal securities law regulatory compliance work on behalf of the funds based upon the time spent on such matters. The Company is responsible for costs associated with marketing fund shares to the extent not otherwise covered by any fund distribution plans adopted pursuant to Investment Company Act Rule 12b-1 (12b-1 Plan).
As required by the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Advisory Agreements are subject to annual renewal and are terminable upon 60-day notice. The boards of trustees of USGIF and USGAF will consider renewal of the applicable agreements in February and May 2005, respectively. Management anticipates that the Advisory Agreements will be renewed.
Transfer Agent and Other Services. The Companys wholly owned subsidiary, United Shareholder Services, Inc. (USSI), is a transfer agent registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 providing transfer agency, lockbox, and printing services to investment company clients. The transfer agency utilizes a third-party external system providing the Companys fund shareholder communication network with computer equipment and software designed to meet the operating requirements of a mutual fund transfer agency.
The transfer agencys duties encompass: (1) acting as servicing agent in connection with dividend and distribution functions; (2) performing shareholder account and administrative agent functions in connection with the issuance, transfer and redemption, or repurchase of shares; (3) maintaining such records as are necessary to document transactions in the funds shares; (4) acting as servicing agent in connection with mailing of shareholder communications, including reports to shareholders, dividend and distribution notices, and proxy materials for shareholder meetings; and (5) investigating and answering all shareholder account inquiries.
The transfer agency agreements provide that USSI will receive, as compensation for services rendered as transfer agent, an annual fee per account, and will be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses. In connection with obtaining/providing administrative services to the beneficial owners of fund shares through institutions that provide such services and maintain an omnibus account with USSI, each fund pays a monthly fee based on the number of accounts or the value of the shares of the fund held in accounts at the institution, which payment shall not exceed the per account charge on an annual basis.
The transfer agency agreements with USGIF and USGAF are subject to renewal on an annual basis and are terminable upon 60-day notice. The agreements will be considered for renewal by the boards of trustees of USGIF and of USGAF in February and May 2005, respectively, and management anticipates that the agreements will be renewed.
Brokerage Services. The Company has registered its wholly owned subsidiary, U.S. Global Brokerage, Inc. (USGB), with the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and appropriate state regulatory authorities as a limited-purpose broker/dealer for the purpose of distributing USGIF and USGAF fund shares. Effective September 3, 1998, USGB became the distributor for USGIF and USGAF fund shares. For the fiscal year ended
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June 30, 2004, the Company has capitalized USGB with approximately $2,376,000 to cover the costs associated with continuing operations.
Mailing Services. A&B Mailers, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, provides mail-handling services to various entities. A&B Mailers primary customers include the Company in connection with its efforts to promote the funds and the Companys investment company clients in connection with required mailings.
Corporate Investments
Investment Activities. In addition to mutual fund activity, the Company attempts to maximize its cash position by using a diversified venture capital approach to investing. Management invests in early-stage or start-up businesses seeking initial financing and more mature businesses in need of capital for expansion, acquisitions, management buyouts, or recapitalization.
Employees
As of June 30, 2004, U.S. Global and its subsidiaries employed 61 full-time employees and 4 part-time employees; as of June 30, 2003, it employed 56 full-time employees and 5 part-time employees. The Company considers its relationship with its employees to be good.
Competition
The mutual fund industry is highly competitive. Recent reports show there are approximately 8,000 domestically registered open-end investment companies of varying sizes and investment policies whose shares are being offered to the public worldwide. Generally, there are two types of mutual funds: load and no-load. In addition, there are both load and no-load funds that have adopted 12b-1 plans authorizing the payment of distribution costs of the funds out of fund assets, such as USGAF. Load funds are typically sold through or sponsored by brokerage firms, and a sales commission is charged on the amount of the investment. No-load funds, such as the USGIF and USGAF funds, however, may be purchased directly from the particular mutual fund organization or through a distributor, and no sales commissions are charged.
In addition to competition from other mutual fund managers and investment advisers, the Company and the mutual fund industry are in competition with various investment alternatives offered by insurance companies, banks, securities dealers, and other financial institutions. Many of these institutions are able to engage in more liberal advertising than mutual funds and may offer accounts at competitive interest rates, which are insured by federally chartered corporations such as the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Amendments to, and regulatory pronouncements related to, the Glass-Stegall Act, the statute that has prohibited banks from engaging in various activities, are enabling banks to compete with the Company in a variety of areas.
A number of mutual fund groups are significantly larger than the funds managed by U.S. Global, offer a greater variety of investment objectives, and have more experience and greater resources to promote the sale of investments therein. However, the Company believes it has the resources, products, and personnel to compete with these other mutual funds. In particular, the company is known for its expertise in the gold mining and exploration and natural resources industries. Competition for sales of fund shares is influenced by various factors, including investment objectives and performance, advertising and sales promotional efforts, distribution channels, and the types and quality of services offered to fund shareholders.
Success in the investment advisory and mutual fund share distribution businesses is substantially dependent on each funds investment performance, the quality of services provided to shareholders, and the Companys efforts to market the funds effectively. Sales of fund shares generate management fees (which are based on assets of the funds) and transfer agent fees (which are based on the number of fund accounts). Costs of distribution and compliance have put pressure on profit margins for the mutual fund industry.
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Supervision and Regulation
The Company, USSI, USGB, and the investment companies it manages and administers operate under certain laws, including federal and state securities laws, governing their organization, registration, operation, legal, financial, and tax status. Among the penalties for violation of the laws and regulations applicable to the Company and its subsidiaries are fines, imprisonment, injunctions, revocation of registration, and certain additional administrative sanctions. Any determination that the Company or its management has violated applicable laws and regulations could have a material adverse effect on the business of the Company. Moreover, there is no assurance that changes to existing laws, regulations, or rulings promulgated by governmental entities having jurisdiction over the Company and the funds will not have a material adverse effect on its business. The Company has no control over regulatory rulemaking or the consequences it may have on the mutual fund industry.
Recent and accelerating regulatory pronouncements and oversight have significantly increased the burden of compliance infrastructure with respect to the mutual fund industry and the capital markets. This momentum of new regulations has contributed significantly to the costs of managing and administering mutual funds.
U.S. Global is a registered investment adviser subject to regulation by the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, the Investment Company Act of 1940, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (1934 Act). USSI is also subject to regulation by the SEC under the 1934 Act. USGB is subject to regulation by the SEC under the 1934 Act and regulation by the NASD, a self-regulatory organization composed of other registered broker/dealers. U.S. Global, USSI, and USGB are required to keep and maintain certain reports and records, which must be made available to the SEC and the NASD upon request. Moreover, the funds managed by the Company are subject to regulation and periodic reporting under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and, with respect to their continuous public offering of shares, the registration provisions of the Securities Act of 1933.
Relationships with the Funds
The businesses of the Company are, to a very significant degree, dependent on their associations and contractual relationships with the Funds. In the event the advisory or transfer agent services agreements with USGIF or USGAF are canceled or not renewed pursuant to the terms thereof, the Company would be substantially adversely affected. U.S. Global, USSI, and USGB consider their relationships with the Funds to be good, and they have no reason to believe that their management and service contracts will not be renewed in the future; however, there is no assurance that USGIF and USGAF will choose to continue their relationships with the Company, USSI, or USGB.
Item 2. Properties
The Company presently owns and occupies an office building as its headquarters in San Antonio, Texas. The office building is approximately 46,000 square feet on approximately 2.5 acres of land. The note payable related to the building was paid in full in fiscal 2004.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
There are no material legal proceedings in which the Company is involved. There are no material legal proceedings to which any director, officer or affiliate of the Company or any associate of any such director or officer is a party or has a material interest, adverse to the Company or any of its subsidiaries.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during fiscal year 2004.
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Part II of Annual Report on Form 10-K
Item 5. Market for Companys Common Equity and Related Shareholder Matters
Market Information
The Company has three classes of common equity: class A, class B and class C common stock, par value $0.05 per share.
There is no established public trading market for the Companys class B and class C common stock.
The Companys class A and class B common stock have no voting privileges.
The Companys class A common stock is traded over-the-counter and is quoted daily under Nasdaqs Small Cap Issues. Trades are reported under the symbol GROW.
The following table sets forth the range of high and low sales prices from Nasdaq for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2004 and 2003. The quotations represent prices between dealers and do not include any retail markup, markdown, or commission.
Sales Price
Holders
On September 9, 2004, there were 196 holders of record of class A common stock, no holders of record of class B common stock, and 71 holders of record of class C common stock.
Many of the class A common shares are held of record by nominees, and management believes that as of September 9, 2004, there were approximately 1,000 beneficial owners of the Companys class A common stock.
Dividends
The Company has not paid cash dividends on its class C common stock during the last twenty fiscal years and has never paid cash dividends on its class A common stock. Payment of cash dividends is within the discretion of the Companys board of directors and is dependent on earnings, operations, capital requirements, general financial condition of the Company, and general business conditions.
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Holders of the outstanding shares of the Companys class A common stock are entitled to receive, when and as declared by the Companys board of directors, a noncumulative cash dividend equal in the aggregate to 5% of the Companys net after-tax earnings for its prior fiscal year. After such dividend has been paid, the holders of the outstanding shares of class B common stock are entitled to receive, when and as declared by the Companys board of directors, cash dividends per share equal to the cash dividends per share paid to the holders of the class A common stock. Holders of the outstanding shares of class C common stock are entitled to receive when and as declared by the Companys board of directors, cash dividends per share equal to the cash dividends per share paid to the holders of the class A and class B common stock. Thereafter, if the board of directors determines to pay additional cash dividends, such dividends will be paid simultaneously on a prorated basis to holders of class A, B, and C common stock. The holders of the class A common stock are protected in certain instances against dilution of the dividend amount payable to such holders.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
The following selected financial data is qualified by reference to, and should be read in conjunction with, the Companys Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes and Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, contained in this Form 10-K. The selected financial data as of June 30, 2004, and the year then ended, is derived from the Companys Consolidated Financial Statements, which were audited by BDO Seidman, LLP, independent accountants. The selected financial data as of June 30, 2000, through June 30, 2003, and the years then ended is derived from the Companys Consolidated Financial Statements, which were audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent accountants.
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Item 7. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Business Segments
U.S. Global Investors, Inc. (Company or U.S. Global), with principal operations located in San Antonio, Texas, manages two business segments: (1) the Company offers a broad range of investment management products and services to meet the needs of individual and institutional investors, and (2) the Company invests for its own account in an effort to add growth and value to its cash position. For more details on the results of our core operations, see Note 15 Financial Information by Business Segment.
The Company generates substantially all its operating revenues from the investment management of products and services for the U.S. Global Investors Funds (USGIF) and U.S. Global Accolade Funds (USGAF). Although the Company generates the majority of its revenues from this segment, the Company holds a significant amount of its total assets in proprietary investments. As of June 30, 2004, the Company held approximately $2.9 million in investments, comprising 30.3% of its total assets. The following is a brief discussion of the Companys two business segments.
Investment Management Products and Services
The Company generates substantially all of its operating revenues from managing and servicing USGIF and USGAF. 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. During fiscal year 2004, total average assets under management increased 25.5% to $1.34 billion, primarily due to significant increases in the Companys gold, natural resource, and foreign equity funds. The Company realized net inflows into these funds as well as market appreciation. This favorable trend has been partially offset by a reduction in assets in the money market funds as investors seek alternative short-term investments with higher yields.
Average Assets under Management(Dollars in Millions)
Investment Activities
Management believes it can more effectively manage the Companys cash position by broadening the types of investments used in cash management. Management attempts to maximize the Companys return on its cash position by using a diversified venture capital approach to investing. Strategically, management invests in early-stage or start-up businesses seeking initial financing and more mature businesses in need of capital for expansion, acquisitions, management buyouts, or recapitalization. Management has reduced these activities in recent years due to poor market conditions.
As of June 30, 2004, and 2003, the Company held approximately $2.9 and $1.1 million, respectively, in investments other than USGIF money market mutual fund shares.
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Investment income (loss) from the Companys investments includes:
Investment income (loss) does not remain at a consistent level and is dependent on market fluctuations, the Companys ability to participate in investment opportunities, and timing of transactions. For fiscal years 2004, 2003, and 2002, the Company had net realized gains (losses) of approximately $291,000, $(97,000) and $(49,000), respectively. The Company expects that gains or losses will continue to fluctuate in the future, as fluctuations in the market value of the Companys investments will affect the amounts of such gains or losses.
Consolidated Results of Operations
The following is a discussion of the consolidated results of operations of the Company and a more detailed discussion of the Companys revenues and expenses.
Year Ended June 30, 2004, Compared with Year Ended June 30, 2003
The Company posted a net after-tax profit of $2,167,000 ($0.29 per share) for the year ended June 30, 2004, compared with a net after-tax profit of $43,000 ($.01 per share) for the year ended June 30, 2003. The profitability in fiscal year 2004 was primarily a result of improved markets for gold-related assets, natural resource commodities, and foreign equities. The Companys advisory fees, boosted by the positive impact of market gains and shareholder investments in higher-margin gold, natural resource, and foreign equity funds, increased by $3,889,000. Additionally, the Companys proprietary investment portfolio benefited from the rising gold markets, resulting in unrealized gains on trading securities of $748,000 in fiscal 2004, compared to unrealized losses of $(34,000) for fiscal 2003. These favorable items were partially offset by increases in general and administrative expenses of $999,000, due primarily to increased omnibus fees, and increases in subadvisory fees of $496,000 due to market gains and increased shareholder investments.
Year Ended June 30, 2003, Compared with Year Ended June 30, 2002
The Company posted a net after-tax profit of $43,000 ($0.01 per share) for the year ended June 30, 2003, compared with a net after-tax loss of $241,000 ($0.03 loss per share) for the year ended June 30, 2002. The profitability in 2003 was principally due to revenue of $386,000 associated with other client advisory fees and a one-time gain of $371,000 related to the favorable settlement of a lawsuit. These items were offset by recognition of an other-than-temporary impairment on available-for-sale securities of $247,000.
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Revenues
Investment Advisory Fees. Investment advisory fees, the largest component of the Companys revenues, are derived from two sources: mutual fund advisory fees, which in fiscal 2004 accounted for over 92% of the Companys investment advisory fees, and other advisory fees, which accounted for the remainder.
Mutual fund investment advisory fees are calculated as a percentage of average net assets, ranging from 0.375% to 1.25%, and are paid monthly. The Company has agreed to waive its fee revenues and/or pay expenses for certain USGIF funds through June 30, 2005, for purposes of enhancing the funds competitive market positions, in particular the money market and fixed income funds. The aggregate amount of fees waived and expenses borne by the Company totaled $1,471,151, $1,509,060, and $1,530,046, in 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively. The Company expects to continue to waive fees and/or pay for fund expenses if market and economic conditions warrant. However, subject to the Companys commitment to certain funds with respect to fee waivers and expense limitations, the Company may reduce the amount of fund expenses it is bearing.
Mutual fund investment advisory fees are also affected by changes in assets under management, which include:
Mutual fund investment advisory fees increased by $3,605,000, or 73.5%, in fiscal 2004 over fiscal 2003. Advisory fees benefited from an increase in assets of the higher-margin gold, natural resource, and foreign equity funds due to market gains and net shareholder inflows. These funds have higher margins due to higher management fee rates. The increases were partially offset by continued net outflows in the lower-margin money market funds as yields continued to decline.
Other advisory fees in fiscal year 2004 consisted of a contractual advisory agreement with a client, for which the Company received advisory fees based on its unique expertise in global resource-based companies. These fees increased by $284,000, or 73.6%, due to the portfolio realizing a significant increase in market value.
The decrease in net advisory fees in fiscal year 2003 of approximately $168,000, or 3.3%, over fiscal year 2002 was largely due to continued shareholder redemptions in the U.S. Government Securities Savings Fund.
Transfer Agent Fees. United Shareholder Services, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, provides transfer agency, lockbox, and printing services for Company clients. The Company receives an annual fee per account as compensation for services rendered as transfer agent, and is reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses associated with processing shareholder information. In addition, the
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Company collects custodial fees on IRAs and other types of retirement plans invested in USGIF and USGAF. Transfer agent fees are therefore affected by the number of client accounts.
The increase in transfer agent fees in fiscal year 2004 of approximately $283,000, or 12.2% over fiscal year 2003, was primarily a result of an increase in mutual fund shareholders from 79,856 to 85,751 due to improved performance of the gold, natural resource, and foreign equity funds.
The decrease in transfer agent fees in fiscal year 2003 of approximately $247,000, or 9.6%, over fiscal year 2002, is primarily a result of a decrease in mutual fund shareholder accounts from 92,210 to 79,856. The decline in number of accounts serviced resulted from many smaller accounts in the funds closing due to the small account fee instituted in January 2002 for shareholders with low account balances.
Investment Income. Investment income from the Companys investments includes realized gains and losses on sales of securities, realized foreign currency gains and losses, unrealized gains and losses on trading securities, other-than-temporary impairments on available-for-sale securities, and dividend and interest income. This source of revenue is dependent on market fluctuations and does not remain at a consistent level. Timing of transactions and the Companys ability to participate in investment opportunities largely affect this source of revenue.
The increase in investment income of $1,368,000, or 396.5%, in fiscal 2004 compared to fiscal 2003, can be attributed to improved markets for gold-related assets and natural resource commodities, both of which make up a significant portion of the Companys proprietary investments.
Expenses
Employee Compensation and Benefits. Employee compensation and benefits increased in fiscal 2004 by $720,000, or 16.9%, primarily due to incentive bonuses associated with strong mutual fund performance, mutual fund asset growth, and increased accounts. Employee compensation and benefits decreased in fiscal year 2003 over fiscal year 2002 by $213,000, or 4.8%, due to staff reductions and a decrease in bonuses. The staff reductions were primarily made in the marketing area in an effort to streamline marketing efforts to reduce overhead. The decrease in bonuses in fiscal 2003 was attributable to a decline in mutual fund performance, decreased mutual fund asset growth and a reduction in the number of accounts.
General and Administrative. The increase in general and administrative expenses of $999,000, or 38.7%, in fiscal year 2004 is primarily attributable to increases in omnibus fees. Much of the mutual fund asset growth across all funds has been realized through broker/dealer platforms. These broker/dealers typically charge an asset-based fee for assets held in their platforms. Accordingly, net omnibus fee expenses have increased by $756,000 during fiscal year 2004. The incremental assets received through the broker/dealer platforms are not as profitable as those received from direct shareholder accounts due to margin compression from paying omnibus fees on those assets.
In June 2004, the Company began providing advisory services to one of the USGAF funds that had previously been sub-advised. Bonnel, Inc., the former subadviser of the Bonnel Growth Fund, notified the Company that its portfolio manager, Art Bonnel, would be taking an extended sabbatical beginning June 1, 2004, and therefore Bonnel, Inc. would no longer provide subadvisory services to the fund. The
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Board of Trustees of the fund approved the Company to provide investment advisory services to the fund and changed the fund name to the Holmes Growth Fund effective June 1, 2004. As advisor of the fund, the Company expects to realize reduced expenses, as it will no longer pay subadvisory fees to Bonnel, Inc. However, the Company expects to incur additional costs associated with set-up and re-branding efforts.
General and administrative expenses decreased by $77,000, or 2.9%, in fiscal year 2003 over fiscal year 2002. This was primarily a result of a write-off of $157,000 associated with a receivable from an insurance carrier during fiscal year 2002. Additionally, the cost of defending a lawsuit reached reimbursable levels on the Companys insurance policy during late fiscal 2002.
Subadvisory Fees. The increases in subadvisory fees of $496,000 and $51,000 in fiscal years 2004 and 2003, respectively, resulted from the sizeable growth in assets in the Eastern European Fund.
Advertising. Advertising expense increased by $131,000, or 54.1%, during fiscal 2004. This increase was primarily due to increased marketing efforts promoting the funds with mail inserts, fund guides, and investor conference calls. Fiscal year 2003 advertising expenses were flat as compared to fiscal year 2002.
Depreciation. The decreases in depreciation expense for fiscal years 2004, 2003, and 2002 are primarily due to assets becoming fully depreciated without being replaced with additional capital purchases.
Interest. The decrease in interest expense during fiscal 2004 of $10,000, or 12.0%, is attributable to the payment in full of the note related to the Companys building in fiscal 2004. The decrease in interest expense from fiscal year 2002 to 2003 of approximately $2,000, or 2.4%, was attributable to continued amortization of the note payable.
Income Taxes
The Company and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return. 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. For federal income tax purposes at June 30, 2004, the Company had charitable contribution carryovers of approximately $23,000 expiring between fiscal 2008 and 2009, and alternative minimum tax credits of approximately $134,000 with indefinite expirations.
A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax amount will not be realized. As such, management has included a valuation allowance of approximately $35,000 at June 30, 2004, providing for the utilization of investment tax credits against future taxable income. At June 30, 2003, the valuation allowance was approximately $315,000. The valuation allowance was reduced in fiscal 2004 as net operating loss carryovers were fully utilized against taxable income.
Contractual Obligations
A summary of contractual obligations of the Company as of June 30, 2004, is as follows:
Operating leases consist of telephone equipment, printers, and copiers leased from several vendors. Contractual obligations consist of an agreement with a vendor to provide marketing and public relations services, and an agreement with a vendor to provide an e-mail server and a web server via T-1 lines.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
At fiscal year end, the Company had net working capital (current assets minus current liabilities) of approximately $5.3 million and a current ratio of 6.0 to 1. With approximately $2.8 million in cash and cash equivalents and almost $2.9 million in marketable securities, the Company has adequate liquidity to meet its current obligations. Total shareholders equity was approximately $8.5 million, with cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities comprising 59.9% of total assets. The Company paid the mortgage on its corporate headquarters in full in fiscal 2004. Thus, the Companys only material commitment going into fiscal 2005 is for operating expenses. The Company also has access to a $1 million credit facility, which can be utilized for working capital purposes. The Companys available working capital and potential cash flow are expected to be sufficient to cover current expenses.
The investment advisory and related contracts between the Company and USGIF and USGAF will expire on February 28, 2005, and May 31, 2005, respectively. Management anticipates that the trustees of both USGIF and USGAF will renew the contracts.
Management believes current cash reserves, financing obtained and/or available, and potential cash flow from operations will be sufficient to meet foreseeable cash needs or capital necessary for the above-mentioned activities and allow the Company to take advantage of investment opportunities whenever available.
Critical Accounting Policies
Security Investments. The Company accounts for its investments in securities in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities (SFAS 115).
In accordance with SFAS 115, the Company classifies its investments in equity and debt securities based on intent. Management determines the appropriate classification of securities at the time of purchase and reevaluates such designation as of each reporting period date. Securities that are purchased and held principally for the purpose of selling in the near term are classified as trading securities and reported at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on these securities are included in earnings. Investments classified as neither trading securities nor held-to-maturity securities are classified as available-for-sale securities and reported at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on these available-for-sale securities are excluded from earnings, reported net of tax as a separate component of shareholders equity, and recorded in earnings on the date of sale. For available-for-sale securities with declines in value deemed other than temporary, the cost basis of the securities is reduced accordingly, and the resulting loss is realized in 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.
Valuation of Investments. Securities traded on a securities exchange are valued at the last sale price. Securities for which over-the-counter market quotations are available, but for which there was no trade on the balance sheet date, are valued at the mean price between the last price bid and last price asked. Securities for which quotations are not readily available are valued at cost.
Related Party Transactions.
The Company had $3,045,000 and $1,125,000 invested in USGIF money market and municipal bond mutual funds at June 30, 2004, and 2003, respectively. Receivables from mutual funds shown on the Consolidated Balance Sheets represent amounts due the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries for investment advisory fees, transfer agent fees, and out-of-pocket expenses, net of amounts payable to the mutual funds.
Frank Holmes, a director and CEO of the Company, served as an independent director of Franc-Or Resources from June 2000 to November 2003. The Company owns a position in Franc-Or Resources at June 30, 2004, with an estimated fair value of $357,521, recorded as a trading security on the balance sheet.
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Holmes served as chairman of Fortress IT Corp. from November 2000 to November 2003. The Company held a position in Fortress IT Corp., which was sold during fiscal 2004 for $7,500. The Company recognized a loss on this transaction of $17,630.
Holmes also served as an independent director for BCS Global Networks (formerly Broadband Collaborative Solutions), a private company, from May 2000 to June 30, 2002, when the entity became a public company. Holmes personally owned shares of BCS Global Networks at June 30, 2004. The Company owned a position in BCS Global Networks at June 30, 2004, with an estimated fair value of $16,882 recorded as available for sale on the balance sheet.
Holmes had an outstanding payable to the Company of $0 and $1,613 at June 30, 2004, and 2003, respectively.
During fiscal year 2002, J. Stephen Penner, a former director of the Company who resigned during fiscal year 2002, exercised options for 10,000 shares of Class A stock at $2.00 per share.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Market Risk Disclosures
The Companys balance sheet includes assets whose fair value is subject to market risks. Due to the Companys investments in equity securities, equity price fluctuations represent a market risk factor affecting the Companys consolidated financial position. The carrying values of investments subject to equity price risks are based on quoted market prices or, if not actively traded, managements 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 Companys investment activities are reviewed and monitored by Company compliance personnel, and various reports are provided to investment advisory clients. The Company has in place a code of ethics that requires pre-clearance of any trading activity by the Company. Written procedures are also in place to manage compliance with the code of ethics.
The table below summarizes the Companys equity price risks as of June 30, 2004, and shows the effects of a hypothetical 25% increase and a 25% decrease in market prices.
The selected hypothetical changes do not reflect what could be considered best- or worst-case scenarios. Results could be much worse due to both the nature of equity markets and the concentration of the Companys investment portfolio.
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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Board of DirectorsU.S. Global Investors, Inc.San Antonio, Texas
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of U.S. Global Investors, Inc. as of June 30, 2004, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), shareholders equity, and cash flows for the year ended June 30, 2004. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of U.S. Global Investors, Inc. at June 30, 2004, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year ended June 30, 2004, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
/s/ BDO Seidman, LLP
BDO Seidman, LLPDallas, TexasAugust 27, 2004
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The Board of Directors andShareholders of U.S. Global Investors, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of U.S. Global Investors, Inc. as of June 30, 2003, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), shareholders equity, and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended June 30, 2003. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of U.S. Global Investors, Inc. at June 30, 2003, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended June 30, 2003, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Dallas, TexasSeptember 24, 2003
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U.S. Global Investors, Inc.Consolidated Balance Sheets
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
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U.S. Global Investors, Inc.Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
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U.S. Global Investors, Inc.Consolidated Statements of Shareholders Equity
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Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
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Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Company
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Item 11. Executive Compensation
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Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
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Equity Compensation Plan Information
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
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Part IV of Annual Report on Form 10-K
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K
(a) The following documents are filed as part of this report:
1. Financial Statements
The Consolidated Financial Statements including:
2. Financial Statement Schedules
None.
3. Exhibits
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(b) Reports on Form 8-K
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Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
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