usglobalinvestors10q123115.htm


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

 
FORM 10-Q
 


x           Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the quarterly period ended December 31, 2015

 
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
74-1598370
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
   
7900 Callaghan Road
San Antonio, Texas
78229-1234
(Zip Code)
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
 
(210) 308-1234
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
Not Applicable
(Former name, former address, and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
 
YES x                                NO o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
 
YES x                                NO o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer o
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o
 Smaller Reporting Company x
   
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
 
YES o                                NO x
 
On February 1, 2016, there were 13,866,421 shares of Registrant’s class A nonvoting common stock issued and 13,215,468 shares of Registrant’s class A nonvoting common stock issued and outstanding, no shares of Registrant’s class B nonvoting common shares outstanding, and 2,069,127 shares of Registrant’s class C voting common stock issued and outstanding.
 
 
 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
   
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
1
   
1
1
2
3
4
5
19
24
24
   
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
25
   
25
25
25
26
   
27
 
 
 
 

 
 
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.                      FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
   
December 31, 2015
   
June 30, 2015
 
   
(UNAUDITED)
       
Assets
           
(dollars in thousands)
           
Current Assets
           
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
3,563
   
$
3,507
 
Investment securities - trading, at fair value
   
13,571
     
15,640
 
Investment securities - held-to-maturity
   
750
     
-
 
Receivables
   
529
     
1,653
 
Prepaid expenses
   
399
     
410
 
Total assets held related to discontinued operations
   
72
     
184
 
Total Current Assets
   
18,884
     
21,394
 
                 
Net Property and Equipment
   
2,601
     
2,736
 
                 
Other Assets
               
Investment securities - available-for-sale, at fair value
   
3,648
     
4,263
 
Other investments
   
2,045
     
2,303
 
Intangible assets, net
   
19
     
41
 
Other assets, long term
   
37
     
33
 
Total Other Assets
   
5,749
     
6,640
 
Total Assets
 
$
27,234
   
$
30,770
 
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
               
Current Liabilities
               
Accounts payable
 
$
120
   
$
114
 
Accrued compensation and related costs
   
797
     
456
 
Dividends payable
   
115
     
231
 
Other accrued expenses
   
595
     
692
 
Total liabilities held related to discontinued operations
   
39
     
134
 
Total Current Liabilities
   
1,666
     
1,627
 
                 
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 11)
               
                 
Shareholders' Equity
               
Common stock (class A) - $0.025 par value; nonvoting; authorized, 28,000,000 shares; issued, 13,866,421  at December 31, 2015,  and June 30, 2015
   
347
     
347
 
Common stock (class B) - $0.025 par value; nonvoting; authorized, 4,500,000 shares; no shares issued
   
-
     
-
 
Convertible common stock (class C) - $0.025 par value; voting; authorized, 3,500,000 shares; issued, 2,069,127 shares at December 31, 2015, and June 30, 2015
   
52
     
52
 
Additional paid-in-capital
   
15,655
     
15,694
 
Treasury stock, class A shares at cost; 648,286 and 555,786 shares at December 31, 2015, and June 30, 2015, respectively
   
(1,603
)
   
(1,464
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax
   
(511
)
   
(483
)
Retained earnings
   
11,113
     
14,423
 
Total U.S. Global Investors Inc. Shareholders' Equity
   
25,053
     
28,569
 
Non-Controlling Interest in Subsidiary
   
515
     
574
 
Total Shareholders' Equity
   
25,568
     
29,143
 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
 
$
27,234
   
$
30,770
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
 
Page 1

 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
 
   
Six Months Ended December 31,
   
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
 Operating Revenues
                       
 Advisory fees
 
$
2,336
   
$
4,110
   
$
1,197
   
$
1,691
 
 Administrative services fees
   
203
     
375
     
92
     
167
 
     
2,539
     
4,485
     
1,289
     
1,858
 
 Operating Expenses
                               
 Employee compensation and benefits
   
3,067
     
2,832
     
1,691
     
1,395
 
 General and administrative
   
2,198
     
2,112
     
1,267
     
975
 
 Platform fees
   
276
     
505
     
129
     
222
 
 Advertising
   
149
     
38
     
38
     
22
 
 Depreciation and amortization
   
160
     
164
     
80
     
81
 
     
5,850
     
5,651
     
3,205
     
2,695
 
 Operating Loss
   
(3,311
)
   
(1,166
)
   
(1,916
)
   
(837
)
 Other Income
                               
 Investment income (loss)
   
263
     
273
     
(271
)
   
53
 
 Total Other Income
   
263
     
273
     
(271
)
   
53
 
 Loss Before Income Taxes
   
(3,048
)
   
(893
)
   
(2,187
)
   
(784
)
 Provision for Federal Income Taxes
                               
 Tax expense (benefit)
   
11
     
(4
)
   
-
     
3
 
 Loss from Continuing Operations
   
(3,059
)
   
(889
)
   
(2,187
)
   
(787
)
 Discontinued Operations
                               
 Loss from discontinued operations of distributor
   
(18
)
   
(42
)
   
(25
)
   
(54
)
 Tax benefit
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
 Loss from Discontinued Operations
   
(18
)
   
(42
)
   
(25
)
   
(54
)
 Net Loss
   
(3,077
)
   
(931
)
   
(2,212
)
   
(841
)
 Less: Net Income Attributable to Non-Controlling Interest
   
3
     
39
     
-
     
1
 
 Net Loss Attributable to U.S. Global Investors, Inc.
 
$
(3,080
)
 
$
(970
)
 
$
(2,212
)
 
$
(842
)
                                 
 Basic Net Loss per Share:
                               
 Loss from continuing operations
 
$
(0.20
)
 
$
(0.06
)
 
$
(0.14
)
 
$
(0.05
)
 Loss from discontinued operations
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
 Basic Net Loss per Share
 
$
(0.20
)
 
$
(0.06
)
 
$
(0.14
)
 
$
(0.05
)
 Diluted Net Loss per Share:
                               
 Loss from continuing operations
 
$
(0.20
)
 
$
(0.06
)
 
$
(0.14
)
 
$
(0.05
)
 Loss from discontinued operations
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
 Diluted Net Loss per Share
 
$
(0.20
)
 
$
(0.06
)
 
$
(0.14
)
 
$
(0.05
)
 Basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding
   
15,321,304
     
15,419,309
     
15,300,421
     
15,409,292
 
 Diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding
   
15,321,304
     
15,419,309
     
15,300,421
     
15,409,292
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
Page 2

 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED)
 
   
Six Months Ended
December 31,
   
Three Months Ended
December 31,
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
 Net Loss Attributable to U.S. Global Investors, Inc.
 
$
(3,080
)
 
$
(970
)
 
$
(2,212
)
 
$
(842
)
 Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax:
                               
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities arising during period
   
357
     
(849
)
   
470
     
(618
)
Less:  reclassification adjustment for gains/losses included in net income
   
(272
)
   
(252
)
   
199
     
(57
)
Net change from available-for-sale investments, net of tax
   
85
     
(1,101
)
   
669
     
(675
)
Foreign currency translation adjustment
   
(174
)
   
(149
)
   
(49
)
   
(70
)
 Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
   
(89
)
   
(1,250
)
   
620
     
(745
)
 Comprehensive Loss
   
(3,169
)
   
(2,220
)
   
(1,592
)
   
(1,587
)
 Less: Comprehensive Income Attributable to Non-Controlling Interest
   
(61
)
   
(52
)
   
(17
)
   
(25
)
 Comprehensive Loss Attributable to U.S. Global Investors, Inc.
 
$
(3,108
)
 
$
(2,168
)
 
$
(1,575
)
 
$
(1,562
)
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
 
Page 3

 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
 
   
Six Months Ended December 31,
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
2015
   
2014
 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
           
Net loss
 
$
(3,077
)
 
$
(931
)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
160
     
164
 
Net recognized loss on disposal of fixed assets
   
-
     
26
 
Net recognized (gain) loss on securities
   
19
     
(376
)
Provision for deferred taxes
   
-
     
2
 
Stock bonuses
   
9
     
6
 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Accounts receivable
   
1,220
     
566
 
Prepaid and other assets
   
2
     
34
 
Trading securities
   
2,033
     
797
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
   
173
     
(500
)
Total adjustments
   
3,616
     
719
 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
   
539
     
(212
)
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
               
Purchase of property and equipment
   
(13
)
   
(40
)
Purchase of available-for-sale securities
   
-
     
(165
)
Purchase of other investments
   
(750
)
   
(1,000
)
Proceeds on sale of available-for-sale securities
   
962
     
515
 
Return of capital on investment
   
13
     
12
 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
   
212
     
(678
)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
               
Issuance of common stock
   
56
     
61
 
Repurchases of common stock
   
(243
)
   
(206
)
Distributions to non-controlling interests in subsidiary
   
-
     
(27
)
Dividends paid
   
(345
)
   
(462
)
Net cash used in financing activities
   
(532
)
   
(634
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
   
(163
)
   
(134
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
   
56
     
(1,658
)
Beginning cash and cash equivalents
   
3,507
     
5,910
 
Ending cash and cash equivalents
 
$
3,563
   
$
4,252
 
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information
               
Cash paid for income taxes
 
$
-
   
$
-
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
 
Page 4

 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
 
NOTE 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

U.S. Global Investors, Inc. (the “Company” or “U.S. Global”) has prepared the consolidated financial statements pursuant to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) that permit reduced disclosure for interim periods. The financial information included herein reflects all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments), which are, in management’s opinion, necessary for a fair presentation of results for the interim periods presented. The Company has consistently followed the accounting policies set forth in the notes to the consolidated financial statements in the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries, United Shareholder Services, Inc. (“USSI”) , U.S. Global Brokerage, Inc., U.S. Global Investors (Bermuda) Limited, U.S. Global Investors (Canada) Limited (“USCAN”), and U.S. Global Indices, LLC, and its 65 percent interest in Galileo Global Equity Advisor Inc. (“Galileo”).  The Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, USSI, which ceased operations in fiscal year 2014, was legally dissolved in December 2015.  U.S. Global Brokerage, Inc. is in the process of winding down operations as discussed in Note 12.

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

The Company's evaluation for consolidation includes whether entities in which it has an interest are variable interest entities (“VIEs”) and whether the Company is the primary beneficiary of any VIEs identified in its analysis. A VIE is an entity in which either (a) the equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its own activities without additional financial support or (b) the group of holders of the equity investment at risk lack certain characteristics of a controlling financial interest. The primary beneficiary is the entity that has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses of or right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. If the VIE qualifies for the investment company deferral, the primary beneficiary is the entity that has the obligation to absorb a majority of the expected losses or the right to receive the majority of the residual returns.

The Company holds variable interests in, but is not deemed to be the primary beneficiary of, the funds it advises. The Company has determined that these entities qualify for the investment company deferral in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 810-10-65-2 (aa) and thus determines whether it is the primary beneficiary of these entities by virtue of its exposure to the expected losses and expected residual returns of the entity. The Company’s interests in these entities consist of the Company’s direct ownership therein, which in each case is insignificant to the total ownership of the fund, and any fees earned but uncollected. In the ordinary course of business, the Company may choose to waive certain fees or assume operating expenses of the funds it advises for competitive, regulatory or contractual reasons (see Note 4 for information regarding fee waivers). The Company has not provided financial support to any of these entities outside the ordinary course of business. The Company’s risk of loss with respect to these managed entities is limited to the carrying value of its investments in, and fees receivable from, the entities. The Company does not consolidate these VIEs because it is not the primary beneficiary of these VIEs.

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 months ended December 31, 2015, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year.

The unaudited interim financial information in these condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements contained in the Company’s annual report.
 
 
Page 5

 
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements and Property, Plant, and Equipment - Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity (“ASU 2014-08”). ASU 2014-08 became effective for the Company on July 1, 2015. The adoption of ASU 2014-08 was not material to the consolidated financial statements.
 
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”), which supersedes nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is to recognize revenues when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 defines a five-step process to achieve this core principle and, in doing so, more judgment and estimates may be required within the revenue recognition process than are required under existing U.S. GAAP.  The standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods therein, using either of the following transition methods: (i) a full retrospective approach reflecting the application of the standard in each prior reporting period with the option to elect certain practical expedients, or (ii) a retrospective approach with the cumulative effect of initially adopting ASU 2014-09 recognized at the date of adoption (which includes additional footnote disclosures).  We are currently evaluating the impact of our pending adoption of ASU 2014-09 on our consolidated financial statements and have not yet determined the method by which we will adopt the standard in 2018.

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

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis (“ASU 2015-02”), which amends the consolidation requirements in ASC 810, Consolidation. This standard modifies existing consolidation guidance for reporting organizations that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. ASU 2015-02 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2015, and requires either a retrospective or a modified retrospective approach to adoption. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements, as well as the available transition methods.
 
In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-07, Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent) (“ASU 2015-07”). ASU 2015-07 removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the NAV per share practical expedient. The update is effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and early adoption is permitted. The update requires the retrospective adoption approach. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements.
 
In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes (“ASU 2015-17”). ASU 2015-17 requires entities to present deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as noncurrent in a classified balance sheet. It simplifies the current guidance, which requires entities to separately present deferred tax assets and liabilities as current or noncurrent in a classified balance sheet. Netting by tax jurisdiction is still required under the new guidance. The update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods, and early adoption is permitted. Entities are permitted to apply the amendments either prospectively or retrospectively. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements.

 
Page 6

 
 
NOTE 2. INVESTMENTS

As of December 31, 2015, the Company held investments with a fair value of approximately $17.2 million and a cost basis of approximately $18.5 million. The fair value of these investments is approximately 63.2 percent of the Company’s total assets.  In addition, the Company owned held-to-maturity and other investments of $750,000 and $2.0 million, respectively, accounted for at amortized cost and under the cost method of accounting, respectively.  On December 31, 2015, the Company had $14.6 million and $348,000 at fair value invested in USGIF and an offshore fund the Company advises, respectively. These amounts were included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as “trading securities” and “available-for-sale securities.”

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

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

Investments in securities held-to-maturity consist of debt securities, maturing October 2016, that are purchased with the intent and ability to hold until maturity.  These investments are accounted for at amortized cost.

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

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

The Company records security transactions on trade date. Realized gains (losses) from security transactions are calculated on the first-in/first-out cost basis, unless otherwise identifiable, and are recorded in earnings on the date of sale.
 
 
Page 7

 
 
The following details the components of the Company’s investments recorded as fair value as of December 31, 2015, and June 30, 2015.
 
   
December 31, 2015
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Cost
   
Gains
   
(Losses)
   
Fair Value
 
Trading securities1
                       
Offshore fund
  $ 1,184     $ -     $ (836 )   $ 348  
Mutual funds - Fixed income
    12,790       79       (1 )     12,868  
Mutual funds - Domestic equity
    535       -       (180 )     355  
Other
    46       -       (46 )     -  
Total trading securities
  $ 14,555     $ 79     $ (1,063 )   $ 13,571  
                                 
Available-for-sale securities2
                               
Common Stock - Domestic
  $ 109     $ -     $ (5 )   $ 104  
Common Stock - International
    615       70       (39 )     646  
Corporate debt
    1,393       -       (250 )     1,143  
Mutual funds - Fixed income
    1,229       14       (37 )     1,206  
Mutual funds - Domestic equity
    394       -       -       394  
Other
    162       -       (7 )     155  
Total available-for-sale securities3
  $ 3,902     $ 84     $ (338 )   $ 3,648  
                                 
Held-to-maturity securities
                               
Corporate debt
  $ 750     $ -     $ -     $ 750  
Total held-to-maturity securities
  $ 750     $ -     $ -     $ 750  
 
 
   
June 30, 2015
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Cost
   
Gains
   
(Losses)
   
Fair Value
 
Trading securities1
                       
Offshore fund
  $ 1,184     $ -     $ (703 )   $ 481  
Mutual funds - Fixed income
    14,691       68       (5 )     14,754  
Mutual funds - Domestic equity
    535       -       (130 )     405  
Other
    81       -       (81 )     -  
Total trading securities
  $ 16,491     $ 68     $ (919 )   $ 15,640  
                                 
Available-for-sale securities2
                               
Common Stock - Domestic
  $ 535     $ 316     $ (9 )   $ 842  
Common Stock - International
    695       309       (39 )     965  
Corporate debt
    1,433       -       (817 )     616  
Mutual funds - Fixed income
    1,227       9       (22 )     1,214  
Mutual funds - Domestic equity
    543       -       (80 )     463  
Other
    169       1       (7 )     163  
Total available-for-sale securities3
  $ 4,602     $ 635     $ (974 )   $ 4,263  
 
1  
Unrealized and realized gains and losses on trading securities are included in earnings in the statement of operations.
2  
Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are excluded from earnings and recorded in other comprehensive income as a separate component of shareholders’ equity until realized.
3  
Net unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities gross and net of tax as of December 31, 2015, are $(254) and $(254), respectively, and as of June 30, 2015, are $(339) and $(339), respectively.
 
 
Page 8

 
 
The following tables show the gross unrealized losses and fair values of available-for-sale investment securities with unrealized losses aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position:
 
   
December 31, 2015
 
   
Less Than 12 Months
   
12 Months or Greater
   
Total
 
         
Gross
         
Gross
         
Gross
 
         
Unrealized
         
Unrealized
         
Unrealized
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Fair Value
   
Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Losses
 
Available-for-sale securities
                                   
Common stock - Domestic
  $ 104     $ (5 )   $ -     $ -     $ 104     $ (5 )
Common stock - International
    157       (21 )     28       (18 )     185       (39 )
Corporate debt
    -       -       931       (250 )     931       (250 )
Mutual funds - Fixed income
    2       -       190       (37 )     192       (37 )
Mutual funds - Domestic equity
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Other
    102       (7 )     -       -       102       (7 )
Total available-for-sale securities
  $ 365     $ (33 )   $ 1,149     $ (305 )   $ 1,514     $ (338 )
 
 
   
June 30, 2015
 
   
Less Than 12 Months
   
12 Months or Greater
   
Total
 
         
Gross
         
Gross
         
Gross
 
         
Unrealized
         
Unrealized
         
Unrealized
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Fair Value
   
Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Losses
 
Available-for-sale securities
                                   
Common stock - Domestic
  $ 77     $ (7 )   $ 107     $ (2 )   $ 184     $ (9 )
Common stock - International
    114       (23 )     39       (16 )     153       (39 )
Corporate debt
    386       (817 )     -       -       386       (817 )
Mutual funds - Fixed income
    67       (7 )     139       (15 )     206       (22 )
Mutual funds - Domestic equity
    463       (80 )     -       -       463       (80 )
Other
    112       (7 )     -       -       112       (7 )
Total available-for-sale securities
  $ 1,219     $ (941 )   $ 285     $ (33 )   $ 1,504     $ (974 )
 
Investment income can be volatile and varies depending on market fluctuations, the Company’s ability to participate in investment opportunities, and timing of transactions.  The Company expects that gains and losses will continue to fluctuate in the future.
 
 
Page 9

 
 
Investment income (loss) from the Company’s investments includes:
 
•  
realized gains and losses on sales of securities;
•  
unrealized gains and losses on trading securities;
•  
realized foreign currency gains and losses;
•  
other-than-temporary impairments on available-for-sale securities;
•  
other-than-temporary impairments on held-at-cost securities; and
•  
dividend and interest income.

The following summarizes investment income reflected in earnings for the periods discussed:
 
 
 
Six Months Ended December 31,
   
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
Investment Income                                
Realized gains on sales of available-for-sale securities
  $ 531     $ 382     $ -     $ 86  
Realized losses on sales of trading securities
    (35 )     (6 )     -       (6 )
Unrealized losses on trading securities
    (133 )     (526 )     (69 )     (295 )
Realized foreign currency gains
    52       23       17       4  
Other-than-temporary declines in available-for-sale securities
    (259 )     -       (199 )     -  
Other-than-temporary declines in securities held at cost
    (258 )     -       (258 )     -  
Dividend and interest income
    365       400       238       264  
Total Investment Income (Loss)
  $ 263     $ 273     $ (271 )   $ 53  
 
Included in investment income were other-than temporary declines in value on available-for-sale securities of approximately $199,000 and $259,000 for the three and six months ended December 31, 2015, respectively.  The impairment loss resulted from fair values of securities being lower than book value and from proposed changes to debt securities.  For the three and six months ending December 31, 2015, there were five and eight securities, respectively, with a combined cost basis of $653,000 and $702,000, respectively, that were written down to a combined fair value of $454,000 and $466,000, respectively.  For the six months ended December 31, 2015, another security was written down to the net present value of estimated cash flows.  This security had a cost basis of $970,000 and was written down to $947,000.  In making these determinations, the Company considered the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than the cost basis, financial condition and prospects of the issuers, and the Company's ability to hold the investment until recovery.  Also included in investment income were other-than-temporary declines in value on securities held at cost of approximately $258,000 for the three and six months ended December 31, 2015.  The impairment loss resulted from the estimated values of certain securities being lower than cost.  Three securities held at cost with a combined cost basis of $1.1 million were written down to a combined adjusted cost basis of $867,000.

NOTE 3. FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES

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

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

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

 
Page 10

 

For actively traded securities, the Company values investments using the closing price of the securities on the exchange or market on which the securities principally trade. If the security is not traded on the last business day of the quarter, it is generally valued at the mean between the last bid and ask quotation.  Mutual funds, which include open- and closed-end funds, exchange-traded funds, and offshore funds, are valued at net asset value or closing price, as applicable. Certain corporate debt securities are valued by an independent pricing service using an evaluated quote based on such factors as institutional-size trading in similar groups of securities, yield, quality maturity, coupon rate, type of issuance and individual trading characteristics and other market data. As part of its independent price verification process, the Company reviews the fair value provided by the pricing service using information such as transactions in these investments, broker quotes, market transactions in comparable investments, general market conditions and the issuer's financial condition. Debt securities that are not valued by an independent pricing service are valued based on review of similarly structured issuances in similar jurisdictions, when possible, or based on other traded debt securities issued by the issuer. The Company also takes into consideration numerous other factors that could affect valuation such as overall market conditions, liquidity of the security and bond structure. Securities for which market quotations are not readily available are valued at their fair value as determined by the portfolio management team. The portfolio management team includes representatives from the investment, accounting and legal/compliance departments. The portfolio management team meets periodically to consider a number of factors in determining a security’s fair value, including the security’s trading volume, market values of similar class issuances, investment personnel’s judgment regarding the market experience of the issuer, financial status of the issuer, the issuer’s management, and back testing, as appropriate. The fair values may differ from what may have been used had a broader market for these securities existed. The portfolio management team reviews inputs and assumptions and reports material items to the board of directors.
 
The following presents fair value measurements, as of December 31, 2015, and June 30, 2015, for the major categories of U.S. Global’s investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
 
   
December 31, 2015
 
          Significant    
Significant
       
    Quoted Prices     Other Inputs     Unobservable Inputs     Total  
(dollars in thousands)
 
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
   
 
 
Trading securities
                       
Offshore fund
  $ -     $ 348     $ -     $ 348  
Mutual funds - Fixed income
    12,868       -       -       12,868  
Mutual funds - Domestic equity
    355       -       -       355  
Other
    -       -       -       -  
Total trading securities
    13,223       348       -       13,571  
Available-for-sale securities
                               
Common stock - Domestic
  $ 104     $ -     $ -     $ 104  
Common stock - International
    646       -       -       646  
Corporate debt
    -       231       912       1,143  
Mutual funds - Fixed income
    1,206       -       -       1,206  
Mutual funds - Domestic equity
    394       -       -       394  
Other
    155       -       -       155  
Total available-for-sale securities
    2,505       231       912       3,648  
Total
  $ 15,728     $ 579     $ 912     $ 17,219  
 
 
   
June 30, 2015
 
          Significant    
Significant
       
    Quoted Prices     Other Inputs     Unobservable Inputs     Total  
(dollars in thousands)
 
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
   
 
 
Trading securities
                       
Offshore Fund
  $ -     $ 481     $ -     $ 481  
Mutual funds - Fixed income
    14,754       -       -       14,754  
Mutual funds - Domestic equity
    405       -       -       405  
Other
    -       -       -       -  
Total trading securities
    15,159       481       -     $ 15,640  
Available-for-sale securities
                               
Common stock - Domestic
  $ 842     $ -     $ -     $ 842  
Common stock - International
    965       -       -       965  
Corporate debt
    -       77       539       616  
Mutual funds - Fixed income
    1,214       -       -       1,214  
Mutual funds - Domestic equity
    463       -       -       463  
Other
    163       -       -       163  
Total available-for-sale securities
    3,647       77       539       4,263  
Total
  $ 18,806     $ 558     $ 539     $ 19,903  
 
 
Page 11

 
 
As of December 31, 2015, approximately 92 percent of the Company’s financial assets measured at fair value are derived from Level 1 inputs, three percent of the Company’s financial assets measured at fair value are derived from Level 2 inputs, and the remaining five percent are Level 3 inputs. As of June 30, 2015, approximately 94 percent of the Company’s financial assets measured at fair value are derived from Level 1 inputs, three percent of the Company’s financial assets measured at fair value are derived from Level 2 inputs, and the remaining three percent are Level 3 inputs.  The Company recognizes transfers between levels at the end of each quarter.

In Level 2, the Company has an investment in an affiliated offshore fund, classified as trading, with a fair value of $348,000 as of December 31, 2015, based on the net asset value per share, which invests in companies in the energy and natural resources sectors. The Company may redeem this investment on the first business day of each month after providing a redemption notice at least forty-five days prior to the proposed redemption date.

In addition, the Company has investments in corporate debt securities, maturing in 2018, of $231,000 as of December 31, 2015, categorized as Level 2, which the Company valued using the mean between the last reported bid/ask quotation.

At December 31, 2015, the Level 3 corporate debt, which matures in 2017 – 2020, is valued at cost, which approximates fair value as a result of the Company’s review of similar structured issuances in similar jurisdictions, or valued based on other traded debt issuances from the issuer.
 
The following table is a reconciliation of investments for which unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value during the six months ended December 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014:
 
Changes in Level 3 Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
 
   
December 31, 2015
   
December 31, 2014
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Corporate Debt
   
Corporate Debt
 
Beginning Balance
  $ 539     $ 250  
Return of capital
    (13 )     (12 )
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized)
               
Included in earnings (investment income)
    (23 )     -  
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)
    409       -  
Purchases
    -       -  
Sales
    -       -  
    Transfers into Level 3
    -       -  
    Transfers out of Level 3
    -       -  
Ending Balance
  $ 912     $ 238  
 
NOTE 4. INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND OTHER FEES

The Company serves as investment adviser to U.S. Global Investors Funds (“USGIF” or the “Funds”) and receives a fee based on a specified percentage of net assets under management.  The Company recorded base advisory fees from USGIF totaling $879,000 and $1.8 million for the three and six months ended December 31, 2015, respectively, compared with $1.4 million and $3.3 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods in the prior fiscal year.

The advisory agreement for the equity funds within USGIF provides for a base advisory fee that is adjusted upwards or downwards by 0.25 percent when there is a performance difference of 5 percent or more between a fund’s performance and that of its designated benchmark index over the prior rolling 12 months. For the three and six months ended December 31, 2015, the Company realized a decrease in its base advisory fee of $70,000 and $238,000, respectively.  For the corresponding periods in fiscal year 2015, base advisory fees were adjusted downward by $247,000 and $430,000, respectively.

The Company has agreed to contractually limit the expenses of the Near-Term Tax Free Fund through April 2016. The Company has voluntarily waived or reduced its fees and/or agreed to pay expenses on the remaining funds. These caps will continue on a voluntary basis at the Company’s discretion. The aggregate fees waived and expenses borne by the Company for USGIF for the three and six months ended December 31, 2015, were $373,000 and $751,000, respectively, compared with $337,000 and $614,000, respectively, for the corresponding periods in the prior fiscal year.

Prior to the U.S. Government Securities Ultra-Short Bond Fund (“Government Fund”) conversion in December 2013 to a non-money market fund, the Company voluntarily agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse the Government Fund to the extent necessary to maintain the respective fund’s yield at a certain level as determined by the Company (“Minimum Yield”).  The Company may recapture any fees waived and/or expenses reimbursed to maintain the Minimum Yield within three years after the end of the fund’s fiscal year of such waiver and/or reimbursement. Thus, $498,000 of the waiver for the Government Fund is recoverable by the Company through December 31, 2016.
 
 
Page 12

 
 
The Company receives administrative service fees from USGIF based on the average daily assets.  However, effective December 10, 2015, administrative service fees paid to the Company by USGIF changed from an annual rate of 0.10 percent, plus a base fee of $7,000 per fund, to 0.05 percent per investor class and from 0.08 percent to 0.04 percent per institutional class of each fund, based on average daily net assets.  The Company no longer receives a flat base fee per fund.

As of December 31, 2015, the Company had $345,000 of receivables from USGIF. 

The Company also serves as investment adviser to an exchange traded fund (“ETF’) client, U. S. Global Jets ETF, that commenced operations in April 2015.  The Company receives a unitary management fee of 0.60 percent of average net assets and has agreed to bear all expenses of the ETF. The Company recorded ETF advisory fees totaling $73,000 and $143,000 for the three and six months ended December 31, 2015, respectively.

The Company provides advisory services for two offshore clients and received advisory fees based on the net asset values of the clients and performance fees, if any, based on the overall increase in net asset values. The Company recorded advisory and performance fees from these clients totaling $22,000 and $44,000 for the three and six months ended December 31, 2015, and $32,000 and $79,000, respectively, for the corresponding periods in the prior fiscal year. Frank Holmes, CEO, serves as a director of the offshore clients.

Galileo provides advisory services for clients in Canada and receives advisory fees based on the net asset values of the clients. Galileo recorded advisory fees from these clients totaling $293,000 and $623,000 for the three and six months ended December 31, 2015, respectively, and $519,000 and $1.2 million, respectively, for the corresponding period in the prior fiscal year.

NOTE 5. BORROWINGS

As of December 31, 2015, the Company has no borrowings or long-term liabilities.

The Company has access to a $1 million credit facility, which can be utilized for working capital purposes and is available through May 31, 2016.  The credit agreement requires the Company to maintain certain quarterly financial covenants to access the line of credit. The Company has been in compliance with all financial covenants during the fiscal year. As of December 31, 2015, this credit facility remained unutilized by the Company.

NOTE 6. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Payment of cash dividends is within the discretion of the Company’s board of directors and is dependent on earnings, operations, capital requirements, general financial condition of the Company, and general business conditions. A monthly dividend of $0.0025 per share is authorized through March 31, 2016, and will be reviewed by the board quarterly.

The Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program on December 7, 2012, authorizing the Company to purchase up to $2.75 million of its outstanding common shares, as market and business conditions warrant, on the open market in compliance with Rule 10b-18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 through December 31, 2013. On December 12, 2013, December 10, 2014, and December 9, 2015, the Board of Directors renewed the repurchase program for calendar years 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively. The total amount of shares that may be repurchased in 2016 under the renewed program is $2.75 million. The acquired shares may be used for corporate purposes, including shares issued to employees in the Company’s stock-based compensation programs. For the three and six months ended December 31, 2015, the Company repurchased 60,207 and 133,228 class A shares using cash of $81,000 and $243,000, respectively.  For the three and six months ended December 31, 2014, the Company repurchased 50,212 and 67,005 class A shares using cash of $147,000 and $206,000, respectively.

Stock compensation plans

The Company’s stock option plans provide for the granting of class A shares as either incentive or nonqualified stock options to employees and non-employee directors. Options are subject to terms and conditions determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. Options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2015, were 22,000 at a weighted average exercise price of $18.72. There were no options granted, exercised or forfeited for the six months ended December 31, 2015.

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718 Compensation – Stock Compensation. Stock-based compensation expense is recorded for the cost of stock options. There was no stock-based compensation expense for the three and six months ended December 31, 2015, and 2014. As of December 31, 2015, and 2014, there was no unrecognized share-based compensation cost related to share-based compensation granted under the plans to be recognized over the remainder of their respective vesting periods.
 
 
Page 13

 
 
NOTE 7. EARNINGS PER SHARE

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

The following table sets forth the computation for basic and diluted EPS: 
 
   
Six Months Ended December 31,
   
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
Net Loss
                       
Loss from continuing operations
 
$
(3,059
)
 
$
(889
)
 
$
(2,187
)
 
$
(787
)
Less:  Income attributable to non-controlling interest in subsidiary
   
3
     
39
     
-
     
1
 
Loss from continuing operations attributable to U.S. Global Investors, Inc.
   
(3,062
)
   
(928
)
   
(2,187
)
   
(788
)
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to U.S. Global Investors, Inc.
   
(18
)
   
(42
)
   
(25
)
   
(54
)
Net loss attributable to U.S. Global Investors, Inc.
 
$
(3,080
)
 
$
(970
)
 
$
(2,212
)
 
$
(842
)
                                 
Weighted average number of outstanding shares
                               
     Basic
   
15,321,304
     
15,419,309
     
15,300,421
     
15,409,292
 
Effect of dilutive securities
                               
     Employee stock options
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
     Diluted
   
15,321,304
     
15,419,309
     
15,300,421
     
15,409,292
 
                                 
Net loss per share attributable to U.S. Global Investors, Inc.
                               
Basic
                               
Loss from continuing operations
 
$
(0.20
)
 
$
(0.06
)
 
$
(0.14
)
 
$
(0.05
)
Loss from discontinued operations
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Net loss attributable to U.S. Global Investors, Inc.
 
$
(0.20
)
 
$
(0.06
)
 
$
(0.14
)
 
$
(0.05
)
Diluted
                               
Loss from continuing operations
 
$
(0.20
)
 
$
(0.06
)
 
$
(0.14
)
 
$
(0.05
)
Loss from discontinued operations
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Net loss attributable to U.S. Global Investors, Inc.
 
$
(0.20
)
 
$
(0.06
)
 
$
(0.14
)
 
$
(0.05
)
 
The diluted EPS calculation excludes the effect of stock options when their exercise prices exceed the average market price for the period. For the three and six months ended December 31, 2015, and the three and six months ended December 31, 2014, 22,000 options were excluded from diluted EPS.

During the three and six months ended December 31, 2015, and the three and six months ended December 31, 2014, the Company repurchased class A shares on the open market. Upon repurchase, these shares are classified as treasury shares and are deducted from outstanding shares in the earnings per share calculation.

NOTE 8. INCOME TAXES

The Company and its non-Canadian subsidiaries file a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return. USCAN and Galileo file separate tax returns in Canada.  Provisions for income taxes include deferred taxes for temporary differences in the bases of assets and liabilities for financial and tax purposes, resulting from the use of the liability method of accounting for income taxes. The current deferred tax asset primarily consists of unrealized losses on trading securities. The long-term deferred tax asset is composed primarily of unrealized losses and other-than-temporary impairments on available-for-sale securities, differences in tax and book accumulated depreciation and the difference in tax treatment of stock options. The Company has not recognized deferred income taxes on undistributed earnings of USCAN and Galileo since such earnings are considered to be reinvested indefinitely.  At December 31, 2015, the Company had a full valuation allowance recorded against the short-term and long-term deferred tax assets.

For federal income tax purposes at December 31, 2015, the Company has charitable contribution carryovers totaling approximately $124,000, with $68,000 expiring in fiscal year 2018, $34,000 expiring in fiscal year 2019, $19,000 expiring in fiscal year 2020 and $3,000 expiring in 2021.  The Company has federal net operating loss carryovers of $5.5 million with $3.0 million expiring in fiscal year 2035 and $2.5 million expiring in fiscal year 2036.  For Canadian income tax purposes, Galileo has cumulative eligible capital carryovers of $255,000 with no expiration and net operating loss carryovers of $61,000, $113,000, $42,000, and $52,000 expiring in fiscal 2025, 2027, 2030 and 2031, respectively.  If certain changes in the Company's ownership should occur, there could be an annual limitation on the amount of net operating loss carryovers that could be utilized. 
 
 
Page 14

 

A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax amount will not be realized. At December 31, 2015, and June 30, 2015, a valuation allowance of $3.0 million and $2.1 million, respectively, was included related to net operating loss carryovers, other carryovers and book/tax differences in the balance sheet.

NOTE 9. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

The following table presents change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI") by component:
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale investments 1
   
Foreign currency
adjustment
   
Total
 
 Six Months Ended December 31, 2015
                 
 Balance at June 30, 2015
  $ (339 )   $ (144 )   $ (483 )
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications
    357       (113 )     244  
Tax effect
    -       -       -  
Amount reclassified from AOCI
    (272 )     -       (272 )
Tax effect
    -       -       -  
Net other comprehensive loss for the six months ended December 31, 2015
    85       (113 )     (28 )
 Balance at December 31, 2015
  $ (254 )   $ (257 )   $ (511 )
                         
 Three Months Ended December 31, 2015
                       
 Balance at September 30, 2015
  $ (923 )   $ (225 )   $ (1,148 )
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications
    470       (32 )     438  
Tax effect
    -       -       -  
Amount reclassified from AOCI
    199       -       199  
Tax effect
    -       -       -  
Net other comprehensive loss for quarter
    669       (32 )     637  
 Balance at December 31, 2015
  $ (254 )   $ (257 )   $ (511 )
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale investments 1
   
Foreign currency
adjustment
   
Total
 
 Six Months Ended December 31, 2014
                 
 Balance at June 30, 2014
  $ 888     $ 18     $ 906  
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications
    (1,287 )     (96 )     (1,383 )
Tax effect
    438       -       438  
Amount reclassified from AOCI
    (382 )     -       (382 )
Tax effect
    130       -       130  
Net other comprehensive loss for the six months ended December 31, 2014
    (1,101 )     (96 )     (1,197 )
 Balance at December 31, 2014
  $ (213 )   $ (78 )   $ (291 )
                         
 Three Months Ended December 31, 2014
                       
 Balance at September 30, 2014
  $ 462     $ (32 )   $ 430  
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications
    (937 )     (46 )     (983 )
Tax effect
    319       -       319  
Amount reclassified from AOCI
    (86 )     -       (86 )
Tax effect
    29       -       29  
Net other comprehensive loss for quarter
    (675 )     (46 )     (721 )
 Balance at December 31, 2014
  $ (213 )   $ (78 )   $ (291 )
 
1  
Amounts reclassified from unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale investments, net of tax, were recorded in investment income (loss) on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
 
 
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 NOTE 10. FINANCIAL INFORMATION BY BUSINESS SEGMENT

The Company operates principally in three business segments: providing investment management services to USGIF, offshore clients and an ETF client, investment management services in Canada, and investing for its own account in an effort to add growth and value to its cash position. The following schedule details total revenues and income by business segment:
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Investment
Management Services
     
Investment Management
Services - Canada
     
Corporate Investments
   
Consolidated
 
Six months ended December 31, 2015                            
Net operating revenues
  $ 1,916   1   $ 623   2   $ -     $ 2,539  
Net other income
  $ -       $ -       $ 263     $ 263  
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
  $ (3,216 )     $ (89 )     $ 257     $ (3,048 )
Loss from discontinued operations
  $ (18 )     $ -       $ -     $ (18 )
Depreciation and amortization
  $ 128       $ 32       $ -     $ 160  
Capital expenditures
  $ 13       $ -       $ -     $ 13  
Gross identifiable assets at December 31, 2015
  $ 5,224       $ 1,607       $ 20,403     $ 27,234  
Deferred tax asset
                              $ -  
Consolidated total assets at December 31, 2015
                              $ 27,234  
Six months ended December 31, 2014
                                   
Net operating revenues
  $ 3,304   1   $ 1,181   2   $ -     $ 4,485  
Net other income
  $ -       $ -       $ 273     $ 273  
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
  $ (1,206 )     $ 43       $ 270     $ (893 )
Loss from discontinued operations
  $ (42 )     $ -       $ -     $ (42 )
Depreciation
  $ 126       $ 38       $ -     $ 164  
Capital expenditures
  $ 40       $ -       $ -     $ 40  
Three months ended December 31, 2015
                                   
Net operating revenues
  $ 996   3   $ 293   4   $ -     $ 1,289  
Net other loss
  $ -       $ -       $ (271 )   $ (271 )
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
  $ (1,873 )     $ (44 )     $ (270 )   $ (2,187 )
Loss from discontinued operations
  $ (25 )     $ -       $ -     $ (25 )
Depreciation and amortization
  $ 64       $ 16       $ -     $ 80  
Capital expenditures
  $ 8       $ -       $ -     $ 8  
Three months ended December 31, 2014
                                   
Net operating revenues
  $ 1,339   3   $ 519   4   $ -     $ 1,858  
Net other income
  $ -       $ -       $ 53     $ 53  
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
  $ (810 )     $ (25 )     $ 51     $ (784 )
Loss from discontinued operations
  $ (54 )     $ -       $ -     $ (54 )
Depreciation
  $ 63       $ 18       $ -     $ 81  
Capital expenditures
  $ 5       $ -       $ -     $ 5  
 
1  
Includes operating revenues from USGIF of $1,730 and $3,226 for the six months ended December 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, respectively.
2  
Includes operating revenues from Galileo mutual funds of $496 and $975 for the six months ended December 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, respectively.
3  
Includes operating revenues from USGIF of $902 and $1,308 for the three months ended December 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, respectively.
4  
Includes operating revenues from Galileo mutual funds of $229 and $430 for the three months ended December 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, respectively.
 
 
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NOTE 11. CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS

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

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

The Board has authorized a monthly dividend of $0.0025 per share through March 31, 2016, at which time it will be considered for continuation by the Board. Payment of cash dividends is within the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors and is dependent on earnings, operations, capital requirements, general financial condition of the Company, and general business conditions. The total amount of cash dividends expected to be paid to class A and class C shareholders from January to March 2016 is approximately $115,000. 

NOTE 12. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

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

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

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

The assets and liabilities related to distribution discontinued operations are as follows at December 31, 2015, and June 30, 2015:
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
December 31, 2015
   
June 30, 2015
 
Assets
           
  Receivables
  $ 72     $ 184  
Total assets held related to discontinued operations
  $ 72     $ 184  
                 
Liabilities
               
  Accounts payable
  $ -     $ 5  
  Other accrued expenses
    39       129  
Total liabilities held related to discontinued operations
  $ 39     $ 134  
 
 
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The components of income from discontinued operations were as follows for the three and six months ended December 31, 2015, and 2014:
 
   
Six Months Ended December 31,
   
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
Revenues
                       
  Distribution fees
  $ 425     $ 819     $ 181     $ 355  
  Shareholder services fees
    183       364       80       158  
      608       1,183       261       513  
                                 
Expenses
                               
  Employee compensation and benefits
    188       291       99       150  
  General and administrative
    77       88       28       46  
  Platform fees
    347       694       152       297  
  Advertising
    14       152       7       74  
      626       1,225       286       567  
Loss from Discontinued Operations Before Income Taxes
    (18 )     (42 )     (25 )     (54 )
Tax expense (benefit)
    -       -       -       -  
Loss from Discontinued Operations
  $ (18 )   $ (42 )   $ (25 )   $ (54 )
 
Through December 9, 2015, USGIF paid the Company a distribution fee at an annual rate of 0.25 percent of the average daily net assets of the investor class of each of the equity funds.  Effective December 10, 2015, the Company, through U.S. Global Brokerage, Inc., ceased to be the distributor for USGIF and no longer receives distribution fees directly from the Funds.

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

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

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

BUSINESS SEGMENTS

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

Investment Management Services

The Company generates operating revenues from managing and servicing U.S. Global Investors Funds (“USGIF” or the “Funds”) and other advisory clients. These revenues are largely dependent on the total value and composition of assets under its management. Fluctuations in the markets and investor sentiment directly impact the funds’ asset levels, thereby affecting income and results of operations. As discussed further in Results of Operations, distribution services to USGIF ceased in December 2015.  Detailed information regarding the funds managed by the Company within USGIF can be found on the Company’s website, www.usfunds.com, including performance information for each fund within USGIF for various time periods, assets under management as of the most recent quarter end and inception date of each fund.

The mutual fund shareholders in USGIF are not required to give advance notice prior to redemption of shares in the funds; however, the equity funds charge a redemption fee if the fund shares have been held for less than the applicable periods of time set forth in the funds’ prospectuses. The fixed income funds do not charge a redemption fee. Detailed information about redemption fees can be found in the funds’ prospectuses, which are available on the Company’s website, www.usfunds.com.

Beginning in April 2015, the Company provides advisory services for an exchange traded fund (“ETF”) client and receives monthly advisory fees, based on the net asset values of the fund.  Information on the ETF can be found at www.usglobaletfs.com, including the prospectus, performance and holdings.

The Company provides advisory services for two offshore clients and received advisory fees based on the net asset values of the clients and performance fees, if any, based on the overall increase in net asset values. Frank Holmes, CEO, serves as a director of the offshore clients.
 
At December 31, 2015, total assets under management, including USGIF, offshore clients and the ETF client, were $589.4 million versus $670.9 million at December 31, 2014, a decrease of 12.1 percent. During the six months ended December 31, 2015, average assets under management were $594.5 million versus $827.5 million during the six months ended December 31, 2014. Total assets under management as of period-end at December 31, 2015, including USGIF, offshore clients and the ETF client, were $589.4 million versus $641.6 million at June 30, 2015, the Company’s prior fiscal year end.

 
Page 19

 
 
The following tables summarize the changes in assets under management for USGIF for the three and six months ended December 31, 2015, and 2014:
 
 
   
Changes in Assets Under Management
 
   
Six Months Ended December 31,
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Equity
   
Fixed Income
   
Total
   
Equity
   
Fixed Income
   
Total
 
Beginning Balance
  $ 442,243     $ 148,583     $ 590,826     $ 815,368     $ 130,560     $ 945,928  
Market appreciation/(depreciation)
    (47,599 )     1,153       (46,446 )     (226,037 )     492       (225,545 )
Dividends and distributions
    (14,067 )     (734 )     (14,801 )     (10,590 )     (833 )     (11,423 )
Net shareholder purchases/(redemptions)
    (22,944 )     20,329       (2,615 )     (72,733 )     23,432       (49,301 )
Ending Balance
  $ 357,633     $ 169,331     $ 526,964     $ 506,008     $ 153,651     $ 659,659  
                                                 
Average investment management fee
    0.91 %     0.00 %     0.65 %     0.97 %     0.00 %     0.80 %
Average net assets
  $ 383,227     $ 153,804     $ 537,031     $ 673,792     $ 138,245     $ 812,037  
 
 
   
Changes in Assets Under Management
 
   
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Equity
   
Fixed Income
   
Total
   
Equity
   
Fixed Income
   
Total
 
Beginning Balance
  $ 364,972     $ 147,647     $ 512,619     $ 670,893     $ 135,174     $ 806,067  
Market appreciation/(depreciation)
    7,669       236       7,905       (114,202 )     269       (113,933 )
Dividends and distributions
    (14,067 )     (344 )     (14,411 )     (10,590 )     (406 )     (10,996 )
Net shareholder purchases/(redemptions)
    (941 )     21,792       20,851       (40,093 )     18,614       (21,479 )
Ending Balance
  $ 357,633     $ 169,331     $ 526,964     $ 506,008     $ 153,651     $ 659,659  
                                                 
Average investment management fee
    0.93 %     0.00 %     0.65 %     0.95 %     0.00 %     0.76 %
Average net assets
  $ 373,290     $ 159,645     $ 532,935     $ 582,044     $ 144,488     $ 726,532  
 
As shown above, period-end assets under management were lower at December 31, 2015, compared to December 31, 2014. Also, average net assets for the three- and six-month period in the current fiscal year were lower than the same period in the previous fiscal year. Net shareholder redemptions and market depreciation resulted in an overall decrease in net assets.

The average annualized investment management fee rate (total mutual fund advisory fees, excluding performance fees, as a percentage of average assets under management) was 65 basis points for the six months ending December 31, 2015, and 80 basis points in the same period in fiscal 2015. The average investment management fee for the equity funds for the six months ending December 31, 2015, was 91 basis points and 97 basis points in the same period in fiscal 2015.  The Company has agreed to contractually or voluntarily limit the expenses of the Funds. Therefore, the Company waived or reduced its fees and/or agreed to pay expenses of the Funds.  Due to fee waivers, the average investment management fee for the fixed income funds was nil for the periods.

Investment Management Services - Canada

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

At December 31, 2015, total Galileo assets under management were $108.2 million versus $168.5 million at December 31, 2014, a decrease of 35.8 percent. During the six months ended December 31, 2015, average assets under management were $121.2 million versus $214.9 million during the six months ended December 31, 2014. Total assets under management at December 31, 2015, were $108.2 million versus $150.7 million at June 30, 2015, the Company’s prior fiscal year end.
 
 
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Investment Activities

Management believes it can more effectively manage the Company’s cash position by broadening the types of investments used in cash management and continues to believe that such activities are in the best interest of the Company. The Company’s investment activities are reviewed and monitored by Company compliance personnel, and various reports are provided to certain investment advisory clients. Written procedures are in place to manage compliance with the code of ethics and other policies affecting the Company’s investment practices. This source of revenue does not remain consistent and is dependent on market fluctuations, the Company’s ability to participate in investment opportunities, and timing of transactions.
 
As of December 31, 2015, the Company held investments with a fair value of approximately $17.2 million and a cost basis of approximately $18.5 million. The fair value of these investments is approximately 63.2 percent of the Company’s total assets.  In addition, the Company held held-to-maturity investments and other investments of $750,000 and $2.0 million, respectively.  See Note 2 (Investments) and Note 3 (Fair Value Disclosures) for additional detail regarding investment activities.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS – Three months ended December 31, 2015, and 2014

The Company posted a net loss attributable to U.S. Global Investors, Inc. of $2.2 million ($0.14 per share loss) for the three months ended December 31, 2015, compared with a net loss attributable to U.S. Global Investors, Inc. of $842,000 ($0.05 per share loss) for the three months ended December 31, 2014, an increase in net loss of $1.4 million.  The increase in net loss is mainly due to a decrease in revenues resulting from decreased assets under management (“AUM”), the transition of certain services previously provided to USGIF by the Company to other service providers, an increase in expenses due to the transition, and workforce reduction costs resulting from the outsourcing of certain functions.  Revenues are primarily based on AUM, which is dependent on market values of the securities held by the funds and shareholder purchases and redemptions in the funds.  Over the last few years, the Company’s AUM has decreased due to market depreciation and net redemptions.  The continuation of this trend is dependent on several factors, including the markets in which the funds invest and competition from alternative products.  To address the declining AUM trend, the Company continues to streamline processes, as appropriate, and reduce expenses accordingly.
 
Operating Revenues

Total consolidated operating revenues for the three months ended December 31, 2015, decreased $569,000, or 30.6 percent, compared with the three months ended December 31, 2014. This decrease was primarily attributable to the following:

•  
Advisory fees decreased by $494,000, or 29.2 percent, as a result of decreased fees from lower assets under management, somewhat offset by the addition of ETF advisory fees and lower performance fee payouts.  USGIF advisory fees are comprised of two components: a base management fee and a performance fee.
 
•  
Base management fees decreased $670,000.  Base fees decreased primarily as a result of lower assets under management in the USGIF funds and Galileo funds due to market depreciation and shareholder redemptions.  This decrease was somewhat offset by the addition of ETF advisory fees.
 
•  
Performance fee adjustments paid out in the current period decreased $176,000 versus the corresponding period in the prior year.  The performance fee, which applies to the USGIF equity funds only, is a fulcrum fee that is adjusted upwards or downwards by 0.25 percent when there is a performance difference of 5 percent or more between a fund’s performance and that of its designated benchmark index over the prior rolling 12 months.

•  
Administrative services fee revenue decreased by $75,000, or 44.9 percent as a result of lower average net assets under management upon which these fees are based and the transition of a portion of these services previously provided to USGIF to other service providers.  Effective December 10, 2015, due to the Company’s reduced administrative responsibilities, the administrative fee paid to the Company by USGIF was reduced.  It is anticipated that the Company will reduce expenses in the future due to reduced responsibilities.

Operating Expenses

Total consolidated operating expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2015, increased $510,000, or 18.9 percent, compared with the three months ended December 31, 2014. This was largely attributable to the following:

•  
Employee compensation and benefits increased by $296,000, or 21.2 percent, primarily as a result of severance costs paid due to a reduction of workforce.
•  
General and administrative expenses increased $292,000, or 29.9 percent, primarily due to costs related to the USGIF transition.  The costs of the transition, which included a proxy of USGIF shareholders, were split equally between the Company and USGIF, and the Company’s portion was approximately $290,000.
•  
Platform fees decreased by $93,000, or 41.9 percent, due to lower assets held through broker-dealer platforms.
•  
Advertising expense increased $16,000, or 72.7 percent, due to marketing costs related to the ETF launched in April 2015.
 
 
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Other Income

Total consolidated other income for the three months ended December 31, 2015, decreased $324,000, or 611.3 percent, compared with the three months ended December 31, 2014. This was largely attributable to other-than-temporary impairment losses realized on available-for-sale securities and securities held-at-cost, somewhat offset by lower unrealized losses on trading securities in the current year.
 
Discontinued Operations

Effective December 10, 2015, the Company ceased to be the distributor for USGIF and no longer receives distribution fees and shareholder services fees from USGIF. Due to this transition, the Company is no longer responsible for paying the platform fees for the USGIF equity funds and anticipates it will be reimbursed for certain distribution expenses from the new distributor for USGIF. The operations associated with providing these services are consider discontinued operations.

Total loss, net of tax, on discontinued operations for the quarter ended December 31, 2015, decreased by $29,000, or 53.7 percent, from $54,000 in quarter ended December 31, 2014, to $25,000 in quarter ended December 31, 2015.  Discontinued revenues decreased $252,000, or 49.1 percent, as a result of lower average net assets under management upon which these fees are based and the transition of these services previously provided to USGIF to other service providers as of December 10, 2015.  Discontinued expenses decreased $281,000, or 49.6 percent.  The decrease was mainly due to decrease in platform fees of $145,000, or 48.8 percent, due to lower assets held through broker-dealer platforms in the quarter ending December 31, 2015, compared to the same quarter the previous year.  Advertising decreased $67,000, or 90.5 percent, year over year, as a result of reduced marketing and sales costs.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS – Six months ended December 31, 2015, and 2014

The Company posted a net loss attributable to U.S. Global Investors, Inc. of $3.1 million ($0.20 per share loss) for the six months ended December 31, 2015, compared with a net loss attributable to U.S. Global Investors, Inc. of $970,000 ($0.06 per share loss) for the six months ended December 31, 2014, an increase in net loss of $2.1 million.  The increase in net loss is mainly due to the decrease in revenues resulting from decreased AUM, the transition of certain services previously provided to USGIF by the Company to other service providers, an increase in expenses due to the transition, and workforce reduction costs resulting from the outsourcing of certain functions.  Revenues are primarily based on AUM, which is dependent on market values of the securities held by the funds and shareholder purchases and redemptions in the funds.  Over the last few years, the Company’s AUM has decreased due to market depreciation and net redemptions.  The continuation of this trend is dependent on several factors, including the markets in which the funds invest and competition from alternative products.  To address the declining AUM trend, the Company continues to streamline processes, as appropriate, and reduce expenses accordingly.
 
Operating Revenues

Total consolidated operating revenues for the six months ended December 31, 2015, decreased $1.9 million, or 43.4 percent, compared with the six months ended December 31, 2014. This decrease was primarily attributable to the following:

•  
Advisory fees decreased by $1.8 million, or 43.2 percent, as a result of decreased fees from lower assets under management, somewhat offset by the addition of ETF advisory fees and lower performance fee payouts. USGIF advisory fees are comprised of two components: a base management fee and a performance fee.
 
•  
Base management fees decreased $2.0 million.  Base fees decreased primarily as a result of lower assets under management in the USGIF funds and Galileo funds due to market depreciation and shareholder redemptions.  This decrease was somewhat offset by the addition of ETF advisory fees.
 
•  
Performance fee adjustments paid out in the current period decreased $192,000 versus the corresponding period in the prior year.  The performance fee, which applies to the USGIF equity funds only, is a fulcrum fee that is adjusted upwards or downwards by 0.25 percent when there is a performance difference of 5 percent or more between a fund’s performance and that of its designated benchmark index over the prior rolling 12 months.

•  
Administrative services fee revenue decreased by $172,000 or 45.9 percent as a result of lower average net assets under management upon which these fees are based and the transition of a portion of these services previously provided to USGIF to other service providers.  Effective December 10, 2015, due to the Company’s reduced administrative responsibilities, the administrative fee paid to the Company by USGIF was reduced.  It is anticipated that the Company will reduce expenses in the future due to reduced responsibilities.
 
 
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Operating Expenses
 
Total consolidated operating expenses for the six months ended December 31, 2015, increased $199,000, or 3.5 percent, compared with the six months ended December 31, 2014. This was largely attributable to the following:

•  
Employee compensation and benefits increased by $235,000, or 8.3 percent, primarily as a result of severance costs paid due to a reduction of workforce, somewhat offset by fewer employees.
•  
General and administrative expenses increased $86,000, or 4.1 percent, primarily due to costs related to the USGIF transition, somewhat offset by strategic cost cutting measures.  The costs of the transition, which included a proxy to USGIF shareholders, were split equally between the Company and USGIF, and the Company’s portion of the proposal costs was approximately $290,000.
•  
Platform fees decreased by $229,000, or 45.3 percent, due to lower assets held through broker-dealer platforms.
•  
Advertising expense increased $111,000, or 292.1 percent, due to marketing cost related to the ETF launched in April 2015.
 
Discontinued Operations

Effective December 10, 2015, the Company ceased to be the distributor for USGIF and no longer receives distribution fees and shareholder services fees from USGIF.  Due to this transition, the Company is no longer responsible for paying the platform fees for the USGIF equity funds and anticipates it will be reimbursed for certain distribution expenses from the new distributor for USGIF.  The operations associated with providing these services are consider discontinued operations.

Total loss, net of tax, on discontinued operations for the six months ended December 31, 2015, decreased by $24,000, or 57.1 percent, from $42,000 in quarter ended December 31, 2014 to $18,000 in quarter ended December 31, 2015.  Discontinued revenues decreased $575,000, or 48.6 percent, as a result of lower average net assets under management upon which these fees are based and the transition of these services previously provided to USGIF to other service providers, as of December 10, 2015.  Discontinued expenses decreased $599,000 or 48.9 percent.  The decrease was mainly due to decrease in platform fees of $347,000, or 50.0 percent, due to lower assets held through broker-dealer platforms in the six months ending December 31, 2015, compared to the same period the previous year.  Advertising decreased $138,000 or 90.8 percent year over year, as a result of reduced marketing and sales costs.  Employee compensation and benefits decreased $103,000, or 35.4 percent, due to fewer employees.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
At December 31, 2015, the Company had net working capital (current assets minus current liabilities) of approximately $17.2 million and a current ratio (current assets divided by current liabilities) of 11.3 to 1. With approximately $3.6 million in cash and cash equivalents and approximately $17.2 million in marketable securities, the Company has adequate liquidity to meet its current obligations. Total U.S. Global Investors, Inc. shareholders’ equity is approximately $25.1 million, with cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities comprising 76.3 percent of total assets.  Approximately $1.7 million in cash in USCAN and Galileo are included in the amounts above.  USGI would be required to accrue and pay taxes to repatriate (i.e., bring back into the U.S.) these funds, and there is no current intention to repatriate.

As of December 31, 2015, the Company has no long-term debt; thus, the Company’s only material commitment going forward is for operating expenses. The Company also has access to a $1 million credit facility, which can be utilized for working capital purposes and is available through May 31, 2016. The credit agreement requires the Company to maintain certain quarterly financial covenants to access the line of credit. The Company has been in compliance with all financial covenants during the current fiscal year. As of December 31, 2015, this credit facility remained unutilized by the Company.

The investment advisory and administrative services contracts between the Company and USGIF have been renewed through September 2016. The investment advisory contract between the Company and the ETF client is in its initial two-year term and will not expire until 2017. With respect to the Company's two offshore advisory clients, the contracts between the Company and these offshore clients expire periodically, and management anticipates that its offshore clients will renew the contracts.  Galileo’s investment management agreement with Canadian registered mutual funds may be terminated each September 30 with a 180-day prior notice of unitholders’ resolution.  Galileo’s advisory agreements with other advisory clients can be terminated upon 30-day written notice.
 
 
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The primary cash requirements are for operating activities.  The Company also uses cash to purchase investments, pay dividends and repurchase Company stock.  The cash outlays for investments and dividend payments are discretionary and management or the Board may discontinue as deemed necessary.  The stock repurchase plan is approved through December 31, 2016.  Although the Company had net loss of $3.0 million for the six months ended December 31, 2015, cash and marketable securities of approximately $20.8 million are available to fund current activities.  The Company anticipates a reduction in certain revenues and expenses due to the transition of certain services previously provided to USGIF to other service providers.  The transition was proposed by the Company with the intention of streamlining its responsibilities so it can better focus on strategic activities.  The Company’s portion of the one-time transition expenses, recorded in quarter ending December 31, 2015, was approximately $290,000.  Management believes current cash reserves, investments, and financing available will be sufficient to meet foreseeable cash needs for operating activities.
 
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

For a discussion of other critical accounting policies that the Company follows, please refer to the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2015. As discussed in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company has adopted certain recently issued financial accounting pronouncements.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

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

The Company’s investment activities are reviewed and monitored by Company compliance personnel, and various reports are provided to certain investment advisory clients. Written procedures are in place to manage compliance with the code of ethics and other policies affecting the Company’s investment practices.
 
The table below summarizes the Company’s price risks as of December 31, 2015, and shows the effects of a hypothetical 25 percent increase and a 25 percent decrease in market prices.
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Fair Value at
December 31, 2015
 
Hypothetical
Percentage Change
 
Estimated Fair Value After Hypothetical Price Change
   
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity, Net of Tax
 
Trading securities ¹
  $ 13,571  
25% increase
  $ 16,964     $ 3,393  
         
25% decrease
  $ 10,178     $ (3,393 )
Available-for-sale ²
  $ 3,648  
25% increase
  $ 4,560     $ 912  
         
25% decrease
  $ 2,736     $ (912 )
 
1  
Unrealized and realized gains and losses on trading securities are included in earnings in the statement of operations.
2  
Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are excluded from earnings and recorded in other comprehensive income as a component of shareholders’ equity until realized.

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

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, 2015, was conducted under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2015.

There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended December 31, 2015, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

For a discussion of risk factors which could affect the Company, please refer to Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2015. There have been no material changes since fiscal year end to the risk factors listed therein.

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

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
 
(dollars in thousands, except price data)
 
 
Period
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased 1
   
Total Amount
Purchased
   
Average Price
Paid Per Share 2
   
Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plan 3
   
Approximate Dollar
Value of Shares that
May Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plan
 
10-01-15 to 10-31-15
    23,300     $ 36     $ 1.52       23,300     $ 2,466  
11-01-15 to 11-30-15
    22,000       28       1.26       22,000       2,438  
12-01-15 to 12-31-15
    14,907       17       1.18       14,907    
See Note 3
 
Total
    60,207     $ 81     $ 1.34       60,207          
 
1  
The Board of Directors of the company approved on December 7, 2012, and renewed on December 12, 2013, December 10, 2014, and December 9, 2015, a repurchase of up to $2.75 million in each of calendar years 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016, respectively, of its outstanding class A common stock from time to time on the open market in accordance with all applicable rules and regulations.
2  
The average price paid per share of stock repurchased under the stock repurchase program includes the commissions paid to brokers.
3  
The repurchase plan was approved on December 7, 2012, and renewed on December 12, 2013, December 10, 2014, and December 9, 2015, and will continue through calendar year 2016.  The total amount of shares that may be repurchased in 2016 under the renewed program is $2.75 million.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

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

https://www.facebook.com/USFunds
https://twitter.com/USFunds
https://twitter.com/USGlobalETFs

Information contained on the Company’s website or on social media channels is not deemed part of this report.
 
 
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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
 
1. Exhibits –
 
10.19
10.20
10.21
10.22
10.23
Post-Effective Amendment to the Form S-8 Registration Statement for the U.S. Global Investors, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan, incorporated by reference, filed January 20, 2016 (EDGAR Accession No. 0001193125-16-433407; EDGAR Accession No. 0001193125-16-433403; EDGAR Accession No. 0001193125-16-433401).
10.24
Post-Effective Amendment to the Form S-8 Registration Statement for the U.S. Global Investors, Inc. 401(k) Plan, incorporated by reference, filed January 25, 2016 (EDGAR Accession No. 0001193125-16-436892; EDGAR Accession No. 0001193125-16-436902)
31
32
   
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 
 
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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 12, 2016
BY: /s/ Frank E. Holmes
   
            Frank E. Holmes
   
            Chief Executive Officer
     
DATED:
February 12, 2016
BY: /s/ Lisa C. Callicotte
   
            Lisa C. Callicotte
   
            Chief Financial Officer


 
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