e424b3
Filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)
Registration No. 333-111590
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
(To Prospectus dated July 6, 2004)
ROYAL GOLD, INC.
577,434 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
We are issuing 577,434 shares of our common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the Common
Stock) to Kennecott Exploration Company (Kennecott) in connection with our acquisition of a 2%
net smelter return (NSR) royalty on the Peñasquito Project located in the State of Zacatecas,
Mexico. See Recent Developments Peñasquito Royalty Acquisition. This document supplements the
prospectus dated July 6, 2004.
We will pay all expenses of the issuance of the Common Stock. We will not pay underwriting
discounts, commissions or finders fees in connection with issuing these shares. We have retained
HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. to provide certain financial advisory services in connection with the Peñasquito acquisition.
Our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol RGLD. The
last reported sale price of our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on January 22, 2007
was $30.36 per share. Our common stock is also traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the
symbol RGL.
Investing in our common stock involves risks. See Risk Factors beginning on page S-10.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has
approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if the prospectus or this prospectus
supplement is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus supplement is January 24, 2007.
You should rely only on the information contained in or incorporated by reference in this
prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you
with different information. We are not making an offer of these securities in any jurisdiction
where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information contained in this
prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the
date on the front of this prospectus supplement. Information in this prospectus supplement updates
and modifies the information in the accompanying prospectus.
Table Of Contents
Prospectus Supplement
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S-18 |
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S-18 |
Prospectus |
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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are part of a registration
statement on Form S-4 (File no. 333-111590), as amended, that we filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission and that was declared effective on July 14, 2004.
This document is in two parts. The first part is this prospectus supplement that describes the
terms of this offering of common stock as well as adds, updates and changes information contained
in the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference. The second part of the
prospectus gives more general information, some of which may not apply to this offering of common
stock. To the extent the information contained in this prospectus supplement differs or varies from
the information contained in the accompanying prospectus or any document incorporated by reference,
the information in this prospectus supplement shall control. You should read both this prospectus
supplement and the accompanying prospectus as well as the additional information described under
Where You Can Find More Information on page S-18 of this prospectus supplement before investing
in the Common Stock.
This document may include product names, trade names and trademarks of other companies. All
such product names and trademarks appearing in this document are the property of their respective
holders.
SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus supplement, the related prospectus and the documents incorporated herein by
reference contain certain forward-looking statements and information relating to us that are based
on our beliefs and assumptions as well as information currently available to management.
Additional written or oral forward-looking statements may be made by Royal Gold from time to time
in filings with the SEC or otherwise. The words believe, estimate, expect, anticipate, and
project and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, which speak
only as of the date the statement is made. These statements are included or incorporated by
reference in this prospectus supplement. Such forward-looking statements are within the meaning of
that term in Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Such
forward-looking statements include statements regarding projected production and reserves from
feasibility studies or received from the operators of our royalty properties. In addition to other
factors described elsewhere in this prospectus supplement, factors that could cause actual results
to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include, among others:
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changes in metals prices; |
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decisions and activities of the operators of our royalty properties; |
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unanticipated grade and geological, metallurgical, processing or other problems at the properties; |
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changes in project parameters as plans of the operators are refined; |
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economic and market conditions; |
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future financial needs; |
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foreign, federal or state legislation governing us or the operators; |
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the availability of and our ability to successfully complete royalty acquisitions; and |
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the ultimate additional liability, if any, to the State of California in connection with the Casmalia matter. |
Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot
be predicted or quantified. Future events and actual results could differ materially from those
set forth in, contemplated by or underlying the forward-looking statements. Statements in this
prospectus supplement, including those set forth in Risk Factors, describe factors, among others,
that could contribute to or cause such differences.
The Peñasquito royalty acquisition is Royal Golds largest royalty acquisition to date. Like
any royalty acquisition, it is subject to certain risks, such as the ability of the operator to
bring the project into production and operate in accordance with the feasibility study and the
ability of Royal Gold to make accurate assumptions regarding the valuation and timing and amount of
royalty payments. In addition, Royal Golds acquired royalty interests and the Peñasquito Project
are subject to risks associated with conducting business in a foreign country, including
application of foreign laws to contract and other disputes, environmental laws and enforcement and
uncertain political and economic environments. In addition our Pascua Lama proposed acquisition is
subject to similar risks as the Peñasquito Project as it is not yet in production and is located in
Chile. We disclaim any
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obligation to update any forward-looking statement made herein. Readers are cautioned not to put
undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference the documents we file with the SEC, which
means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The
information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus supplement, and
information in documents that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede
information in this prospectus supplement and the related prospectus. We incorporate by reference
the documents listed below and any future filings we will make with the SEC under Sections 13(a),
13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (except current reports on Form 8-K furnished rather than
filed under Form 8-K) after the date of this prospectus supplement:
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our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006; |
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our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006; |
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our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on August 31, 2006, September 19,
2006, October 26, 2006, November 2, 2006, November 9, 2006, November 13,
2006; December 14, 2006; January 3, 2007; January 11, 2007; and January
22, 2007; and |
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our Definitive Proxy Statement filed on Schedule 14A on October 13, 2006. |
We will provide a copy of the documents we incorporate by reference, at no cost, to any person
who receives this prospectus supplement. To request a copy of any or all of these documents, you
should write or telephone us at: Investor Relations, Royal Gold, Inc., 1660 Wynkoop Street, Suite
1000, Denver, CO 80202, (303) 573-1660. To obtain timely delivery, you must request the information
from us no later than five days before you must make your investment decision.
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PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY
This summary highlights selected information about us. This summary is not complete and does
not contain all of the information that may be important to you. For a more complete understanding
of us you should read carefully this entire prospectus supplement and the related prospectus,
including the Risk Factors section and the other documents we refer to and incorporate by
reference. Unless otherwise indicated, we, us, our, or Royal Gold refer to Royal Gold,
Inc. and its subsidiaries.
Royal Gold, Inc.
We, together with our subsidiaries, are engaged in the business of acquisition and management
of precious metals royalties. Royalties are passive (non-operating) interests in mining projects
that provide the right to revenue from the project after deducting specified costs, if any. Our
principal mining property interests are four royalty interests at the Pipeline Mining Complex
located in Nevada and operated by the Cortez Joint Venture, a joint venture between Barrick Gold
Corporation (Barrick) (60%) and Kennecott Explorations (Australia) Ltd. (40%), a subsidiary of
Rio Tinto plc; a royalty interest on the Leeville Project located in Nevada and operated by Newmont
Mining Corporation (Newmont); a royalty interest on the SJ Claims, covering portions of the
Betze-Post Mine located in Nevada and operated by Barrick; a variable royalty interest in the Troy
underground silver and copper mine located in Montana and operated by Revett Silver Company
(Revett); a royalty interest on a number of properties in Santa Cruz Province, Argentina,
including the Martha silver mine, operated by Coeur dAlene Mines Corporation (Coeur); and a
royalty interest on the Bald Mountain mine located in Nevada and operated by Barrick. In our
fiscal year ended June 30, 2006 (Fiscal 2006), we generated royalty revenues of $16,813,059 from
the Pipeline Mining Complex, representing approximately 59% of our total revenues. In addition, we
generated royalty revenue of $767,744 from the Leeville Project, $4,783,896 from the SJ claims at
the Betze-Post Mine, $1,693,447 from the Troy mine, $401,589 from the Martha mine and $1,492,659
from the Bald Mountain mine.
During Fiscal 2006, we acquired the following royalty interests: four royalty interests on the
Taparko Project, located in Burkina Faso and operated by High River Gold Mines Ltd. (High River);
a royalty interest on the Robinson mine, located in eastern Nevada and operated by Quadra Mining
Ltd. (Quadra); and a royalty interest on the Mulatos mine, located in Sonora, Mexico, and
operated by Alamos Gold, Inc. (Alamos). In Fiscal 2006, we generated royalty revenue of
$2,202,749 from the Robinson mine and $225,000 from the Mulatos mine. The Taparko Project is in
the development stage and contains proven and probable reserves.
In December 2006, we acquired certain unpatented mining claims and a sliding-scale royalty
interest on the Gold Hill deposit in Nevada from Nevada Star Resource Corporation for $3.3 million.
Round Mountain Gold Corporation, which controls the Gold Hill deposit, is currently seeking
approval of a plan of operations, including preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement for
the expansion of the existing pit and the development of the Gold Hill deposit. Production is
expected to commence once permitting is completed and equipment from the pit expansion become
available.
In early January 2007, we entered into an agreement with a private individual to acquire a
sliding-scale royalty interest on gold which is derived from certain mineral concessions located at
the Pascua Lama project in Chile for $20.5 million. Barrick owns the Pascua Lama project, and is
targeting production to commence in calendar 2010. We also acquired a NSR royalty on Pascua Lama
copper reserves in Chile sold after January 1, 2017. The acquisition is subject to customary due
diligence and is expected to close in early March 2007. See Recent Developments Pascua Lama
Acquisition.
Peñasquito Royalty Acquisition
On January 23, 2007, we acquired a 2% NSR royalty on the Peñasquito Project located in the
State of Zacatecas, Mexico, from Minera Kennecott S.A. DE C.V.,
a Mexican company that is an indirect subsidiary of Kennecott Exploration
Company, a Delaware corporation, for $80,000,000 in cash and 577,434 shares of Common Stock to be delivered on the date of this prospectus supplement (the Peñasquito Royalty Acquisition). We also obtained the
right to acquire any or all of a group of NSR royalties ranging from 1.0% to 2.0% on various other
concessions in the same region. The right to acquire the royalties on these various concessions
expires with respect to each royalty interest on May 1, 2007.
S-3
The Peñasquito Project is composed of two main deposits called Peñasco and Chile Colorado and
is under development by Goldcorp Inc. (Goldcorp). The Peñasquito Project hosts one of the
worlds largest silver, gold and zinc reserves while also containing large lead reserves.
The feasibility study estimates a mine life of approximately 17 years and anticipates initial
mine start-up in late calendar 2008 with full production being reached in calendar 2012. See
Recent DevelopmentsPeñasquito Royalty Acquisition.
Royal Gold Business Model
The key elements of our business model are set out below:
1. Lower-Risk Exposure to Gold through Royalty Ownership. We have established our
business model based on the premise that an attractive means to invest in gold and precious metals
is to hold and acquire royalty interests in gold properties rather than engage in mining
operations. By holding royalties, we are rewarded when metal prices rise or reserves are increased
on a property and our risks are reduced because we are not required to contribute to capital costs,
exploration costs, environmental costs or most operating costs of mines where we hold our royalty
interests. Operating risk is further reduced by our portfolio of several active royalties.
2. Acquisition of Royalties on Major Developed or Undeveloped Mines. We actively seek
royalties on existing and planned mines and believe there are substantial benefits to holding
royalties on properties with significant reserves that represent long-lived assets.
3. Industry Relationships and Experience. We rely on our experienced management team
to identify opportunities and structure creative approaches to acquire royalty interests. Our
management team includes senior executives with many years of industry experience in geology, mine
operations, metallurgy, mining law as well as mining and financing transactions. Our management
team maintains personal relationships throughout the industry, from major mining companies to
exploration companies, landowners and prospectors, giving us an excellent platform to identify,
target and obtain royalty interests.
4. Royalty Evaluation Criteria. We utilize a series of technical, business and legal
criteria as we evaluate potential royalty acquisitions. Among the factors we consider are: our
analysis of the quality of the asset, reputation of the operator, country risks, timing of
anticipated production, potential for reserve growth and overall size and likely duration of the
project. We rely both on our own management expertise and that of consultants to evaluate mining
properties and reserves as we value royalties for acquisition. We believe our systematic
evaluation of royalties combined with our experience provides us a competitive advantage in
acquiring royalties.
5. Focus on Nevada with Exposure Throughout the World. We believe that the historical
record of successful gold mining in Nevada makes it the most attractive region to seek royalties,
and the vast majority of our producing royalties are in Nevada. We also believe that it is
important to have exposure to royalties in other parts of the world, and we currently have
royalties on properties in California and Montana in the United States and in Argentina, Russia,
Burkina Faso, Mexico and Finland. In addition, in the last two years we have evaluated royalty
opportunities in Canada, Central America, Europe, Australia, other Republics of the former Soviet
Union, Asia, Africa and South America.
Growth Strategy
Our growth strategy includes the following:
1. Build on Our Core Royalties. We have compiled a core group of royalties in leading
mines and mining districts in Nevada, with our royalties on Barricks Pipeline Mining Complex, our
royalty on the SJ Claims at Barricks Betze-Post mine and our royalty at Newmonts Leeville
Project. We have built on our initial Pipeline Mining Complex royalties through direct
acquisitions of existing royalties, by providing royalty financing and by entering into strategic
exploration alliances.
2. Pursue Strategic Acquisitions of High Quality Royalties. We have been
opportunistic in acquiring high quality existing royalties on producing properties operated by
experienced mining companies and properties in the pre-production stage. We acquired our royalties
on the SJ Claims and Leeville property based on our
S-4
relationships with the original prospectors who identified the prospects and where high quality
operators, Newmont and Barrick were in place. The Peñasquito Royalty Acquisition and the recently
announced Pascua-Lama acquisition are both pre-production properties operated by experienced mining
companies, Goldcorp and Barrick, respectively. We provide individual and corporate royalty
holders opportunities to monetize their royalty positions, which are often non-core assets of
mining companies. Purchases of royalties will continue to be important as we seek to continue to
expand our royalty portfolio.
3. Organic Growth through Reserve Replacement. We look for properties where we
believe there is substantial potential for additional reserve growth. The Pipeline Mining Complex,
Bald Mountain and the SJ Claims at Goldstrike represent examples of reserve additions to our
royalty portfolio at no additional costs.
4. Create Royalties on Development Projects. We seek to create royalties in early and
development stage properties by providing financing to mining companies to conduct feasibility
studies or develop their properties. We provide the cash investment needed by the operator in
exchange for royalty interests on future production. Our royalties in Revetts Troy Mine and the
Taparko Project in Burkina Faso are examples of this approach. We believe this financing approach
provides us with a competitive advantage over traditional lenders in that the mining operator
preserves equity, maintains full operational control of the project cash flows, and avoids the need
to hedge and repay a loan.
5. Early Stage Exploration and Exploration Alliances. Our business was built through
successful exploration in Nevada, where we were involved in the discovery of the South Pipeline
deposit, now part of the Pipeline Mining Complex. We seek to capture early stage royalty
opportunities through acquiring exploration stage properties and by acquiring royalties in
properties held by smaller, exploration-focused mining companies in Nevada and around the world in
exchange for making a cash investment or joint venturing the exploration property. In these
situations, we fund exploration activities to develop resources so they can ultimately be
transferred to a mining company in exchange for a royalty interest. We hold royalty interests on
various exploration properties. These properties are located in Nevada, California, Argentina,
Russia and Finland.
Possible Acquisitions
We are engaged in a continual review of opportunities to acquire existing royalties or to
create new royalties through the financing or joint venture of mining projects. At the current
time we are evaluating or in discussions regarding a variety of different transactions that have
varying likelihoods of being concluded. At this time we cannot provide assurance that all or any
of the possible transactions will be concluded successfully.
Our Producing Royalty Interests
Our principal mineral property interests at December 31, 2006 were:
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Pipeline Mining Complex: Four royalty interests at the Pipeline Mining Complex, which
includes the Pipeline, South Pipeline, GAP and Crossroads gold deposits. Our four royalty
interests at the Pipeline Mining Complex are: |
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GSR1 A sliding-scale gross smelter return (GSR) royalty that covers
the current mine footprint which includes the Pipeline and South Pipeline deposits
and ranges from 0.4%, at a gold price below $210 per ounce, to 5.0% at a gold price
of $470 per ounce or above; |
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GSR2 A sliding-scale GSR royalty that covers areas outside the
Pipeline and South Pipeline deposits and ranges from 0.72%, at a gold price below
$210 per ounce, to 9.0% at a gold price of $470 per ounce or above; |
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GSR3 A 0.71% fixed rate GSR royalty on the production covered by GSR1
and GSR2; and |
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NVR1 A fixed rate 0.39% net value royalty on all production on the
South Pipeline, Crossroads, and some of the GAP deposit, but not covering the
Pipeline deposit. |
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Leeville: A 1.8% carried working interest, equal to a 1.8% NSR royalty, on the majority
of the Leeville Project, which includes Leeville South and Leeville North underground
mines, located in Nevada and operated by Newmont. |
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Robinson: A 3% NSR royalty on the Robinson mine, located in eastern Nevada and operated
by Quadra. |
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SJ Claims: A 0.9% NSR royalty on the SJ Claims, which covers a portion of the Betze-Post
open pit mine, at the Goldstrike operation, located in Nevada and operated by Barrick. |
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Troy: Two royalty interests in the Troy underground silver and copper mine, which is
operated by Revett, located in northwestern Montana: |
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A production payment equivalent to a 7.0% GSR royalty until either
cumulative production of approximately 9.9 million ounces of silver and 84.6
million pounds of copper, or we receive $10.5 million in cumulative payments,
whichever occurs first; and |
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A GSR royalty which begins at 6.1% on any production in excess of 11.0
million ounces of silver and 94.1 million pounds of copper, and steps down to a 2%
GSR royalty after cumulative production has exceeded 12.7 million ounces of silver
and 108.2 million pounds of copper. |
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Bald Mountain: A 1.75% NSR sliding-scale royalty interest on the Bald Mountain mine that
increases or decreases with the price of gold, adjusted by the 1986 Producer Price Index.
As of September 30, 2006, our royalty rate would increase to 2.0% at a gold price of
approximately $684 per ounce in todays dollars. Our royalty covers a portion of the Bald
Mountain mine, which is located in White Pine County, Nevada, and is operated by Barrick. |
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Mulatos: A sliding-scale NSR royalty on the Mulatos mine, located in Sonora, Mexico, and
operated by Alamos. The sliding-scale NSR royalty, capped at two million ounces of gold
production, ranges from 0.30% payout for gold prices below $300 per ounce up to a maximum
rate of 1.50% for gold prices above $400 per ounce. |
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Martha: A 2% NSR royalty on a number of properties in Santa Cruz Province, Argentina,
including the Martha mine, which is a high grade underground silver mine operated by Coeur. |
At December 31, 2006, we also own the following royalty interests that are currently in
development stage and are not yet in production:
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Taparko: Four royalty interests on the Taparko Project are: |
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TB-GSR1 A production payment equivalent to a 15% GSR royalty on all
gold produced from the Taparko Project until either cumulative production of
804,420 ounces of gold is achieved or until we receive $35 million in cumulative
payments; |
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TB-GSR2 A production payment equivalent to a GSR sliding-scale
royalty on all gold produced from the Taparko Project. TB-GSR2 remains in force
until the termination of TB-GSR1; |
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TB-GSR3 A perpetual 2% GSR royalty on all gold contained in and
produced from the Taparko Project after the termination of TB-GSR1 and TB-GSR2; |
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TB-MR1 A 0.75% milling fee royalty on all gold, subject to annual
caps, processed through the Taparko Project processing facilities, that is mined
from any area outside the Taparko Project area. |
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Receipt of royalty revenue on the Taparko Project is anticipated to commence in the second
calendar quarter of 2007. |
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Gold Hill: Unpatented mining claims and a sliding-scale NSR on the Gold Hill deposit in
Nye County, Nevada. The sliding-scale ranges from 1.0%, when the gold price is $350 per
ounce or less, to 2.0% when the gold price is above $350 per ounce. Production on the Gold
Hill deposit is expected to commence once permitting is completed and equipment from the
Round Mountain pit becomes available. |
For a discussion of the Peñasquito and Pascua Lama acquisitions, see Recent Developments
Peñasquito Royalty Acquisition and Recent Developments Pascua Lama Acquisition.
Non-Producing Royalty Interests
In addition, we own royalty interests in the following exploration stage projects. None of
these exploration stage projects contain proven and probable reserves as of December 31, 2006.
A 5% NSR royalty interest on a portion of the Mule Canyon project, located in Lander
County, Nevada;
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A 16.5% net profits interest (NPI) royalty on the Buckhorn South project, located in
Eureka County, Nevada;
A 1% NSR royalty interest on the Long Valley gold project, located in eastern California;
A 1% NSR royalty, on possible production of precious metals on the Svetloye project in
Russia;
A 2% NSR royalty on a number of exploration properties in Santa Cruz Province, Argentina,
currently owned by Hidefield Gold PLC;
A 1% NSR royalty interest on the Simon Creek project, located in Eureka County, Nevada;
A 0.25% net value royalty interest on the Horse Mountain project, located in Lander
County, Nevada;
A 1.5% net value royalty interest on the Ferris/Cooks Creek project, located in Lander
County, Nevada;
A 0.5% NSR royalty interest on the Rye project, located in Pershing County, Nevada;
A 2.5% NSR royalty interest on the BSC project, located in Elko County, Nevada;
A 0.75% NSR royalty on a 60% interest in the Copper Basin project, located in Lander
County, Nevada;
A 0.75% NSR royalty on a 67% interest (approximate) on the ICBM project, located in Lander
County and Humboldt County, Nevada;
A 0.75% NSR royalty on the Long Peak project, located in Lander County, Nevada;
A 0.75% NSR royalty on the Dixie Flats project, located in Elko County, Nevada; and
A 2% NSR royalty on the Kettukuusikko property located in Lapland, Finland, which was
acquired in November 2005 and is being explored by Taranis Resources Inc.
Reserve Information
The following table shows the proven and probable reserves that have been reported to us by
the operators of our royalty interests as of December 31, 2005. This information does not include
reserves relating to the Peñasquito and Pascua Lama projects. See Recent DevelopmentsPeñasquito
Royalty Acquisition and Recent DevelopmentsPascua Lama Acquisition for reserve information on
those projects.
Summary of Proven and Probable Gold Reserves Subject to Our Royalties(1)
As of December 31, 2005
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Average Gold |
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Gold Contained |
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Tons |
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Grade |
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Ounces |
Royalty |
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Operator |
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Category(2) |
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(millions) |
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(ounces per ton) |
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(millions)(3) |
Pipeline GSR1(4) |
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Barrick |
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Proven |
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29.5 |
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0.034 |
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1.016 |
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Probable |
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72.7 |
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0.028 |
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2.024 |
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Pipeline GSR2(5) |
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Barrick |
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Proven |
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12.4 |
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0.026 |
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0.323 |
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Probable |
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35.8 |
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0.030 |
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1.057 |
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Pipeline GSR3(6) |
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Barrick |
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Proven |
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41.8 |
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0.032 |
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1.339 |
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Probable |
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108.5 |
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0.028 |
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3.081 |
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Pipeline NVR1(7) |
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Barrick |
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Proven |
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31.9 |
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0.029 |
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0.937 |
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Probable |
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84.7 |
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0.028 |
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2.344 |
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SJ Claims(8) |
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Barrick |
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Reserve |
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64.9 |
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0.137 |
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8.898 |
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Leeville North(9) |
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Newmont |
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Proven |
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Probable |
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5.1 |
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0.465 |
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2.381 |
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Leeville South(9) |
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Newmont |
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Proven |
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0.086 |
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0.371 |
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0.032 |
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Probable |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bald Mountain(10) |
|
Barrick |
|
Reserve |
|
|
45.4 |
|
|
|
0.039 |
|
|
|
1.778 |
|
Robinson(11) |
|
Quadra |
|
Proven |
|
|
154.8 |
|
|
|
0.007 |
|
|
|
1.124 |
|
|
|
|
|
Probable |
|
|
5.6 |
|
|
|
0.006 |
|
|
|
0.036 |
|
Mulatos(12) |
|
Alamos |
|
Proven |
|
|
8.1 |
|
|
|
0.047 |
|
|
|
0.378 |
|
|
|
|
|
Probable |
|
|
32.4 |
|
|
|
0.047 |
|
|
|
1.513 |
|
S-7
Summary of Proven and Probable Silver Reserves Subject to Our Royalties(1)
As of December 31, 2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average Silver |
|
Silver Contained |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tons |
|
Grade |
|
Ounces |
Royalty |
|
Operator |
|
Category(13) |
|
(millions) |
|
(ounces per ton) |
|
(millions)(3) |
Troy(14) |
|
Revett |
|
Reserve |
|
10.4 |
|
1.41 |
|
14.651 |
Martha(15) |
|
Coeur dAlene |
|
Proven |
|
0.025 |
|
58.69 |
|
1.488 |
|
|
|
|
Probable |
|
0.042 |
|
61.26 |
|
2.566 |
Summary of Proven and Probable Copper Reserves Subject to Our Royalties(1)
As of December 31, 2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average Copper |
|
Copper Contained |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tons |
|
Grade |
|
Pounds |
Royalty |
|
Operator |
|
Category(16) |
|
(millions) |
|
(% Cu) |
|
(millions)(3) |
Troy(14) |
|
Revett |
|
Reserve |
|
10.4 |
|
0.60 |
|
124.854 |
Robinson (11) |
|
Quadra |
|
Proven |
|
154.8 |
|
0.69 |
|
2,131 |
|
|
|
|
Probable |
|
5.6 |
|
0.73 |
|
82.0 |
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Reserve is that part of a mineral deposit which could be economically and legally
extracted or produced at the time of the reserve determination. |
|
|
|
Proven (Measured) Reserves are reserves for which (a) quantity is computed from dimensions
revealed in outcrops, trenches, workings or drill holes, and the grade is computed from the
results of detailed sampling, and (b) the sites for inspection, sampling and measurement are
spaced so closely and the geologic character is so well defined that the size, shape, depth
and mineral content of the reserves are well established. |
|
|
|
Probable (Indicated) Reserves are reserves for which the quantity and grade are computed
from information similar to that used for proven (measured) reserves, but the sites for
inspection, sampling, and measurement are farther apart or are otherwise less adequately
spaced. The degree of assurance of probable (indicated) reserves, although lower than that
for proven (measured) reserves, is high enough to assume geological continuity between
points of observation. |
|
|
|
Amounts shown represent 100% of the reserves subject to our royalty interest and do not take
into account losses in processing the ore. |
|
(2) |
|
Gold reserves were calculated by the various operators at $400 per ounce except for
the Robinson mine where Quadra calculated reserves at $425 per ounce, and the Mulatos mine
where Alamos calculated reserves at $350 per ounce. |
|
(3) |
|
Contained ounces or contained pounds shown do not take into account losses in
processing the ore. |
|
(4) |
|
GSR1 is a sliding-scale royalty that covers the Reserve Claims. |
|
(5) |
|
GSR2 is a sliding-scale royalty that covers an area outside of the Reserve Claims. |
|
(6) |
|
GSR3 is a 0.71% fixed rate royalty that covers the same area as GSR1 and GSR2. |
|
(7) |
|
NVR1 is a 0.39% net value royalty that covers production from the majority of the
GAS Claims, which covers a portion of the Pipeline Mining Complex that excludes the Pipeline
pit. NVR1 is calculated by deducting contract defined processing-related and associated
capital costs but not mining costs from revenue received by the operator. |
|
(8) |
|
We own a 0.9% NSR royalty on the SJ Claims. SJ Claims did not provide a breakdown of
proven and probable reserves. |
|
(9) |
|
We own a 1.8% carried working interest, equal to a 1.8% NSR royalty, on the Leeville
Project. |
|
(10) |
|
We own a 1.75 to 3.5% sliding-scale NSR royalty on a portion of the Bald Mountain
mine. Bald Mountain mine did not provide a breakdown of proven and probable reserves. |
|
(11) |
|
We own a 3.0% NSR royalty on the Robinson mine. |
|
(12) |
|
We own a 0.30 to 1.5% sliding-scale NSR royalty on the Mulatos mine. |
S-8
|
|
|
(13) |
|
Silver reserves were calculated by the operators at $7.00 per ounce for Troy and
$6.50 per ounce for the Martha mine. |
|
(14) |
|
We own a 7.0% GSR royalty interest that extends until either cumulative production
reaches a certain amount or the Company receives $10.5 million in cumulative payments
whichever comes first, and then a perpetual royalty interest that begins at 6.1% and steps
down to a perpetual 2.0% royalty in the Troy mine, subject to certain production thresholds.
The Troy mine did not provide a breakdown of proven and probable reserves. |
|
(15) |
|
We own a 2% NSR royalty on the Martha mine. |
|
(16) |
|
Copper reserves were calculated by the operators at $1.60 per pound for Troy and
$1.15 per pound for Robinson. |
Corporate Information
We were incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware on January 5, 1981. Our executive
offices are located at 1660 Wynkoop Street, Suite 1000, Denver, Colorado 80202, and our telephone
number is (303) 573-1660. Our website address is www.royalgold.com. The information available on
or through our website is not part of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus.
S-9
RISK FACTORS
An investment in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully
consider the risks described below, as well as the other information included or incorporated by
reference in this prospectus supplement, before making an investment decision. Our business,
financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected by any of these
risks. The market or trading price of our securities could decline due to any of these risks. In
addition, please read Special Note About Forward-Looking Statements in this prospectus
supplement, where we describe additional uncertainties associated with our business and the
forward-looking statements included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement.
Please note that additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial
may also impair our business and operations.
Risks Related to Our Business
Our revenues are largely dependent on a single property.
For the year ended June 30, 2006, approximately 59% of our revenues were derived from royalties from the
Pipeline Mining Complex, compared to approximately 85% being derived from the Pipeline Mining
Complex in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2005. We expect that revenue from our royalties on the
Pipeline Mining Complex will continue to be a significant, though less dominant, contributor to our
revenue in future periods. Our success has been, and to a lesser degree will continue to be,
dependent on the extent to which the Pipeline Mining Complex continues to be a substantial mining
operation.
We own passive interests in mining properties, and it is difficult or impossible for us to ensure
properties are operated in our best interest.
All of our current revenue is derived from royalties on properties operated by third parties.
The holder of a royalty interest typically has no authority regarding development or operation of a
mineral property. Therefore, we are not in control of basic decisions regarding development or
operation of any of the properties in which we hold a royalty interest, and we have limited or no
legal rights to influence those decisions.
Our strategy of having others operate properties in which we retain a royalty or other passive
interest puts us generally at risk to the decisions of others regarding all basic operating
matters, including permitting, feasibility analysis, mine design and operation, processing, plant
and equipment matters, and temporary or permanent suspension of operations, among others. These
decisions may be motivated by the best interests of the operator rather than to maximize royalties.
Although we attempt to secure contractual rights that will permit us to protect our interests,
there can be no assurance that such rights will always be available or sufficient, or that our
efforts will be successful in achieving timely or favorable results or in affecting the operations
of the properties in which we have royalty interests in ways that would be beneficial to our
stockholders.
Decreases in gold and other metal prices would reduce our royalty revenues.
The profitability of our royalty interests and exploration properties is directly related to
the market price of gold and, to a lesser degree, other metal prices.
The market price of each metal fluctuates widely and is affected by numerous factors beyond
the control of any mining company. These factors include metal supply, industrial and jewelry
fabrication demand, expectations with respect to the rate of inflation, the relative strength of
the U.S. dollar and other currencies, interest rates, gold sales and loans by central banks,
forward sales by metal producers, global or regional political, economic or banking crises, and a
number of other factors. If the market price of gold, or certain other metals should drop, our
royalty revenues would also drop. Our sliding-scale GSR1 royalty amplifies this. When the gold
price falls below the steps in the sliding-scale GSR1 royalty, we receive a lower royalty rate on
production. In addition, if gold and certain other metal prices drop dramatically, we might not be
able to recover our investment in royalty interests or properties. The selection of a royalty
investment or of a property for exploration or development, the determination to construct a mine
and place it into production, and the dedication of funds necessary to achieve such purposes are
decisions that must be made long before the first revenues from production will be received. Price
fluctuations between the time that such decisions are made and the commencement of production can
have a material adverse effect on the economics of a mine, and can eliminate or have a material
adverse impact on the value of royalty interests.
S-10
The volatility in gold prices is illustrated by the following table, which sets forth, for the
periods indicated (calendar year), the high and low prices in U.S. dollars per ounce of gold, based
on the London P.M. fix.
Gold Price Per Ounce ($)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year |
|
High |
|
Low |
1998 |
|
$ |
313 |
|
|
$ |
273 |
|
1999 |
|
|
326 |
|
|
|
253 |
|
2000 |
|
|
312 |
|
|
|
263 |
|
2001 |
|
|
293 |
|
|
|
256 |
|
2002 |
|
|
349 |
|
|
|
278 |
|
2003 |
|
|
416 |
|
|
|
320 |
|
2004 |
|
|
454 |
|
|
|
375 |
|
2005 |
|
|
537 |
|
|
|
411 |
|
2006 |
|
|
725 |
|
|
|
525 |
|
The volatility in silver prices is illustrated by the following table which sets forth, for
the periods indicated (calendar year), the high and low prices in U.S. dollars per ounce of silver,
based on the London P.M. fix.
Silver Price Per Ounce ($)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year |
|
High |
|
Low |
1998 |
|
$ |
7.81 |
|
|
$ |
4.69 |
|
1999 |
|
|
5.75 |
|
|
|
4.88 |
|
2000 |
|
|
5.45 |
|
|
|
4.57 |
|
2001 |
|
|
4.82 |
|
|
|
4.07 |
|
2002 |
|
|
5.10 |
|
|
|
4.24 |
|
2003 |
|
|
5.97 |
|
|
|
4.37 |
|
2004 |
|
|
8.29 |
|
|
|
5.50 |
|
2005 |
|
|
9.23 |
|
|
|
6.39 |
|
2006 |
|
|
14.94 |
|
|
|
8.83 |
|
The volatility in copper prices is illustrated by the following table, which sets forth, for the
periods indicated (calendar year), the high and low prices in U.S. dollars per pound of copper,
based on the London Metal Exchange cash settlement price for copper Grade A.
Copper Price Per Pound ($)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year |
|
High |
|
Low |
1998 |
|
$ |
0.82 |
|
|
$ |
0.67 |
|
1999 |
|
|
0.80 |
|
|
|
0.63 |
|
2000 |
|
|
0.89 |
|
|
|
0.76 |
|
2001 |
|
|
0.81 |
|
|
|
0.62 |
|
2002 |
|
|
0.75 |
|
|
|
0.67 |
|
2003 |
|
|
1.00 |
|
|
|
0.72 |
|
2004 |
|
|
1.43 |
|
|
|
1.10 |
|
2005 |
|
|
2.08 |
|
|
|
1.44 |
|
2006 |
|
|
3.65 |
|
|
|
2.15 |
|
S-11
We depend on the services of our President and Chief Executive Officer, our Executive Chairman and
other key employees.
We believe that our success depends on the continued service of our key executive management
personnel. Currently, Tony Jensen is serving as President and Chief Executive Officer and Stanley
Dempsey is serving as our Executive Chairman. Mr. Jensen has extensive experience in mining
operations.
Mr. Dempseys knowledge of the legal and commercial aspects of royalties and his extensive
contacts within the mining industry give us an important competitive advantage. Loss of the
services of Mr. Jensen, Mr. Dempsey or other key employees could jeopardize our ability to maintain
our competitive position in the industry. We currently do not have key person life insurance for
any of our officers or directors.
Our revenues are subject to operational risks of the mining industry.
Although we are not required to pay capital costs or most operating costs, our financial
results are subject to hazards and risks normally associated with developing and operating mining
properties, both for the properties where we have exploration alliances or indirectly for
properties operated by others where we hold royalty interests.
These risks include:
insufficient ore reserves;
fluctuations in production costs by the operators or third parties that may make mining of ore
uneconomic or impact the amount of reserves;
declines in the price of gold, and other metal prices;
significant environmental and other regulatory restrictions;
labor disputes;
geological problems;
pit walls or tailings dam failures;
natural catastrophes such as floods or earthquakes; and
the risk of injury to persons, property or the environment
Operating cost increases can have a negative effect on the value of and income from our
royalty interests, by potentially causing an operator to curtail, delay or close operations at a
mine site.
Estimates of reserves and mineralization by the operators of mines in which we have royalty
interests are subject to significant estimates which can change.
There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating proven and probable reserves and
mineralization, including many factors beyond our control or that of the operators of mineral
properties in which we have a royalty interest. Reserve estimates on our royalty interests are
prepared by the operators of the mining properties, and we do not participate in the preparation of
such reports. The estimation of reserves and of other mineralization is a subjective process and
the accuracy of any such estimates is a function of the quality of available data and of
engineering and geological interpretation and judgment. Results of drilling, metallurgical testing
and production, and the evaluation of mine plans subsequent to the date of any estimate may cause
revision of such estimates. The volume and grade of reserves recovered and rates of production may
be less than anticipated. Assumptions about prices are subject to great uncertainty and such prices
have fluctuated widely in the past. Declines in the market price of gold or other precious metals
also may render reserves or mineralization containing relatively lower grades of ore uneconomic to
exploit. Changes in operating and capital costs and other factors including short-term
operating factors, such as the need for sequential development of ore bodies and the processing of
new or different ore grades, may materially and adversely affect reserves.
We may be unable to acquire additional royalty interests.
Our future success depends upon our ability to acquire royalty interests to replace depleting
reserves and to diversify our royalty portfolio. We anticipate that most of our revenues will be
derived from royalty interests that we
S-12
acquire or finance, rather than through exploration and
development of properties. In addition, we face competition in the acquisition of royalty
interests. If we are unable to successfully acquire additional royalties, the reserves on
properties currently covered by our royalties will decline as existing reserves are mined.
Acquired royalty interests may not produce anticipated royalty revenues.
The royalty interests we acquire may not produce the anticipated royalty revenues. The
success of our royalty acquisitions is based on our ability to make accurate assumptions regarding
the valuation and timing and amount of royalty payments, particularly acquisitions of royalties on
development stage properties. If the operator does not bring the property into production and
operate in accordance with feasibility studies, acquired royalty interests may not yield royalty
revenues or sufficient royalty revenues to be profitable. The Taparko Project in Burkina Faso and
the Peñasquito Project in Mexico represent our largest development stage royalty acquisitions to
date. In addition, our Pascua Lama proposed acquisition in Chile is in a pre-production stage.
The failure of these projects to produce anticipated royalty revenues may materially and adversely
affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Anticipated federal legislation could decrease our royalty revenues.
In recent years, the United States Congress has considered a number of proposed major
revisions of the General Mining Law, which governs the creation and possession of mining claims and
related activities on federal public lands in the United States. It is possible that another bill
may be introduced in the Congress and it is possible that a new law could be enacted. If and when a
new mining law is enacted, it might impose a royalty upon production of minerals from federal lands
and might contain new requirements for mined land reclamation, and similar environmental control
and reclamation measures. It remains unclear to what extent new legislation may affect existing
mining claims or operations, but it could raise the cost of mining operations, perhaps materially
affecting operators and our royalty revenue.
The effect of any revision of the General Mining Law on royalty interests in the United States
cannot be determined conclusively until such revision, if any, is enacted. The majority of our
interests are on public lands. If a royalty, assessment, production tax or other levy imposed on
and measured by production is charged to the operator at the Pipeline Mining Complex, the amount of
that charge would be deducted from gross proceeds for calculation of our GSR1, GSR2 and GSR3
royalties.
The mining industry is subject to significant environmental risks.
Mining is subject to potential risks and liabilities associated with pollution of the
environment and the disposal of waste products occurring as a result of mineral exploration and
production. Laws and regulations in the United States and abroad intended to ensure the protection
of the environment are constantly changing and generally are becoming more restrictive and costly.
Insurance against environmental risks (including potential liability for pollution or other hazards
as a result of the disposal of waste products occurring from exploration and production) is not
generally available to the companies within the mining industry, such as the operators of the mines
in which we hold a royalty interest, at a reasonable price. If an operator is forced to incur
significant costs to comply with environmental regulations or becomes subject to environmental
restrictions that limit its ability to continue or expand operations, it could reduce our royalty
revenues. To the extent that we become subject to environmental liabilities for the time period
during which we were operating properties, the satisfaction of any liabilities would reduce funds
otherwise available to us and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition,
results of operations and cash flows.
In September 2002, we settled a claim by the EPA against Royal Gold, along with 92 other
potentially responsible parties, known as PRPs. The EPAs allegation was based on the disposal of
allegedly hazardous petroleum exploration wastes at the Casmalia Resources Hazardous Waste Site by
our predecessor, Royal
Resources, Inc., during 1983 and 1984. Although we do not currently expect to incur additional
costs in connection with this claim, the State of California has notified us and the other parties
who participated in the settlement that it will seek to recover response costs. We do not know and
cannot predict the amount of the estimated costs the State would seek to recover but, if we are
compelled to pay a large sum, it could materially adversely affect our results of operations an
cash flows. If the State agrees to a volumetric allocation among the parties, our portion of the
liability would be 0.438% of any settlement amount. Please see Part I, Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Casmalia Resources
S-13
Hazardous Waste Disposal Site, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended June 30, 2006 filed with the SEC on September 6, 2006.
If title to properties are not properly maintained by the operators, our royalty revenues may be
decreased.
The validity of unpatented mining claims, which constitute a significant portion of the
properties on which we hold royalties in the United States, is often uncertain and such validity is
always subject to contest. Unpatented mining claims are generally considered subject to greater
title risk than patented mining claims, or real property interests that are owned in fee simple.
Foreign operations are subject to many risks.
Our foreign activities are subject to the risks normally associated with conducting business
in foreign countries. This includes exchange controls and currency fluctuations, limitations on
repatriation of earnings, foreign taxation, foreign environmental laws and enforcement,
expropriation or nationalization of property, labor practices and disputes, and uncertain political
and economic environments. There are also risks of war and civil disturbances, as well as other
risks that could cause exploration or development difficulties or stoppages, restrict the movement
of funds or result in the deprivation or loss of contract rights or the taking of property by
nationalization or expropriation, without fair compensation. Exploration licenses granted by some
foreign countries do not include the right to mine. Each country has discretion in determining
whether to grant a license to mine. If an operator cannot secure a mining license following
exploration of a property, the value of our royalty interest would be negatively affected. Foreign
operations could also be adversely impacted by laws and policies of the United States affecting
foreign trade, investment and taxation. We currently have interests in projects in Argentina,
Burkina Faso, Finland, Mexico, Russia and have recently entered into an agreement to acquire a
royalty interest in Chile. We also pursue precious metal royalty acquisitions or development
opportunities in other parts of the world, including Canada, Central America, Europe, Australia,
other Republics of the former Soviet Union, Asia, Africa and South America.
We are also subject to the risks of operating in Burkina Faso, West Africa. Countries in the
region have historically experienced periods of political uncertainty, exchange rate fluctuations,
balance of payments and trade difficulties as well as problems associated with extreme poverty and
unemployment. Any of these economic or political risks could adversely affect the Taparko Project.
Our operations in Mexico are subject to risks such as the effects of political developments
and local unrest, and communal property issues. In the past, Mexico has experienced prolonged
periods of weak economic conditions characterized by exchange rate instability, increased inflation
and negative economic growth which could occur again in the future. Any of these risks could
adversely affect the Mulatos mine and the Peñasquito Project.
We hold a royalty interest in an exploration property that is subject to the risks of
operating in Russia. The economy of the Russian Federation continues to display characteristics of
an emerging market, including extensive currency controls and potentially high inflation. The
prospects for future economic stability in the Russian Federation are largely dependent upon the
effectiveness of economic measures undertaken by the government, together with legal, regulatory
and political developments. Russian laws, licenses and permits have been in a state of change and
new laws may be given a retroactive effect.
Our Martha royalty is subject to risks relating to operating in Argentina. Argentina, while
currently economically and politically stable, has experienced political instability, currency
value fluctuations and changes in banking regulations in recent years. New instability and
fluctuations or regulation changes could adversely affect our revenues from the Martha mine.
S-14
Risks Related to Our Common Stock
Our stock price may continue to be volatile and could decline.
The market price of our common stock has fluctuated and may decline in the future. The high
and low closing sale prices of our common stock were $24.64 and $11.34 in fiscal year ended June
30, 2004, $20.50 and $12.30 in fiscal year ended June 30, 2005 and $39.41 and $18.89 in the fiscal
year ended June 30, 2006. The fluctuation of the market price of our common stock has been
affected by many factors that are beyond our control, including:
market prices of gold and other metals;
interest rates;
expectations regarding inflation;
ability of operators to produce precious metals and develop new reserves;
currency values;
general stock market conditions; and
global and regional political and economic conditions, as well as many other factors.
We may change our dividend policy.
We have declared a cash dividend on our common stock for each fiscal year beginning in fiscal
year 2000. Our board of directors has discretion in determining whether to declare a dividend based
on a number of factors, including prevailing gold prices, economic market conditions and funding
requirements for future opportunities or operations. If our board of directors declines to declare
dividends in the future, or reduces the current dividend level, our stock price could fall, and the
success of an investment in our common stock would depend solely upon any future stock price
appreciation in value.
Certain anti-takeover provisions could delay or prevent a third party from acquiring us.
Provisions in our Certificate of Incorporation may make it more difficult for third parties to
acquire control of us or to remove our management. Some of these provisions:
Permit our board of directors to issue preferred stock that has rights senior to the common stock
without shareholder approval; and
Provide for three classes of directors serving staggered, three-year terms.
We are also subject to the business combination provisions of Delaware law that could delay,
deter or prevent a change in control. In addition, we have adopted a Stockholders Rights Plan that
imposes significant penalties upon a person or group that acquires 15% or more of our outstanding
common stock without the approval of the board of directors. Any of these measures could prevent a
third party from pursuing an acquisition of our Company, even if shareholders believe the
acquisition is in their best interests.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
Peñasquito Royalty Acquisition
On January 23, 2007, we acquired a 2% NSR royalty on the Peñasquito Project located in the
State of Zacatecas, Mexico, from Minera Kennecott S.A. DE C.V., a
Mexican company that is an indirect subsidiary of Kennecott
Exploration Company, a Delaware corporation, for $80,000,000 in cash
and 577,434 shares of Common Stock to be delivered on the date of this prospectus supplement. We also obtained the right to acquire any or all of a group of
NSR royalties ranging from 1.0% to 2.0% on various other concessions in the same region. The right
to acquire the royalties on these various concessions expires with respect to each royalty interest
on May 1, 2007.
S-15
The Peñasquito Project is composed of two main deposits called Peñasco and Chile Colorado and
is under development by Goldcorp. The Peñasquito Project hosts one of the worlds largest silver,
gold and zinc reserves while also containing large lead reserves.
According to the feasibility study for the Peñasquito Project completed July 31, 2006 (filed
with the Canadian Securities Administrators by Glamis Gold and available at www.sedar.com),
Peñasquito contains the following proven and probable reserves: 621.6 million tons of ore, with
an average grade of 0.015 ounces per ton, containing 10.0 million ounces of gold; 621.6 million
tons of ore, with an average grade of 0.924 ounces per ton, containing 575 million ounces of
silver; 525.7 million tons of ore, with an average grade of 0.76%, containing 8.0 billion pounds of
zinc; and 525.7 million tons of ore, with an average grade of 0.35%, containing 3.7 billion pounds
of lead. Contained ounces or contained pounds described do not take into account losses in
processing the ore. The feasibility study uses metal prices assumptions for purposes of
calculating reserves of $450 per ounce of gold, $7.00 per ounce of silver, $0.60 per pound of zinc
and $0.30 per pound of lead and estimates co-product cash costs to average $125 per ounce of gold,
$4.91 per ounce of silver and $0.44 per pound of zinc, with lead revenue taken as a credit to
production costs.
The feasibility study estimates a mine life of approximately 17 years and anticipates initial
mine start-up in late calendar 2008 with full production being reached in calendar 2012.
Pascua Lama Acquisition
On January 16, 2007, we entered into an agreement with a private individual to acquire an NSR
sliding-scale royalty on gold which is derived from certain mineral concessions located at the
Pascua Lama project in Chile for $20.5 million. Barrick owns the Pascua Lama project, and is
targeting production to commence in calendar 2010. The acquisition also includes a NSR royalty on
copper sold after January 1, 2017. The acquisition is subject to customary due diligence and is
expected to close in early March 2007.
The sliding-scale ranges from 0.16%, when the average quarterly gold price is $325 per ounce
or less, to 1.08% when the average quarterly gold price is $800 per ounce or more. The agreement
also includes a 0.216% fixed-rate copper royalty that applies to 100% of the Pascua Lama copper
reserves in Chile but does not take effect until after January 1, 2017.
According to Barricks publicly available reserve and resource statement of December 31, 2005
(filed with the Canadian Securities Administrators by Barrick and available at www.sedar.com),
Pascua Lamas proven and probable gold reserves include 397 million tons of ore, at a grade of
0.046 ounces per ton, containing about 18.0 million ounces of gold. Approximately 80% of the
reserves are located in Chile.
Internal Review of Stock Option Matters
On December 12, 2006, a Wall Street Journal article raised the topic that certain officers of
public companies, including the Chairman of the company, may have backdated the exercise of certain
of their options based on the frequency of exercises occurring on dates with low trading prices
during the month of exercise. Promptly after learning of the story, the Chairman of the company
advised our audit committee regarding the matter. The audit committee then initiated a voluntary
review and retained independent counsel to assist in its review. On January 19, 2007, the
independent counsel made a report to the audit committee based on its review to date. The
principle findings of that report were as follows:
The review of stock option exercise information is continuing and focuses on the period from 1990
to 2002. While counsel has found several instances in which two current officers and several
former officers (and one instance where a former outside director) exercised stock
options on the low trading price for the companys common stock during the month of exercise,
counsel at this point in the review has reached no conclusion regarding whether or not any
intentional backdating of exercises by those persons occurred.
Counsel has concluded that there is no indication that Royal Gold had a policy or
company-sponsored systematic program of intentional backdating of exercises of stock options.
However, counsels review is not complete and there can be no assurance that additional matters
will not arise as a result of the review.
S-16
-Counsel also reviewed our stock option grant procedures since 1990 and concluded
that there were no indications that our stock option grants were backdated. Counsels
review of stock option grant practices is substantially complete and based on independent counsels
report to date, we do not anticipate any material tax or financial statement impact
resulting from the review of its stock option grant
practices. However, counsels review is not complete and there can be no assurance that additional
matters will not arise as a result of the review.
Counsel is collecting further information and will report subsequently to the audit committee
when that review is complete. Because the exercised options under review were incentive stock
options, the primary inquiry is whether an individual inaccurately reported an exercise date and
thereby potentially reduced any personal taxes that would be due under the alternative minimum tax
calculations. Because there is no company tax withholding obligation or company tax deduction in
connection with the exercise of its incentive stock options, we do not anticipate any material tax or financial statement impact as a result of the potential option exercise backdating under
review. However, since the review is not complete there can be no assurance that additional
matters will not arise as a result of the review.
Counsel also preliminarily indicated that internal controls with respect to exercise of
options and the stock option practices generally have been substantially upgraded since 2002,
thereby strengthening internal control procedures regarding stock options.
The audit committees stock option review is ongoing and the audit committee expects the
review to be complete prior to the due date for the companys quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the
period ending December 31, 2006.
Amendment to HSBC Loan Agreement
On January 5, 2007, we entered into the Second Amended and Restated Loan Agreement among Royal
Gold, Inc., High Desert Mineral Resources, Inc. and HSBC Bank USA National Association (HSBC).
High Desert is a co-borrower on the credit facility. The Amendment increases the revolving credit
facility from $30,000,000 to $80,000,000 and extends the maturity date to December 31, 2010. Our
borrowing base will be calculated based on our royalties and will be initially based on its GSR1,
GSR3, and NVR1 royalties revenues at the Pipeline Mining Complex and its SJ Claims, Leeville, Bald
Mountain and Robinson royalties. The initial availability under the borrowing base is the full
$80,000,000 under the credit facility. Additional royalties may be added with the HSBCs approval. We
have drawn down $30 million to pay a portion of the purchase price for the Peñasquito Royalty
Acquisition and have $50 million remaining available under the borrowing base. The loan agreement contains
customary covenants including affirmative covenants regarding our tangible net worth, asset to liability ratio, cash balances and delivery of royalty interest
proceeds to our debt reserve account with HSBC Bank. There are also negative covenants regarding
incurrence of additional debt, liquidation, merger or asset sales or changes in the Companys
business. We, along with High Desert granted HSBC security interests in our GSR1, GSR3, and NVR1
royalties at the Pipeline Mining Complex and our SJ Claims, Leeville, Bald Mountain and Robinson
royalties and their debt reserve account at HSBC Bank.
HSBC Securities (USA) Inc.
has been retained by us to provide certain financial advisory
services in connection with the Peñasquito Royalty Acquisition.
MARKET PRICE OF OUR COMMON STOCK
The Common Stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol RGLD and on
the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol RGL. The following table sets forth, for each of the
quarterly periods indicated, the range of high and low closing sales prices, in U.S. dollars, of
our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market.
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High |
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Low |
Year Ended June 30, 2005 |
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First Quarter |
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$ |
17.11 |
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$ |
12.30 |
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Second Quarter |
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$ |
19.03 |
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$ |
14.95 |
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Third Quarter |
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$ |
19.95 |
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$ |
15.35 |
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Fourth Quarter |
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$ |
20.50 |
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$ |
15.99 |
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Year Ended June 30, 2006 |
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First Quarter |
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$ |
28.62 |
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$ |
18.89 |
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Second Quarter |
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$ |
35.66 |
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$ |
21.45 |
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Third Quarter |
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$ |
39.41 |
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$ |
27.42 |
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Fourth Quarter |
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$ |
36.75 |
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$ |
23.57 |
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Year Ending June 30, 2007 |
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First Quarter |
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$ |
30.98 |
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$ |
26.11 |
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Second Quarter |
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$ |
37.07 |
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$ |
25.00 |
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S-17
On December 29, 2006, the last sale price of our common stock as reported on the NASDAQ Global
Select market was $35.98 per share. On December 29, 2006, the number of our common stockholders of
record was 750. The number of shares of common stock that will be outstanding after the transaction
is 24,192,350 shares as of January 23, 2007. This number excludes:
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614,914 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding options at a
weighted average exercise price of $17.31 per share, of which 467,247 shares of common
stock are subject to options that are vested and immediately exercisable; |
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210,750 shares of restricted common stock subject to achieving certain performance
goals or continued service with us under our 2004 Omnibus Long-Term Incentive Plan; and |
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283,584 shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under our equity
compensation plans. |
DIVIDEND POLICY
For calendar year 2007, we declared an annual dividend of $0.26 per share of common stock,
payable in four quarterly payments of $0.065 each. The first payment of $0.065 per share was made
on January 19, 2007, to shareholders of record at close of business on January 5, 2007.
For calendar year 2006, we declared an annual dividend of $0.22 per share of common stock, in
four quarterly payments of $0.055 each. We paid the first payment of $0.055 per share on January
20, 2006, to shareholders of record at the close of business on January 6, 2006. We paid the second
payment of $0.055 per share on April 21, 2006, to shareholders of record at the close of business
on April 7, 2006. We paid the third payment of $0.055 on July 28, 2006 to shareholders of record at
the close of business on July 7, 2006. We paid the fourth payment of $0.055 on October 20, 2006, to
shareholders of record at the close of business on October 6, 2006.
For calendar year 2005, we declared an annual dividend of $0.20 per share of common stock, in
four quarterly payments of $0.05 each. We paid the first payment of $0.05 per share on January 21,
2005, to shareholders of record at the close of business on January 7, 2005. We paid the second
payment of $0.05 per share on April 22, 2005, to shareholders of record at the close of business on
April 8, 2005. We paid the third payment of $0.05 on July 22, 2005 to shareholders of record at the
close of business on July 8, 2005. We paid the fourth payment of $0.05 on October 21, 2005, to
shareholders of record at the close of business on October 7, 2005.
We currently plan to continue to pay dividends on a calendar year basis, subject to the
discretion of our board of directors. However, our board of directors may determine not to declare
a dividend based on a number of factors including the gold price, economic and market conditions,
and the financial needs of opportunities that might arise in the future.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We have filed with the SEC under the Securities Act a registration statement on Form S-4.
This prospectus supplement together with the related prospectus, do not contain all of the
information contained in the registration statement and the exhibits to the registration statement.
We strongly encourage you to read carefully the registration statement and the exhibits to the
registration statement.
Any statement made in this prospectus supplement or the related prospectus concerning the
contents of any contract, agreement or other document is only a summary of the actual contract,
agreement or other document. If we have filed any contract, agreement or other document as an
exhibit to the registration statement, you should read the exhibit for a more complete
understanding of the document or matter involved.
S-18
We file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other information with the
SEC. You may read and copy the registration statement and any other document we file at the
following SEC public reference room:
Judiciary Plaza
100 F Street, NE, Room 1580,
Washington D.C. 20549
You may obtain information on the operation of the public reference room in Washington, D.C.
by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. We file information electronically with the SEC. Our SEC
filings are available from the SECs Internet site at http://www.sec.gov, which contains reports,
proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically.
You may read and copy our SEC filings and other information at the Nasdaq Global Select Market at
1735 K Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006.
S-19
PROSPECTUS
Royal Gold, Inc.
15,000,000 Shares of Common Stock
This prospectus relates to 15,000,000 shares
of common stock that may be offered and issued from time to time
in connection with royalty acquisitions or acquisitions of other
businesses, assets, properties or securities.
The amount and type of consideration we will
offer and the other specific terms of each acquisition will be
determined by negotiations with the owners or controlling
persons of the businesses, assets or securities to be acquired.
We may structure business acquisitions in a variety of ways,
including acquiring stock, other equity interests or assets of
the acquired business or merging the acquired business with us
or one of our subsidiaries. We do not expect to receive any cash
proceeds from the sale of shares of common stock issued pursuant
to this prospectus. We may be required to provide further
information by means of a post-effective amendment to the
registration statement or a supplement to this prospectus once
we know the actual information concerning a specific acquisition.
We will pay all expenses of this offering. We
will not pay underwriting discounts or commissions in connection
with issuing these shares, although we may pay finders
fees in specific acquisitions. Any person receiving a
finders fee may be deemed an underwriter within the
meaning of the Securities Act of 1933.
We may also permit individuals or entities who
have received or will receive shares of our common stock in
connection with the acquisitions described above to use this
prospectus to cover resales of those shares. See Selling
Stockholders for the identity of any such individuals or
entities.
Royal Golds common stock is traded on the
Nasdaq National Market under the symbol RGLD. On
June 30, 2004, the reported last sale price of our common
stock on the Nasdaq National Market was $14.17 per share.
Our common stock is also traded on The Toronto Stock Exchange
under the symbol RGL.
Investing in our common stock involves risks. See Risk
Factors beginning on page 3.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission
nor state securities regulators have approved or disapproved
these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or
complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal
offense.
July 6, 2004.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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In this prospectus, we use the terms Royal
Gold, the Company, we,
us and our to refer to Royal
Gold, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS
This prospectus, any prospectus supplement and
the documents incorporated herein by reference contain certain
forward-looking statements and information relating to us that
are based on our beliefs and assumptions as well as information
currently available to management. Additional written or oral
forward-looking statements may be made by the Company from time
to time in filings with the SEC or otherwise. The words
believe, estimate, expect,
anticipate, and project and similar
expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements,
which speak only as of the date the statement is made. These
statements are included or incorporated by reference in this
prospectus. Such forward-looking statements are within the
meaning of that term in Section 27A of the Securities Act
and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Such statements may
include, but are not limited to, information regarding projected
cash flows, reserves, mineralization, settlement of the Casmalia
matter, planned levels of expenditures, and our belief that
future growth will more likely occur as a result of
acquisitions, rather than from exploration, as well as
assumptions relating to the foregoing. Forward-looking
statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties,
some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Future events
and actual results could differ materially from those set forth
in, contemplated by or underlying the forward-looking
statements. Statements in this prospectus, including those set
forth in Risk Factors, describe factors, among
others, that could contribute to or cause such differences.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
The SEC allows us to incorporate by
reference the documents we file with the SEC, which means
that we can disclose important information to you by referring
you to those documents. The information incorporated by
reference is considered to be part of this prospectus, and
information in documents that we file later with the SEC will
automatically update and supercede information in this
prospectus. We incorporate by reference the documents listed
below and any future filings we will make with the SEC under
Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act
(except current reports on Form 8-K containing only
Regulation FD or Regulation G disclosure furnished
under Items 9 or 12 of Form 8-K), until the offering
of our securities under this registration statement is completed
or withdrawn:
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1. our Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003, including those
portions incorporated by reference therein of our definitive
proxy material on Schedule 14A as filed with the SEC on
October 14, 2003;
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2. our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q
for the quarters ended September 30, 2003,
December 31, 2004 and March 31, 2004;
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3. our Current Reports on Form 8-K
filed on September 4, 2003, December 1, 2003,
December 29, 2003 and April 15, 2004;
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4. our Current Report on Form 8-K/A
filed on February 6, 2003.
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5. the description of our common stock
contained in our Registration Statement on Form S-1
(Registration No. 2-84642).
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6. the description of our Series A
Junior Participating Preferred Stock issuable under our rights
agreement, as contained in our registration statement on
Form 8-A, filed September 12, 1997; and
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7. all documents filed by us pursuant to
Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act
(except current reports on Form 8-K containing only
Regulation FD or Regulation G disclosure furnished under
Items 9 or 12 of Form 8-K) after the date of this
prospectus and before the termination of the offering.
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We will provide a copy of the documents we
incorporate by reference, at no cost, to any person who receives
this prospectus. To request a copy of any or all of these
documents, you should write or telephone us at: Stockholder
Relations, Royal Gold, Inc., 1660 Wynkoop Street,
Suite 1000, Denver, CO 80202, (303) 573-1660. To
obtain timely delivery, you must request the information from us
no later than five days before you must make your investment
decision.
ii
SUMMARY
This summary highlights selected information
about our company. This summary is not complete and does not
contain all of the information that may be important to you. For
a more complete understanding of us you should read carefully
this entire prospectus, including the Risk Factors
section and the other documents we refer to and incorporate by
reference. In particular, we incorporate important business and
financial information in this prospectus by reference.
THE COMPANY
Royal Gold, Inc., together with its
subsidiaries, is engaged in the business of acquisition and
management of precious metals royalties.
Royal Gold seeks to acquire existing royalties or
to finance projects that are in production or near production in
exchange for royalty interests. We also explore and develop
properties thought to contain precious metals and seek to obtain
royalty and other carried ownership interests in these
properties through the subsequent transfer of operating
interests to other mining companies. We expect that
substantially all of our revenues are and will be derived from
royalty interests. We do not conduct mining operations. During
the 2003 fiscal year, we focused on the acquisition of royalty
interests, rather than the creation of royalty interests through
exploration. We expect that this emphasis on acquisition and
royalty financing, rather than exploration, will continue in the
future.
Our principal mineral property interests are:
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two sliding-scale gross smelter returns, or GSR,
royalty interests;
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one fixed GSR royalty interest; and
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one net value royalty interest,
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all relating to a mining complex known as the
Pipeline Mining Complex, which includes the Pipeline and South
Pipeline gold deposits, operated by the Cortez Joint Venture;
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one 1.8% NSR royalty on the majority of the
Leeville Project, which includes a portion of the Carlin East
mine, operated by Newmont Mining Corporation; and
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one 0.9% NSR royalty on the SJ Claims, which
covers a portion of the Goldstrike mine operated by Barrick Gold
Corporation.
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Our other producing royalty interests include a
1.75% NSR royalty interest covering a portion of the Bald
Mountain mine, operated by Placer Dome U.S. Inc., and a 2%
NSR royalty on a number of properties in Santa Cruz Province,
Argentina, including the Martha mine, which is operated by Coeur
dAlene Mines Corporation.
In addition, as of December 1, 2003, we own
interests in the following exploration stage properties:
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A 5% NSR royalty interest on a portion of the
Mule Canyon project, located in Lander County, Nevada.
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A 14% net profits interest royalty on the
Buckhorn South project, located in Eureka County, Nevada.
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A 1% NSR royalty interest on the Long Valley gold
project, located in eastern California.
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A 1% carried working interest, equal to a 1% NSR
royalty, on possible production of precious metals on an
exploration property in Russia.
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A 2% NSR royalty on a number of exploration
properties in Santa Cruz Province, Argentina, currently under
evaluation by a joint venture, which includes Yamana
Gold, Inc., Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. and
Mauricio Hochschild S.A.C.
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Royalty interests on five non-operating
exploration projects in Nevada.
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1
In fiscal 2003, we generated royalty revenues of
$13.9 million from the Pipeline Mining Complex,
representing 88% of our total revenues. In addition, we
generated royalty revenue of $0.4 million from the Leeville
Project, $0.7 million from the SJ Claims, $0.7 million
from the Bald Mountain mine, and $0.1 million from the
Martha mine. The Leeville Project is an underground operation,
currently under development by Newmont Mining Corporation.
Newmont has announced its intention to initiate production at
Leeville during the 4th quarter of calendar 2005. Current
production on the Leeville Project ground is derived from the
Carlin East deposit, also operated by Newmont.
Royal Gold also provides, through two
wholly-owned subsidiaries, Denver Mining Finance Company and
Environmental Strategies, Inc., financial, operational, and
environmental consulting services to the mining industry and to
companies serving the mining industry. During fiscal 2003, 2002
and 2001, we did not generate material income from consulting
services.
Royal Gold was incorporated under the laws of the
State of Delaware on January 5, 1981. Our executive offices
are located at 1660 Wynkoop Street, Suite 1000,
Denver, Colorado 80202, (303) 573-1660, and we maintain a
web site at www.royalgold.com. Information contained on our
website is not a prospectus and does not constitute part of this
prospectus.
2
RISK FACTORS
An investment in our securities involves a
high degree of risk. We urge you carefully to consider the risks
described below, as well as the other information included or
incorporated by reference in this prospectus, before making an
investment decision. We urge you also to consider the risks,
uncertainties and assumptions discussed under the caption
Risk Factors in our annual report on Form 10-K
for the year ended June 30, 2003, which is incorporated by
reference in this prospectus, which may be amended, supplemented
or superceded from time to time by other reports we file with
the SEC in the future. Additional risks, including those that
relate to any particular securities that we will offer, will be
included in the applicable prospectus supplement. Our business,
financial condition or results of operations could be materially
adversely affected by any of these risks. The market or trading
price of our securities could decline due to any of these risks.
In addition, please read Special Note About
Forward-Looking Statements in this prospectus, where we
describe additional uncertainties associated with our business
and the forward-looking statements included or incorporated by
reference in this prospectus. Please note that additional risks
not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial
may also impair our business and operations.
Our revenues are largely dependent on a single
property.
In fiscal 2003, 88% of our revenues were derived
from royalties from the Pipeline Mining Complex. We expect that
revenue from our royalties on the Pipeline Mining Complex will
continue to account for most of our revenues in the near future.
Our success is therefore dependent on the extent to which the
Pipeline Mining Complex continues to be successful, and on the
extent to which we are able to acquire or create other royalty
interests.
We own passive interests in mining properties,
and it is difficult or impossible for us to ensure properties
are operated in our best interest.
All of our current revenue is derived from
royalties on properties operated by third parties. The holder of
a royalty interest typically has no executive authority
regarding development or operation of a mineral property.
Therefore, we are not in control of basic decisions regarding
development or operation of any of the properties in which we
hold a royalty interest, and we have limited or no legal rights
to influence those decisions.
Our strategy of having others operate properties
in which we retain a royalty or other passive interest puts us
generally at risk to the decisions of others regarding all basic
operating matters, including permitting, feasibility analysis,
mine design and operation, processing, plant and equipment
matters, and temporary or permanent suspension of operations,
among others. These decisions may be motivated by the best
interests of the operator rather than to maximize royalties.
Although we attempt to secure contractual rights that will
permit us to protect our interests, there can be no assurance
that such rights will always be available or sufficient or that
our efforts will be successful in achieving timely or favorable
results or in affecting the operations of the properties in
which we have royalty interests in ways that would be beneficial
to our stockholders.
Decreases in prices of precious metals would
reduce our royalty revenues.
The profitability of precious metals mining
operations (and thus the value of our royalty interests and
exploration properties) is directly related to the market price
of precious metals. The market prices of various precious metals
fluctuate widely and are affected by numerous factors beyond the
control of any mining company. These factors include industrial
and jewelry fabrication demand, expectations with respect to the
rate of inflation, the relative strength of the U.S. dollar
and other currencies, interest rates, gold sales and loans by
central banks, forward sales by gold producers, global or
regional political, economic or banking crises, and a number of
other factors. If the market price of precious metals should
drop, our royalty revenues would also drop. Our sliding-scale
GSR1 royalty amplifies this. When the gold price falls below the
steps in the sliding-scale GSR1 royalty, we receive a lower
royalty rate on production. In addition, if gold prices drop
dramatically, we might not be able to recover our investment in
royalty interests or properties. The selection of a royalty
3
investment or of a property for exploration or
development, the determination to construct a mine and place it
into production, and the dedication of funds necessary to
achieve such purposes are decisions that must be made long
before the first revenues from production will be received.
Price fluctuations between the time that such decisions are made
and the commencement of production can have a material adverse
effect on the economics of a mine, and can eliminate or have a
material adverse impact on the value of royalty interests.
The volatility in gold prices is illustrated by
the following table, which sets forth, for the periods
indicated, the high and low prices in U.S. dollars per
ounce of gold, based on the London PM fix.
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Gold Price |
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Per Ounce($) |
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Year |
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High |
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Low |
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1997
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$ |
367 |
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$ |
283 |
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1998
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|
|
313 |
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|
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273 |
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1999
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|
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326 |
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|
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253 |
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2000
|
|
|
313 |
|
|
|
264 |
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2001
|
|
|
293 |
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256 |
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2002
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|
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349 |
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278 |
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2003
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400 |
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|
320 |
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January 1-June 30, 2004
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427 |
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375 |
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We depend on the services of our Chairman,
Chief Executive Officer and President and other key
employees.
We believe that our success depends on the
continued service of our key executive management personnel.
Currently, Stanley Dempsey is serving as chief executive officer
and chairman of the board of directors, and Tony Jensen is
serving as President. Mr. Dempseys knowledge of the
legal and commercial aspects of royalties and his extensive
contacts within the mining industry give us an important
competitive advantage. Mr. Jensens experience in
operations that pay royalties is extensive. Loss of the services
of Mr. Dempsey, Mr. Jensen or other key employees
could jeopardize our ability to maintain our competitive
position in the industry. We currently do not have key person
life insurance for any of our officers or directors.
We are subject to operational risks of the
mining industry.
Although we are not required to pay operating
costs, our financial results are subject to all of the hazards
and risks normally associated with developing and operating
mining properties, both for the properties where we are
exploring or indirectly for properties operated by others where
we hold royalty interests. These risks include:
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insufficient ore reserves,
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fluctuations in production costs that may make
mining of ore uneconomic;
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declines in the price of gold; significant
environmental and other regulatory restrictions;
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labor disputes;
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geological problems;
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pit walls or tailings dam failures;
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natural catastrophes such as floods or
earthquakes; and
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the risk of injury to persons, property or the
environment.
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Operating cost increases can have a negative
effect on the value of and income from our royalty interests,
and may cause an operator to curtail, delay or close operations
at a mine site.
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Estimates of reserves and mineralization by
the operators of mines in which we have royalty interests may be
incorrect.
There are numerous uncertainties inherent in
estimating proven and probable reserves and mineralization,
including many factors beyond our control or that of the
operators of mineral properties in which we have a royalty
interest. Reserve estimates on our royalty interests are
prepared by the operators of the mining properties, and we do
not participate in the preparation of such reports. The
estimation of reserves and of other mineralization is a
subjective process and the accuracy of any such estimates is a
function of the quality of available data and of engineering and
geological interpretation and judgment. Results of drilling,
metallurgical testing and production, and the evaluation of mine
plans subsequent to the date of any estimate may cause revision
of such estimates. The volume and grade of reserves recovered
and rates of production may be less than anticipated.
Assumptions about prices are subject to great uncertainty and
gold prices have fluctuated widely in the past. Declines in the
market price of gold or other precious metals also may render
reserves or mineralization containing relatively lower grades of
ore uneconomic to exploit. Changes in operating and capital
costs and other factors including short-term operating factors
such as the need for sequential development of ore bodies and
the processing of new or different ore grades may materially and
adversely affect reserves.
We may be unable to acquire additional royalty
interests.
Our future success depends upon our ability to
acquire royalty interests to replace depleting reserves and to
diversify our royalty portfolio. We anticipate that most of our
revenues will be derived from royalty interests that we acquire,
rather than through exploration and development of properties.
In addition, we face competition in the acquisition of royalty
interests. If we are unable to successfully acquire additional
royalties, the reserves on properties currently covered by our
royalties will decline as reserves are mined.
Anticipated federal legislation could decrease
our royalty revenues.
In recent years, the U.S. Congress has
considered a number of proposed major revisions of the General
Mining Law, which governs the creation and possession of mining
claims and related activities on federal public lands in the
United States. It is possible that another bill may be
introduced in the Congress and it is possible that a new law
could be enacted. If and when a new mining law is enacted, it
might impose a royalty upon production of minerals from federal
lands and might contain new requirements for mined land
reclamation, and similar environmental control and reclamation
measures. It remains unclear to what extent new legislation may
affect existing mining claims or operations, but it could raise
the cost of mining operations, perhaps materially affecting
operators and our royalty revenue. The effect of any revision of
the General Mining Law on royalty interests in the United States
cannot be determined conclusively until such revision, if any,
is enacted. If a royalty, assessment, production tax or other
levy imposed on and measured by production is charged to the
operator at the Pipeline Mining Complex, the amount of that
charge would be deducted from gross proceeds for calculation of
our two sliding scale GSR royalties. The majority of our
interests are on public lands.
The mining industry is subject to significant
environmental risks.
Mining is subject to potential risks and
liabilities associated with pollution of the environment and the
disposal of waste products occurring as a result of mineral
exploration and production. Laws and regulations in the United
States and abroad intended to ensure the protection of the
environment are constantly changing and are generally becoming
more restrictive and costly. Insurance against environmental
risks (including potential liability for pollution or other
hazards as a result of the disposal of waste products occurring
from exploration and production) is not generally available to
the companies within the mining industry, such as the operators
of the mines in which we hold a royalty interest, at a
reasonable price. If an operator is forced to incur significant
costs to comply with environmental regulations or becomes
subject to environmental restrictions that limit its ability to
continue or expand operations, it could reduce our royalty
revenues. To the extent that we become subject to environmental
liabilities for the time period during which we were operating
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properties, the satisfaction of any liabilities
would reduce funds otherwise available to us and could have a
material adverse effect on our financial condition and results
of operations.
We have recently settled a claim by the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency against Royal Gold,
along with 92 other potentially responsible parties, known
as PRPs. The EPAs allegation was based on the disposal of
allegedly hazardous petroleum exploration wastes at the Casmalia
Resources Hazardous Waste Site by our predecessor, Royal
Resources, Inc., during 1983 and 1984. Although we do not
currently expect to incur additional costs in connection with
this claim, the State of California has notified us and the
other parties who participated in the settlement that it will
seek to recover response costs. We do not know and cannot
predict the amount of the estimated costs the State would seek
to recover but, if we are compelled to pay a large sum, it could
materially adversely affect our operations. If the State agrees
to a volumetric allocation among the parties, our portion of the
liability would be 0.438% of any settlement amount.
If title to properties are not properly
maintained by the operators, our royalty revenues may be
decreased.
The validity of unpatented mining claims, which
constitute a significant portion of the properties on which we
hold royalties in the United States, is often uncertain, and
such validity is always subject to contest. Unpatented mining
claims are generally considered subject to greater title risk
than patented mining claims, or real property interests that are
owned in fee simple.
Foreign operations are subject to many
risks.
Our foreign activities are subject to the risks
normally associated with conducting business in foreign
countries, including exchange controls and currency
fluctuations, limitations on repatriation of earnings, foreign
taxation, foreign environmental laws and enforcement,
expropriation or nationalization of property, labor practices
and disputes, and uncertain political and economic environments,
as well as risks of war and civil disturbances, or other risks
that could cause exploration or development difficulties or
stoppages, restrict the movement of funds or result in the
deprivation or loss of contract rights or the taking of property
by nationalization or expropriation, without fair compensation.
Exploration licenses granted by some foreign countries, like
Bulgaria, do not include the right to mine. Each country has
discretion in determining whether to grant a license to mine. If
an operator cannot secure a mining license following exploration
of a property, the value of our royalty interest would be
negatively affected. Foreign operations could also be adversely
impacted by laws and policies of the United States affecting
foreign trade, investment and taxation. We currently have
interests in projects in Bulgaria, Argentina, and Russia. We
also pursue precious metal royalty acquisitions or development
opportunities in other parts of the world, including Canada,
Australia, other Republics of the former Soviet Union, Asia,
Africa and South America.
We are subject to the considerations and risks of
operating in Russia. The economy of the Russian Federation
continues to display characteristics of an emerging market.
These characteristics include, but are not limited to, the
existence of a currency that is not freely convertible outside
of the country, extensive currency controls and high inflation.
The prospects for future economic stability in the Russian
Federation are largely dependent upon the effectiveness of
economic measures undertaken by the government, together with
legal, regulatory and political developments.
Russian laws, licenses and permits have been in a
state of change and new laws may be given a retroactive effect.
It is also not unusual in the context of dispute resolution in
Russia for parties to use the uncertainty in the Russian legal
environment as leverage in business negotiations. In addition,
Russian tax legislation is subject to varying interpretations
and constant change. Further, the interpretation of tax
legislation by tax authorities as applied to the transactions
and activities of our Russian operations may not coincide with
that of management. As a result, transactions may be challenged
by tax authorities and our Russian operations may be assessed
additional taxes, penalties and interest, which could be
significant. The periods remain open to review by the tax
authorities for three years.
The Company is subject to risks relating to an
uncertain or unpredictable political and economic environment in
Argentina. In the short term, significant macroeconomic
instability in the region is expected to negatively impact the
business environment and may lead to longer term negative
changes in the national
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approaches taken to ownership by foreign
companies of natural resources. Argentina has experienced
political instability, currency value fluctuations and changes
in banking regulations in recent years. Any continued or new
instability, fluctuations or regulation changes could adversely
affect our Argentine revenues.
Our stock price may continue to be volatile
and could decline.
The market price of our common stock has
fluctuated and may decline in the future. The high and low
closing sale prices of our common stock were $15.48 and $4.00 in
fiscal year 2002, and $28.42 and $10.04 in fiscal year 2003. The
high and low closing sale prices for the period from
July 1, 2003 to June 30, 2004, were $24.64 and $11.34.
The market price of our common stock has fluctuated widely and
has been affected by many factors that are beyond our control,
including:
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market prices of gold;
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interest rates;
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expectations regarding inflation;
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ability of operators to produce precious metals
and develop new reserves;
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currency values;
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general stock market conditions; and
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global and regional political and economic
conditions, and many other factors.
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We may change our dividend policy.
We have declared a cash dividend on our common
stock for each fiscal year beginning in fiscal 2000. Our board
of directors has discretion in determining whether to declare a
dividend based on a number of factors, including prevailing gold
prices, economic market conditions and funding requirements for
future opportunities or operations. If our board of directors
declines to declare dividends in the future, or reduces the
current dividend level, our stock price could fall, and the
success of an investment in our common stock would depend solely
upon any future stock price appreciation in value.
Certain anti-takeover provisions could delay
or prevent a third party from acquiring us.
Provisions in our Certificate of Incorporation
may make it more difficult for third parties to acquire control
of Royal Gold or to remove management. Some of these provisions:
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Permit the board of directors to issue preferred
stock that has rights senior to the common stock without
shareholder approval;
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Provide for three classes of directors serving
staggered, three-year terms.
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We are also subject to the business combination
provisions of Delaware law that could delay, deter or prevent a
change in control. In addition, we have adopted a
Stockholders Rights Plan that imposes significant
penalties upon a person or group that acquires 15% or more of
our outstanding common stock without the approval of the board
of directors. Any of these measures could prevent a third party
from pursuing an acquisition of our company, even if
shareholders believe the acquisition is in their best interests.
USE OF PROCEEDS
We will be offering and issuing our common stock
from time to time in connection with royalty acquisitions or
acquisition of other businesses, assets, properties or
securities. We will not receive any cash proceeds from these
offerings.
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DISTRIBUTION OF SECURITIES
The 15,000,000 shares of our common stock
covered by this prospectus are available for use in connection
with acquisitions by us of other businesses, assets or
securities. The consideration offered by us in such
acquisitions, in addition to any shares of common stock offered
by this prospectus, may include cash, certain assets and/or
assumption by us of liabilities of the businesses, assets or
securities being acquired. The amount and type of consideration
we will offer and the other specific terms of each acquisition
will be determined by negotiations with the owners or
controlling persons of the businesses, assets or securities to
be acquired after taking into account the current and
anticipated future value of such businesses, assets or
securities, along with all other relevant factors. The shares of
common stock issued to the owners of the businesses, assets or
securities to be acquired normally are valued at a price
reasonably related to the market value of such common stock
either at the time an agreement is reached regarding the terms
of the acquisition or upon delivery of the shares.
We may also permit individuals or entities who
have received or will receive shares of our common stock in
connection with the acquisitions described above, or their
transferees or successors-in-interest, to use this prospectus to
cover their resale of such shares. See Selling
Stockholders, as it may be amended or supplemented from
time to time, for a list of those individuals or entities who
are authorized to use this prospectus to sell their shares of
our common stock.
SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
The selling stockholders listed in any supplement
to this prospectus, and any transferees or
successors-in-interest to those persons, may from time to time
offer and sell, pursuant to this prospectus, some or all of the
shares covered by this prospectus.
Resales by selling stockholders may be made
directly to investors or through a securities firm acting as an
underwriter, broker or dealer. When resales are to be made
through a securities firm, such securities firm may be engaged
to act as the selling stockholders agent in the sale of
the shares by such selling stockholder, or the securities firm
may purchase shares from the selling stockholders as principal
and thereafter resell such shares from time to time. The fees
earned by or paid to such securities firm may be the normal
stock exchange commission or negotiated commissions or
underwriting discounts to the extent permissible. In addition,
such securities firm may effect resales through other securities
dealers, and customary commissions or concessions to such other
dealers may be allowed. Sales of shares may be at negotiated
prices, at fixed prices, at market prices or at prices related
to market prices then prevailing. Any such sales may be made on
The Nasdaq National Market, in the over-the-counter market, by
block trade, in special or other offerings, directly to
investors or through a securities firm acting as agent or
principal, or a combination of such methods. Any participating
securities firm may be indemnified against certain liabilities,
including liabilities under the Securities Act. Any
participating securities firm may be deemed to be an underwriter
within the meaning of the Securities Act, and any commission
earned by such firm may be deemed to be underwriting discounts
or commissions under the Securities Act.
In connection with resales of the shares sold
hereunder, a prospectus supplement, if required, will be filed
under Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act, disclosing the
name of the selling stockholder, the participating securities
firm, if any, the number of shares involved, any material
relationship the selling stockholder may have with us or our
affiliates, and other details of such resale to the extent
appropriate. Information concerning the selling stockholders
will be obtained from the selling stockholders.
Stockholders may also offer shares of stock
issued in past and future acquisitions by means of prospectuses
under other available registration statements or pursuant to
exemptions from the registration requirements of the Securities
Act, including sales which meet the requirements of
Rule 145(d) under that Act, and stockholders should seek
the advice of their own counsel with respect to the legal
requirements for such sales.
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LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the common stock to be offered
hereby will be passed upon for us by Hogan & Hartson
L.L.P., Denver, Colorado.
EXPERTS
The financial statements incorporated in this
Prospectus by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended June 30, 2003 have been so incorporated
in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP,
independent registered public accounting firm, given on the
authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
The financial statements of High Desert Mineral Resources Inc.
incorporated in this Prospectus by reference to the Report on
Form 8-K/A filed February 6, 2003 have been so
incorporated in reliance on the report of Dale Matheson
Carr-Hilton LaBonte, Chartered Accountants.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We have filed with the SEC under the Securities
Act a registration statement on Form S-4. This prospectus
does not contain all of the information contained in the
registration statement and the exhibits to the registration
statement. We strongly encourage you to read carefully the
registration statement and the exhibits to the registration
statement.
Any statement made in this prospectus concerning
the contents of any contract, agreement or other document is
only a summary of the actual contract, agreement or other
document. If we have filed any contract, agreement or other
document as an exhibit to the registration statement, you should
read the exhibit for a more complete understanding of the
document or matter involved.
We file annual, quarterly and special reports,
proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may
read and copy the registration statement and any other document
we file at the following SEC public reference rooms:
Judiciary Plaza
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Rm. 1024
Washington, D.C. 20549
You may obtain information on the operation of
the public reference room in Washington, D.C. by calling
the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. We file information electronically
with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available from the SECs
Internet site at http://www.sec.gov, which contains reports,
proxy and information statements and other information regarding
issuers that file electronically. You may read and copy our SEC
filings and other information at the Nasdaq National Market at
1735 K Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006.
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