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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-Q
     
þ
  Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the
  quarterly period ended December 31, 2004
 
   
  OR
 
   
o
  Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
  for the transition period from _________to _________


Commission File Number 0-13928

U.S. GLOBAL INVESTORS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


     
Texas
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
  74-1598370
(IRS Employer Identification Number)
     
7900 Callaghan Road
San Antonio, Texas

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
  78229-1234
(Zip Code)

(210) 308-1234
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

Not Applicable
(Former Name, Former Address, and Former Fiscal Year, if Changed since Last Report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

     
YES þ   NO o

    Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

     
YES o   NO þ

On January 27, 2005 there were 6,316,474 shares of Registrant’s class A nonvoting common stock issued and 5,988,273 shares of Registrant’s class A nonvoting common stock issued and outstanding, no shares of Registrant’s class B nonvoting common shares outstanding, and 1,496,800 shares of Registrant’s class C common stock issued and outstanding.

 
 

 


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 Certifications of CEO & CFO Pursuant to Section 302
 Certifications of CEO & CFO Pursuant to Section 906

 


Table of Contents

     
U.S. Global Investors, Inc.
   
December 31, 2004, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
  Page 1 of 21
 
   
 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Assets

                 
    DECEMBER 31, 2004     JUNE 30, 2004  
    (UNAUDITED)          
Current Assets
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 3,172,289     $ 2,831,676  
Due from brokers
    21       21  
Trading securities, at fair value
    1,717,390       1,672,354  
Receivables
               
Mutual funds
    1,770,968       1,454,872  
Other advisory clients
    46,119       ¾  
Employees
    538       ¾  
Other
    19,328       23,227  
Prepaid expenses
    564,172       307,390  
Deferred tax asset
    ¾       29,283  
 
           
 
               
Total Current Assets
    7,290,825       6,318,823  
 
           
 
               
Net Property and Equipment
    1,762,858       1,811,488  
 
           
 
               
Other Assets
               
Long-term deferred tax asset
    65,664       193,543  
Investment securities available-for-sale, at fair value
    1,260,778       1,212,742  
 
           
Total Other Assets
    1,326,442       1,406,285  
 
           
 
               
Total Assets
  $ 10,380,125     $ 9,536,596  
 
           

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.

 


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U.S. Global Investors, Inc.
   
December 31, 2004, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
  Page 2 of 21
 
   
 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

                 
    DECEMBER 31, 2004     JUNE 30, 2004  
    (UNAUDITED)          
Current Liabilities
               
Accounts payable
  $ 128,456     $ 99,526  
Accrued compensation and related costs
    409,902       408,681  
Deferred tax liability
    49,134       ¾  
Other accrued expenses
    526,430       543,043  
 
           
 
               
Total Current Liabilities
    1,113,922       1,051,250  
 
           
 
               
Total Non-Current Liabilities
    ¾       ¾  
 
           
 
               
Total Liabilities
    1,113,922       1,051,250  
 
           
 
               
Shareholders’ Equity
               
Common stock (Class A) - $.05 par value; nonvoting; authorized, 7,000,000 shares; issued, 6,316,474 shares
    315,824       315,599  
Common stock (Class B) - $.05 par value; nonvoting; authorized, 2,250,000 shares; no shares issued
    ¾       ¾  
Common stock (Class C) - $.05 par value; voting; authorized, 1,750,000 shares; issued, 1,496,800 shares
    74,840       74,840  
Additional paid-in-capital
    11,137,385       11,110,053  
Deferred compensation
    (200,000 )     (200,000 )
Treasury stock, class A shares at cost; 332,386 and 339,498 shares at December 31, 2004, and June 30, 2004, respectively
    (654,567 )     (665,901 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax
    627,391       533,074  
Accumulated deficit
    (2,034,670 )     (2,682,319 )
 
           
 
               
Total Shareholders’ Equity
    9,266,203       8,485,346  
 
           
 
               
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
  $ 10,380,125     $ 9,536,596  
 
           

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.

 


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U.S. Global Investors, Inc.
   
December 31, 2004, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
  Page 3 of 21
 
   
 

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)

                                 
    Six Months Ended     Three Months Ended  
    December 31,     December 31,  
    2004     2003     2004     2003  
Revenues
                               
Investment advisory fees
  $ 5,596,539     $ 3,917,829     $ 3,238,490     $ 2,292,601  
Transfer agent fees
    1,461,613       1,238,679       766,508       666,205  
Investment income (loss)
    (65,993 )     1,711,684       56,579       1,323,451  
Other
    75,388       97,874       44,321       54,920  
 
                       
 
                               
 
    7,067,547       6,966,066       4,105,898       4,337,177  
Expenses
                               
Employee compensation and benefits
    2,843,117       2,387,499       1,598,891       1,332,315  
General and administrative
    1,585,345       1,193,966       877,555       613,273  
Subadvisory fees
    843,820       360,752       538,814       203,267  
Omnibus fees
    618,670       272,513       359,699       228,671  
Advertising
    180,740       146,679       93,401       87,339  
Depreciation
    54,367       53,845       27,121       27,355  
Interest
    ¾       44,327       ¾       21,578  
 
                       
 
    6,126,059       4,459,581       3,495,481       2,513,798  
 
                       
 
                               
Income Before Income Taxes
    941,488       2,506,485       610,417       1,823,379  
 
                               
Provision for Federal Income Taxes
                               
Tax Expense
    293,838       570,481       203,230       574,884  
 
                       
Net Income
    647,650       1,936,004       407,187       1,248,495  
 
                               
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
                               
 
                               
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities
    94,317       23,364       (64,381 )     1,607  
 
                       
 
                               
Comprehensive Income
  $ 741,967     $ 1,959,368     $ 342,806     $ 1,250,102  
 
                       
 
                               
Basic and Diluted Net Income per Share
  $ 0.09     $ 0.26     $ 0.05     $ 0.17  
 
                       
 
                               
Basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding
    7,477,007       7,469,568       7,480,792       7,473,542  
 
                               
Diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding
    7,538,353       7,523,340       7,546,380       7,542,424  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.

 


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U.S. Global Investors, Inc.
   
December 31, 2004, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
  Page 4 of 21
 
   
 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

                 
    SIX MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31,  
    2004     2003  
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
               
Net income
  $ 647,650     $ 1,936,004  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation
    54,367       53,845  
Net recognized loss (gain) on securities
    95,596       (116,497 )
Gain on disposal of fixed assets
    (297 )      
Provision for deferred taxes
    157,707       570,481  
Provision for losses on accounts receivable
          (64,488 )
Changes in assets and liabilities, impacting cash from operations:
               
Accounts receivable
    (358,854 )     (457,712 )
Prepaid expenses and other
    (256,782 )     (59,834 )
Trading securities
    (45,762 )     (1,820,656 )
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    13,538       305,558  
 
           
 
               
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
    307,163       346,701  
 
           
 
               
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
               
Purchase of property and equipment
    (5,440 )     (102,117 )
Purchase of available-for-sale securities
          (200,520 )
Proceeds on sale of available-for-sale securities
          308,414  
 
           
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities
    (5,440 )     5,777  
 
           
 
               
Cash Flow from Financing Activities:
               
Payments on annuity
          (5,141 )
Payments on note payable
          (33,530 )
Proceeds from issuance or exercise of stock, warrants, and options
    43,423       38,822  
Purchase of treasury stock
    (4,533 )     (49,016 )
 
           
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities
    38,890       (48,865 )
 
           
 
               
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents
    340,613       303,613  
 
               
Beginning Cash and Cash Equivalents
    2,831,676       1,162,243  
 
           
 
               
Ending Cash and Cash Equivalents
  $ 3,172,289     $ 1,465,856  
 
           

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.

 


Table of Contents

     
U.S. Global Investors, Inc.
   
December 31, 2004, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
  Page 5 of 21
 
   
 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Note 1. Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared by U.S. Global Investors, Inc. (the Company or U.S. Global) pursuant to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit reduced disclosure for interim periods. The financial information included herein reflects all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments), which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of results for the interim periods presented. The Company has consistently followed the accounting policies set forth in the notes to the consolidated financial statements in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2004.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries, United Shareholder Services, Inc. (USSI), A&B Mailers, Inc. (A&B), U.S. Global Investors (Guernsey) Limited (USGG), and U.S. Global Brokerage, Inc. (USGB).

All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain amounts have been reclassified for comparative purposes. The results of operations for the six-month and three-month period ended December 31, 2004, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year.

Note 2. Investments

The cost of investments classified as trading at December 31, 2004, and June 30, 2004, was $1,897,518 and $1,857,171, respectively. The market value of investments classified as trading at December 31, 2004, and June 30, 2004, was $1,717,390 and $1,672,354, respectively. The change in net unrealized holding gains and losses on trading securities held at December 31, 2004, and 2003, which has been included in income for the six-month period, was $4,689 and $1,582,294, respectively. Sales of trading securities generated realized losses of $726 and $11,012 for the six-month period ended December 31, 2004, and 2003, respectively.

The cost of investments in securities classified as available-for-sale, which may not be readily marketable, was $310,185 and $405,055 at December 31, 2004, and June 30, 2004, respectively. These investments are reflected as non-current assets on the consolidated balance sheet at their fair market value at December 31, 2004, and June 30, 2004, of $1,260,778 and $1,212,742, respectively, with $627,391 and $533,074, respectively, net of tax, in unrealized gains being recorded as a separate component of shareholders’ equity. Sales of available-for-sale securities generated realized gains of $0 and $158,388 for the six-month period ended December 31, 2004, and 2003, respectively.

For available-for-sale securities with declines in value that are deemed other than temporary, the cost basis of the securities is reduced accordingly, and the resulting loss is realized in earnings. The Company recorded other than temporary declines of $94,870 and $30,879 for the six-month period ended December 31, 2004, and 2003, respectively.

Note 3. Investment Management, Transfer Agent and Other Fees

The Company serves as investment adviser to U.S. Global Investors Funds (USGIF) and U.S. Global Accolade Funds (USGAF) and receives a fee based on a specified percentage of net assets under management. Two funds within USGAF are sub-advised by outside third-party managers, who are in turn compensated out of the investment advisory fees received by the Company. The Company also serves as transfer agent to USGIF and USGAF and receives a fee based on the number of shareholder accounts. Additionally, the Company provides in-house legal services to USGIF and USGAF, and the Company also receives certain miscellaneous fees directly from USGIF and USGAF shareholders. Fees for providing services to USGIF and USGAF continue to be the Company’s primary revenue source.

The Company has voluntarily waived or reduced its advisory fee and/or has agreed to pay expenses on several USGIF funds through June 30, 2005, or such later date as the Company determines. The aggregate fees waived and expenses borne by the Company for the six-month period ended December 31, 2004, and 2003, were $706,442 and $753,744, respectively.

 


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U.S. Global Investors, Inc.
   
December 31, 2004, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
  Page 6 of 21
 
   
 

The investment advisory and related contracts between the Company and USGIF and USGAF will expire in February 2006 and May 2005, respectively. Management anticipates the board of trustees of both USGIF and USGAF will renew the contracts.

The Company began providing investment subadvisory services for a client in the first quarter of fiscal year 2005. The Company has a fee arrangement for these services whereby it receives a monthly subadvisory fee and an annual performance fee based on the overall increase in value of the net assets in the fund for the period. The Company has recorded $17,362 and $13,731 in subadvisory revenues and $40,235 in performance fee revenues from this fee arrangement for the six months and three months, respectively, ended December 31, 2004.

The Company also provided investment management services for a separate advisory client through March 2004. The Company had a fee arrangement whereby it received an annual administrative fee plus a percentage of any gains from the sale of the securities in the client account, payable at the settlement of the sales. The Company recorded $577,528 and $285,646 in revenue from this fee arrangement for the six months and three months, respectively, ended December 31, 2003.

The Company receives additional revenue from several sources including custodian fee revenues, revenues from miscellaneous transfer agency activities including lockbox functions, mailroom operations from A&B, as well as investment income.

Note 4. Borrowings

The Company has access to a $1 million credit facility with a one-year maturity for working capital purposes. Any use of this credit facility will be secured by the Company’s eligible accounts receivable. As of December 31, 2004, this credit facility remained unutilized by the Company.

Note 5. Stock-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation using the intrinsic value method in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (APB 25). In accordance with APB 25, no compensation expense is recognized for stock options where the exercise price equals or exceeds the underlying stock price on the date of grant. The Company has implemented the disclosure-only provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FAS”) No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” and FAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation Transition and Disclosure.”

 


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U.S. Global Investors, Inc.
   
December 31, 2004, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
  Page 7 of 21
 
   
 

The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of FAS No. 123:

                 
    SIX MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31,  
    2004     2003  
Net Income, as reported
  $ 647,650     $ 1,936,004  
Add: Stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net income, net of tax
    16,500       16,500  
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method, net of tax
    (18,323 )     (18,645 )
 
           
Pro forma net income
  $ 645,827     $ 1,933,859  
 
           
Earnings per share:
               
Basic and Diluted – as reported
  $ 0.09     $ 0.26  
Basic and Diluted – pro forma
  $ 0.09     $ 0.26  
                 
    THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31,  
    2004     2003  
Net Income, as reported
  $ 407,187     $ 1,248,493  
Add: Stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net income, net of tax
    8,250       8,250  
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method, net of tax
    (9,162 )     (9,322 )
 
           
Pro forma net income
  $ 406,275     $ 1,247,421  
 
           
Earnings per share:
               
Basic and Diluted – as reported
  $ 0.05     $ 0.17  
Basic and Diluted – pro forma
  $ 0.05     $ 0.17  

For purposes of pro forma disclosure, the estimated fair value of the options is amortized to expense over the options’ vesting period. The fair value of these options was estimated at the date of the grant using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model. A total of 20,000 options were granted to officers during the six months ended December 31, 2004, and no options were granted during the six months ended December 31, 2003. A total of 4,500 and no options were exercised during the six months ended December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively.

Note 6. Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation for basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS):

                 
    SIX MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31,  
    2004     2003  
Basic and diluted net income
  $ 647,650     $ 1,936,004  
 
               
Weighted average number of outstanding shares
               
Basic
    7,477,007       7,469,568  
 
               
Effect of dilutive securities
               
Employee stock options
    61,346       53,772  
 
           
Diluted
    7,538,353       7,523,340  
 
           
 
               
Earnings per share
               
Basic
  $ 0.09     $ 0.26  
Diluted
  $ 0.09     $ 0.26  

 


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U.S. Global Investors, Inc.
   
December 31, 2004, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
  Page 8 of 21
 
   
 
                 
    THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31,  
    2004     2003  
Basic and diluted net income
  $ 407,187     $ 1,248,493  
 
               
Weighted average number of outstanding shares
               
Basic
    7,480,792       7,473,542  
 
               
Effect of dilutive securities
               
Employee stock options
    65,588       68,882  
 
           
Diluted
    7,546,380       7,542,424  
 
           
 
               
Earnings per share
               
Basic
  $ 0.05     $ 0.17  
Diluted
  $ 0.05     $ 0.17  

The diluted EPS calculation excludes the effect of stock options when their exercise prices exceed the average market price for the period. For the six-months ended December 31, 2004, and December 31, 2003, options for 40,000 and 11,000 shares, respectively, were excluded from diluted EPS. For the three-month period ended December 31, 2004, and December 31, 2003, options for 20,000 and 1,000 shares, respectively, were excluded from diluted EPS.

Note 7. Income Taxes

The Company and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return. Provisions for income taxes include deferred taxes for temporary differences in the bases of assets and liabilities for financial and tax purposes, resulting from the use of the liability method of accounting for income taxes. For federal income tax purposes at December 31, 2004, the Company has alternative minimum tax (AMT) credits of approximately $28,000 with indefinite expirations. The long-term deferred tax asset is composed primarily of the AMT credits mentioned above as well as unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities. The current deferred tax liability is composed primarily of temporary differences in the deductibility of prepaid expenses.

A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax amount will not be realized. Management included a valuation allowance of approximately $4,000 and $34,000 at December 31, 2004, and June 30, 2004, respectively, providing for the utilization of investment tax credits.

Note 8. Financial Information by Business Segment

The Company operates principally in two business segments: providing investment management services to its mutual funds and private client, and investing for its own account in an effort to add growth and value to its cash position. The following schedule details total revenues and income (loss) by business segment:

 


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U.S. Global Investors, Inc.
   
December 31, 2004, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
  Page 9 of 21
 
   
 
                         
    Investment              
    Management     Corporate        
    Services     Investments     Consolidated  
Six months ended December 31, 2004
                       
Revenues
  $ 7,158,404     $ (90,857 )   $ 7,067,547  
 
                 
 
                       
Income before income taxes
  $ 1,032,345     $ (90,857 )   $ 941,488  
 
                 
 
                       
Depreciation
  $ 54,367     $ ¾     $ 54,367  
 
                 
Interest expense
  $ ¾     $ ¾     $ ¾  
 
                 
Capital expenditures
  $ 5,440     $ ¾     $ 5,440  
 
                 
 
                       
Gross identifiable assets at December 31, 2004
  $ 7,351,472     $ 3,012,123     $ 10,363,595  
Deferred tax asset
                    16,530  
 
                     
Consolidated total assets at December 31, 2004
                  $ 10,380,125  
 
                     
 
                       
Six months ended December 31, 2003
                       
Revenues
  $ 5,267,275     $ 1,698,791     $ 6,966,066  
 
                 
 
                       
Income before income taxes
  $ 808,798     $ 1,697,687     $ 2,506,485  
 
                 
 
                       
Depreciation
  $ 53,845     $ ¾     $ 53,845  
 
                 
Interest expense
  $ 44,327     $ ¾     $ 44,327  
 
                 
Capital expenditures
  $ 102,117     $ ¾     $ 102,117  
 
                 
                         
    Investment              
    Management     Corporate        
    Services     Investments     Consolidated  
Three months ended December 31, 2004
                       
Revenues
  $ 4,147,599     $ (41,701 )   $ 4,105,898  
 
                 
 
                       
Income before income taxes
  $ 652,118     $ (41,701 )   $ 610,417  
 
                 
 
                       
Depreciation
  $ 27,121     $ ¾     $ 27,121  
 
                 
Interest expense
  $ ¾     $ ¾     $ ¾  
 
                 
Capital expenditures
  $ 2,694     $ ¾     $ 2,694  
 
                 
 
                       
Three months ended December 31, 2003
                       
Revenues
  $ 3,023,574     $ 1,313,603     $ 4,337,177  
 
                 
 
                       
Income before income taxes
  $ 510,878     $ 1,312,499     $ 1,823,377  
 
                 
 
                       
Depreciation
  $ 27,355     $ ¾     $ 27,355  
 
                 
Interest expense
  $ 21,578     $ ¾     $ 21,578  
 
                 
Capital expenditures
  $ 6,427     $ ¾     $ 6,427  
 
                 

 


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U.S. Global Investors, Inc.
   
December 31, 2004, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
  Page 10 of 21
 
   
 

Note 9. Contingencies

During fiscal 2001, the Company was named as one of several defendants in a civil lawsuit filed in New York. In June 2003, this lawsuit was dismissed, and in July 2003, the plaintiff filed an appeal. In November 2003, the Company’s insurance carrier authorized a settlement offer, which was accepted in August 2004. Executed settlement documents were received in November 2004. This settlement was paid by the carrier; therefore, it had no impact on the Company’s earnings.

 


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U.S. Global Investors, Inc.
   
December 31, 2004, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
  Page 11 of 21
 
   
 

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

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

BUSINESS SEGMENTS

The Company, with principal operations in San Antonio, Texas, manages two business segments: (1) the Company provides investment management services, and (2) the Company invests for its own account in an effort to add growth and value to its cash position.

The Company generates substantially all its operating revenues from the investment management of products and services for the U.S. Global Investors Funds (USGIF) and U.S. Global Accolade Funds (USGAF). USGAF has plans to launch a new fund in February 2005 called the Global Emerging Markets Fund. This fund will be subadvised by Charlemagne Capital Ltd., who also subadvises the Eastern European Fund.

Although the Company generates the majority of its revenues from this segment, the Company holds a significant amount of its total assets in investments. The following is a brief discussion of the Company’s two business segments.

Investment Management Products and Services

The Company generates substantially all of its operating revenues from managing and servicing USGIF and USGAF. These revenues are largely dependent on the total value and composition of assets under its management. Fluctuations in the markets and investor sentiment directly impact the funds’ asset levels, thereby affecting income and results of operations.

During the six-month period ended December 31, 2004, mutual fund assets under management averaged $1.51 billion versus $1.19 billion for the same period ended December 31, 2003. During the three-month period ended December 31, 2004, mutual fund assets under management averaged $1.67 billion versus $1.31 billion for the same period ended December 31, 2003. These favorable trends were primarily due to significant increases in the Company’s foreign equity, natural resource, and gold funds. The Company realized the benefit of net inflows into these funds as well as market appreciation. This favorable trend has been partially offset by a reduction in assets in the money market and bond funds as investors seek alternative investments with higher yields.

The Company began providing investment subadvisory services for a client in the first quarter of fiscal year 2005. The Company has a fee arrangement for these services whereby it receives a monthly subadvisory fee and an annual performance fee based on the overall increase in value of the net assets in the fund for the period. The Company has recorded subadvisory revenues of $17,362 and $13,731and performance revenues of $40,235 from this fee arrangement for the six months and three months, respectively, ended December 31, 2004.

The Company also provided investment management services for a separate advisory client through March 2004. The Company had a fee arrangement whereby it received an annual administrative fee plus a percentage of any gains from the sale of the securities in the client account, payable at the settlement of the sales. The Company recorded $577,528 and $285,646 in revenue from this fee arrangement for the six months and three months, respectively, ended December 31, 2003.

 


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U.S. Global Investors, Inc.
   
December 31, 2004, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
  Page 12 of 21
 
   
 

Investment Activities

Management believes it can more effectively manage the Company’s cash position by broadening the types of investments used in cash management, and continues to believe that such activities are in the best interest of the Company. Company compliance personnel review and monitor these activities, and various reports are provided to investment advisory clients.

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

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

This source of revenue does not remain at a consistent level and is dependent on market fluctuations, the Company’s ability to participate in investment opportunities, and timing of transactions.

As of December 31, 2004, the Company held approximately $3.0 million in investment securities. The value of these investments is approximately 29 percent of total assets.

For the six-month period ended December 31, 2004, the Company had net realized losses on trading securities of $726 compared with net realized losses of $11,017 for the six-month period ended December 31, 2003. The change in net unrealized holding gains and losses on trading securities held at December 31, 2004, and 2003, which has been included in income for the six-month period, was $4,689 and $1,582,294, respectively.

For the three-month period ended December 31, 2004, the Company had net realized losses on trading securities of $726 compared with net realized losses of $2,292 for the three-month period ended December 31, 2003. The change in net unrealized holding gains and losses on trading securities held at December 31, 2004, and 2003, which has been included in income for the three-month period, was ($32,998) and $1,208,286, respectively.

A significant portion of the unrealized gains and losses for the six-month and three-month periods ending December 31, 2004, is concentrated in a single issuer. The Company expects that gains and losses will continue to fluctuate in the future.

For available-for-sale securities with declines in value that are deemed other than temporary, the cost basis of the securities is reduced accordingly, and the resulting loss is realized in earnings. The Company recorded other than temporary declines of $94,870 and $30,879 for the six-month period ended December 31, 2004, and 2003, respectively. During the three-month period ended December 31, 2004, and 2003, the Company recorded other than temporary declines of $0 and $16,654, respectively.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS – SIX MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004 AND 2003

The Company posted net after-tax income of $647,650 ($.09 income per share) for the six-month period ended December 31, 2004, compared with net after-tax income of $1,936,004 ($.26 income per share) for the six-month period ended December 31, 2003.

 


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U.S. Global Investors, Inc.
   
December 31, 2004, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
  Page 13 of 21
 
   
 

Revenues

Total consolidated revenues for the six-month period ended December 31, 2004, increased $101,000 or 1 percent, compared with the six-month period ended December 31, 2003. This increase was largely attributable to an increase of $2.2 million in investment advisory fees as a result of increased assets under management. The Company also had an increase in transfer agent fees of $230,000 primarily as a result of growth in the number of fund shareholder accounts. Offsetting these favorable trends was a decrease in investment income of $1.8 million primarily due to a reduction in unrealized gains on trading securities. In addition, separate account advisory fees decreased by $520,000 due to the termination of a prior advisory agreement in March 2004.

Expenses

Total consolidated expenses for the six-month period ended December 31, 2004, increased $1.7 million, or 37 percent, compared with the six-month period ended December 31, 2003. Incentive bonuses associated with strong mutual fund performance, mutual fund asset growth and increased accounts have resulted in increased employee compensation expense of $456,000. Consistent with the growth in assets under management has been an increase in sub-advisory fees of $483,000, primarily resulting from an increase in assets in the Eastern European Fund. The mutual fund asset growth has been largely realized through broker/dealer platforms. These broker/dealers typically charge an asset-based fee for assets held in their platforms. Accordingly, net omnibus platform fee expenses have increased $346,000 during the period. General and administrative expenses increased $391,000 primarily as a result of increased consulting, insurance and audit fees.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS – QUARTER ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004 AND 2003

The Company posted net after-tax income of $407,187 ($.05 income per share) for the three-month period ended December 31, 2004, compared with net after-tax income of $1,248,495 ($.17 income per share) for the three-month period ended December 31, 2003.

Revenues

Total consolidated revenues for the quarter ended December 31, 2004, decreased $231,000 or 5 percent, compared with the quarter ended December 31, 2003. This decrease was largely attributable to a decrease in investment income of $1.3 million, primarily due to a reduction in unrealized trading gains on trading securities. In addition, separate account advisory fees decreased by $232,000 due to the termination of a prior advisory agreement in March 2004. Offsetting these decreases was an increase of $1.2 million in investment advisory fees as a result of increased assets under management. The Company also had an increase in transfer agent fees of $107,000 primarily as a result of growth in the number of shareholder accounts.

Expenses

Total consolidated expenses for the quarter ended December 31, 2004, increased $982,000, or 39 percent, compared with the quarter ended December 31, 2003. Incentive bonuses associated with strong mutual fund performance, mutual fund asset growth and increased accounts have resulted in increased employee compensation expense of $267,000. Consistent with the growth in assets under management has been an increase in sub-advisory fees of $336,000, primarily resulting from an increase in assets in the Eastern European Fund. The mutual fund asset growth has been largely realized through broker/dealer platforms. These broker/dealers typically charge an asset-based fee for assets held in their platforms. Accordingly, net omnibus platform fee expenses have increased $131,000 during the quarter. General and administrative expenses increased $264,000 primarily as a result of increased consulting, insurance and audit fees.

 


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U.S. Global Investors, Inc.
   
December 31, 2004, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
  Page 14 of 21
 
   
 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

At December 31, 2004, the Company had net working capital (current assets minus current liabilities) of approximately $6.2 million and a current ratio (current assets divided by current liabilities) of 6.5 to 1. With approximately $3.2 million in cash and cash equivalents and approximately $3.0 million in marketable securities, the Company has adequate liquidity to meet its current obligations. Total shareholders’ equity was approximately $9.3 million, with cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities comprising 59.3% of total assets.

The Company paid the mortgage on its corporate headquarters in full in fiscal 2004. Thus, the Company’s only material commitment going forward is for operating expenses. The Company also has access to a $1 million credit facility, which can be utilized for working capital purposes. The Company’s available working capital and potential cash flow are expected to be sufficient to cover current expenses.

The investment advisory and related contracts between the Company and USGIF and USGAF will expire on February 28, 2005, and May 31, 2005, respectively. Management anticipates the board of trustees of both USGIF and USGAF will renew the contracts.

Management believes current cash reserves, financing obtained and/or available, and potential cash flow from operations will be sufficient to meet foreseeable cash needs or capital necessary for the above-mentioned activities and allow the Company to take advantage of opportunities for growth whenever available.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

In addition to the critical accounting policies included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K, the following policy has arisen because of a new contract in fiscal 2005. For further discussions of other significant accounting policies that we follow, please refer to the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2004.

Revenue Recognition on Subadvisory Contract. The Company began providing investment subadvisory services for a client in the first quarter of fiscal year 2005. The Company has a fee arrangement for these services whereby it receives a monthly subadvisory fee and an annual performance fee based on the overall increase in value of the net assets in the fund for the period. The Company has recorded $17,362 in subadvisory revenues and $40,235 in performance fee revenues from this fee arrangement for the six months ended December 31, 2004. Since the performance fee is paid annually, the fees will fluctuate on an annual basis based on the net asset value of the fund. The calculation of the performance fees will be made as of December 31 of each year while the agreement is in place, at which time the fees will be paid to the Company and recognized.

 


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U.S. Global Investors, Inc.
   
December 31, 2004, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
  Page 15 of 21
 
   
 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

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

The Company’s investment activities are reviewed and monitored by Company compliance personnel, and various reports are provided to investment advisory clients. The Company has in place a code of ethics that requires pre-clearance of any trading activity by the Company. Written procedures are also in place to manage compliance with the code of ethics.

The table below summarizes the Company’s equity price risks as of December 31, 2004, and shows the effects of a hypothetical 25% increase and a 25% decrease in market prices.

SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS

                                 
                    Estimated     Increase  
                    Fair Value after     (Decrease) in  
            Hypothetical     Hypothetical     Shareholders’  
    Fair Value at     Percentage     Percent     Equity, Net  
    December 31, 2004     Change     Change     of Tax  
Trading Securities
  $ 1,717,390     25% increase   $ 2,146,738     $ 283,369  
 
          25% decrease   $ 1,288,043     $ (283,369 )
Available-for-Sale
  $ 1,260,778     25% increase   $ 1,575,973     $ 208,028  
 
          25% decrease   $ 945,584     $ (208,028 )

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

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

An evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2004, was conducted under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer. Based on that evaluation, the chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2004.

There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2004, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 


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U.S. Global Investors, Inc.
   
December 31, 2004, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
  Page 16 of 21
 
   
 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

1. Exhibits

  31   Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act Of 2002
 
  32   Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act Of 2002

2. Reports on Form 8-K

      Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed November 15, 2004, filing of Press Release Reporting Earnings and Other Financial Results for the first quarter ended September 30, 2004.

 


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U.S. Global Investors, Inc.
   
December 31, 2004, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
  Page 17 of 21
 
   
 

SIGNATURES

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

             
      U.S. GLOBAL INVESTORS, INC.    
 
           
DATED: February 14, 2005
  BY:   /s/ Frank E. Holmes    
           
      Frank E. Holmes    
      Chief Executive Officer    
 
           
DATED: February 14, 2005
  BY:   /s/ Catherine A. Rademacher    
           
      Catherine A. Rademacher    
      Chief Financial Officer