e424b3
Filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)
Registration No. 333-111590
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
(To Prospectus dated July 6, 2004)
ROYAL GOLD, INC.
216,642 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
We are issuing 216,642 shares of our common stock, par value $0.01 per share (Common Stock),
to IAMGOLD Corporation (IAMGOLD)and Repadre International Corporation (Repadre) in connection
with our acquisition from IAMGOLD and Repadre of their issued and outstanding beneficially owned shares of common
stock of Battle Mountain Gold Exploration Corp. (Battle Mountain), par value $0.001 per share.
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.
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 August 31, 2007
was $27.76 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-9.
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 September 4, 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-3 |
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S-9 |
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S-20 |
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Prospectus |
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Special Note About Forward-Looking Statements |
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Incorporation by Reference |
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Summary |
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Risk Factors |
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Use of Proceeds |
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Distribution of Securities |
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Selling Stockholders |
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Legal Matters |
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Where You Can Find More Information |
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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 (SEC) and that was declared effective on July 6, 2004.
This document is in two parts. The first part is this prospectus supplement, which describes
the terms of this offering of Common Stock and also adds, updates and changes information contained
in the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference. The second part is the
prospectus, which 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-20 of this prospectus supplement
before investing in our Common Stock.
SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus supplement, the related prospectus and the documents incorporated herein by
reference contain or may 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 of 1933 (the Securities Act) and
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (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 gold and other metals prices; |
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the performance of our producing royalty properties; |
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decisions and activities of the operators of our royalty properties; |
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the ability of operators to bring projects into production and operate in accordance with feasibility studies; |
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unanticipated grade and geological, metallurgical, processing or other problems at our royalty properties; |
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changes in project parameters as plans of the operators are refined; |
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changes in estimates of reserves and mineralization by the operators of our royalty properties; |
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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 royalties for acquisition or
other acquisition opportunities and the availability of debt or
equity financing necessary to complete such acquisitions; |
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our ability to make accurate assumptions regarding the valuation, timing and amount of royalty payments when
making acquisitions; and |
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risks associated with conducting business in foreign countries, including application of foreign laws to
contract and other disputes, environmental laws and enforcement and uncertain political and economic
environments. |
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. We disclaim any obligation to update
any forward-looking statement made herein. Readers are cautioned not to put undue
reliance on forward-looking statements.
S-2
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 or production from the project after deducting specified costs,
if any. Our principal producing mining property interests are as follows:
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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; |
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a royalty interest on the Robinson mine, located in eastern Nevada and operated by
a subsidiary of Quadra Mining Ltd. (Quadra); |
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a royalty interest on the SJ Claims, covering portions of the Betze-Post mine, located
in Nevada and operated by a subsidiary of Barrick; |
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a royalty interest on the Leeville Mining Complex, located in Nevada and operated by
a subsidiary of Newmont Mining Corporation (Newmont); |
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a variable royalty interest in the Troy underground silver and copper mine, located in
Montana and operated by Revett Silver Company (Revett); |
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a royalty interest on the Bald Mountain mine, located in Nevada and operated by a subsidiary of Barrick; |
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a royalty interest on the Mulatos mine, located in Sonora, Mexico, and operated by
a subsidiary of Alamos Gold, Inc. (Alamos); and |
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a royalty interest on a number of properties in Santa Cruz Province, Argentina,
including the Martha silver mine, operated by a subsidiary of Coeur dAlene Mines Corporation
(Coeur). |
During
the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007, we generated royalty revenues of approximately
$48.4 million, including approximately $21.49 million from the Pipeline Mining Complex,
representing approximately 44% of our total revenues for that period. In addition, we generated
royalty revenues of approximately $12.58 million from the
Robinson mine, approximately $5.46 million
from the SJ Claims at the Betze-Post mine, approximately $2.66 million from the Leeville Mining
Complex, approximately $3.07 million from the Troy mine,
approximately $1.28 million from the Bald
Mountain mine, approximately $1.01 million from the Mulatos mine and
approximately $714,000 from the
Martha mine.
The Transaction
On
September 4, 2007, Royal Gold acquired
from IAMGOLD and Repadre all of their issued and outstanding
beneficially owned shares of common stock of Battle Mountain. Royal
Gold is issuing 216,642 shares
of Common Stock and paying cash in lieu of fractional shares to IAMGOLD and Repadre in connection with the
acquisition. See Recent Developments Proposed Acquisition of Battle Mountain
Gold Exploration Corp. and The Transaction.
S-3
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 acquire
and hold 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 with different operating
companies over multiple geographies.
2. Financial Flexibility. Our financial position and share liquidity allow us the opportunity to
compete for and close acquisitions of royalties by means of a purchase or by providing financing.
3. 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.
4. 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 and 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.
5. 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 on 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.
6. Significant Holdings in Nevada with Exposure Throughout the World. We believe that the
historical record of successful gold mining in Nevada makes it an attractive region in which to
seek royalties, and the 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, Chile,
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 at
Quadras Robinson mine, our royalty on the SJ Claims at Barricks Betze-Post mine and our royalty
at Newmonts Leeville Mining Complex. We have built on our initial Pipeline Mining Complex
royalties through direct acquisitions of existing producing and non-producing royalties, by
providing royalty financing and by entering into strategic exploration alliances.
S-4
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 Mining Complex property based on our relationships with the original prospectors who
identified the prospects and where high quality operators, Newmont and Barrick, were in place. The
Peñasquito and Pascua-Lama royalty transactions both represent acquisitions of pre-production stage
properties operated by experienced mining companies, Goldcorp and Barrick, respectively. In
addition, in April 2007, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger to acquire 100% of the
fully diluted shares of capital stock of Battle Mountain, which
agreement was amended and restated in July 2007. See Proposed Acquisition of Battle
Mountain Gold Exploration Corp. for further information. We provide individual and corporate
royalty holders opportunities to monetize their royalty positions, which are often non-core assets
of mining companies. Our 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 cost.
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 to develop the mine
in exchange for royalty interests on future production. Our royalties in Revetts Troy Mine and the
Taparko project in Burkina Faso, operated by High River Gold Mines Ltd. (High River), which we
financed during our 2006 fiscal year in exchange for four royalty interests, 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 on 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, to create
new royalties through the financing or joint venture of mining projects or to acquire companies
that hold royalties. We have used both cash and our Common Stock in our acquisitions and we may
issue substantial additional amounts of Common Stock as consideration in acquisitions in the
future. 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 royalty interests are:
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Pipeline Mining Complex: Four royalty interests at the Pipeline Mining Complex, located
in Nevada and operated by Barrick, including 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 (net of minority interest)
on all production on the South Pipeline, Crossroads, and some of the GAP deposit,
but not covering the Pipeline deposit. |
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Robinson: A 3.0% net smelter return (NSR) royalty on the Robinson mine, located in eastern Nevada and operated
by a subsidiary of Quadra. |
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SJ Claims: A 0.9% NSR royalty on the SJ Claims, which covers a portion of the
Betze-Post mine, at the Goldstrike operation, located in Nevada and operated by a subsidiary of Barrick. |
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Leeville Mining Complex: A 1.8% carried working interest, equal to a 1.8% NSR royalty,
on the majority of the Leeville Mining Complex, located in Nevada and operated by a subsidiary of Newmont. |
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Troy: Two royalty interests on the Troy mine, located in northwestern Montana and
operated by Revett: |
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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 (as of June 30, 2007, we have received
$5.5 million in
cumulative payments); 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 2.0%
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 royalty interest covering a portion of the Bald Mountain
mine, which is located in White Pine County, Nevada and operated by a subsidiary of Barrick. |
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Mulatos: A sliding-scale NSR royalty on the Mulatos mine, located in Sonora, Mexico and
operated by a subsidiary of Alamos. The sliding-scale NSR royalty, capped at two million ounces of gold
production, ranges from 0.30% 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 2.0% NSR royalty on a number of properties in Santa Cruz Province, Argentina,
including the Martha mine, which is operated by a subsidiary of Coeur. |
Our Development Stage Royalty Interests
We also own the following royalty interests that are currently in development stage and are
not yet in production:
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Peñasquito: A 2.0% NSR royalty interest on the Peñasquito project, located in the State of
Zacatecas, Mexico and under development by Goldcorp. |
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Pascua-Lama: There are two royalty interests on the
Pascua-Lama project located in Chile
and under development by a subsidiary of Barrick: |
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A sliding-scale NSR royalty on gold derived from the Pascua-Lama project. The
sliding-scale NSR royalty 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. |
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A 0.216% fixed-rate copper royalty that applies to Pascua-Lama copper reserves
in Chile. This royalty does not take effect until after January 1, 2017. |
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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 2.0% GSR royalty on all gold contained in and produced from
the Taparko project after the termination of TB-GSR1 and TB-GSR2; and |
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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. |
Receipt of royalty revenue on the Taparko project is anticipated to commence in the third
calendar quarter of 2007.
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Gold Hill: A sliding-scale NSR royalty and unpatented mining claims on the Gold Hill
deposit in Nye County, Nevada, controlled by Round Mountain Gold Corporation (RMGC), a
joint venture between Kinross Gold Corporation (Kinross), the operator, and Barrick. 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 open pit becomes
available. |
Our Exploration Stage Royalty Interests
In addition, we own royalty interests in the following exploration stage projects. None of
these exploration stage projects contains proven and probable reserves as of December 31, 2006.
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A 5.0% 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 royalty on the Buckhorn South project, located in Eureka County, Nevada; |
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A 1.0% NSR royalty interest on the Simon Creek project, located in Eureka County, Nevada; |
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A 0.25% net value royalty interest on the Horse Mountain project, located in Lander County, Nevada; |
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A 1.5% net value royalty interest on the Ferris/Cooks Creek project, located in Lander County, Nevada; |
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A 0.5% NSR royalty interest on the Rye project, located in Pershing County, Nevada; |
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A 2.5% NSR royalty interest on the BSC project, located in Elko County, Nevada; |
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A 0.75% NSR royalty on a 67% interest (approximate) on the ICBM project, located in Lander County and
Humboldt County, Nevada; |
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A 0.75% NSR royalty on the Long Peak project, located in Lander County, Nevada; |
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A 0.75% NSR royalty on the Dixie Flats project, located in Elko County, Nevada; |
S-7
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A 1.0% NSR royalty interest on the Long Valley project, located in Mono County, California; |
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A 2.0% NSR royalty on a number of exploration properties in Santa Cruz Province, Argentina; |
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A 1.0% NSR royalty on the Svetloye project in eastern Russia; |
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A 2.0% NSR royalty on the Kettukuusikko property located in Lapland, Finland; |
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A 2.0% NSR royalty on the Nieves property in Zacatecas,
Mexico; and |
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A 2.0% NSR royalty on the San Jeronimo property in Zacatecas,
Mexico. |
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-8
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, results of operations and cash flows 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 fiscal year ended June 30, 2007, approximately 44% of our revenues were derived
from royalties from the Pipeline Mining Complex, compared to
approximately 59% derived from the
Pipeline Mining Complex for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006. 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. The Pipeline Mining Complex will continue to be
material to our results of operations.
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.
Volatility in gold and other metal prices may have an adverse impact on the value of our
royalty interests and 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 at the Pipeline Mining Complex 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
S-9
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 (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 ($)
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1998 |
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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 |
|
2007
(through August 31,
2007) |
|
|
691 |
|
|
|
608 |
|
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 ($)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year |
|
High |
|
Low |
1998 |
|
|
7.81 |
|
|
|
4.69 |
|
1999 |
|
|
5.75 |
|
|
|
4.88 |
|
2000 |
|
|
5.45 |
|
|
|
4.57 |
|
2001 |
|
|
4.82 |
|
|
|
4.07 |
|
2002 |
|
|
5.10 |
|
|
|
4.24 |
|
2003 |
|
|
5.97 |
|
|
|
4.37 |
|
2004 |
|
|
8.29 |
|
|
|
5.50 |
|
2005 |
|
|
9.23 |
|
|
|
6.39 |
|
2006 |
|
|
14.94 |
|
|
|
8.83 |
|
2007
(through August 31,
2007) |
|
|
14.58 |
|
|
|
11.67 |
|
The volatility in copper prices is illustrated by the following table, which sets forth, for
the periods indicated (calendar year), the high and low prices in U.S. dollars per pound of copper,
based on the London Metal Exchange cash settlement price for copper Grade A.
Copper Price Per Pound ($)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 |
|
2007
(through August 31,
2007) |
|
|
3.73 |
|
|
|
2.37 |
|
S-10
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; |
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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. |
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 revision.
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. We do not participate in the preparation or verification of such reports and
have not independently assessed or verified the accuracy of such information. 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
gold and other precious metal prices are subject to great uncertainty and such prices have
fluctuated widely in the past. Declines in the
S-11
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.
Estimates of production by the operators of mines in which we have royalty interests are subject to
change.
Production estimates are prepared by the operators of the mining properties. There are
numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating anticipated production attributable to our royalty
interests, including many factors beyond our control or that of the operators of mineral properties
in which we have royalty interests. We do not participate in the preparation or verification of
production estimates and have not independently assessed or verified the accuracy of such
information. The estimation of anticipated production is a subjective process and the accuracy of
any such estimates is a function of the quality of available data, reliability of production
history, variability in grade encountered, mechanical or other problems encountered and engineering
and geological interpretation and operator judgment. Rates of production may be less than
anticipated. Results of drilling, metallurgical testing and production, and the evaluation of mine
plans subsequent to the date of any estimate may cause actual production to vary materially from
such estimates.
We may be unable to successfully acquire additional royalty interests.
Our future success depends upon our ability to acquire royalty interests at appropriate
valuations, including through corporate acquisitions, 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 or finance, rather than through exploration and development of
properties. There can be no assurance that we will be able to identify and complete the
acquisition of such royalty interests, or businesses that own desired royalty interests, at
reasonable prices or on favorable terms. 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.
Furthermore, we may experience negative reactions from the financial markets, our collaborative
partners and employees if we are unable to successfully complete acquisitions of royalty interests
or businesses that own desired royalty interests. Each of these factors may adversely affect the
trading price of our Common Stock or financial results and operations.
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 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.
If the proposed acquisition of Battle Mountain is not completed, we will have incurred substantial
costs that may adversely affect our financial results and operations and the price of our Common
Stock.
We have incurred and will continue to incur substantial costs in connection with the proposed
acquisition of Battle Mountain. These costs are primarily associated with the fees of attorneys,
accountants and financial advisors. If the merger is not completed for any reason, we will have
incurred significant costs, including the diversion of management resources, for which we will have
received little or no benefit. In addition, if the merger is not completed, we may experience
negative reactions from the financial markets, as well as from our collaborative partners and
employees. Each of these factors may adversely affect the trading price of our Common Stock or
financial results and results of operations. The price of our Common Stock may also decline to the extent
that the current market price of our Common Stock reflects a market assumption that the merger will
be completed.
S-12
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 royalty 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.
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.
Because unpatented mining claims are self-initiated and self-maintained, they possess some unique
vulnerabilities not associated with other types of property interests. It is impossible to
ascertain the validity of unpatented mining claims from public real property records, and therefore
it can be difficult or impossible to confirm that all of the requisite steps have been followed for
location and maintenance of an unpatented mining claim. If title to unpatented mining claims
included among our royalty properties is not properly maintained, our royalty revenues could be
adversely affected.
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
S-13
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 Chile. We also evaluate 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 and 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, all of 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 fluctuations and changes in banking regulations in recent years. Future instability,
currency value fluctuations or regulation changes could adversely affect our revenues from the
Martha mine.
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 sale prices of our Common Stock were $20.50 and $12.30 in the fiscal year ended June
30, 2005, $41.66 and $18.74 in the fiscal year ended June 30,
2006 and $37.50 and $23.25 for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007. 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. |
S-14
We may change our dividend policy.
We have paid 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 stockholder 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 Royal Gold, even if stockholders
believe the acquisition is in their best interests.
S-15
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
Proposed Acquisition of Battle Mountain Gold Exploration Corp.
On February 28, 2007, Battle Mountain accepted Royal Golds proposal to acquire 100% of
the fully diluted shares of Battle Mountain for approximately 1.57 million shares of Royal Gold
Common Stock in a merger transaction. On April 17, 2007, Battle Mountain, Royal Gold and Royal
Battle Mountain, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Royal Gold entered into an Agreement and Plan
of Merger, whereby Royal Battle Mountain would merge with and into Battle
Mountain. On July 30, 2007, Battle Mountain, Royal Gold and Royal Battle Mountain, Inc. entered into an Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement").
In the merger, each outstanding share of Battle Mountain common stock would be converted into the right to receive,
at the election of each Battle Mountain stockholder,
either (i) between 0.0172 and 0.0179 shares of Royal Gold common stock to be determined at
closing ("Stock Election") or (ii) approximately $0.55 in cash ("Cash Election"), in each case
assuming 91,563,506 shares of Battle Mountain common stock will be issued and outstanding
immediately prior to the effective time of the merger. The per share consideration, if a holder
of Battle Mountain common stock makes a Stock Election, will be based on the average price per
share of Royal Gold common stock as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market for the five
trading day period up to and including the second business day preceding (but not including) the
closing date of the merger transaction. If the average price is less than $29.00, the per share
stock consideration will be determined based on an aggregate of 1,634,410 shares of Royal Gold
common stock and the holders of shares of Battle Mountain common stock would receive 0.0179 shares
of Royal Gold common stock for each share of Battle Mountain common stock. If the average price
of Royal Gold common stock is $30.18 or above, the per share stock consideration will be
determined based on an aggregate of 1,570,507 shares of Royal Gold common stock and the holders
of shares of Battle Mountain common stock would receive 0.0172 shares of Royal Gold common stock
for each share of Battle Mountain common stock. If the average price is greater than or equal to
$29.00 but less than $30.18, the per share consideration for each share of Battle Mountain common
stock would be proportionally adjusted based on the average price of Royal Gold common stock,
using $47,397,901.26 as the aggregate purchase price. The per share consideration if a holder
of Battle Mountain common stock makes a Cash Election will be based on a maximum of $50,359,928 as
the aggregate purchase price. The stock consideration and cash consideration payable in the
merger are subject to pro rata adjustment based on the number of issued and outstanding shares
of Battle Mountain common stock immediately prior to the effective time of the merger and a
potential reduction or holdback of approximately 0.0006 shares of Royal Gold common stock on
a per share basis, in the case of a Stock Election, or approximately $0.017 on a per share basis,
in the case of a Cash Election, based on the cost of settling certain Battle Mountain litigation.
As a result of the
option and support agreements, the bridge finance facility
agreement and irrevocable proxies, as described below, as of
August 31, 2007, Royal
Gold beneficially owns 63,187,751 shares of Battle Mountain common stock, representing
approximately 57.59% of the outstanding shares of Battle Mountain common stock. Shares of common
stock beneficially owned include any shares of common stock underlying options, warrants and other
convertible securities that are exercisable within 60 days of
August 31, 2007 and is based on the number of issued and
outstanding shares of common stock of Battle Mountain on July 27, 2007.
The closing of the merger is subject to a number of conditions, including Royal Gold
completing its due diligence investigation of Battle Mountain to its satisfaction, Battle
Mountains stockholders approving the merger, and a registration statement relating to the shares
of our Common Stock to be issued in connection with the merger becoming effective under the
Securities Act. The Merger Agreement may be terminated, either before or after Battle Mountain
stockholders approval of the Merger Agreement, under certain circumstances. If the Merger
Agreement is terminated for various reasons, Royal Gold or Battle Mountain may have to pay the
other party a termination fee of $1,000,000 plus certain expenses. If the Merger Agreement is
terminated or the merger delayed because of Battle Mountains entertainment of a competing
acquisition proposal, Battle Mountain enters into a definitive agreement with respect to a
competing acquisition proposal, a tender offer or exchange offer is commenced and Battle Mountains
board of directors supports such offer, or Battle Mountains acceptance of a superior proposal to
Royal Golds proposal or certain other matters set forth in the Merger Agreement, then Battle
Mountain has agreed to pay Royal Gold a termination fee of $2,500,000 plus certain expenses.
In anticipation of the merger transaction, on March 5, 2007, Royal Gold obtained a binding
support agreement and option to purchase from Mark Kucher, Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer of Battle Mountain, his shares
of common stock of Battle Mountain. The support agreement with Mr. Kucher also provides that Mr.
Kucher will vote for and support the merger transaction.
Royal Gold also obtained irrevocable proxies, dated July 27, 2007 from David Atkinson,
Chief Financial Officer of Battle Mountain, and each of the non-employee directors of
Battle Mountain, Robert Connochie, Anthony E. W. Crews, Brian M. Labadie and
Christopher E. Herald, to vote in favor of the merger and against any proposal made in
opposition to or in competition with the consummation of the merger. As a result of the support agreement with
Mr. Kucher and the irrevocable proxies with Messrs. Atkinson,
Connochie, Crews, Labadie and Herald, Royal Gold beneficially owns
22,124,192 shares of Battle Mountain common stock or
27.39% of the outstanding shares of Battle Mountain common stock (including options to acquire
1,400,000 shares of common stock and warrants to acquire 3,012,096 shares of common stock).
Royal Gold also obtained a binding support agreement and option to purchase from IAMGOLD its
shares of common stock of Battle Mountain, including shares of Battle Mountain common stock that
IAMGOLD may acquire upon the conversion of a convertible debenture of Battle Mountain Gold (Canada)
Inc., a subsidiary of Battle
S-16
Mountain. The outstanding principal and interest under the debenture is convertible for
shares of Battle Mountain common stock at a conversion price of $0.50 per share, subject to
adjustment as set forth in the debenture.
On
September 4, 2007, Royal Gold acquired
from IAMGOLD and Repadre all of their issued and outstanding beneficially owned shares of common stock of Battle Mountain subject to the support agreement and option
and from IAMGOLD the convertible debenture. See The Transaction for further
information. As a result of the acquisition of the issued
and outstanding shares of Battle Mountain common stock and the shares
of Battle Mountain common stock that underlie the convertible
debenture, Royal
Gold beneficially owns 16,187,104 shares of Battle Mountain common
stock or 20.12% of the
outstanding shares of Battle Mountain common stock (including
4,084,164 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the
debenture based on the outstanding principal and accrued interest as
of August 31, 2007).
On March 23, 2007, Royal Gold made a $13.91 million loan to Battle Mountain pursuant to an
unsecured one year term non-convertible promissory note that accrued interest at a variable rate of
LIBOR plus 3% per annum. On March 28, 2007, Royal Gold entered into a Bridge Finance Facility
Agreement with Battle Mountain and BMGX (Barbados) Corporation, as borrowers, whereby Royal Gold
agreed to make available to the borrowers a bridge facility of up to $20 million. On April 14,
2007, pursuant to the terms of the bridge facility, the maximum availability under the bridge
facility was reduced to $15 million. Outstanding principal, interest and expenses under the bridge
facility may be converted at Royal Golds option into Battle Mountain common stock, at a conversion
price per share of $0.60 any time during the term of the bridge facility provided that Royal Gold provides notice of its election to convert on or before April 4, 2008. The bridge facility was amended on July 31, 2007 to extend the maturity date from
March 28, 2008 to June 6, 2008. Interest on advances will accrue at the LIBOR plus 3% per annum. To
secure their obligations under the bridge facility, the borrowers have granted to Royal Gold a
security interest in most of their respective assets and Battle Mountain has pledged to Royal Gold
its equity interests in its subsidiaries. In connection with the bridge facility, the unsecured
one-year term non-convertible promissory note pursuant to which Royal Gold made the $13.91 million
loan to Battle Mountain on March 23, 2007 was superceded by a secured promissory note issued under
the bridge facility, with the $13.91 million loan constituting an advance under the bridge
facility. On May 9, 2007, Royal Gold advanced an additional $600,000 to Battle Mountain pursuant
to the bridge facility. As of July 31, 2007, principal in the amount of $14,514,552 was
outstanding, with accrued and unpaid interest of $411,321. Based on the right to convert the
outstanding principal and accrued interest under the bridge facility, Royal Gold beneficially owns
approximately 24,876,455 shares of Battle Mountain common stock or
24.57% of the outstanding shares
of Battle Mountain common stock.
On March 28, 2007, Royal Gold and Battle Mountain entered into a Voting Limitation Agreement
pursuant to which Royal Gold has agreed that if definitive documentation, or the Merger Agreement,
for Royal Golds acquisition of Battle Mountain is executed (which occurred on April 17, 2007),
then during the period of time commencing upon the termination of the definitive documentation, or
the Merger Agreement, by Battle Mountain in accordance with its terms and the terms of the voting
limitation agreement as a result of Battle Mountains receipt of a superior bona fide acquisition
proposal before Battle Mountains shareholders have approved the acquisition by Royal Gold and
ending upon the earlier to occur of the consummation or termination of the transaction underlying
the superior proposal, Battle Mountains acceptance of any proposed modifications to the definitive
documentation with Royal Gold such that the proposal previously considered to be superior is no
longer superior, or Battle Mountains receipt of shareholder approval approving the acquisition by
Royal Gold, Royal Gold will not vote more than 39.9% of the total number of shares of Battle
Mountains shares of common stock entitled to vote in favor of its transaction with Battle Mountain
or in opposition to a competing transaction; provided however that Royal Gold may vote any
remaining shares of Battle Mountain common stock in a manner proportionate to the manner in which
all common shareholders of Battle Mountain (other than IAMGOLD, Mark Kucher and Royal Gold) vote in
respect of such a matter.
Underwritten Offering
On April 9, 2007, we closed our underwritten public offering of 4,000,000 shares of Common
Stock. The offering was conducted pursuant to our existing effective shelf registration filed on
Form S-3 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The offering was priced at $29.25 per
share, and proceeds to Royal Gold from the offering, net of commission and expenses, were
approximately $110.9 million. HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. acted as global coordinator for the
offering with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, JP
S-17
Morgan, National Bank Financial, and UBS Investment Bank acted as co-managers. Royal Gold granted
to the underwriters of the offering an option to purchase an additional 600,000 shares to cover
over-allotments in the offering. On May 3, 2007, we sold 400,064 shares of our Common Stock in
connection with the underwriters exercise of their over-allotment option. The underwriters
option to purchase any additional shares expired on May 3, 2007.
A portion of the net proceeds in the offering was used to repay the
outstanding balance under Royal Golds revolving credit facility
with HSBC Bank USA, National Association, while the remaining net
proceeds are intended to be used to fund the acquisition and
financing of additional royalty interests and for general corporate
purposes.
THE TRANSACTION
On
September 4, 2007, Royal Gold acquired from
IAMGOLD and Repadre all of their issued and outstanding beneficially owned shares of common
stock of Battle Mountain. Royal Gold is issuing 216,642 shares of Common Stock and paying cash
in lieu of fractional shares to IAMGOLD and
Repadre in connection with its acquisition. Royal Gold obtained the option to purchase
IAMGOLDs beneficially owned shares of common stock of Battle Mountain in connection with Royal
Golds proposal to acquire 100% of the fully diluted shares of capital stock of Battle Mountain.
The option was exercised for 0.0179 shares of Common Stock per share of Battle Mountain common
stock. On September 4, 2007, Royal Gold also acquired from IAMGOLD the convertible debenture of Battle Mountain Gold (Canada) Inc. for $2,242,082. See Recent Developments Proposed Acquisition of Battle Mountain Gold
Exploration Corp. for further information.
MARKET PRICE OF OUR COMMON STOCK
Our Common Stock is quoted on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol RGLD and
traded 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 sales prices, in U.S. dollars,
of our Common Stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market.
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High |
|
Low |
Year Ended June 30, 2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Quarter |
|
$ |
17.11 |
|
|
$ |
12.30 |
|
Second Quarter |
|
|
19.03 |
|
|
|
14.95 |
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
19.95 |
|
|
|
15.35 |
|
Fourth Quarter |
|
|
20.50 |
|
|
|
15.99 |
|
Year Ended June 30, 2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Quarter |
|
$ |
30.20 |
|
|
$ |
18.74 |
|
Second Quarter |
|
|
35.69 |
|
|
|
20.95 |
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
41.66 |
|
|
|
27.01 |
|
Fourth Quarter |
|
|
37.50 |
|
|
|
23.00 |
|
Year Ended June 30, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Quarter |
|
$ |
31.82 |
|
|
$ |
25.67 |
|
Second Quarter |
|
|
37.50 |
|
|
|
24.12 |
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
36.50 |
|
|
|
29.31 |
|
Fourth
Quarter |
|
|
30.87 |
|
|
|
23.25 |
|
Year Ending June 30, 2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Quarter (through August 31, 2007) |
|
$ |
32.50 |
|
|
$ |
23.85 |
|
On
August 31, 2007, the closing sale price of our Common Stock as reported on the NASDAQ
Global Select Market was $27.76 per share. On August 31, 2007, the number holders of our Common Stock
of record was 712. The number of shares of Common Stock outstanding
as of August 31, 2007 was
28,672,756 shares. This number excludes:
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|
|
216,642 shares of Common Stock issuable to IAMGOLD and
Repadre that are the subject of this
prospectus supplement; |
|
|
|
|
Up to 1,634,410 shares of Common Stock issuable to Battle Mountain stockholders in connection
with Royal Golds acquisition of Battle Mountain; |
S-18
|
|
|
577,964 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding options at a weighted
average exercise price of $17.54 per share, of which 440,780 shares of Common Stock are subject
to options that are vested and immediately exercisable; |
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|
|
134,375 shares of restricted Common Stock, subject to achieving certain performance goals or
continued service with us, outstanding under our 2004 Omnibus Long-Term Incentive Plan; and |
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316,567 shares of Common Stock reserved for future issuance under our equity compensation plans. |
DIVIDEND HISTORY
We have paid 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.
For calendar year 2007, we announced 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 stockholders of record at the close of business on January 5, 2007. The
second payment of $0.065 per share was made on April 20, 2007, to stockholders of record at the
close of business on April 5, 2007. The third payment of $0.065 per share was made on July 20,
2007, to stockholders of record at the close of business on July 6, 2007. The fourth payment of $0.065 per share is payable on October 19, 2007,
to stockholders of record at the close of business on October 5, 2007.
For calendar year 2006, we paid 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 stockholders 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 stockholders of record at the close of business
on April 7, 2006. We paid the third payment of $0.055 on July 28, 2006, to stockholders of record
at the close of business on July 7, 2006. We paid the fourth payment of $0.055 on October 20, 2006,
to stockholders of record at the close of business on October 6, 2006.
For calendar year 2005, we paid 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 stockholders 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 stockholders of record at the close of business on
April 8, 2005. We paid the third payment of $0.05 on July 22, 2005, to stockholders of record at
the close of business on July 8, 2005. We paid the fourth payment of $0.05 on October 21, 2005, to
stockholders of record at the close of business on October 7, 2005.
We currently plan to pay a dividend on a calendar year basis, subject to the discretion
of the 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.
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the Common Stock to be offered hereby is being passed upon for us by
Hogan & Hartson L.L.P., Denver, Colorado.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of Royal Gold, Inc. and managements assessment of
the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Royal Gold, Inc. (which is
included in Managements Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting) incorporated in this
prospectus supplement by reference to the Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2007 have been so incorporated in reliance on
the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given
on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
S-19
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.
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, DC 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.
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), until the offering of our securities under this registration statement of
which this prospectus supplement is a part is completed or withdrawn:
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Royal Golds Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007; and |
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Royal Golds Current Reports on Form 8-K or Form 8-K/A filed on July 2, 2007, July 24, 2007, July 31, 2007,
August 2, 2007, August 9, 2007, August 29, 2007, August 31, 2007, and
September 4, 2007. |
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 or (303) 573-1660.
S-20
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.
|
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 |
|
|
$ |
283 |
|
1998
|
|
|
313 |
|
|
|
273 |
|
1999
|
|
|
326 |
|
|
|
253 |
|
2000
|
|
|
313 |
|
|
|
264 |
|
2001
|
|
|
293 |
|
|
|
256 |
|
2002
|
|
|
349 |
|
|
|
278 |
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2003
|
|
|
400 |
|
|
|
320 |
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January 1-June 30, 2004
|
|
|
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.
4
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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