Metalla Royalty & Streaming Ltd 6-K, filed May 12, 2023
Metalla Royalty & Streaming Ltd. (MTA)
About this 6-K
Metalla Royalty & Streaming Ltd filed this 6-K on May 12, 2023.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-16 OR 15D-16
UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the month of: May, 2023
Commission file number: 001-39166
Metalla Royalty & Streaming Ltd.
(Translation of registrant's name into English)
501- 543 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 1X8
(Address of principal executive offices)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover:
[ ] Form 20-F [ x ] Form 40-F
EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBITS 99.1, 99.4 AND 99.5 INCLUDED WITH THIS REPORT ARE HEREBY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE AS EXHIBITS TO THE REGISTRANT'S REGISTRATION STATEMENTS ON FORM F-10 (FILE NO. 333-264810), AS AMENDED AND SUPPLEMENTED, AND ON FORM S-8 (FILE NOS. 333-234659, 333-249938 AND 333-265835) AND TO BE A PART THEREOF FROM THE DATE ON WHICH THIS REPORT IS SUBMITTED, TO THE EXTENT NOT SUPERSEDED BY DOCUMENTS OR REPORTS SUBSEQUENTLY FILED OR FURNISHED.
SIGNATURE
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, thereunto duly authorized.
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Date: May 12, 2023 |
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/s/ Kim Casswell |
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Kim Casswell |
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Corporate Secretary |
CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited - Expressed in Thousands of United States Dollars)
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31, 2023 AND 2022
| METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD. CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION (Unaudited – Expressed in thousands of United States dollars) |
| As at | |||||||||
| March 31, | December 31, | ||||||||
| Notes | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| ASSETS | |||||||||
| Current assets | |||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 4,803 | $ | 4,555 | |||||
| Accounts receivable | 3 | 1,687 | 1,506 | ||||||
| Derivative royalty asset | 5 | 1,970 | 2,182 | ||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other | 1,056 | 1,323 | |||||||
| Total current assets | 9,516 | 9,566 | |||||||
| Non-current assets | |||||||||
| Royalty, stream, and other interests | 4 | 131,235 | 120,728 | ||||||
| Investment in Silverback | 6 | 555 | 595 | ||||||
| Total non-current assets | 131,790 | 121,323 | |||||||
| TOTAL ASSETS | $ | 141,306 | $ | 130,889 | |||||
| LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | |||||||||
| LIABILITIES | |||||||||
| Current liabilities | |||||||||
| Trade and other payables | 7 | $ | 721 | $ | 1,286 | ||||
| Current portion of loans payable | 8 | 5,496 | 5,250 | ||||||
| Total current liabilities | 6,217 | 6,536 | |||||||
| Non-current liabilities | |||||||||
| Loans payable | 8 | 5,000 | 5,335 | ||||||
| Acquisition payable | 4 | 1,878 | - | ||||||
| Deferred income tax liabilities | 526 | 457 | |||||||
| Total non-current liabilities | 7,404 | 5,792 | |||||||
| Total liabilities | 13,621 | 12,328 | |||||||
| EQUITY | |||||||||
| Share capital | 12 | 171,762 | 161,696 | ||||||
| Reserves | 13,613 | 13,199 | |||||||
| Deficit | (57,690 | ) | (56,334 | ) | |||||
| Total equity | 127,685 | 118,561 | |||||||
| TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | $ | 141,306 | $ | 130,889 | |||||
Events after reporting date (Note 17)
These condensed interim consolidated financial statements were authorized for issuance by the Board of Directors on May 11, 2023.
Approved by the Board of Directors
| “Brett Heath” | Director | “Lawrence Roulston” | Director |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed interim consolidated financial statements.
| METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD. CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF LOSS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Unaudited - Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except for share and per share amounts) |
| Three months ended | |||||||||
| March 31, | |||||||||
| Notes | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Revenue from royalty interests | 9 | $ | 981 | $ | 669 | ||||
| Depletion on royalty interests | 4 | (399 | ) | (531 | ) | ||||
| Gross profit | 582 | 138 | |||||||
| General and administrative expenses | 10 | (877 | ) | (870 | ) | ||||
| Share-based payments | 12 | (897 | ) | (1,202 | ) | ||||
| Loss from operations | (1,192 | ) | (1,934 | ) | |||||
| Share of net income of Silverback | 6 | 14 | 26 | ||||||
| Mark-to-market gain on derivative royalty asset | 5 | 457 | 186 | ||||||
| Interest expense | 8 | (315 | ) | (320 | ) | ||||
| Finance charges | 8 | (33 | ) | (35 | ) | ||||
| Foreign exchange loss | (68 | ) | (82 | ) | |||||
| Other income (expenses) | (20 | ) | 17 | ||||||
| Loss before income taxes | (1,157 | ) | (2,142 | ) | |||||
| Current income tax expense | 11 | (130 | ) | (62 | ) | ||||
| Deferred income tax expense | 11 | (69 | ) | (28 | ) | ||||
| Net loss and comprehensive loss | $ | (1,356 | ) | $ | (2,232 | ) | |||
| Earnings (loss) per share - basic and diluted | $ | (0.03 | ) | $ | (0.05 | ) | |||
| Weighted average number of shares outstanding - basic and diluted | 50,514,392 | 44,271,600 | |||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed interim consolidated financial statements.
| METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD. CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited - Expressed in thousands of United States dollars) |
| Three months ended | |||||||||
| March 31, | |||||||||
| Notes | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES | |||||||||
| Net loss | $ | (1,356 | ) | $ | (2,232 | ) | |||
| Items not affecting cash: | |||||||||
| Share of net income of Silverback | 6 | (14 | ) | (26 | ) | ||||
| Mark-to-market gain on derivative royalty asset | 5 | (457 | ) | (186 | ) | ||||
| Depletion | 399 | 531 | |||||||
| Interest and accretion expense | 315 | 320 | |||||||
| Finance charges | 33 | 35 | |||||||
| Share-based payments | 897 | 1,202 | |||||||
| Deferred income tax expense | 69 | 29 | |||||||
| Fair value adjustment on marketable securities | (3 | ) | (13 | ) | |||||
| Unrealized foreign exchange effect | 72 | 83 | |||||||
| (45 | ) | (257 | ) | ||||||
| Payments received from derivative royalty asset | 5 | 581 | 563 | ||||||
| Changes in non-cash working capital items: | |||||||||
| Accounts receivable | (93 | ) | 17 | ||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other | 270 | (97 | ) | ||||||
| Trade and other payables | (550 | ) | (519 | ) | |||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | 163 | (293 | ) | ||||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES | |||||||||
| Acquisitions of royalty and stream interests | 4 | (2,818 | ) | (1,000 | ) | ||||
| Dividends received from Silverback | 6 | 54 | 17 | ||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (2,764 | ) | (983 | ) | |||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES | |||||||||
| Proceeds from exercise of stock options | 107 | 157 | |||||||
| Proceeds from ATM, net of share issue costs | 3,251 | 2,230 | |||||||
| Interest paid | 8 | (417 | ) | (124 | ) | ||||
| Finance charges paid | 8 | (33 | ) | (35 | ) | ||||
| Net cash provided by financing activities | 2,908 | 2,228 | |||||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | (59 | ) | (24 | ) | |||||
| Changes in cash and cash equivalents during period | 248 | 928 | |||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | 4,555 | 2,344 | |||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | $ | 4,803 | $ | 3,272 | |||||
Supplemental disclosure with respect to cash flows (Note 14)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed interim consolidated financial statements.
| METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD. CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (Unaudited - Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except for share amounts) |
| Number of | Share | Total | |||||||||||||
| shares | capital | Reserves | Deficit | equity | |||||||||||
| Balance as at December 31, 2021 | 44,035,569 | $ | 133,906 | $ | 12,051 | $ | (45,406 | ) | $ | 100,551 | |||||
| Shares issued in ATM, net of issue costs | 348,443 | 2,230 | - | - | 2,230 | ||||||||||
| Exercise of stock options | 87,500 | 267 | (110 | ) | - | 157 | |||||||||
| Share-based payments - stock options | - | - | 587 | - | 587 | ||||||||||
| Share-based payments - restricted share units | - | - | 616 | - | 616 | ||||||||||
| Loss for the period | - | - | - | (2,232 | ) | (2,232 | ) | ||||||||
| Balance as at March 31, 2022 | 44,471,512 | $ | 136,403 | $ | 13,144 | $ | (47,638 | ) | $ | 101,909 | |||||
| Number of | Share | Total | |||||||||||||
| shares | capital | Reserves | Deficit | equity | |||||||||||
| Balance as at December 31, 2022 | 49,467,877 | $ | 161,696 | $ | 13,199 | $ | (56,334 | ) | $ | 118,561 | |||||
| Shares issued in ATM, net of issue costs | 664,966 | 3,251 | - | - | 3,251 | ||||||||||
| Acquisition of royalties and other interests (Note 4) | 1,406,182 | 6,225 | - | - | 6,225 | ||||||||||
| Exercise of stock options | 214,747 | 494 | (387 | ) | - | 107 | |||||||||
| Shares issued on vesting of restricted share units | 13,704 | 96 | (96 | ) | - | - | |||||||||
| Share-based payments - stock options | - | - | 355 | - | 355 | ||||||||||
| Share-based payments - restricted share units | - | - | 542 | - | 542 | ||||||||||
| Loss for the period | - | - | - | (1,356 | ) | (1,356 | ) | ||||||||
| Balance as at March 31, 2023 | 51,767,476 | $ | 171,762 | $ | 13,613 | $ | (57,690 | ) | $ | 127,685 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed interim consolidated financial statements.
| METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD. NOTES TO THE CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023 AND 2022 (Unaudited - Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated, except for shares, per ounce, and per share amounts) |
1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS
Metalla Royalty & Streaming Ltd. ("Metalla" or the "Company"), incorporated in Canada, is a precious metals royalty and streaming company, which engages in the acquisition and management of precious metal royalties, streams, and similar production-based interests. The Company's common shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSX-V") under the symbol "MTA" and on the NYSE American ("NYSE") under the symbol "MTA". The head office and principal address is 501 - 543 Granville Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
The Company has incurred a cumulative deficit to date of $57.7 million as at March 31, 2023, and has had losses from operations for multiple years. Continued operations of the Company are dependent on the Company's ability to generate profitable earnings in the future, receive continued financial support, and/or complete external financing. Management expects that its cash balance, cash flows from operating activities, and available credit facilities will be sufficient to fund the operations of the Company for the next twelve months.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(a) Statement of Compliance
These condensed interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared using accounting policies in compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board applicable to the preparation of interim financial statements, including IAS 34, Interim Financial Reporting. Accordingly, certain disclosures included in the annual financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS have been condensed or omitted. These condensed interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's most recent annual consolidated financial statements for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022.
(b) Basis of Preparation and Measurement
These condensed interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis, except for financial instruments, which have been measured at fair value. In addition, these condensed interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared using the accrual basis of accounting except for cash flow information.
These condensed interim consolidated financial statements are presented in United States dollars except as otherwise indicated.
(c) Accounting policies
The accounting policies applied in the preparation of these condensed interim consolidated financial statements are consistent with those applied and disclosed in the Company's most recent annual consolidated financial statements for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022.
A number of amendments to standards were effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2023, including amendments to IAS 1, IFRS Practice Statement and IAS 8. There was no material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements from the adoption of these amendments.
| METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD. NOTES TO THE CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023 AND 2022 (Unaudited - Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated, except for shares, per ounce, and per share amounts) |
3. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
| As at | ||||||
| March 31, | December 31, | |||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||
| Royalty, derivative royalty, and stream receivables | $ | 1,400 | $ | 1,190 | ||
| GST and other recoverable taxes | 256 | 302 | ||||
| Other receivables | 31 | 14 | ||||
| Total accounts receivable | $ | 1,687 | $ | 1,506 | ||
As at March 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, the Company did not have any royalty, derivative royalty and stream receivables that were past due. The Company's allowance for doubtful accounts as at March 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, was $Nil.
4. ROYALTY, STREAM, AND OTHER INTERESTS
| Producing | Development | Exploration | ||||||||||
| assets | assets | assets | Total | |||||||||
| As at December 31, 2021 | $ | 10,949 | $ | 86,631 | $ | 5,284 | $ | 102,864 | ||||
| First Majestic portfolio acquisition | 3,394 | 11,147 | 7,421 | 21,962 | ||||||||
| Lac Pelletier acquisition | - | 253 | - | 253 | ||||||||
| Beaufor amendment | - | 1,000 | - | 1,000 | ||||||||
| Endeavor Silver Stream reclassification (2) | (1,748 | ) | 1,748 | - | - | |||||||
| El Realito reclassification (3) | 2,297 | (2,297 | ) | - | - | |||||||
| Joaquin and COSE impairments | (3,660 | ) | - | - | (3,660 | ) | ||||||
| Depletion (1) | (1,765 | ) | (30 | ) | (13 | ) | (1,808 | ) | ||||
| Other | - | - | 117 | 117 | ||||||||
| As at December 31, 2022 | $ | 9,467 | $ | 98,452 | $ | 12,809 | $ | 120,728 | ||||
| Alamos portfolio acquisition | - | 4,192 | 75 | 4,267 | ||||||||
| Lama acquisition | - | 6,601 | - | 6,601 | ||||||||
| Depletion | (399 | ) | - | - | (399 | ) | ||||||
| Other | - | 38 | - | 38 | ||||||||
| As at March 31, 2023 | $ | 9,068 | $ | 109,283 | $ | 12,884 | $ | 131,235 | ||||
| Historical cost | $ | 11,596 | $ | 121,181 | $ | 12,922 | $ | 145,699 | ||||
| Accumulated depletion and impairments | $ | (2,528 | ) | $ | (11,898 | ) | $ | (38 | ) | $ | (14,464 | ) |
(1) Fixed royalty payments were received in relation to certain exploration and development assets. The depletion related to these payments was recorded based on the total fixed royalty payments expected to be received under each contract.
(2) The Endeavor mine was previously classified as production, however it was placed on care and maintenance in December 2019 and has not since restarted, as such the Company had reclassified it to development stage properties in 2022.
(3) The Company received its first royalty payments on El Realito in 2022 and reclassified it from a development asset to a producing asset.
| METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD. NOTES TO THE CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023 AND 2022 (Unaudited - Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated, except for shares, per ounce, and per share amounts) |
4. ROYALTY, STREAM, AND OTHER INTERESTS (cont'd…)
(a) During the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company completed the following acquisitions:
Lama Royalties Acquisition
In March 2023, the Company acquired an existing 2.5%-3.75% sliding scale Gross Proceeds royalty over gold and a 0.25%-3.0% NSR royalty on all metals (other than gold and silver) on the majority of Barrick Gold Corporation's Lama project located in Argentina from an arm's length seller for aggregate consideration of $6.5 million. The consideration consisted of $2.5 million in cash, $2.1 million in common shares, upon closing and an additional $2.5 million to be paid in cash or common shares, at the Company's sole discretion, within 90 days upon the earlier of a 2-million-ounce gold mineral Reserve estimate on the royalty area or 36 months after the closing date. The Company issued 466,827 common shares of Metalla to the arm's length seller (valued at $4.44 per share on March 9, 2023). The outstanding $2.5 million payment (the "Lama Payable") was recorded at fair value upon inception using a discount rate of 10.0% and an estimated payment date of 36 months from closing, and was recorded at $1.9 million. The Lama Payable has been disclosed as a non-current liability on the Company's statement of financial position as an acquisition payable and this amount will be increased to $2.5 million over the term of the payable using the effective interest method. The Company incurred $0.2 million in transaction costs associated with this transaction.
Alamos Portfolio Acquisition
In February 2023, the Company acquired one silver stream and three royalties from Alamos Gold Corp. ("Alamos") for aggregate consideration of $4.2 million. Upon closing the Company issued 939,355 common shares of Metalla to Alamos (valued at $4.42 per share on February 23, 2023). The Company incurred $0.1 million in transaction costs associated with this transaction. The stream and royalties acquired in this transaction included:
- a 20% silver stream over the Esperanza project located in Morales, Mexico owned by Zacatecas Silver Corp.;
- a 1.4% NSR royalty on the Fenn Gibb South project located in Timmins, Ontario owned by Mayfair Gold Corp.;
- a 2.0% NSR royalty on the Ronda project located in Shining Tree, Ontario owned by Platinex Inc.; and
- a 2.0% NSR royalty on the Northshore West property located in Thunder Bay, Ontario owned by New Path Resources Inc.
(b) During the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, the Company completed the following transactions:
Beaufor Amendment
In February 2022, the Company amended an existing 1.0% Net Smelter Return ("NSR") royalty on Monarch Mining Corporation's ("Monarch") Beaufor Mine ("Beaufor"). In consideration for $1.0 million in cash paid to Monarch, Monarch agreed to waive a clause stipulating that payments under the NSR royalty were only payable after 100Koz of gold have been produced by Monarch following its acquisition of Beaufor.
Lac Pelletier Acquisition
In October 2022, the Company acquired a 1.0% NSR royalty on the Lac Pelletier project owned by Maritime Resources Corp. from an arm's length seller for total consideration of C$0.3 million in cash. The Lac Pelletier project is located in Rouyn Noranda, Quebec and is within ten kilometers of the Yamana Gold Inc. ("Yamana") Wasamac project. The Company incurred less than $0.1 million in transaction costs associated with this transaction.
| METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD. NOTES TO THE CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023 AND 2022 (Unaudited - Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated, except for shares, per ounce, and per share amounts) |
4. ROYALTY, STREAM, AND OTHER INTERESTS (cont'd…)
First Majestic Portfolio Acquisition
In December 2022, the Company acquired a portfolio of eight royalties from First Majestic Silver Corp. ("First Majestic") for aggregate consideration of $21.6 million. Upon closing the Company issued 4,168,056 common shares of Metalla (valued at $5.19 per share on December 21, 2022). The Company incurred $0.3 million in transaction costs associated with this transaction. The royalties acquired in this transaction included:
- a 100% Gross Value Return ("GVR") royalty on gold production from the producing La Encantada mine located in Coahuila, Mexico operated by First Majestic limited to 1,000 ounces annually;
- a 2.0% NSR royalty on the past producing Del Toro mine located in Zacatecas, Mexico owned by First Majestic;
- a 2.0% NSR royalty on the La Guitarra mine located in Temascaltepec, Mexico owned by Sierra Madre Gold and Silver Ltd.;
- a 2.0% NSR royalty on the Plomosas project located in Sinaloa, Mexico owned by GR Silver Mining Ltd.;
- a 2.0% NSR royalty on the past-producing San Martin mine located in Jalisco, Mexico owned by First Majestic;
- a 2.0% NSR royalty on the past producing La Parrilla mine located in Durango, Mexico owned by First Majestic and subject to a binding purchase agreement with Golden Tag Resources Ltd.;
- a 2.0% NSR royalty on the La Joya project located in Durango, Mexico owned by Silver Dollar Resources; and
- a 2.0% NSR royalty on the La Luz project located in San Luis Potosi, Mexico owned by First Majestic.
5. DERIVATIVE ROYALTY ASSET
In October 2020, the Company closed an agreement to acquire an existing 27.5% price participation royalty ("PPR") interest on the operating Higginsville Gold Operations ("Higginsville") owned by Karora Resources Inc.. Higginsville is a low-cost open pit gold operation in Higginsville, Western Australia. The royalty is a 27.5% PPR royalty on the difference between the average London PM fix gold price for the quarter and A$1,340/oz on the first 2,500 ounces per quarter for a cumulative total of 34,000 ounces of gold.
As the amount received by the Company will vary depending on changes in the London PM fix gold price and the changes in the exchange rate between the A$ and the US$, the Company has recognized the Higginsville PPR as a derivative asset carried at fair value through profit and loss. As per IFRS 9, the Higginsville PPR was recognized as a derivative asset upon inception at $7.2 million, any cash received from the Higginsville PPR will be used to reduce the derivative asset, and at each period-end the Company will estimate the fair value of the Higginsville PPR using a valuation model with any changes between the estimated fair value and the carrying value flowing through profit or loss in the period.
At March 31, 2023, the key inputs used in the Company's valuation model for the Higginsville PPR derivative asset were:
- 7,418 ounces of gold remaining to be delivered (December 31, 2022 - 9,918);
- Gold price estimate of $1,980/oz (December 31, 2022 - $1,748/oz); and
- U.S. dollar to Australian dollar exchange rate of A$1.50 per $1.00 (December 31, 2022 - A$1.49 per $1.00).
Based on the valuation model the Company estimated the fair value at March 31, 2023, was $2.0 million (December 31, 2022 - $2.2 million). The Company recorded a mark-to-market gain on the Higginsville derivative asset of $0.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 (March 31, 2022 - $0.2 million gain).
| METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD. NOTES TO THE CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023 AND 2022 (Unaudited - Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated, except for shares, per ounce, and per share amounts) |
5. DERIVATIVE ROYALTY ASSET (cont'd…)
The changes in the derivative royalty asset for the three months ended March 31, 2023, were as follows:
| Derivative | |||
| royalty asset | |||
| As at December 31, 2021 | $ | 4,034 | |
| Payments received or due under derivative royalty asset | (2,384 | ) | |
| Mark-to-market gain on derivative royalty asset | 532 | ||
| As at December 31, 2022 | $ | 2,182 | |
| Payments received or due under derivative royalty asset | (669 | ) | |
| Mark-to-market gain on derivative royalty asset | 457 | ||
| As at March 31, 2023 | $ | 1,970 | |
| Current portion | $ | 1,970 | |
| Long-term portion | $ | - |
6. INVESTMENT IN SILVERBACK
| Period ended | ||||||
| March 31, | December 31, | |||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||
| Opening balance | $ | 595 | $ | 1,341 | ||
| Income (loss) in Silverback for the period | 14 | (589 | ) | |||
| Distribution | (54 | ) | (157 | ) | ||
| Ending balance | $ | 555 | $ | 595 | ||
The Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, holds a 15% interest in Silverback Ltd. ("Silverback"), which is a privately held company, whose sole business is the receipt and distribution of the net earnings of the New Luika Gold Mine ("NLGM") silver stream. Distributions to the shareholders are completed on a monthly basis. Prior to April 2021, distributions to shareholders were completed on an annual basis at minimum. Given the terms of the shareholders' agreement governing the policies over operations and distributions to shareholders, the Company's judgment is that it has significant influence over Silverback, but not control and therefore equity accounting is appropriate.
Summarized financial information for Silverback for the three months ended March 31, 2023, was as follows:
| Three months ended | ||||||
| March 31, | ||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||
| Current assets | $ | 204 | $ | 269 | ||
| Non-current assets | - | 146 | ||||
| Total assets | 204 | 415 | ||||
| Total liabilities | (80 | ) | (98 | ) | ||
| Revenue from stream interest | 346 | 242 | ||||
| Depletion | - | (49 | ) | |||
| Net income and comprehensive income for the period | $ | 326 | $ | 173 | ||
| METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD. NOTES TO THE CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023 AND 2022 (Unaudited - Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated, except for shares, per ounce, and per share amounts) |
7. TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES
| As at | ||||||
| March 31, | December 31, | |||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||
| Trade payables and accrued liabilities | $ | 634 | $ | 1,223 | ||
| Taxes payable | 87 | 63 | ||||
| Total trade and other payables | $ | 721 | $ | 1,286 | ||
8. LOANS PAYABLE
| Amended | Castle | ||||||||
| Loan Facility | Mountain Loan | Total | |||||||
| As at December 31, 2021 | $ | 5,465 | $ | 5,050 | $ | 10,515 | |||
| Interest expense | 1,087 | 200 | 1,287 | ||||||
| Interest payments | (494 | ) | - | (494 | ) | ||||
| Foreign exchange adjustments | (377 | ) | - | (377 | ) | ||||
| Gain on extension of loan payable | (346 | ) | - | (346 | ) | ||||
| As at December 31, 2022 | $ | 5,335 | $ | 5,250 | $ | 10,585 | |||
| Interest expense | 266 | 49 | 315 | ||||||
| Interest payments | (118 | ) | (299 | ) | (417 | ) | |||
| Foreign exchange adjustments | 13 | - | 13 | ||||||
| As at March 31, 2023 | $ | 5,496 | $ | 5,000 | $ | 10,496 |
Convertible Loan Facility
In March 2019, the Company entered into a convertible loan facility (the "Loan Facility") of C$12.0 million with Beedie Capital ("Beedie") to fund acquisitions of new royalties and streams. The Loan Facility consisted of an initial advance of C$7.0 million (the "First Drawdown"), with the remaining C$5.0 million available for subsequent advances. The Loan Facility is secured by certain assets of the Company and can be repaid with no penalty at any time after the 12-month anniversary of each advance.
On August 6, 2020, the Company completed an amendment with Beedie on its Loan Facility (the "Loan Amendment"). As part of the Loan Amendment:
i. Beedie converted C$6.0 million of the First Drawdown at a conversion price of C$5.56 per share for a total of 1,079,136 common shares of the Company;
ii. the Company drew down the remaining undrawn C$5.0 million (the "Second Drawdown") available from the Loan Facility with a conversion price of C$9.90 per share;
iii. the Loan Facility was increased by an aggregate C$20.0 million. All future advances will have a minimum amount of C$2.5 million and each advance will have its own conversion price based on a 20% premium to the 30-day Volume Weighted Average Price ("VWAP") of the Company's shares on the date of such advance;
iv. if for a period of 30 consecutive trading days the 30-day VWAP is at a 50% premium above any or all of the conversion prices, the Company may elect to convert the principal amount outstanding under the Loan Facility at the respective conversion prices; and
v. the standby fee on all undrawn funds available under the Loan Facility will bear an interest rate of 1.5%.
| METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD. NOTES TO THE CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023 AND 2022 (Unaudited - Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated, except for shares, per ounce, and per share amounts) |
8. LOANS PAYABLE (cont'd…)
In October 2020, Beedie converted the remaining C$1.0 million of the First Drawdown at a conversion price of C$5.56 per share for a total of 179,856 common shares of the Company and in March 2021, Beedie converted the entire C$5.0 million from the Second Drawdown at a conversion price of C$9.90 per share for a total of 505,050 common shares of the Company. Following the conversion of the First Drawdown and the Second Drawdown, under the Loan Facility and the Loan Amendment (together the "Amended Loan Facility") the Company had C$20.0 million available under the Amended Loan Facility with the conversion price to be determined on the date of any future advances.
In March 2021, the Company drew down $4.0 million (C$5.0 million) (the "Third Drawdown"), at a conversion price of C$14.30 per share, from the Amended Loan Facility of which $3.2 million was allocated to the liability portion and the residual value of $0.8 million was allocated to the conversion feature as equity reserves. A deferred tax liability of $0.2 million related to the taxable temporary difference arising from the equity portion of the convertible loan was recognized as an offset in equity reserves. The effective interest rate on the liability portion was 20.0% per annum, with an expected life of approximately two years.
In October 2021, the Company drew down $2.4 million (C$3.0 million) (the "Fourth Drawdown"), at a conversion price of C$11.16 per share, from the Amended Loan Facility of which $2.0 million was allocated to the liability portion and the residual value of $0.4 million was allocated to the conversion feature as equity reserves. A deferred tax liability of $0.1 million related to the taxable temporary difference arising from the equity portion of the convertible loan was recognized as an offset in equity reserves. The effective interest rate on the liability portion was 20.0% per annum, with an expected life of approximately one and a half years.
In August 2022, the Company and Beedie entered into an agreement to extend the maturity date of the Amended Loan Facility from April 22, 2023, to January 22, 2024 (the "Loan Extension"). In consideration for the Loan Extension the Company incurred a fee of 2.0% of the currently drawn amount of C$8.0 million, the C$0.2 million fee is convertible into common shares at a conversion price of C$7.34 per share, calculated based on a 20% premium to the 30-day VWAP of the Company's common shares on the close of trading on the trading day immediately prior to the effective date of the Loan Extension. Upon completion of the Loan Extension, the Company recognized a gain of $0.3 million to reflect the change required in the amortized cost of the liability using the effective interest method over a longer period of time.
As at March 31, 2023, the Company had C$5.0 million outstanding with a conversion price of C$14.30 per share from the Third Drawdown, C$3.0 million outstanding with a conversion price of C$11.16 per share from the Fourth Drawdown, C$0.2 million outstanding with a conversion price of C$7.34 per share from the Loan Extension, and had C$12.0 million available under the Amended Loan Facility with the conversion price to be determined on the date of any future advances.
For the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company recognized finance charges of less than $0.1 million (March 31, 2022 - less than $0.1 million), related to costs associated with the Amended Loan Facility, including standby fees on the undrawn portion of the Amended Loan Facility, as well as set up and other associated costs.
Subsequent to period end, the Company signed an agreement to amend the Amended Loan Facility. See Note 17 for additional details.
| METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD. NOTES TO THE CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023 AND 2022 (Unaudited - Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated, except for shares, per ounce, and per share amounts) |
8. LOANS PAYABLE (cont'd…)
Castle Mountain Loan
In connection with the Castle Mountain acquisition in October 2021, the Company entered into a $5.0 million loan agreement (the "Castle Mountain Loan") with the arm's length seller bearing interest at a rate of 4.0% per annum until fully repaid on June 1, 2023. On March 30, 2023, the Company signed an amendment to extend the maturity date of the Castle Mountain Loan from June 1, 2023, to April 1, 2024. As part of the amendment, on March 31, 2023, the Company paid the $0.3 million accrued interest on the loan, effective April 1, 2023, the interest rate increased to 12.0% per annum, and the principal and accrued interest will be repaid no later than April 1, 2024.
9. REVENUE
| Three months ended March 31, |
||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||
| Royalty revenue | ||||||
| Wharf | $ | 615 | $ | 378 | ||
| El Realito | 317 | - | ||||
| La Encantada | 49 | - | ||||
| COSE | - | 121 | ||||
| Joaquin | - | 170 | ||||
| Total revenue | $ | 981 | $ | 669 | ||
The Company operates in one industry and has one reportable segment, which is reviewed by the chief operating decision maker.
10. GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
| Three months ended March 31, |
||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||
| Compensation and benefits | $ | 431 | $ | 412 | ||
| Corporate administration | 268 | 233 | ||||
| Professional fees | 101 | 146 | ||||
| Listing and filing fees | 77 | 79 | ||||
| Total general and administrative expenses | $ | 877 | $ | 870 | ||
| METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD. NOTES TO THE CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023 AND 2022 (Unaudited - Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated, except for shares, per ounce, and per share amounts) |
11. INCOME TAXES
Income tax expense differs from the amount that would result from applying Canadian income tax rates to earnings before income taxes. These differences result from the following items:
| Three months ended | ||||||
| March 31, | ||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||
| Loss before income taxes | $ | (1,157 | ) | $ | (2,142 | ) |
| Canadian federal and provincial income tax rates | 27.00% | 27.00% | ||||
| Expected income tax recovery at statutory income tax rate | (312 | ) | (578 | ) | ||
| Difference between Canadian and foreign tax rate | (9 | ) | (4 | ) | ||
| Permanent differences | 248 | 355 | ||||
| Changes in unrecognized deferred tax assets | 38 | 299 | ||||
| Other adjustments | 234 | 18 | ||||
| Total income tax expense | $ | 199 | $ | 90 | ||
| Current income tax expense | $ | 130 | $ | 62 | ||
| Deferred income tax expense | $ | 69 | $ | 28 | ||
12. SHARE CAPITAL
Authorized share capital consists of an unlimited number of common shares without par value.
(a) Issued Share Capital
As at March 31, 2023, the Company had 51,767,476 common shares issued and outstanding (December 31, 2022 - 49,467,877).
During the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company:
- Issued 664,966 common shares in the at-the-market offerings at an average price of $5.13 per share for gross proceeds of $3.4 million, with aggregate commissions paid or payable to the agents and other share issue costs of $0.1 million, resulting in aggregate net proceeds of $3.3 million;
- issued 1,406,182 common shares for the acquisition of royalties and other interests (Note 4); and
- issued 228,451 common shares related to the vesting of RSUs and the exercise of stock options.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company:
- Issued 752,296 common shares in at-the-market offerings at an average price of $6.07 per share for gross proceeds of $4.6 million, with aggregate commissions paid or payable to the agents of $0.1 million and other share issue costs of $0.4 million, resulting in aggregate net proceeds of $4.1 million;
- issued 4,168,056 common shares for the acquisition of royalty and other interests (Note 4); and
- issued 511,956 common shares related to the vesting of RSUs and the exercise of stock options.
| METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD. NOTES TO THE CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023 AND 2022 (Unaudited - Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated, except for shares, per ounce, and per share amounts) |
12. SHARE CAPITAL (cont'd…)
(b) Stock Options
The Company has adopted a stock option plan approved by the Company's shareholders. The maximum number of shares that may be reserved for issuance under the plan is limited to 10% of the issued common shares of the Company at any time, less the amount reserved for RSUs. The plan allows for a cash-less broker exercise, or a net exercise on some of the Company's stock options upon vesting, both of which are subject to approval from the Company's Board of Directors. The vesting terms, if any, are determined by the Company's Board of Directors at the time of the grant.
The continuity of stock options for the three months ended March 31, 2023, was as follows:
| Weighted | ||||||
| average | ||||||
| exercise price | Number | |||||
| (C$) | outstanding | |||||
| As at December 31, 2021 | $ | 6.81 | 2,833,438 | |||
| Granted | 5.98 | 605,000 | ||||
| Exercised (1) | 2.20 | (479,536 | ) | |||
| Forfeited | 9.94 | (140,000 | ) | |||
| As at December 31, 2022 | $ | 7.26 | 2,818,902 | |||
| Exercised (1) | 2.67 | (331,500 | ) | |||
| As at March 31, 2023 | $ | 7.88 | 2,487,402 | |||
(1) During the three months ended March 31, 2023, 281,500 stock options were exercised on a net exercise basis with a total of 164,747 common shares issued for the exercise (2022 - 282,250 and 183,170, respectively).
During the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company did not grant any stock options. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, the Company granted 605,000 stock options with a weighted-average exercise price of C$5.98 and a fair value of $1.2 million or $2.01 per option. The fair value of the stock options granted was estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with weighted average assumptions as follows: (i) risk free interest rate of 3.22%; (ii) expected dividend yield of 0%; (iii) expected stock price volatility of 59%; (iv) expected life of 3.25 years; and (v) forfeiture rate of 0%.
For the three months ended March 31, 2023, in accordance with the vesting terms of the stock options granted, the Company recorded a charge to share-based payments expense of $0.4 million (March 31, 2022 - $0.6 million), with an offsetting credit to reserves. As at March 31, 2023, the weighted average remaining life of the stock options outstanding was 2.55 years (December 31, 2022 - 2.50 years). The Company's outstanding and exercisable stock options as at March 31, 2023, and their expiry dates are as follows:
| Exercise | ||||||||||
| price | Number | Number | ||||||||
| Expiry date | (C$) | outstanding | exercisable | |||||||
| September 17, 2023 | $ | 2.92 | 220,313 | 220,313 | ||||||
| January 4, 2024 | $ | 3.24 | 293,339 | 293,339 | ||||||
| January 15, 2025 | $ | 7.66 | 518,750 | 518,750 | ||||||
| November 6, 2025 | $ | 12.85 | 390,000 | 390,000 | ||||||
| April 27, 2026 | $ | 11.73 | 460,000 | 230,000 | ||||||
| August 16, 2027 | $ | 5.98 | 605,000 | - | ||||||
| 2,487,402 | 1,652,402 |
| METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD. NOTES TO THE CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023 AND 2022 (Unaudited - Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated, except for shares, per ounce, and per share amounts) |
12. SHARE CAPITAL (cont'd…)
(c) Restricted Share Units
The Company has adopted an RSU plan approved by the Company's shareholders. The maximum number of RSUs that may be reserved for issuance under the plan is limited to 10% of the issued common shares of the Company at any time, less the amount reserved for stock options. The vesting terms are determined by the Company's Board of Directors at the time of issuance, the standard vesting terms have one-half vest in one year and one-half vest in two years. The continuity of RSUs for the year ended March 31, 2023, was as follows:
| Number | |||
| outstanding | |||
| As at December 31, 2021 | 438,000 | ||
| Granted | 437,554 | ||
| Settled | (131,500 | ) | |
| Forfeited | (22,500 | ) | |
| As at December 31, 2022 | 721,554 | ||
| Settled | (13,704 | ) | |
| As at March 31, 2023 | 707,850 |
For the three months ended March 31, 2023, in accordance with the vesting terms of the RSUs granted, the Company recorded a charge to share-based payments expense of $0.5 million (March 31, 2022 - $0.6 million), with an offsetting credit to reserves.
13. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES
The aggregate value of transactions and outstanding balances relating to key management personnel were as follows:
| Three months ended | ||||||
| March 31, | ||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||
| Salaries and fees | $ | 268 | $ | 252 | ||
| Share-based payments | 659 | 869 | ||||
| $ | 927 | $ | 1,121 | |||
As at March 31, 2023, the Company had less than $0.1 million (December 31, 2022 - $0.3 million) due to directors and management related to remuneration and expense reimbursements, which have been included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities. As at March 31, 2023, the Company had $Nil (December 31, 2022 - $Nil) due from directors and management.
| METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD. NOTES TO THE CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023 AND 2022 (Unaudited - Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated, except for shares, per ounce, and per share amounts) |
14. SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE WITH RESPECT TO CASH FLOWS
Significant Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities
During the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company:
a) issued 466,827 common shares, valued at $2.1 million, for the acquisition of the Lama royalties (Note 4);
b) issued 939,355 common shares, valued at $4.2 million, for the acquisition of the Alamos royalty portfolio (Note 4);
c) reallocated $0.1 million from reserves for 13,704 RSUs that settled; and
d) reallocated $0.4 million from reserves for 331,500 stock options exercised.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company:
a) issued 4,168,056 common shares, valued at $21.6 million, for the acquisition of the First Majestic royalty portfolio (Note 4);
b) reallocated $1.2 million from reserves for 131,500 RSUs that settled; and
c) reallocated $0.5 million from reserves for 479,536 stock options exercised.
15. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Company classified its financial instruments as follows:
| As at | ||||||
| March 31, | December 31, | |||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||
| Financial assets | ||||||
| Amortized cost: | ||||||
| Cash | $ | 4,803 | $ | 4,555 | ||
| Royalty, derivative royalty, and stream receivables | 1,400 | 1,190 | ||||
| Other receivables | 287 | 316 | ||||
| Fair value through profit or loss: | ||||||
| Derivative royalty asset | 1,970 | 2,182 | ||||
| Marketable securities | 33 | 30 | ||||
| Total financial assets | $ | 8,493 | $ | 8,273 | ||
| Financial liabilities | ||||||
| Amortized cost: | ||||||
| Trade and other payables | $ | 721 | $ | 1,286 | ||
| Loans payable | 10,496 | 10,585 | ||||
| Acquisition payable | 1,878 | - | ||||
| Total financial liabilities | $ | 13,095 | $ | 11,871 | ||
| METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD. NOTES TO THE CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023 AND 2022 (Unaudited - Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated, except for shares, per ounce, and per share amounts) |
15. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (cont'd…)
Fair value
Financial instruments recorded at fair value on the consolidated statement of financial position are classified using a fair value hierarchy that reflects the significance of the inputs used in making the measurements. The fair value hierarchy has the following levels:
a) Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
b) Level 2 - Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for assets or liabilities, either directly or indirectly; and
c) Level 3 - Inputs for assets and liabilities that are not based on observable market data.
The fair value hierarchy requires the use of observable market inputs whenever such inputs exist. A financial instrument is classified to the lowest level of the hierarchy for which a significant input has been considered in measuring fair value.
Cash, accounts receivables (royalty, derivative royalty, and stream receivables, and other receivables), and accounts payable (trade and other payables), are carried at amortized cost. Their carrying value approximated their fair value because of the short-term nature of these instruments or because they reflect amounts that are receivable to the Company without further adjustments. Marketable securities are carried at fair value and are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. The derivative royalty asset is carried at fair value, and was valued using inputs that are not observable, including a gold forward price curve, US$/A$ foreign exchange rates based on forward curves, and an estimated discount rate (Note 5). Therefore, the derivate royalty asset is classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Loans payable and acquisition payables are carried at amortized cost. Due to the change in comparable market interest rates, the Company has estimated that the fair value of the Amended Loan Facility as at March 31, 2023, was $5.4 million. The fair value of the Castle Mountain Loan and Lama Payable are approximated by their carrying value as their interest rate is comparable to market interest rates.
Capital risk management
The Company's objectives when managing capital are to provide shareholder returns through maximization of the profitable growth of the business and to maintain a degree of financial flexibility relevant to the underlying operating and metal price risks while safeguarding the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. The capital of the Company consists of share capital. The Board of Directors does not establish a quantitative return on capital criteria for management. The Company manages the capital structure and makes adjustments to it in light of changes in economic conditions and the risk characteristics of the underlying assets. The Company may issue new shares in order to meet its financial obligations. The management of the Company believes that the capital resources of the Company as at March 31, 2023, are sufficient for its present needs for at least the next twelve months. The Company is not subject to externally imposed capital requirements.
Credit risk
Credit risk arises from cash deposits, as well as credit exposures to counterparties of outstanding receivables and committed transactions. There is no significant concentration of credit risk other than cash deposits. The Company's cash deposits are primarily held with a Canadian chartered bank. Receivables include value added tax due from the Canadian government. The carrying amount of financial assets recorded in the financial statements represents the Company's maximum exposure to credit risk. The Company believes it is not exposed to significant credit risk and overall, the Company's credit risk has not declined from the prior year.
| METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD. NOTES TO THE CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023 AND 2022 (Unaudited - Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated, except for shares, per ounce, and per share amounts) |
15. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (cont'd…)
Liquidity risk
The Company strives to maintain sufficient liquidity to meet its short-term business requirements, taking into account its anticipated cash flows from royalty interests, its holdings of cash, and its committed liabilities. The maturities of the Company's non‐current liabilities are disclosed in Note 4 and Note 8. All current liabilities are settled within one year.
Currency risk
The Company is exposed to the financial risk related to the fluctuation of foreign exchange rates. The Company primarily operates in Canada, Australia, Argentina, Mexico, and the United States and incurs expenditures in currencies other than United States dollars. Thereby, the Company is exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from currency exposure. The Company has not hedged its exposure to currency fluctuations. Based on the above net exposure, as at March 31, 2023, and assuming that all other variables remain constant, a 1% depreciation or appreciation of the United States dollar against the Canadian dollar, Australian dollar, Argentinian peso, and Mexican peso would result in an increase/decrease in the Company's pre-tax income or loss of approximately $0.1 million.
16. COMMITMENTS
As at March 31, 2023, the Company had the following contractual obligations:
| Less than | 1 to | Over | ||||||||||
| 1 year | 3 years | 3 years | Total | |||||||||
| Trade and other payables | $ | 721 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 721 | ||||
| Loans payable principal and interest payments | 6,537 | - | - | 6,537 | ||||||||
| Payments related to acquisition of royalties and streams | - | 8,102 | - | 8,102 | ||||||||
| Total commitments | $ | 7,258 | $ | 8,102 | $ | - | $ | 15,360 |
In addition to the commitments above, the Company could in the future have additional commitments payable in cash and/or shares related to the acquisition of royalty and stream interests. However, these payments are subject to certain triggers or milestone conditions that have not been met as of March 31, 2023.
| METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD. NOTES TO THE CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023 AND 2022 (Unaudited - Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated, except for shares, per ounce, and per share amounts) |
17. EVENTS AFTER REPORTING DATE
Subsequent to March 31, 2023, the Company had the following transaction:
a) Loan Facility Extension – on May 11, 2023, the Company entered into a second supplemental loan agreement (“Supplemental Loan Agreement”) with Beedie, expected to be effective March 31, 2023, once customary conditions are satisfied, to amend the Amended Loan Facility by:
- extending the maturity date to May 9, 2027;
- increasing the loan facility by C$5.0 million from C$20.0 million to C$25.0 million, of which C$21.0 million will be undrawn after giving effect to the C$4.0 million conversion described below;
- increasing the interest rate from 8.0% to 10.0% per annum;
- amending the conversion price of the Fourth Drawdown from C$11.16 per share to C$8.67 per share, being a 30% premium to the 30-day VWAP of the Company shares measured at market close on the day prior to announcement of the amendment;
- amending the conversion price of C$4.0 million of the Third Drawdown from C$14.30 per share to C$7.33 per share, being the 5-day VWAP of the Company shares measured at market close on the day prior to announcement of the amendment, and converting the C$4.0 million into shares at the new conversion price. The Company will issue Beedie 545,702 common shares of the Company for the conversion of the C$4.0 million once customary conditions are satisfied;
- amending the conversion price of the remaining C$1.0 million of the Third Drawdown from C$14.30 per share to C$8.67 per share, being to the 30-day VWAP of the Company shares measured at market close on the day prior to announcement of the amendment; and
- All other terms of the loan facility remain unchanged.
While the agreement had an effective date of March 31, 2023, the change to the loan facility will be accounted for on May 11, 2023, the date the Supplemental Loan Agreement was signed. For accounting purposes since the date of the amendment was May 11, 2023, at the end of the period the maturity date of the Amended Loan Facility had not been extended, as such the amounts owing under the facility have been disclosed as a current liability as at March 31, 2023.
Form 52-109F2
Certification of Interim Filings
Full Certificate
I, Brett Heath, Chief Executive Officer of Metalla Royalty & Streaming Ltd., certify the following:
1. Review: I have reviewed the interim financial report and interim MD&A (together, the "interim filings") of Metalla Royalty & Streaming Ltd. (the "issuer") for the interim period ended March 31, 2023.
2. No misrepresentations: Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the interim filings do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated or that is necessary to make a statement not misleading in light of the circumstances under which it was made, with respect to the period covered by the interim filings.
3. Fair presentation: Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the interim financial report together with the other financial information included in the interim filings fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, financial performance and cash flows of the issuer, as of the date of and for the periods presented in the interim filings.
4. Responsibility: The issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (DC&P) and internal control over financial reporting (ICFR), as those terms are defined in National Instrument 52-109 Certification of Disclosure in Issuers' Annual and Interim Filings, for the issuer.
5. Design: Subject to the limitations, if any, described in paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3, the issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I have, as at the end of the period covered by the interim filings
(a) designed DC&P, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance that
(i) material information relating to the issuer is made known to us by others, particularly during the period in which the interim filings are being prepared; and
(ii) information required to be disclosed by the issuer in its annual filings, interim filings or other reports filed or submitted by it under securities legislation is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in securities legislation; and
(b) designed ICFR, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with the issuer's GAAP.
5.1 Control framework: The control framework the issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I used to design the issuer's ICFR is Internal Control Integrated Framework published by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
5.2 ICFR - material weakness relating to design: N/A
5.3 Limitation on scope of design: N/A
6. Reporting changes in ICFR: The issuer has disclosed in its interim MD&A any change in the issuer's ICFR that occurred during the period beginning on January 1, 2023 and ended on March 31, 2023 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the issuer's ICFR.
Date: May 12, 2023
"Brett Heath"
Brett Heath
President and Chief Executive Officer
Form 52-109F2
Certification of Interim Filings
Full Certificate
I, Saurabh Handa, Chief Financial Officer of Metalla Royalty & Streaming Ltd., certify the following:
1. Review: I have reviewed the interim financial report and interim MD&A (together, the "interim filings") of Metalla Royalty & Streaming Ltd. (the "issuer") for the interim period ended March 31, 2023.
2. No misrepresentations: Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the interim filings do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated or that is necessary to make a statement not misleading in light of the circumstances under which it was made, with respect to the period covered by the interim filings.
3. Fair presentation: Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the interim financial report together with the other financial information included in the interim filings fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, financial performance and cash flows of the issuer, as of the date of and for the periods presented in the interim filings.
4. Responsibility: The issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (DC&P) and internal control over financial reporting (ICFR), as those terms are defined in National Instrument 52-109 Certification of Disclosure in Issuers' Annual and Interim Filings, for the issuer.
5. Design: Subject to the limitations, if any, described in paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3, the issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I have, as at the end of the period covered by the interim filings
(a) designed DC&P, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance that
(i) material information relating to the issuer is made known to us by others, particularly during the period in which the interim filings are being prepared; and
(ii) information required to be disclosed by the issuer in its annual filings, interim filings or other reports filed or submitted by it under securities legislation is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in securities legislation; and
(b) designed ICFR, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with the issuer's GAAP.
5.1 Control framework: The control framework the issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I used to design the issuer's ICFR is Internal Control Integrated Framework published by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
5.2 ICFR - material weakness relating to design: N/A
5.3 Limitation on scope of design: N/A
6. Reporting changes in ICFR: The issuer has disclosed in its interim MD&A any change in the issuer's ICFR that occurred during the period beginning on January 1, 2023 and ended on March 31, 2023 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the issuer's ICFR.
Date: May 12, 2023
"Saurabh Handa"
Saurabh Handa
Chief Financial Officer
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023
| METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023 (Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated, except for shares, per ounce, and per share amounts) |
GENERAL
This management’s discussion and analysis (“MD&A”) for Metalla Royalty & Streaming Ltd. (the “Company” or “Metalla”) is intended to help the reader understand the significant factors that have affected Metalla and its subsidiaries performance and such factors that may affect its future performance. This MD&A, which has been prepared as of May 11, 2023, should be read in conjunction with the Company’s condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2023, and the related notes contained therein. The Company reports its financial position, financial performance, and cash flows in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”).
Additional information relevant to the Company is available for viewing on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the EDGAR section of the SEC website at www.sec.gov.
INDEX
| METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023 (Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated, except for shares, per ounce, and per share amounts) |
COMPANY OVERVIEW
Metalla is a precious metals royalty and streaming company that is focused on acquiring gold and silver metal purchase agreements, Net Smelter Return (“NSR”) royalties, Gross Value Return (“GVR”) royalties, Net Profit Interests (“NPI”), Gross Proceeds (“GP”) royalties, Gross Overriding Return (“GOR”) royalties, Price Participation (“PP”) royalties, and non-operating interests in mining projects that provide the right to the holder of a percentage of the gross revenue from metals produced from the project or a percentage of the gross revenue from metals produced from the project after deducting specified costs, if any, respectively. The Company’s common shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (“TSX-V”) under the symbol “MTA” and on the NYSE American (“NYSE”) under the symbol “MTA”. The head office and principal address is 501 - 543 Granville Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
During the three months ended March 31, 2023, and subsequent period the Company:
- Acquired 1 stream and 5 royalties to bring the total held as at the date of this MD&A to 85 precious metals assets, through the following transactions:
i. Acquired an existing 2.5%-3.75% sliding scale GP royalty over gold, together with a 0.25%-3.0% NSR royalty on all non-gold and silver metals on the majority of Barrick Gold Corporation’s ("Barrick") world-class Lama project in Argentina, from an arm’s length seller for aggregate consideration of $7.5 million. The transaction closed on March 9, 2023, at which time the Company paid the $2.5 million in cash, and issued 466,827 common shares of the Company to the seller (valued at $5.3553 per share). The remaining $2.5 million (the “Lama Payable”), to be paid in cash or common shares, is payable within 90 days upon the earlier of a 2 Moz gold Mineral Reserve estimate on the royalty area or 36 months after the closing date;
ii. Acquired one silver stream and three royalties from Alamos Gold Corp. (“Alamos”) for $5.0 million in common shares of Metalla valued at $5.3228 per share, representing the 20-day Volume-Weighted Average Price (“VWAP”) of shares of Metalla traded on the NYSE prior to the announcement of the transaction. The transaction closed on February 23, 2023, at which time the Company issued 939,355 common shares of the Company to Alamos. The stream and royalties acquired in this transaction include:
- a 20% silver stream over the Esperanza project located in Morales, Mexico owned by Zacatecas Silver Corp.;
- a 1.4% NSR royalty on the Fenn Gibb South project located in Timmins, Ontario owned by Mayfair Gold Corp.;
- a 2.0% NSR royalty on the Ronda project located in Shining Tree, Ontario owned by Platinex Inc.; and
- a 2.0% NSR royalty on the Northshore West property located in Thunder Bay, Ontario owned by New Path Resources Inc.
- For the three months ended March 31, 2023, received or accrued payments on 927 (March 31, 2022 - 724) attributable Gold Equivalent Ounces ("GEOs") at an average realized price of $1,836 (March 31, 2022 - $1,835) and an average cash cost of $5 (March 31, 2022 - $5) per attributable GEO (see Non-IFRS Financial Measures);
- For the three months ended March 31, 2023, recognized revenue from royalty and stream interests, including fixed royalty payments, of $1.0 million (March 31, 2022 – $0.7 million), net loss of $1.4 million (March 31, 2022 - $2.2 million), and Adjusted EBITDA of $0.6 million (March 31, 2022 – less than $0.1 million) (see Non-IFRS Financial Measures);
| METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023 (Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated, except for shares, per ounce, and per share amounts) |
- For the three months ended March 31, 2023, generated operating cash margin of $1,831 (March 31, 2022 - $1,830) per attributable GEO, from the Wharf, El Realito, La Encantada, the New Luika Gold Mine ("NLGM") stream held by Silverback Ltd. ("Silverback"), the Higginsville derivative royalty asset, and other royalty interests (see Non-IFRS Financial Measures);
- For the three months ended March 31, 2023, recognized payments due or received (not included in revenue) from the Higginsville derivative royalty asset of $0.7 million (March 31, 2022 - $0.6 million) (see Non-IFRS Financial Measures);
- On May 27, 2022, the Company announced that it had entered into an equity distribution agreement with a syndicate of agents to establish an At-The-Market equity program under which the Company may distribute up to $50.0 million (or the equivalent in Canadian Dollars) in common shares of the Company. From inception to the date of the MD&A, the Company distributed 1,078,079 common shares under the 2022 ATM Program (as defined below) at an average price of $5.20 per share for gross proceeds of $5.6 million, of which 664,966 common shares were sold during the three months ended March 31, 2023, at an average price of $5.13 per share for gross proceeds of $3.4 million;
- On May 11, 2023, the Company entered into a second supplemental loan agreement (“Supplemental Loan Agreement”) with Beedie Capital (“Beedie”), expected to be effective March 31, 2023, once customary conditions are satisfied, to amend the Amended Loan Facility (as defined below) by:
- extending the maturity date to May 9, 2027;
- increasing the loan facility by C$5.0 million from C$20.0 million to C$25.0 million, of which C$21.0 million will be undrawn after giving effect to the C$4.0 million conversion described below;
- increasing the interest rate from 8.0% to 10.0% per annum;
- amending the conversion price of the Fourth Drawdown (as defined below) from C$11.16 per share to C$8.67 per share, being a 30% premium to the 30-day VWAP of the Company shares measured at market close on the day prior to announcement of the amendment;
- amending the conversion price of C$4.0 million of the Third Drawdown (as defined below) from C$14.30 per share to C$7.33 per share, being the 5-day VWAP of the Company shares measured at market close on the day prior to announcement of the amendment, and converting the C$4.0 million into shares at the new conversion price. The Company will issue Beedie 545,702 common shares of the Company for the conversion of the C$4.0 million once customary conditions are satisfied;
- amending the conversion price of the remaining C$1.0 million of the Third Drawdown from C$14.30 per share to C$8.67 per share, being to the 30-day VWAP of the Company shares measured at market close on the day prior to announcement of the amendment; and
- All other terms of the loan facility remain unchanged.
- On March 30, 2023, the Company signed an amendment with the arm's length seller of the Castle Mountain royalty to extend the maturity date of the $5.0 million Castle Mountain Loan (as defined below) from June 1, 2023, to April 1, 2024. As part of the amendment, on March 31, 2023, the Company paid all accrued interest on the loan, and effective April 1, 2023, the interest rate increased to 12.0% per annum, and the principal and accrued interest will be repaid no later than April 1, 2024.
| METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023 (Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated, except for shares, per ounce, and per share amounts) |
PORTFOLIO OF ROYALTIES AND STREAMS
As at the date of this MD&A, the Company owned 85 royalties, streams, and other interests. Five of the royalties and streams are in the production stage, thirty-four of the royalties are in the development stage, and the remainder are in the exploration stage.
Notes:
(1) Au: gold; Ag: silver; Cu: copper; Zn: zinc; and Pb: lead.
(2) Kt: kilotonnes; Mt: million tonnes; g/t: grams per tonne; oz: ounces; Koz: kilo ounces; Moz: million ounces; Ktpa: kilotonnes per annum; Mtpa: million tonnes per annum; and tpd: tonnes per day.
(3) See the Company's website at https://www.metallaroyalty.com/ for the complete list and further details.
Producing Assets
As at the date of this MD&A, the Company owned an interest in the following properties that are in the production stage:
| Property | Operator | Location | Metal | Terms | ||||
| Wharf | Coeur Mining | South Dakota, USA | Au | 1.0% GVR | ||||
| Higginsville (1) | Karora Resources | Higginsville, Australia | Au | 27.5% PPR | ||||
| New Luika | Shanta Gold | Tanzania | Au, Ag | 15% Ag Stream | ||||
| El Realito | Agnico Eagle Mines | Sonora, Mexico | Au, Ag | 2.0% NSR(2) | ||||
| La Encantada | First Majestic Silver | Coahuila, Mexico | Au | 100% GVR(3) |
(1) The Higginsville PP royalty is designated as a derivate royalty asset on the Company's statement of financial position.
(2) Subject to partial buy-back and/or exemption.
(3) 100% gross value royalty on gold produced at the La Encantada mine limited to 1.0 Koz annually.
Below are updates during the three months ended March 31, 2023, and subsequent period to certain production stage assets, based on information publicly filed by the applicable project owner:
La Encantada
On April 20, 2023, First Majestic Silver Corp. ("First Majestic") announced production of 89 ounces of gold in the first quarter of 2023 from La Encantada. Silver production for the mine totaled 0.84 Moz, and 2023 guidance is in the range of 2.9 - 3.2 Moz silver. First Majestic also completed 1,863 meters of drilling on the property with the use of two underground rigs. First Majestic will continue to advance mining at La Encantada towards the Ojuelas and Beca-Zone orebodies to extract higher-grade ores during the quarter to further improve overall production.
On March 31, 2023, First Majestic declared Probable Reserves of 13.6 Moz at 133 g/t silver, and total Measured and Indicated Resources of 31.6 Moz at 148 g/t silver at La Encantada with an effective date of December 31, 2022.
Metalla holds a 100% GVR royalty on gold produced at the La Encantada mine limited to 1.0 Koz annually.
El Realito
On April 27, 2023, Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. ("Agnico") reported that gold production from La India totaled 16,321 oz gold for the first quarter of 2023. Mine production levels for the first quarter were good with grades higher than target. Changes are underway to improve the leach kinetics of the heap leach pads at the mine. An investigation is ongoing for additional sulphide mineralization with a plan to drill 4,000 meters at the Chipriona target which is northwest and adjacent to El Realito royalty boundary.
| METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023 (Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated, except for shares, per ounce, and per share amounts) |
Metalla holds a 2.0% NSR royalty on the El Realito deposit which is subject to a 1.0% buyback right for $4.0 million.
Wharf Royalty
On February 22, 2023, Coeur Mining Inc. ("Coeur") reported fourth quarter production of 19.9 Koz gold at 0.65 g/t, in line with full year guidance for Wharf disclosed by Coeur on February 16, 2022. Coeur has guided 2023 production to be in the range of 85 - 95 Koz. Successful exploration and infill drilling during the year allowed for a 7% increase, net of depletion, at Wharf where Proven & Probable Reserves totaled 908 Koz gold at 0.027 oz/t (0.84 g/t). Additionally, a total of 293 Koz gold at 0.02 oz/t (0.62 g/t) of Measured & Indicated Resources, and Inferred Resources stand at 63 Koz gold at 0.02 oz/t (0.62 g/t), were declared at Wharf. Exploration efforts in 2023 will focus on geological modelling and planning for 2024.
Metalla holds a 1.0% GVR royalty on the Wharf mine.
New Luika Silver Stream
On April 24, 2023, Shanta Gold Limited ("Shanta") reported that it produced 15.3 Koz of gold at its NLGM in Tanzania in the first quarter of 2023. On February 27, 2023, Shanta announced the extension of the mine life at NLGM through to Q1 2028 through the increase in Mineral Reserves at the mine. Total Proven & Probable Mineral Reserves at NLGM now stand at 394 Koz at 2.85 g/t gold, with Measured & Indicated Resources at 764 Koz at 2.78 g/t gold. In addition, a tailings retreatment project at NLGM contributed an additional 48 Koz of recoverable gold and extends the NLGM operating life to at least February 2031.
Metalla holds a 15% interest in Silverback, whose sole business is receipt and distribution of a 100% silver stream on NLGM at an ongoing cost of 10% of the spot silver price.
| METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023 (Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated, except for shares, per ounce, and per share amounts) |
Development Stage Assets
As at the date of this MD&A, the Company owned an interest in the following properties that are in the development stage:
| Property | Operator | Location | Metal | Terms | ||||
| Akasaba West | Agnico Eagle Mines | Val d'Or, Quebec | Au, Cu | 2.0% NSR(1) | ||||
| Amalgamated Kirkland | Agnico Eagle Mines | Kirkland Lake, Ontario | Au | 0.45% NSR | ||||
| Aureus East | Aurelius Minerals | Halifax, Nova Scotia | Au | 1.0% NSR | ||||
| Beaufor | Monarch Mining | Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec | Au | 1.0% NSR | ||||
| Big Springs | Warriedar Resources | Nevada, USA | Au | 2.0% NSR(2) | ||||
| Castle Mountain | Equinox Gold | California, USA | Au | 5.0% NSR | ||||
| CentroGold | Oz Minerals | Maranhao, Brazil | Au | 1.0%-2.0% NSR(4) | ||||
| COSE(8) | Pan American Silver | Santa Cruz, Argentina | Au, Ag | 1.5% NSR | ||||
| Côté and Gosselin | IAMGOLD/Sumitomo | Gogama, Ontario | Au | 1.35% NSR | ||||
| Del Carmen | Barrick Gold Corp | San Juan, Argentina | Au, Ag | 0.5% NSR | ||||
| Del Toro | First Majestic Silver | Zacatecas, Mexico | Ag, Au | 2.0% NSR | ||||
| Endeavor(8) | CBH Resources | NSW, Australia | Zn, Pb, Ag | 100% Ag Stream | ||||
| Esperanza | Zacatecas Silver | Morelos, Mexico | Ag | 20% Ag Stream(3) | ||||
| Fifteen Mile Stream ("FMS") | St. Barbara | Halifax, Nova Scotia | Au | 1.0% NSR | ||||
| FMS (Plenty Deposit) | St. Barbara | Halifax, Nova Scotia | Au | 3.0% NSR(1) | ||||
| Fosterville | Agnico Eagle Mines | Victoria, Australia | Au | 2.5% GVR | ||||
| Garrison | Moneta Gold | Kirkland Lake, Ontario | Au | 2.0% NSR | ||||
| Hoyle Pond Extension | Newmont Corporation | Timmins, Ontario | Au | 2.0% NSR(1) | ||||
| Joaquin(8) | Pan American Silver | Santa Cruz, Argentina | Au, Ag | 2.0% NSR | ||||
| La Fortuna | Minera Alamos | Durango, Mexico | Au, Ag, Cu | 3.5% NSR(5) | ||||
| La Guitarra | Sierra Madre Gold | Mexico State, Mexico | Ag | 2.0% NSR(1) | ||||
| La Parrilla | First Majestic Silver | Durango, Mexico | Au, Ag | 2.0% NSR | ||||
| Lama | Barrick Gold Corp | San Juan, Argentina | Au | 2.5% GPR(6) | ||||
| Lama | Barrick Gold Corp | San Juan, Argentina | Cu | 0.25% NSR(7) | ||||
| Lac Pelletier | Maritime Resources | Noranda, Quebec | Au | 1.0% NSR | ||||
| North AK | Agnico Eagle Mines | Kirkland Lake, Ontario | Au | 0.45% NSR | ||||
| NuevaUnión | Newmont and Teck | Atacama, Chile | Au | 2.0% NSR | ||||
| San Luis | SSR Mining | Peru | Au, Ag | 1.0% NSR | ||||
| San Martin | First Majestic Silver | Jalisco, Mexico | Ag, Au | 2.0% NSR | ||||
| Santa Gertrudis | Agnico Eagle Mines | Sonora, Mexico | Au | 2.0% NSR(1) | ||||
| Tocantinzinho | G Mining Ventures | Para, Brazil | Au | 0.75% GVR | ||||
| Wasamac | Agnico Eagle Mines | Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec | Au | 1.5% NSR(1) | ||||
| West Timmins Extension | Pan American Silver | Timmins, Ontario | Au | 1.5% NSR(1) | ||||
| Zaruma | Pelorus Minerals | Ecuador | Au | 1.5% NSR |
(1) Subject to partial buy-back and/or exemption.
(2) Subject to fixed royalty payments.
(3) Subject to cap on payments.
(4) 1.0% NSR royalty on the first 500 Koz, 2.0% NSR royalty on next 1Moz, and 1.0% NSR royalty thereafter.
(5) 2.5% NSR royalty capped at $4.5 million, 1.0% NSR royalty uncapped.
(6) 2.5% GP royalty on first 5Moz gold, 3.75 GVR royalty thereafter.
(7) 0.25% NSR royalty on all metals except gold and silver, escalates to 3.0% based on cumulative net smelter returns from the royalty area.
(8) The mine was previously classified as production, however it was placed on care and maintenance, as such the Company has reclassified it to development stage properties.
| METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023 (Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated, except for shares, per ounce, and per share amounts) |
Below are updates during the three months ended March 31, 2023, and subsequent period to certain development stage assets, based on information publicly filed by the applicable project owner:
Wasamac
On April 27, 2023, Agnico reported that prior to the closing of the transaction to acquire Yamana Gold Corp.’s (“Yamana”) Canadian assets, Yamana completed 29 drill holes totalling 14,673 meters at Wasamac which yielded a significant intercept of 4.7 g/t gold over 54.1 meters.
On February 16, 2023, Agnico reported they are reviewing the technical aspects of the project with a focus on processing ore at the Canadian Malartic mill, which is expected to reduce the project footprint and capital cost. An internal evaluation of the project is expected in the fourth quarter of 2023 and Agnico expects the project has the potential to produce 200 Koz gold annually.
Metalla holds a 1.5% NSR royalty on the Wasamac project subject to a buy back of 0.5% for C$7.5 million.
Garrison
On April 11, 2023, Moneta Gold Inc. ("Moneta") announced the results of assays from historical drill core at Garrison. The sampling confirmed the continuity and extension of gold mineralized zones not currently included in the latest Mineral Resource estimate. Significant results include 1.87 g/t over 18 meters and 1.58 g/t gold over 18.5 meters at Garrcon and 13.5 g/t gold over 3.2 meters and 4.79 g/t gold over 3.75 meters at Jonpol.
On September 7, 2022, Moneta announced positive results for a PEA for the Tower Gold Project envisioning a 19,200 tpd combined open pit and underground mining operation with strong economics. Average annual gold production over the first eleven years is expected to be 368 Koz gold with the majority of the ounces in the first five to six years sourced from the Garrison open pit.
Metalla holds a 2.0% NSR royalty on the Garrison project.
Amalgamated Kirkland Property
On April 27, 2023, Agnico reported infill drill results from the Amalgamated Kirkland deposit featuring highlights of 14.7 g/t gold over 5.3 meters and 13.0 g/t gold over 4.9 meters. The AK deposit remains open toward the west and vertically along the west fringe.
On February 16, 2023, Agnico reported it is evaluating the potential to source additional production from Amalgamated Kirkland to be processed at either Macassa or at the LaRonde complex. Agnico is evaluating the potential to produce between 20 Koz to 40 Koz of gold per year from the AK deposit commencing in 2024.
Metalla holds a 0.45% NSR royalty on the Amalgamated Kirkland property.
Endeavor
On March 28, 2023, Polymetals Resources Ltd. ("Polymetals") announced the execution of a share sale and purchase agreement in relation to the proposed acquisition of all of the issued share capital of Orana Minerals Pty Ltd., which is the sole shareholder of Cobar Metals Pty Ltd. ("Cobar Metals"). Cobar Metals has in turn entered into an agreement to purchase the Endeavor lead, zinc and silver mine in Australia via the acquisition of three project companies, including Cobar Operations Pty Ltd. ("Cobar Operations"). Completion of Polymetals acquisition of Orana Minerals Pty Ltd. is subject to approval of Polymetals shareholders, with the meeting scheduled for May 12, 2023. As part of Polymetals proposed acquisition of the Endeavor mine, the Company has entered into an agreement with the holder of the Endeavor mining tenements, Cobar Operations, by which the Company will convert its 100% silver stream in the Endeavor mine to a 4.0% NSR royalty on all lead, zinc and silver produced from those tenements, and the closing of that agreement is pending.
| METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023 (Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated, except for shares, per ounce, and per share amounts) |
On April 17, 2023, Polymetals announced the results of six drill holes completed on Endeavor, highlighted by 19.5% zinc Equivalent (“ZnEq”) over 81 meters and 14.6% ZnEq over 52 meters at the North lode. Polymetals announced it is focused on various aspects of the Endeavor mine with a view to recommencing operations. On April 25, 2023, Polymetals released additional results from drilling at the South Lode at Endeavor, highlights included 11.02% ZnEq over 71 meters.
Côté-Gosselin
On February 2, 2023, and February 16, 2023, IAMGOLD Corporation ("IAMGOLD") reported that it had completed 73% of the construction at the Côté Gold Project and drill results received for the 2022 drill program continue to highlight the resource expansion potential of the Gosselin deposit both to the south of the recently declared 5Moz Resource estimate and at depth. Significant intercepts include 1.99 g/t gold over 342.2 meters, 1.29 g/t gold over 313 meters, 1.5 g/t gold over 181 meters and 0.66 g/t gold over 388.5 meters. Additional technical studies are planned to complete metallurgical test work and mining and infrastructure studies to review alternatives to optimize the inclusion of Gosselin into future Côté life-of-mine plans.
Metalla holds a 1.35% NSR royalty that covers less than 10% of the Côté Reserves and Resources estimate and covers all of the 5 Moz gold Gosselin Resource estimate.
Fifteen Mile Stream
On April 27, 2023, St. Barbara Limited (“St Barbara”) reported a revised permitting timeline for Fifteen Mile Stream which targets development in fiscal 2026. In addition, St. Barbara will investigate repurposing the Touquoy processing facility for use at Fifteen Mile Stream to lower capital and construction cost.
Metalla holds a 1.0% NSR royalty on the Fifteen Mile Stream project, and 3.0% NSR royalty on the Plenty and Seloam Brook deposits.
Fosterville
On April 27, 2023, Agnico reported that gold production from Fosterville for the first quarter of 2023 totalled 86 Koz gold. At the tail end of the quarter, drilling began at the lower end of the Lower Phoenix/Swan zone where drilling will also target the newly discovered Cardinal structure in the hanging wall of the Swan Zone. During 2023, Agnico plans to spend $20.8 million for 105,300 meters of drilling, and development of exploration drifts to replace Mineral Reserve depletion and to add Mineral Resources in the Lower Phoenix, Cygnet and Robbins Hills areas. Agnico will spend another $4.4 million for 11,300 meters of underground and surface exploration with the aim of discovering addition high-grade mineralization at Fosterville.
Metalla holds a 2.5% GVR royalty on the northern and southern extensions of the Fosterville mining license and other areas in the land package.
Lama
On May 3, 2023, Barrick reported that drilling continued during the first quarter of 2023 with one rig testing mineralization concepts at Penelope South and West targets. Total exploration, evaluation and project expenses for the whole Pascua-Lama project totaled $8 million for the first quarter of 2023.
Metalla holds a 2.5%-3.75% GP royalty on gold and a 0.25%-3.0% NSR royalty on all other metals (other than gold and silver) at Lama.
| METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023 (Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated, except for shares, per ounce, and per share amounts) |
Castle Mountain
On May 3, 2023, Equinox Gold Corp. ("Equinox") reported a surface exploration program of geological mapping and channel sampling commenced with the primary goal to sample previously identified mineralization exposed on surface such that data can be used in future Mineral Resource estimation. Sustaining capital expenditures during the quarter were primarily related to work on a water well. A total of $1.4 million was spent on Phase 2 permitting and optimization for the quarter.
On February 23, 2023, Equinox reported that in 2023 it plans to spend $8 million on Castle Mountain phase two optimization, engineering and permitting.
Metalla holds a 5.0% NSR royalty on the South Domes area of the Castle Mountain mine.
Santa Gertrudis
On February 16, 2023, Agnico provided a resource update on the Santa Gertrudis project near Hermosillo, Mexico where Agnico expects to spend $7.3 million for 10,000 meters of drilling in 2023. Measured & Indicated Resources at Santa Gertrudis totaled 516 Koz at 0.91 g/t gold and 2,106 Koz at 3.71 g/t silver. Inferred Resources totaled 1,464 Koz at 2.25 g/t gold and 7,548 Koz at 11.58 g/t silver.
Metalla holds a 2.0% NSR royalty on the Santa Gertrudis project.
Akasaba West
On April 27, 2023, Agnico announced that 670 kt of overburden was removed to date and construction and installation of surface infrastructure was ongoing to bring the Akasaba West project online for early 2024 where it is expected to contribute 12,000 ounces of gold per year to the Goldex operation.
Metalla holds a 2.0% NSR royalty on the Akasaba West project subject to a 210 Koz gold exemption.
| METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023 (Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated, except for shares, per ounce, and per share amounts) |
Exploration Stage Assets
As at the date of this MD&A, the Company owned a large portfolio of royalties on exploration stage assets including:
| Property | Operator | Location | Metal | Terms | ||||
| Anglo/Zeke | Nevada Gold Mines | Nevada, USA | Au | 0.5% GOR | ||||
| Beaudoin | Explor Resources | Timmins, Ontario | Au, Ag | 0.4% NSR | ||||
| Big Island | Voyageur Mineral Explorers | Flin Flon, Manitoba | Au | 2.0% NSR | ||||
| Bint Property | Glencore | Timmins, Ontario | Au | 2.0% NSR | ||||
| Biricu | Minaurum Gold | Guerrero, Mexico | Au, Ag | 2.0% NSR | ||||
| Boulevard | Independence Gold | Dawson Range, Yukon | Au | 1.0% NSR | ||||
| Caldera | Not Applicable | Nevada, USA | Au | 1.0% NSR | ||||
| Camflo Mine | Agnico Eagle Mines | Val d'Or, Quebec | Au | 1.0% NSR | ||||
| Capricho | Solaris Resources | Peru | Au, Ag | 1.0% NSR | ||||
| Colbert/Anglo | Newmont | Timmins, Ontario | Au | 2.0% NSR | ||||
| Carlin East | Ridgeline Minerals | Nevada, USA | Au | 0.5% NSR(3) | ||||
| DeSantis Mine | Canadian Gold Miner | Timmins, Ontario | Au | 1.5% NSR | ||||
| Detour DNA | Agnico Eagle Mines | Cochrane, Ontario | Au | 2.0% NSR | ||||
| Edwards Mine | Alamos Gold | Wawa, Ontario | Au | 1.25% NSR | ||||
| Fenn Gib South | Mayfair Gold | Timmins, Ontario | Au | 1.4% NSR | ||||
| Fortuity 89 | Not Applicable | Nevada, USA | Au | 2.0% NSR | ||||
| Golden Brew | Highway 50 Gold | Nevada, USA | Au | 0.5% NSR | ||||
| Golden Dome | Warriedar Resources | Nevada, USA | Au | 2.0% NSR (3) | ||||
| Goodfish Kirana | Warrior Gold | Kirkland Lake, Ontario | Au | 1.0% NSR | ||||
| Green Springs | Contact Gold | Nevada, USA | Au | 2.0% NSR | ||||
| Guadalupe/Pararin | Black Swan Minerals | Peru | Au | 1.0% NSR | ||||
| Hot Pot/Kelly Creek | Nevada Exp./Austin Gold | Nevada, USA | Au | 1.5% NSR(2)(3) | ||||
| Island Mountain | Tuvera Exploration | Nevada, USA | Au | 2.0% NSR(3) | ||||
| Jersey Valley | Not Applicable | Nevada, USA | Au | 2.0% NSR | ||||
| Kings Canyon | Pine Cliff Energy | Utah, USA | Au | 2.0% NSR | ||||
| Kirkland-Hudson | Agnico Eagle Mines | Kirkland Lake, Ontario | Au | 2.0% NSR | ||||
| La Joya | Silver Dollar | Durango, Mexico | Ag, Cu, Au | 2.0% NSR | ||||
| La Luz | First Majestic | San Luis Potosi, Mexico | Ag | 2.0% NSR | ||||
| Los Patos | Private | Venezuela | Au | 1.5% NSR | ||||
| Los Tambos | IAMGOLD/Pucara Res. | Peru | Au | 1.0% NSR | ||||
| Lourdes | Pucara Resources | Peru | Au, Ag | 1.0% NSR | ||||
| Mirado Mine | Orefinders | Kirkland Lake, Ontario | Au | 1.0% NSR(1) | ||||
| Montclerg | GFG Resources | Timmins, Ontario | Au | 1.0% NSR | ||||
| Northshore West | Newpath Resources Inc | Thunderbay, Ontario | Au | 2.0% NSR | ||||
| Orion | Minera Frisco | Nayarit, Mexico | Au, Ag | 2.75% NSR(4) | ||||
| Pelangio Poirier | Pelangio Exploration | Timmins, Ontario | Au | 1.0% NSR | ||||
| Pine Valley | Nevada Gold Mines | Nevada, USA | Au | 3.0% NSR(3) | ||||
| Plomosas | GR Silver | Sinaloa, Mexico | Ag | 2.0% NSR(2) | ||||
| Pucarana | Buenaventura | Peru | Au | 1.8% NSR(1) | ||||
| Puchildiza | Not Applicable | Chile | Au | 1.5% NSR | ||||
| Red Hill | NuLegacy Gold Corp. | Nevada, USA | Au | 1.5% GOR | ||||
| Ronda | Platinex | Shining Tree, Ontario | Au | 2.0% NSR(2) | ||||
| Sirola Grenfell | Record Gold Corp. | Kirkland Lake, Ontario | Au | 0.25% NSR | ||||
| Solomon's Pillar | Private | Greenstone, Ontario | Au | 1.0% NSR | ||||
| Tower Mountain | Thunder Gold Corp. | Thunder Bay, Ontario | Au | 2.0% NSR | ||||
| TVZ Zone | Newmont | Timmins, Ontario | Au | 2.0% NSR |
(1) Option to acquire the underlying and/or additional royalty.
(2) Subject to partial buy-back and/or exemption.
(3) Subject to fixed royalty payments.
(4) Subject to closing conditions.
| METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023 (Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated, except for shares, per ounce, and per share amounts) |
Below are updates during the three months ended March 31, 2023, and subsequent period to certain exploration assets, based on information publicly filed by the applicable project owner:
Camflo
On April 27, 2023, Agnico reported there are three drill rigs currently investigating near-surface targets at Camflo. On February 16, 2023, Agnico reported the Canadian Malartic partnership has identified porphyry hosted gold mineralization that could potentially be mined via an open pit at the Camflo property and provide tonnage to the Canadian Malartic operation by the end of the decade. Additional studies are underway to fully evaluate the mineralization and additional potential in adjacent rock types. An aggressive drill program of $5 million with 22,000 meters is planned in 2023. The Camflo property covers the past producing Camflo mine which had historical production of approximately 1.6 Moz gold at 5.78 g/t.
Metalla holds a 1.0% NSR royalty on the Camflo mine, located ~1km northeast of the Canadian Malartic operation.
Plomosas
On March 20, 2023, GR Silver Mining announced an updated Mineral Resource estimate for the Plomosas project. At the Plomosas Mine area, total Indicated Resources are 31 Moz at 200 g/t silver equivalent ("AgEq") and Inferred Resources are 17 Moz at 175 g/t AgEq. The San Juan-La Colorada Area has an Indicated Resource of 1 Moz at 204 g/t AgEq and an Inferred Resource of 16 Moz at 180 g/t AgEq.
Metalla holds a 2.0% NSR royalty on the Plomosas property subject to a buy back of 1.0% for $1.0 million.
Tower Mountain
On April 25, 2023, Thunder Gold Corp announced they intersected 941 g/t over 1.5 meters with visible gold in the core at the Thunder Gold property. Additional highlights include 0.77 g/t gold over 23 meters and 1.26 g/t gold over 17.5 meters.
Metalla holds a 2% NSR royalty on the Tower Mountain property.
Montclerg
Through press releases dated February 8, 2023, and January 18, 2023, GFG Resources Inc. reported high grade intervals at the Montclerg Gold Project located 48 km east of the Timmins Gold District. Significant intercepts include 8.46 g/t gold over 5 meters and 9.85 g/t gold over 16 meters.
Metalla holds a 1.0% NSR royalty on the Montclerg property.
Detour DNA
On February 16, 2023, Agnico reported the results from step out drilling approximately 2.4 km west of the Detour West pit where a significant drill hole intercepted 2.6 g/t gold over 35.3 meters and 13.7 g/t gold over 3.2 meters.
Metalla holds a 2.0% NSR royalty on the Detour DNA property which is approximately 7 km west of the Detour West reserve pit margin.
| METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023 (Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated, except for shares, per ounce, and per share amounts) |
Green Springs
On December 9, 2022, Contact Gold Corp. announced it has entered into a $10 million earn-in with Centerra Gold on the Green Springs project. On April 5, 2023, Contact Gold reported a 4,500 meter drill program with a budget of $1.85 million will be conducted at Green Springs.
Metalla holds a 2.0% NSR royalty on the Green Springs project.
Production and Sales from Royalties and Streams
The following table summarizes the attributable GEOs sold by the Company's royalty partners, including any amounts related to derivative royalty assets:
| Three months ended March 31, |
||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||
| Attributable GEOs(1) during the period from: | ||||||
| Higginsville(2) | 354 | 332 | ||||
| Wharf | 352 | 218 | ||||
| El Realito | 168 | - | ||||
| La Encantada | 26 | - | ||||
| NLGM(3) | 27 | 19 | ||||
| COSE | - | 64 | ||||
| Joaquin | - | 91 | ||||
| Total attributable GEOs(1) | 927 | 724 | ||||
(1) For the methodology used to calculate attributable GEOs see Non-IFRS Financial Measures.
(2) The Higginsville PP royalty is accounted for as a derivative royalty asset, as such any payments received under this royalty are treated as a reduction in the carrying value of the asset on the statement of financial position and not shown as revenue on the Company's statement of profit and loss. However, operationally the Company is paid for the ounces sold similar to the Company's other royalty interests, therefore the results have been included here for more accurate comparability and to allow the reader to accurately analyze the operations of the Company. For additional details on the derivative royalty asset see Note 5 of the Company's condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2023.
(3) Adjusted for the Company's proportionate share of NLGM held by Silverback.
OUTLOOK
Primary sources of cash flows from royalties and streams for 2023 are expected to be Wharf, Higginsville, El Realito, NLGM, and La Encantada. In 2023, the Company expects 2,500 to 3,500 attributable GEOs (1).
(1) For the methodology used to calculate attributable GEOs see Non-IFRS Financial Measures.
| METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023 (Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated, except for shares, per ounce, and per share amounts) |
SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY RESULTS
The following table provides selected financial information for the eight most recently completed financial quarters up to March 31, 2023:
| Three months ended | ||||||||||||
| March 31, | December 31, | September 30, | June 30, | |||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2022 | 2022 | |||||||||
| Revenue from royalty and stream interests | $ | 981 | $ | 628 | $ | 656 | $ | 460 | ||||
| Net loss | 1,356 | 4,788 | 2,538 | 1,371 | ||||||||
| Loss per share - basic and diluted | 0.03 | 0.11 | 0.06 | 0.03 | ||||||||
| Weighted average shares outstanding - basic | 50,514,392 | 45,500,634 | 44,828,356 | 44,583,515 | ||||||||
| Three months ended | ||||||||||||
| March 31, | December 31, | September 30, | June 30, | |||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | 2021 | 2021 | |||||||||
| Revenue from royalty and stream interests | $ | 669 | $ | 814 | $ | 785 | $ | 697 | ||||
| Net loss | 2,232 | 3,131 | 2,187 | 2,730 | ||||||||
| Loss per share - basic and diluted | 0.05 | 0.07 | 0.05 | 0.06 | ||||||||
| Weighted average shares outstanding - basic | 44,271,600 | 43,953,837 | 43,287,763 | 42,281,245 | ||||||||
Changes in revenues, net income (loss), and cash flows on a quarter-by-quarter basis are affected primarily by changes in production levels and the related commodity prices at producing mines, acquisitions of royalties and streams, as well as the commencement or cessation of mining operations at mines the Company has under royalty and stream agreements.
A summary of material changes impacting the Company's quarterly results are discussed below:
- For the three months ended March 31, 2023, revenue increased with the start of payments from La Encantada, and a ramp up at El Realito. Net loss was lower than the previous periods primarily due to no impairment charges during the period.
- For the three months ended December 31, 2022, revenue remained roughly consistent with the prior period as the primary sources of revenue remained unchanged. Net loss was higher than previous periods due to the impairment charges on the Joaquin and COSE royalties.
- For the three months ended September 30, 2022, revenue remained roughly consistent with the prior period as the COSE royalty ended and the El Realito royalty started making payments. Net loss for the period was higher due to the impairment charge on the Joaquin royalty.
- For the three months ended June 30, 2022, revenue was roughly consistent with prior periods as the primary sources of revenue remained unchanged. Net loss was lower than previous periods due to the reduction in share-based payments expense related to the vesting conditions of the Company's previously issued stock options and restricted share units.
- For the three months ended March 31, 2022, December 31, 2021, September 30, 2021, and June 30, 2021, revenue and net loss roughly consistent compared to the previous quarter as the primary sources of revenue remained unchanged being the Wharf, COSE and Joaquin royalties.
| METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023 (Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated, except for shares, per ounce, and per share amounts) |
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Three Months Ended March 31, 2023
The Company's net loss totaled $1.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 ("Q1 2023"), compared with a net loss of $2.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 ("Q1 2022").
Significant items impacting the change in net loss included the following:
- an increase in gross profit from $0.1 million in Q1 2022 to $0.6 million in Q1 2023, this increase was primarily due to higher revenue amounts in Q1 2023;
- a decrease in share-based payments from $1.2 million for Q1 2022, to $0.9 million for Q1 2023, this decrease was due to the Company having unvested options outstanding during the current period with lower black-scholes values, which led to a corresponding lower share-based payment charge; and
- an increase in mark-to-market gains on the derivative royalty asset from a gain of $0.2 million for Q1 2022, to a gain of $0.5 million for Q1 2023, driven primarily by changes in the estimates of future gold price and foreign exchange rates used in the Company's derivative valuation model.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company considers items included in shareholders' equity and long-term debt as capital. The Company's objective when managing capital is to safeguard the Company's ability to continue as a going concern, so that it can continue to add value for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders.
The Company's cash balance as at March 31, 2023, was $4.8 million (December 31, 2022 - $4.6 million) and its working capital was $3.3 million (December 31, 2022 - $3.0 million). The Company manages its capital structure and makes adjustments in light of changes in economic conditions and the risk characteristics of the underlying assets.
The Company believes it will have access to sufficient resources to undertake its current business plan for the next twelve months. In order to meet is capital requirements the Company's primary sources of cash flows are expected to be from the Wharf, Higginsville, El Realito, La Encantada, and NLGM royalties and streams, drawdowns under the Amended Loan Facility (as defined below), the 2022 ATM Program (as defined below), and public and/or private placements. The Company may also enter into new debt agreements, or sell assets.
During Q1 2023, cash increased by $0.2 million. The increase was due to cash provided by financing activities of $2.9 million, cash provided by operating activities of $0.2 million, partially offset by cash used in investing activities of $2.8 million. Exchange rate changes had an impact on cash of $0.1 million.
Debt
Convertible Loan Facility
In March 2019, the Company entered into a convertible loan facility (the “Loan Facility”) of C$12.0 million with Beedie to fund acquisitions of new royalties and streams. The Loan Facility consisted of an initial advance of C$7.0 million (the “First Drawdown”), with the remaining C$5.0 million available for subsequent advances.
On August 6, 2020, the Company completed an amendment with Beedie on its Loan Facility (the "Loan Amendment"). As part of the Loan Amendment:
i. Beedie converted C$6.0 million of the First Drawdown at a conversion price of C$5.56 per share for a total of 1,079,136 common shares of the Company;
| METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023 (Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated, except for shares, per ounce, and per share amounts) |
ii. the Company drew down the remaining undrawn C$5.0 million (the "Second Drawdown") available from the Loan Facility with a conversion price of C$9.90 per share;
iii. the Loan Facility was increased by an aggregate C$20.0 million. All future advances will have a minimum amount of C$2.5 million and each advance will have its own conversion price based on a 20% premium to the 30-day VWAP of the Company's shares on the date of such advance;
iv. if for a period of 30 consecutive trading days the 30-day VWAP is at a 50% premium above any or all of the conversion prices, the Company may elect to convert the principal amount outstanding under the Loan Facility at the respective conversion prices; and
v. the standby fee on all undrawn funds available under the Loan Facility will bear an interest rate of 1.5%.
In October 2020, Beedie converted the remaining C$1.0 million of the First Drawdown at a conversion price of C$5.56 per share for a total of 179,856 common shares of the Company and in March 2021, Beedie converted the entire C$5.0 million from the Second Drawdown at a conversion price of C$9.90 per share for a total of 505,050 common shares of the Company. Following the conversion of the First Drawdown and the Second Drawdown, under the Loan Facility and the Loan Amendment (together the "Amended Loan Facility") the Company had C$20.0 million available under the Amended Loan Facility with the conversion price to be determined on the date of any future advances. The Amended Loan Facility is secured by certain assets of the Company and can be repaid with no penalty at any time after the 12-month anniversary of each advance.
In March 2021, the Company drew down $4.0 million (C$5.0 million) (the "Third Drawdown"), at a conversion price of C$14.30 per share, from the Amended Loan Facility of which $3.2 million was allocated to the liability portion and the residual value of $0.8 million was allocated to the conversion feature as equity reserves. A deferred tax liability of $0.2 million related to the taxable temporary difference arising from the equity portion of the convertible loan was recognized as an offset in equity reserves. The effective interest rate on the liability portion was 20.0% per annum, with an expected life of approximately two years. In October 2021, the Company drew down $2.4 million (C$3.0 million) (the "Fourth Drawdown"), at a conversion price of C$11.16 per share, from the Amended Loan Facility of which $2.0 million was allocated to the liability portion and the residual value of $0.4 million was allocated to the conversion feature as equity reserves. A deferred tax liability of $0.1 million related to the taxable temporary difference arising from the equity portion of the convertible loan was recognized as an offset in equity reserves. The effective interest rate on the liability portion was 20.0% per annum, with an expected life of approximately one and a half years.
In August 2022, the Company and Beedie entered into a first supplemental loan agreement to extend the maturity date of the Amended Loan Facility from April 22, 2023, to January 22, 2024 (the “Loan Extension”). In consideration for the Loan Extension the Company incurred a fee of 2.0% of the then drawn amount of C$8.0 million, in the amount of C$0.2 million (the “Loan Extension Fee”), which is deemed included in the principal amount outstanding under the Amended Loan Facility and bears interest at a rate of 8% per annum. The Loan Extension Fee is due on the earlier of January 22, 2024, and the acceleration of the principal amount of the Amended Loan Facility. The Loan Extension Fee will be convertible into common shares at a conversion price of C$7.34 per share, calculated based on a 20% premium to the 30-day VWAP of the Company’s common shares on the close of trading on the trading day immediately prior to the effective date of the Loan Extension. Upon completion of the Loan Extension, the Company recognized a gain of $0.3 million to reflect the change required in the amortized cost of the liability using the effective interest method over a longer period of time.
As at March 31, 2023, the Company had C$5.0 million outstanding with a conversion price of C$14.30 per share from the Third Drawdown, C$3.0 million outstanding with a conversion price of C$11.16 per share from the Fourth Drawdown, C$0.2 million outstanding with a conversion price of C$7.34 per share from the Loan Extension, and had C$12.0 million available under the Amended Loan Facility with the conversion price to be determined on the date of any future advances.
During Q1 2023, the Company recognized finance charges of less than $0.1 million (March 31, 2023 - less than $0.1 million), related to costs associated with the Amended Loan Facility, including standby fees on the undrawn portion of the Amended Loan Facility, as well as set up and other associated costs.
| METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023 (Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated, except for shares, per ounce, and per share amounts) |
Subsequent to the period end, on May 11, 2023, the Company entered into a second supplemental loan agreement (“Supplemental Loan Agreement”) with Beedie, expected to be effective March 31, 2023, once customary conditions are satisfied, to amend the Amended Loan Facility by:
- extending the maturity date to May 9, 2027;
- increasing the loan facility by C$5.0 million from C$20.0 million to C$25.0 million, of which C$21.0 million will be undrawn after giving effect to the C$4.0 million conversion described below;
- increasing the interest rate from 8.0% to 10.0% per annum;
- amending the conversion price of the Fourth Drawdown from C$11.16 per share to C$8.67 per share, being a 30% premium to the 30-day VWAP of the Company shares measured at market close on the day prior to announcement of the amendment;
- amending the conversion price of C$4.0 million of the Third Drawdown from C$14.30 per share to C$7.33 per share, being the 5-day VWAP of the Company shares measured at market close on the day prior to announcement of the amendment, and converting the C$4.0 million into shares at the new conversion price. The Company will issue Beedie 545,702 common shares of the Company for the conversion of the C$4.0 million once customary conditions are satisfied;
- amending the conversion price of the remaining C$1.0 million of the Third Drawdown from C$14.30 per share to C$8.67 per share, being to the 30-day VWAP of the Company shares measured at market close on the day prior to announcement of the amendment; and
- All other terms of the loan facility remain unchanged.
While the agreement had an effective date of March 31, 2023, the change to the loan facility will be accounted for on May 11, 2023, the date the Supplemental Loan Agreement was signed. For accounting purposes since the date of the amendment was May 11, 2023, at the end of the period the maturity date of the Amended Loan Facility had not been extended, as such the amounts owing under the facility have been disclosed as a current liability as at March 31, 2023.
Other Loans
In connection with the Castle Mountain acquisition in October 2021, the Company entered into a $5.0 million loan agreement (the “Castle Mountain Loan”) with the arm’s length seller bearing interest at a rate of 4.0% per annum until fully repaid on June 1, 2023. On March 30, 2023, the Company signed an amendment with the arm’s length seller of the Castle Mountain royalty to extend the maturity date of the Castle Mountain Loan from June 1, 2023, to April 1, 2024. As part of the amendment, on March 31, 2023, the Company paid all accrued interest on the loan, and effective April 1, 2023, the interest rate increased to 12.0% per annum, and the principal and accrued interest will be repaid no later than April 1, 2024.
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
During Q1 2023, cash provided by operating activities was $0.2 million and was primarily the result of a net loss of $1.4 million, partially offset by $1.3 million for items not affecting cash, payments received from derivative royalty assets of $0.6 million, and by a $0.3 million decrease in non-cash working capital items. During Q1 2022, cash used in operating activities was $0.3 million and was primarily the result of a net loss of $2.2 million, partially offset by $2.0 million for items not affecting cash, payments received from derivative royalty assets of $0.6 million, and by a $0.6 million decrease in non-cash working capital items.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
During Q1 2023, cash used in the Company's investing activities was $2.8 million and was primarily related to the acquisition of royalties and streams. During Q1 2022, cash used in the Company's investing activities was $1.0 million and was primarily related to the acquisition of royalties and streams.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
During Q1 2023, cash provided by the Company's financing activities was $2.9 million, which was primarily comprised of $3.3 million in net proceeds from the At-The-Market equity programs, $0.1 million from the exercise of stock options, partially offset by $0.5 million of finance charges and interest payments. During Q1 2022, cash provided by the Company's financing activities was $2.2 million, which was primarily comprised of $2.2 million in net proceeds from the At-The-Market equity programs, $0.2 million from the exercise of stock options, partially offset by $0.2 million of finance charges and interest payments.
| METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023 (Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated, except for shares, per ounce, and per share amounts) |
At-The-Market Equity Programs
2022 ATM Program
On May 27, 2022, the Company announced that it had entered into an equity distribution agreement (the "2022 Distribution Agreement") with a syndicate of agents (collectively, the "Agents") to establish an At-The-Market equity program (the "2022 ATM Program"). Under the 2022 ATM Program, the Company may distribute up to $50.0 million (or the equivalent in Canadian Dollars) in common shares of the Company (the "Offered Shares"). The Offered Shares will be sold by the Company, through the Agents, to the public from time to time, at the Company's discretion, at the prevailing market price at the time of sale. The net proceeds from the 2022 ATM Program will be used to finance the future purchase of royalties and streams and for general working capital purposes. The 2022 Distribution Agreement may be terminated at any time by the Company or the Agents and if not so terminated will terminate upon the earlier of (a) the date that the aggregate gross sales proceeds of the Offered Shares sold under the 2022 ATM Program reaches the aggregate amount of $50.0 million (or the equivalent in Canadian Dollars); or (b) June 12, 2024. For additional details about the 2022 ATM Program please see the press release by the Company dated May 27, 2022, and available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and EDGAR at www.sec.gov.
During Q1 2023, the Company distributed 664,966 common shares under the 2022 ATM Program at an average price of $5.13 per share for gross proceeds of $3.4 million, with aggregate commissions paid or payable to the Agents of $0.1 million and other share issue costs of less than $0.1 million, resulting in aggregate net proceeds of $3.3 million.
From inception to the date of this MD&A, the Company had distributed 1,078,079 common shares under the 2022 ATM Program at an average price of $5.20 per share for gross proceeds of $5.6 million.
2021 ATM Program
On May 14, 2021, the Company announced that it had entered into an equity distribution agreement (the "2021 Distribution Agreement") with a syndicate of agents (collectively, the "2021 Agents") to establish an At-The-Market equity program (the "2021 ATM Program"). Under the 2021 ATM Program, the Company could distribute up to $35.0 million (or the equivalent in Canadian Dollars) in common shares of the Company (the "2021 Offered Shares"). The 2021 Offered Shares were sold by the Company, through the 2021 Agents, to the public from time to time, at the Company's discretion, at the prevailing market price at the time of sale. The net proceeds from the 2021 ATM Program were used to finance the purchase of royalties and streams and for general working capital purposes.
The 2021 ATM Program and the 2021 Distribution Agreement were terminated on May 12, 2022. From inception on May 14, 2021, to termination on May 12, 2022, the Company distributed 1,990,778 common shares under the 2021 ATM Program at an average price of $8.18 per share for gross proceeds of $16.3 million, with aggregate commissions paid or payable to the 2021 Agents and other share issue costs of $1.0 million, resulting in aggregate net proceeds of $15.3 million. The remaining $18.7 million of common shares not sold under the 2021 ATM Program are no longer available for sale and will not be issued.
Outstanding Share Data
As at the date of this MD&A the Company had the following:
- 51,987,156 common shares issued and outstanding;
- 2,343,652 stock options outstanding with a weighted average exercise price of C$8.18; and
- 638,850 unvested restricted share units.
| METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023 (Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated, except for shares, per ounce, and per share amounts) |
Dividends
The Company's long-term goal is to pay out dividends with a target rate of up to 50% of the annualized operating cash flow of the Company, however, the timing and amount of the payment of a dividend is determined by the Board of Directors by taking into account many factors, including (but not limited to), an increase and stabilization in operating cash flows, and the potential capital requirements related to acquisitions. Going forward, the Board of Directors of the Company will continually assess the Company's business requirements and projected cash flows to make a determination on whether to pay dividends in respect of a particular quarter during its financial year.
Requirement for additional financing
Management believes that the Company's current operational requirements and capital investments can be funded from existing cash, cash generated from operations, and funds available under the Amended Loan Facility. If future circumstances dictate an increased cash requirement and we elect not to delay, limit, or eliminate some of our plans, we may raise additional funds through debt financing, the issuance of hybrid debt-equity securities, or additional equity securities. The Company has relied on equity financings and loans for its acquisitions, capital expansions, and operations. Capital markets may not be receptive to offerings of new equity from treasury or debt, whether by way of private placements or public offerings. The Company's growth and success may be dependent on external sources of financing which may not be available on acceptable terms.
TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES
The aggregate value of transactions and outstanding balances relating to key management personnel were as follows:
Key management compensation for the Company consists of remuneration paid to management (which includes Brett Heath, the Chief Executive Officer, and Saurabh Handa, the Chief Financial Officer) for services rendered and compensation for members of the Board of Directors (which includes Lawrence Roulston, E.B. Tucker, Alexander Molyneux, James Beeby, Douglas Silver, Amanda Johnston (appointed effective August 16, 2022), and Terry Krepiakevich (ret. effective May 22, 2022)) in their capacity as directors of the Company. The Company's key management compensation was as follows:
| Three months ended | ||||||
| March 31, | ||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||
| Salaries and fees | $ | 268 | $ | 252 | ||
| Share-based payments | 659 | 869 | ||||
| $ | 927 | $ | 1,121 | |||
As at March 31, 2023, the Company had less than $0.1 million due to directors and management related to remuneration and expense reimbursements, which have been included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities. As at March 31, 2023, the Company had $Nil due from directors and management.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
As of the date of this MD&A, the Company does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future effect on the results of operations or financial condition of the Company, including, and without limitation, such considerations as liquidity and capital resources.
| METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023 (Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated, except for shares, per ounce, and per share amounts) |
PROPOSED TRANSACTIONS
While the Company continues to pursue further transactions, there are no binding transactions of a material nature that have not already been disclosed publicly.
COMMITMENTS
Contractual Commitments
As at March 31, 2023, the Company had the following contractual commitments:
| Less than | 1 to | Over | ||||||||||
| 1 year | 3 years | 3 years | Total | |||||||||
| Trade and other payables | $ | 721 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 721 | ||||
| Loans payable principal and interest payments(1) | 6,537 | - | - | 6,537 | ||||||||
| Payments related to acquisition of royalties and streams(2) | - | 8,102 | - | 8,102 | ||||||||
| Total commitments | $ | 7,258 | $ | 8,102 | $ | - | $ | 15,360 |
(1) Payments required to be made on the Amended Loan Facility based on the closing balance as at March 31, 2023, prior to the Supplemental Loan Agreement which was finalized on May 11, 2023.
(2) Payments required for the completion of the Castle Mountain and Lama acquisitions.
Contingent Commitments
In addition to the contractual commitments above, the Company could in the future have additional commitments payable in cash and/or shares related to the acquisition of royalty and stream interests. However, these payments are subject to certain triggers or milestone conditions that had not been met as of March 31, 2023.
As at March 31, 2023, the Company had the following contingent commitments:
- the Company is obligated to make additional potential payments in connection with its acquisition of its royalty on the CentroGold project of $7.0 million payable in common shares upon receipt of all project licenses, the lifting or extinguishment of the injunction imposed on the CentroGold project with no pending appeals and, if necessary, the completion of any and all community relocations, and $4.0 million in cash upon the achievement of commercial production at the project;
- the Company is obligated to make additional potential payments in connection with its acquisition of its royalty on the NuevaUnión copper-gold project of $0.5 million in cash and $0.5 million in common shares upon achievement of commercial production at the La Fortuna deposit in Chile; and
- the Company is obligated to make additional potential payments in connection with its acquisition of its royalty on the Hoyle Pond Extension property, the Timmins West Extension property, and the DeSantis Mine property totalling C$5.0 million in cash and common shares upon achievement of various production milestones.
| METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023 (Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated, except for shares, per ounce, and per share amounts) |
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Classification
The Company classified its financial instruments as follows:
| As at | ||||||
| March 31, 2023 |
December 31, 2022 |
|||||
| Financial assets | ||||||
| Amortized cost: | ||||||
| Cash | $ | 4,803 | $ | 4,555 | ||
| Royalty, derivative royalty, and stream receivables | 1,400 | 1,190 | ||||
| Other receivables | 287 | 316 | ||||
| Fair value through profit or loss: | ||||||
| Derivative royalty asset | 1,970 | 2,182 | ||||
| Marketable securities | 33 | 30 | ||||
| Total financial assets | $ | 8,493 | $ | 8,273 | ||
| Financial liabilities | ||||||
| Amortized cost: | ||||||
| Trade and other payables | $ | 721 | $ | 1,286 | ||
| Loans payable | 10,496 | 10,585 | ||||
| Acquisition payable | 1,878 | - | ||||
| Total financial liabilities | $ | 13,095 | $ | 11,871 | ||
The Company's activities expose it to financial risks of varying degrees of significance which could affect its ability to achieve its strategic objectives for growth and shareholder returns. The principal financial risks to which the Company is exposed are credit risk, liquidity risk, and currency risk. The Board of Directors has overall responsibility for the establishment and oversight of the Company's risk management framework and reviews the Company's policies on an ongoing basis.
Fair value
Financial instruments recorded at fair value on the consolidated statement of financial position are classified using a fair value hierarchy that reflects the significance of the inputs used in making the measurements. The fair value hierarchy has the following levels:
a) Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
b) Level 2 - Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for assets or liabilities, either directly or indirectly; and
c) Level 3 - Inputs for assets and liabilities that are not based on observable market data.
The fair value hierarchy requires the use of observable market inputs whenever such inputs exist. A financial instrument is classified to the lowest level of the hierarchy for which a significant input has been considered in measuring fair value.
Cash, accounts receivables (royalty, derivative royalty, and stream receivables, and other receivables), and accounts payable (trade and other payables), are carried at amortized cost. Their carrying value approximated their fair value because of the short-term nature of these instruments or because they reflect amounts that are receivable to the Company without further adjustments. Marketable securities are carried at fair value and are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. The derivative royalty asset is carried and fair value, and was valued using inputs that are not observable, including a gold forward price curve, US$/A$ foreign exchange rates based on forward curves, and an estimated discount rate (See Note 5 of the Company's condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2023). Therefore, the derivate royalty asset is classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
| METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023 (Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated, except for shares, per ounce, and per share amounts) |
Loans payable, and acquisition payable are carried at amortized cost. Due to the change in comparable market interest rates, the Company has estimated that the fair value of the Amended Loan Facility as at March 31, 2023, was $5.4 million. The fair value of the Castle Mountain Loan and Lama Payable are approximated by their carrying value as their interest rate is comparable to market interest rates.
Credit risk
Credit risk arises from cash deposits, as well as credit exposures to counterparties of outstanding receivables and committed transactions. There is no significant concentration of credit risk other than cash deposits. The Company's cash deposits are primarily held with a Canadian chartered bank. Receivables include goods and service tax refunds due from the Canadian federal government. The carrying amount of financial assets recorded in the financial statements represents the Company's maximum exposure to credit risk. The Company believes it is not exposed to significant credit risk and overall, the Company's credit risk has not declined significantly from the prior year.
Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. The Company manages liquidity risk by continuing to monitor forecasted and actual cash flows. The Company has in place a planning and budgeting process to help determine the funds required to support the Company's normal operating requirements on an ongoing basis and its development plans. The Company strives to maintain sufficient liquidity to meet its short-term business requirements, taking into account its anticipated cash flows from royalty interests, its holdings of cash, and its committed liabilities. The maturities of the Company's loan liabilities are disclosed in Note 8 of the Company's condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2023. All current liabilities are settled within one year.
Currency risk
The Company is exposed to the financial risk related to the fluctuation of foreign exchange rates. The Company primarily operates in Canada, Australia, Argentina, Mexico, and the United States and incurs expenditures in currencies other than United States dollars. Thereby, the Company is exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from currency exposure. The Company has not hedged its exposure to currency fluctuations. Based on the above net exposure, as at March 31, 2023, and assuming that all other variables remain constant, a 1% depreciation or appreciation of the United States dollar against the Canadian dollar, Australian dollar, Argentinian peso, and Mexican peso would result in an increase/decrease in the Company's pre-tax income or loss of $0.1 million.
NON-IFRS FINANCIAL MEASURES
The Company has included, in this document, certain performance measures, including (a) attributable GEOs, (b) average cash cost per attributable GEO, (c) average realized price per attributable GEO, (d) operating cash margin per attributable GEO, which is based on the two preceding measures, and (e) adjusted EBITDA. The presentation of these non-IFRS measures is intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. These non-IFRS measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS, and other companies may calculate these measures differently.
Attributable Gold Equivalent Ounces (GEOs)
Attributable GEOs are composed of gold ounces attributable to the Company, plus an amount calculated by taking the revenue earned by the Company in the period from payable silver ounces attributable to the Company divided by the average London fix price of gold for the relevant period, plus an amount calculated by taking the cash received or accrued by the Company in the period from the derivative royalty asset divided by the average London fix gold price for the relevant period. Included in the calculation of attributable GEOs is any cash received from the Higginsville PP royalty, which is accounted for as a derivative royalty asset, as such any payments received under this royalty are treated as a reduction in the carrying value of the asset on the Company's statement of financial position and not shown as revenue on the Company's statement of profit and loss. However, operationally as the Company receives payment similar to the Company's other royalty interests, the results have been included here for more accurate comparability and to allow the reader to accurately analyze the operations of the Company. For additional details on the derivative royalty asset see Note 5 of the Company's condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2023.
| METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023 (Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated, except for shares, per ounce, and per share amounts) |
Attributable GEOs are composed of:
- payable gold ounces attributable to the Company; plus
- an amount calculated by taking the revenue earned by the Company in the period from payable silver ounces attributable to the Company divided by the average London fix price of gold for the relevant period; plus
- an amount calculated by taking the cash received or accrued by the Company in the period from the derivative royalty asset divided by the average London fix gold price for the relevant period.
The Company presents attributable GEOs as it believes that certain investors use this information to evaluate the Company's performance in comparison to other streaming and royalty companies in the precious metals mining industry who present results on a similar basis.
Average cash cost per attributable GEO
Average cash cost per attributable GEO is calculated by dividing the Company's total cash cost of sales, excluding depletion by the number of attributable GEOs. The Company presents average cash cost per attributable GEO as it believes that certain investors use this information to evaluate the Company's performance in comparison to other streaming and royalty companies in the precious metals mining industry who present results on a similar basis.
The Company's average cash cost per attributable GEO was:
| Three months ended March 31, |
||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||
| Cost of sales for NLGM(1) | $ | 5 | $ | 4 | ||
| Total cash cost of sales | 5 | 4 | ||||
| Total attributable GEOs | 927 | 724 | ||||
| Average cash cost per attributable GEO | $ | 5 | $ | 5 | ||
(1) Adjusted for the Company's proportionate share of NLGM held by Silverback.
Average realized price per attributable GEO
Average realized price per attributable GEO is calculated by dividing the Company's revenue, excluding any revenue earned from fixed royalty payments, and including cash received or accrued in the period from derivative royalty assets, by the number of attributable GEOs sold.
The Company presents average realized price per attributable GEO as it believes that certain investors use this information to evaluate the Company's performance in comparison to other streaming and royalty companies in the precious metals mining industry that present results on a similar basis.
| METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023 (Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated, except for shares, per ounce, and per share amounts) |
The Company's average realized price per attributable GEO was:
| Three months ended March 31, |
||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||
| Royalty revenue | $ | 981 | $ | 669 | ||
| Payments from derivative assets(3) | 669 | 623 | ||||
| Revenue from NLGM(1) | 52 | 36 | ||||
| Sales from stream and royalty interests | $ | 1,702 | $ | 1,328 | ||
| Total attributable GEOs sold | 927 | 724 | ||||
| Average realized price per attributable GEO | $ | 1,836 | $ | 1,835 | ||
| Operating cash margin per attributable GEO(2) | $ | 1,831 | $ | 1,830 | ||
(1) Adjusted for the Company's proportionate share of NLGM held by Silverback.
(2) Operating cash margin per attributable GEO is calculated by subtracting from the average realized price per attributable GEO, the average cash cost per attributable GEO.
(3) The Higginsville PP royalty is accounted for as a derivative royalty asset, as such any payments received under this royalty are treated as a reduction in the carrying value of the asset on the statement of financial position and not shown as revenue on the Company's statement of profit and loss. However, operationally the Company is paid for the ounces sold similar to the Company's other royalty interests, therefore the results have been included here for more accurate comparability and to allow the reader to accurately analyze the operations of the Company. For additional details on the derivative royalty asset see Note 5 of the Company's condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2023.
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA is a non-IFRS financial measure which excludes from net income taxes, finance costs, depletion, impairment charges, foreign currency gains/losses, share based payments, and non-recurring items. Management uses Adjusted EBITDA to evaluate the Company's operating performance, to plan and forecast its operations, and assess leverage levels and liquidity measures. The Company presents Adjusted EBITDA as it believes that certain investors use this information to evaluate the Company's performance in comparison to other streaming and royalty companies in the precious metals mining industry who present results on a similar basis. However, Adjusted EBITDA does not represent, and should not be considered an alternative to net income (loss) or cash flow provided by operating activities as determined under IFRS.
The Company's Adjusted EBITDA was:
| Three months ended | ||||||
| March 31, | ||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||
| Net loss | $ | (1,356 | ) | $ | (2,232 | ) |
| Adjusted for: | ||||||
| Interest expense | 315 | 320 | ||||
| Finance charges | 33 | 35 | ||||
| Income tax provision | 199 | 90 | ||||
| Depletion | 399 | 531 | ||||
| Foreign exchange loss | 68 | 82 | ||||
| Share-based payments (1) | 897 | 1,202 | ||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 555 | $ | 28 | ||
(1) Includes stock options and restricted share units.
| METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023 (Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated, except for shares, per ounce, and per share amounts) |
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformance with IFRS requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimates are revised and in any future periods affected. The Company's significant accounting policies and estimates are disclosed in Note 2 of the Company's consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022.
DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company's Disclosure Controls and Procedures ("DCP") are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted by the Company under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the applicable rules and forms and include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted by the Company under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") and Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
The Company's management, with the participation of the CEO and CFO, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's DCP as defined under the Exchange Act, as at March 31, 2023. Based upon the results of that evaluation, the CEO and CFO have concluded that, as at March 31, 2023, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting
Management of the Company, with participation of the CEO and CFO, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate Internal Control over Financial Reporting ("ICFR"). Management has used the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission ("COSO") to evaluate the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
The Company's ICFR is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of the Company's financial reporting for external purposes in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB. The Company's ICFR includes:
- maintaining records, that in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect our transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company;
- providing reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary for preparation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB;
- providing reasonable assurance that receipts and expenditures are made in accordance with authorizations of management and the directors of the Company; and
- providing reasonable assurance that unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of Company assets that could have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements would be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
The Company's ICFR may not prevent or detect all misstatements because of inherent limitations. Additionally, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with the Company's policies and procedures.
| METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023 (Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated, except for shares, per ounce, and per share amounts) |
Changes in ICFR
There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended March 31, 2023, which has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Limitations of Controls and Procedures
The Company's management, including the CEO and CFO, believe that any disclosure controls and procedures or internal controls over financial reporting, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, they cannot provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been prevented or detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by unauthorized override of the control. The design of any systems of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Accordingly, because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.
RISK FACTORS
The Company's ability to generate revenues and profits from its natural resource properties is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. For a full discussion on the risk factors affecting the Company, please refer to the Company's Annual Information Form dated March 31, 2023, which is available on www.sedar.com.
QUALIFIED PERSONS
The technical information contained in this MD&A has been reviewed and approved by Charles Beaudry, geologist M.Sc., member of the Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario and of the Ordre des Géologues du Québec and a director of Metalla. Mr. Beaudry is a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101“).
TECHNICAL AND THIRD-PARTY INFORMATION
Metalla has limited, if any, access to the properties on which Metalla holds a royalty, stream or other interest. Metalla is dependent on (i) the operators of the mines or properties and their qualified persons to provide technical or other information to Metalla, or (ii) publicly available information to prepare disclosure pertaining to properties and operations on the mines or properties on which Metalla holds a royalty, stream or other interest, and generally has limited or no ability to independently verify such information. Although Metalla does not have any knowledge that such information may not be accurate, there can be no assurance that such third-party information is complete or accurate. Some information publicly reported by operators may relate to a larger property than the area covered by Metalla's royalty, stream or other interests. Metalla's royalty, stream or other interests can cover less than 100% and sometimes only a portion of the publicly reported mineral reserves, resources and production of a property.
Unless otherwise indicated, the technical and scientific disclosure contained or referenced in this MD&A, including any references to Mineral Resources or Mineral Reserves, was prepared in accordance with Canadian NI 43-101, which differs significantly from the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) applicable to U.S. domestic issuers. Accordingly, the scientific and technical information contained or referenced in this MD&A may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements of the SEC.
| METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023 (Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated, except for shares, per ounce, and per share amounts) |
"Inferred Mineral Resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an Inferred Mineral Resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Historical results or feasibility models presented herein are not guarantees or expectations of future performance.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This MD&A contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively. "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. The forward-looking statements herein are made as of the date of this MD&A only and the Company does not intend to and does not assume any obligation to update updated forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law. For this reason and the reasons set forth below, investors should not place undue reliance on forward looking statements.
All statements included herein that address events or developments that we expect to occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Generally forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budgets", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "predicts", "projects", "intends", "targets", "aims", "anticipates" or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases or may be identified by statements to the effect that certain actions "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved.
Forward-looking statements in this MD&A include, but are not limited to, statements regarding:
- future events or future performance of Metalla;
- the completion of the Company's royalty purchase transactions;
- the Company's plans and objectives;
- the Company's future financial and operational performance;
- expectations regarding stream and royalty interests owned by the Company;
- the satisfaction of future payment obligations, contractual commitments and contingent commitments by Metalla;
- the future achievement of any milestones in respect of the payment or satisfaction of contingent consideration by Metalla;
- the effectiveness, and potential use and benefit of the Company's final short form base shelf prospectus and Form F-10 registration statement;
- the future sales of common shares under the 2022 ATM program and the value of the gross proceeds to be raised;
- the future availability of funds, including drawdowns pursuant to the Amended Loan Facility (as amended or supplemented);
- the effective interest rate of drawdowns under the Amended Loan Facility (as amended or supplemented) and the life expectancy thereof;
- the future conversion of funds drawn down by Metalla under the Amended Loan Facility (as amended or supplemented);
- the amendments or supplements to the Amended Loan Facility, including the effectiveness of the Supplemental Loan Agreement and the conversion of C$4.0 million of the Third Drawdown;
- the payment of the principal and accrued interest on the Castle Mountain loan and the anticipated timing thereof;
- the completion by property owners of announced drilling programs, capital expenditures, and other planned activities in relation to properties on which the Company and its subsidiaries hold a royalty or streaming interest and the expected timing thereof;
- production and life of mine estimates or forecasts at the properties on which the Company and its subsidiaries hold a royalty or streaming interest;
- future disclosure by property owners and the expected timing thereof;
- the completion by property owners of announced capital expenditure programs;
| METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023 (Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated, except for shares, per ounce, and per share amounts) |
- the expected 2023 production at La Encantada;
- the expected 2023 guidance for the mine at La Encantada;
- the advancement of mining at La Encantada towards the Ojuelas and Beca-Zone orebodies;
- the intended improvements for the heap leach pads at El Realito;
- the completion of 4,000 meters of exploration drilling by Agnico at the Chipriona deposit at El Realito;
- the expected 2023 production at Wharf;
- the focus of the exploration efforts at Wharf in 2023;
- the extension of the mine operating life at NLGM;
- the assessment of the Wasamac project by Agnico, and its expected production potential;
- Moneta’s plan to assess the expansion of underground resources and evaluate the increase of underground production rates;
- the expected future production at the Tower Gold Project, and anticipated timing thereof;
- the production potential at the AK deposit and the anticipated timing thereof;
- the recommencing of operations at the Endeavor mine;
- the completion of Polymetals acquisition of Orana Minerals Pty Ltd. and obtaining the required shareholder approval;
- the closing of the agreement between the Company and Cobar Operations to convert the Company’s 100% silver stream in the Endeavor mine to a 4.0% NSR royalty on all lead, zinc and silver produced from those tenements;
- additional technical studies planned to complete test work and studies to optimize inclusion of Gosselin into future Côté life-of-mine plans;
- St. Barbara’s plan to investigate repurposing of the Touquoy processing facility;
- the construction of the Fifteen Mile Stream mine, and the anticipated timing thereof;
- the expected expenses by Agnico at Fosterville, and the completion of capitalized drilling, development of exploration drifts, and underground and surface exploration;
- the budget for the Phase 2 optimization, engineering and permitting at Castle Mountain and the anticipated timing thereof; Agnico’s expected expenses for drilling at Santa Gertrudis for 2023;
- the expected timing of start of production at Akasaba West, and the expected production potential;
- the potential that the porphyry hosted gold mineralization identified by the Canadian Malartic partnership may be mined via an open pit from the Camflo property, and the anticipated timing of production thereof;
- the anticipated drill program at Camflo property and the anticipated timing thereof;
- the expected drilling program at Green Springs, and the anticipated timing and expenses;
- the amount and timing of the attributable GEOs expected by the Company in 2023;
- the availability of cash flows from the Wharf, Higginsville, El Realito, NLGM and La Encantada royalties and streams;
- royalty payments to be paid to Metalla by property owners or operators of mining projects pursuant to each royalty interest;
- the future outlook of Metalla and the mineral reserves and resource estimates for the properties with respect to which the Metalla has or proposes to acquire an interest;
- future gold and silver prices;
- other potential developments relating to, or achievements by, the counterparties for the Company’s stream and royalty agreements, and with respect to the mines and other properties in which the Company has, or may acquire, a stream or royalty interest;
- costs and other financial or economic measures;
- prospective transactions;
- growth and achievements;
- financing and adequacy of capital;
- future payment of dividends;
- future public and/or private placements of equity, debt or hybrids thereof; and
- the Company’s ability to fund its current operational requirements and capital projects;
Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and assumptions and are based on information currently available to management.
| METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023 (Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated, except for shares, per ounce, and per share amounts) |
Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. A number of factors could cause actual events or results to differ materially from any forward-looking statements, including, without limitation:
- risks related to commodity price fluctuations;
- the absence of control over mining operations from which Metalla will purchase precious metals pursuant to gold streams, silver streams and other agreements or from which it will receive royalty payments pursuant to net smelter returns, gross overriding royalties, gross value royalties and other royalty agreements or interests and risks related to those mining operations, including risks related to international operations, government and environmental regulation, delays in mine construction and operations, actual results of mining and current exploration activities, conclusions of economic evaluations and changes in project parameters as plans are refined;
- risks related to exchange rate fluctuations;
- that payments in respect of streams and royalties may be delayed or may never be made;
- risks related to Metalla's reliance on public disclosure and other information regarding the mines or projects underlying its streams and royalties;
- that some royalties or streams may be subject to confidentiality arrangements that limit or prohibit disclosure regarding those royalties and streams;
- business opportunities that become available to, or are pursued by, Metalla;
- that Metalla's cash flow is dependent on the activities of others;
- that Metalla has had negative cash flow from operating activities in the past;
- that some royalty and stream interests are subject to rights of other interest-holders;
- that Metalla's royalties and streams may have unknown defects;
- risks related to Metalla's sole material asset, the Côté property;
- risks related to general business and economic conditions;
- risks related to global financial conditions, geopolitical events and other uncertainties; risks related to epidemics, pandemics or other public health crises, including COVID-19 global health pandemic, and the spread of other viruses or pathogens, and the potential impact thereof on Metalla's business, operations and financial condition;
- that Metalla is dependent on its key personnel;
- risks related to Metalla's financial controls;
- dividend policy and future payment of dividends;
- competition;
- that project operators may not respect contractual obligations;
- that Metalla's royalties and streams may be unenforceable;
- risks related to conflicts of interest of Metalla's directors and officers;
- that Metalla may not be able to obtain adequate financing in the future;
- risks associated with Metalla's 2022 ATM Program;
- risks related to Metalla's current credit facility and financing agreements;
- litigation;
- title, permit or license disputes related to interests on any of the properties in which Metalla holds, or may acquire, a royalty, stream or other interest;
- interpretation by government entities of tax laws or the implementation of new tax laws;
- changes in tax laws impacting Metalla;
| METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023 (Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated, except for shares, per ounce, and per share amounts) |
- risks related to anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws;
- credit and liquidity risk;
- risks related to Metalla's information systems and cyber security;
- risks posed by activist shareholders;
- that Metalla may suffer reputational damage in the ordinary course of business;
- risks related to acquiring, investing in or developing resource projects;
- risks applicable to owners and operators of properties in which Metalla holds an interest;
- exploration, development and operating risks;
- risks related to climate change; environmental risks;
- that the exploration and development activities related to mine operations are subject to extensive laws and regulations; that the operation of a mine or project is subject to the receipt and maintenance of permits from governmental authorities;
- risks associated with the acquisition and maintenance of mining infrastructure;
- that Metalla's success is dependent on the efforts of operators' employees;
- risks related to mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates;
- that mining depletion may not be replaced by the discovery of new mineral reserves; that operators' mining operations are subject to risks that may not be able to be insured against;
- risks related to land title; risks related to international operations;
- risks related to operating in countries with developing economies;
- risks related to the construction, development and expansion of mines or projects;
- risks associated with operating in areas that are presently, or were formerly, inhabited or used by indigenous peoples;
- that Metalla is required, in certain jurisdictions, to allow individuals from that jurisdiction to hold nominal interests in Metalla's subsidiaries in that jurisdiction;
- the volatility of the stock market;
- that existing securityholders may be diluted;
- risks related to Metalla's public disclosure obligations;
- risks associated with future sales or issuances of debt or equity securities;
- risks associated with the Amended Loan Facility;
- that there can be no assurance that an active trading market for Metalla's securities will be sustained;
- risks related to the enforcement of civil judgments against Metalla;
- risks relating to Metalla potentially being a passive "foreign investment company" within the meaning of U.S. federal tax laws; and
- other factors identified and as described in more detail under the heading "Risk Factors" contained in this MD&A, and in the Company's Annual Information Form and Form 40-F Annual Report filed with regulators in Canada at www.sedar.com and the SEC at www.sec.gov.
Although Metalla has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. The Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.
| METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023 (Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated, except for shares, per ounce, and per share amounts) |
This MD&A contains future-orientated information and financial outlook information (collectively, "FOFI") about the Company's revenues from royalties, streams and other projects which are subject to the same assumptions, risk factors, limitations and qualifications set forth in the above paragraphs. FOFI contained in this MD&A was made as of the date of this MD&A and was provided for the purpose of providing further information about the Company's anticipated business operations. Metalla disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any FOFI contained in this MD&A, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required pursuant to applicable law. FOFI contained in this MD&A should not be used for the purposes other than for which it is disclosed herein.
CONSENT OF CHARLES BEAUDRY
The undersigned hereby consents to the inclusion in the Management's Discussion & Analysis of Metalla Royalty & Streaming Ltd. (the "Company") for the period ended March 31, 2023 of references to the undersigned as a non-independent qualified person and the undersigned's name with respect to the disclosure of technical and scientific information contained therein.
The undersigned further consents to the inclusion or incorporation by reference of all references to the undersigned in the Company's Registration Statements on Form F-10 (No. 333-264810) and Form S-8 (Nos. 333-234659, 333-249938 and 333-265835). This consent extends to any amendments to the Form F-10 or Form S-8, including post-effective amendments.
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/s/ Charles Beaudry |
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Charles Beaudry |
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May 12, 2023 |
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METALLA REPORTS FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2023 AND
PROVIDES ASSET UPDATES
(All dollar amounts are in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise indicated, except for shares, per ounce, and per share amounts)
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | TSXV: MTA NYSE American: MTA |
| May 12, 2023 |
Vancouver, Canada: Metalla Royalty & Streaming Ltd. ("Metalla" or the "Company") (TSXV: MTA) (NYSE American: MTA) announces its operating and financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2023. For complete details of the condensed interim consolidated financial statements and accompanying management's discussion and analysis for the three months ended March 31, 2023, please see the Company's filings on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) or EDGAR (www.sec.gov). Shareholders are encouraged to visit the Company's website at www.metallaroyalty.com.
Brett Heath, President, and CEO of Metalla, commented, "During the first quarter we received stronger than expected production from Wharf and El Realito along with several exciting portfolio updates. We are also very pleased with the continued support of Beedie Capital securing an amendment for an expanded and extended convertible loan facility. We look forward to the balance of 2023, attracting more high-quality third-party assets."
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
During the three months ended March 31, 2023, and the subsequent period up to the date of this news release, the Company:
- Acquired 1 stream and 5 royalties, to bring the total held as at the date of this press release to 85 precious metals assets, through the following transactions:
- Acquired an existing 2.5%-3.75% sliding scale Gross Proceeds (“GP”) royalty over gold, together with a 0.25%-3.0% Net Smelter Return (“NSR”) royalty on all non-gold and silver metals on the majority of Barrick Gold Corporation’s ("Barrick") world-class Lama project in Argentina, from an arm’s length seller for aggregate consideration of $7.5 million. The transaction closed on March 9, 2023, at which time the Company paid the $2.5 million in cash, and issued 466,827 common shares of the Company to the seller (valued at $5.3553 per share). The remaining $2.5 million, to be paid in cash or common shares, is payable within 90 days upon the earlier of a 2 Moz gold Mineral Reserve estimate on the royalty area or 36 months after the closing date;
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ii Acquired one silver stream and three royalties from Alamos Gold Corp. (“Alamos”) for $5.0 million in common shares of Metalla valued at $5.3228 per share, representing the 20-day Volume-Weighted Average Price (“VWAP”) of shares of Metalla traded on the NYSE prior to the announcement of the transaction. The transaction closed on February 23, 2023, at which time the Company issued 939,355 common shares of the Company to Alamos. The stream and royalties acquired in this transaction include:
- a 20% silver stream over the Esperanza project located in Morales, Mexico owned by Zacatecas Silver Corp.;
- a 1.4% NSR royalty on the Fenn Gibb South project located in Timmins, Ontario owned by Mayfair Gold Corp.;
- a 2.0% NSR royalty on the Ronda project located in Shining Tree, Ontario owned by Platinex Inc.; and
- a 2.0% NSR royalty on the Northshore West property located in Thunder Bay, Ontario owned by New Path Resources Inc.
- For the three months ended March 31, 2023, received or accrued payments on 927 attributable Gold Equivalent Ounces ("GEOs") at an average realized price of $1,836 and an average cash cost of $5 per attributable GEO (see Non-IFRS Financial Measures);
- For the three months ended March 31, 2023, recognized revenue from royalty and stream interests, including fixed royalty payments, of $1.0 million, net loss of $1.4 million, and Adjusted EBITDA of $0.6 million (see Non-IFRS Financial Measures);
- For the three months ended March 31, 2023, generated operating cash margin of $1,831 per attributable GEO, from the Wharf, El Realito, La Encantada, the New Luika Gold Mine ("NLGM") stream held by Silverback Ltd. ("Silverback"), the Higginsville derivative royalty asset, and other royalty interests (see Non-IFRS Financial Measures);
- For the three months ended March 31, 2023, recognized payments due or received (not included in revenue) from the Higginsville derivative royalty asset of $0.7 million (see Non-IFRS Financial Measures);
- On May 27, 2022, the Company announced that it had entered into a new equity distribution agreement with a syndicate of agents to establish an ATM equity program (the "2022 ATM Program") under which the Company may distribute up to $50.0 million (or the equivalent in Canadian Dollars) in common shares of the Company. From inception to the date of this press release, the Company distributed 1,078,079 common shares under the 2022 ATM Program at an average price of $5.20 per share for gross proceeds of $5.6 million;
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- On May 11, 2023, the Company entered into a second supplemental loan agreement (the “Supplemental Loan Agreement”) with Beedie Capital, expected to be effective March 31, 2023, once customary conditions are satisfied, to amend its loan facility by;
- extending the maturity date to May 9, 2027;
- increasing the loan facility by C$5.0 million from C$20.0 million to C$25.0 million, of which C$21.0 million will be undrawn after giving effect to the C$4.0 million conversion described below;
- increasing the interest rate from 8.0% to 10.0% per annum;
- amending the conversion price of the fourth drawdown from C$11.16 per share to C$8.67 per share, being a 30% premium to the 30-day VWAP of the Company shares measured at market close on the day prior to announcement of the amendment;
- amending the conversion price of C$4.0 million of the third drawdown from C$14.30 per share to C$7.33 per share, being the 5-day VWAP of the Company shares measured at market close on the day prior to announcement of the amendment, and converting the C$4.0 million into shares at the new conversion price. The Company will issue Beedie 545,702 common shares of the Company for the conversion of the C$4.0 million once customary conditions are satisfied;
- amending the conversion price of the remaining C$1.0 million of the Third Drawdown from C$14.30 per share to C$8.67 per share, being to the 30-day VWAP of the Company shares measured at market close on the day prior to announcement of the amendment; and
- All other terms of the loan facility remain unchanged
- On March 30, 2023, the Company signed an amendment with the arm's length seller of the Castle Mountain royalty to extend the maturity date of the $5.0 million loan from June 1, 2023, to April 1, 2024. As part of the amendment, on March 31, 2023, the Company paid all accrued interest on the loan, and effective April 1, 2023, the interest rate increased to 12.0% per annum, and the principal and accrued interest will be repaid no later than April 1, 2024.
ASSET UPDATES
Below are updates during the three months ended March 31, 2023, and subsequent period to certain of the Company’s assets, based on information publicly filed by the applicable project owner:
La Encantada
On April 20, 2023, First Majestic Silver Corp. ("First Majestic") announced production of 89 ounces of gold in the first quarter of 2023 from La Encantada. Silver production for the mine totaled 0.84 Moz, and 2023 guidance is in the range of 2.9 - 3.2 Moz silver. First Majestic also completed 1,863 meters of drilling on the property with the use of two underground rigs. First Majestic will continue to advance mining at La Encantada towards the Ojuelas and Beca-Zone orebodies to extract higher-grade ores during the quarter to further improve overall production.
On March 31, 2023, First Majestic declared Probable Reserves of 13.6 Moz at 133 g/t silver, and total Measured and Indicated Resources of 31.6 Moz at 148 g/t silver at La Encantada with an effective date of December 31, 2022.
Metalla holds a 100% GVR royalty on gold produced at the La Encantada mine limited to 1.0 Koz annually.
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El Realito
On April 27, 2023, Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. ("Agnico") reported that gold production from La India totaled 16,321 oz gold for the first quarter of 2023. Mine production levels for the first quarter were good with grades higher than target. Changes are underway to improve the leach kinetics of the heap leach pads at the mine. An investigation is ongoing for additional sulphide mineralization with a plan to drill 4,000 meters at the Chipriona target which is northwest and adjacent to El Realito royalty boundary.
Metalla holds a 2.0% NSR royalty on the El Realito deposit which is subject to a 1.0% buyback right for $4.0 million.
Wharf Royalty
On February 22, 2023, Coeur Mining Inc. ("Coeur") reported fourth quarter production of 19.9 Koz gold at 0.65 g/t, in line with full year guidance for Wharf disclosed by Coeur on February 16, 2022. Coeur has guided 2023 production to be in the range of 85 - 95 Koz. Successful exploration and infill drilling during the year allowed for a 7% increase, net of depletion, at Wharf where Proven & Probable Reserves totaled 908 Koz gold at 0.027 oz/t (0.84 g/t). Additionally, a total of 293 Koz gold at 0.02 oz/t (0.62 g/t) of Measured & Indicated Resources, and Inferred Resources stand at 63 Koz gold at 0.02 oz/t (0.62 g/t), were declared at Wharf. Exploration efforts in 2023 will focus on geological modelling and planning for 2024.
Metalla holds a 1.0% GVR royalty on the Wharf mine.
New Luika Silver Stream
On April 24, 2023, Shanta Gold Limited ("Shanta") reported that it produced 15.3 Koz of gold at its NLGM in Tanzania in the first quarter of 2023. On February 27, 2023, Shanta announced the extension of the mine life at NLGM through to Q1 2028 through the increase in Mineral Reserves at the mine. Total Proven & Probable Mineral Reserves at NLGM now stand at 394 Koz at 2.85 g/t gold, with Measured & Indicated Resources at 764 Koz at 2.78 g/t gold. In addition, a tailings retreatment project at NLGM contributed an additional 48 Koz of recoverable gold and extends the NLGM operating life to at least February 2031.
Metalla holds a 15% interest in Silverback, whose sole business is receipt and distribution of a 100% silver stream on NLGM at an ongoing cost of 10% of the spot silver price.
Wasamac
On April 27, 2023, Agnico reported that prior to the closing of the transaction to acquire Yamana Gold Corp.’s (“Yamana”) Canadian assets, Yamana completed 29 drill holes totalling 14,673 meters at Wasamac which yielded a significant intercept of 4.7 g/t gold over 54.1 meters.
On February 16, 2023, Agnico reported they are reviewing the technical aspects of the project with a focus on processing ore at the Canadian Malartic mill, which is expected to reduce the project footprint and capital cost. An internal evaluation of the project is expected in the fourth quarter of 2023 and Agnico expects the project has the potential to produce 200 Koz gold annually.
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Metalla holds a 1.5% NSR royalty on the Wasamac project subject to a buy back of 0.5% for C$7.5 million.
Garrison
On April 11, 2023, Moneta Gold Inc. ("Moneta") announced the results of assays from historical drill core at Garrison. The sampling confirmed the continuity and extension of gold mineralized zones not currently included in the latest Mineral Resource estimate. Significant results include 1.87 g/t over 18 meters and 1.58 g/t gold over 18.5 meters at Garrcon and 13.5 g/t gold over 3.2 meters and 4.79 g/t gold over 3.75 meters at Jonpol.
On September 7, 2022, Moneta announced positive results for a PEA for the Tower Gold Project envisioning a 19,200 tpd combined open pit and underground mining operation with strong economics. Average annual gold production over the first eleven years is expected to be 368 Koz gold with the majority of the ounces in the first five to six years sourced from the Garrison open pit.
Metalla holds a 2.0% NSR royalty on the Garrison project.
Amalgamated Kirkland Property
On April 27, 2023, Agnico reported infill drill results from the Amalgamated Kirkland deposit featuring highlights of 14.7 g/t gold over 5.3 meters and 13.0 g/t gold over 4.9 meters. The AK deposit remains open toward the west and vertically along the west fringe.
On February 16, 2023, Agnico reported it is evaluating the potential to source additional production from Amalgamated Kirkland to be processed at either Macassa or at the LaRonde complex. Agnico is evaluating the potential to produce between 20 Koz to 40 Koz of gold per year from the AK deposit commencing in 2024.
Metalla holds a 0.45% NSR royalty on the Amalgamated Kirkland property.
Endeavor
On March 28, 2023, Polymetals Resources Ltd. ("Polymetals") announced the execution of a share sale and purchase agreement in relation to the proposed acquisition of all of the issued share capital of Orana Minerals Pty Ltd., which is the sole shareholder of Cobar Metals Pty Ltd. ("Cobar Metals"). Cobar Metals has in turn entered into an agreement to purchase the Endeavor lead, zinc and silver mine in Australia via the acquisition of three project companies, including Cobar Operations Pty Ltd. ("Cobar Operations"). Completion of Polymetals acquisition of Orana Minerals Pty Ltd. is subject to approval of Polymetals shareholders, with the meeting scheduled for May 12, 2023. As part of Polymetals proposed acquisition of the Endeavor mine, the Company has entered into an agreement with the holder of the Endeavor mining tenements, Cobar Operations, by which the Company will convert its 100% silver stream in the Endeavor mine to a 4.0% NSR royalty on all lead, zinc and silver produced from those tenements, and the closing of that agreement is pending.
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On April 17, 2023, Polymetals announced the results of six drill holes completed on Endeavor, highlighted by 19.5% zinc Equivalent (“ZnEq”) over 81 meters and 14.6% ZnEq over 52 meters at the North lode. Polymetals announced it is focused on various aspects of the Endeavor mine with a view to recommencing operations. On April 25, 2023, Polymetals released additional results from drilling at the South Lode at Endeavor, highlights included 11.02% ZnEq over 71 meters.
Côté-Gosselin
On February 2, 2023, and February 16, 2023, IAMGOLD Corporation ("IAMGOLD") reported that it had completed 73% of the construction at the Côté Gold Project and drill results received for the 2022 drill program continue to highlight the resource expansion potential of the Gosselin deposit both to the south of the recently declared 5Moz Resource estimate and at depth. Significant intercepts include 1.99 g/t gold over 342.2 meters, 1.29 g/t gold over 313 meters, 1.5 g/t gold over 181 meters and 0.66 g/t gold over 388.5 meters. Additional technical studies are planned to complete metallurgical test work and mining and infrastructure studies to review alternatives to optimize the inclusion of Gosselin into future Côté life-of-mine plans.
Metalla holds a 1.35% NSR royalty that covers less than 10% of the Côté Reserves and Resources estimate and covers all of the 5 Moz gold Gosselin Resource estimate.
Fifteen Mile Stream
On April 27, 2023, St. Barbara Limited (“St Barbara”) reported a revised permitting timeline for Fifteen Mile Stream which targets development in fiscal 2026. In addition, St. Barbara will investigate repurposing the Touquoy processing facility for use at Fifteen Mile Stream to lower capital and construction cost.
Metalla holds a 1.0% NSR royalty on the Fifteen Mile Stream project, and 3.0% NSR royalty on the Plenty and Seloam Brook deposits.
Fosterville
On April 27, 2023, Agnico reported that gold production from Fosterville for the first quarter of 2023 totalled 86 Koz gold. At the tail end of the quarter, drilling began at the lower end of the Lower Phoenix/Swan zone where drilling will also target the newly discovered Cardinal structure in the hanging wall of the Swan Zone. During 2023, Agnico plans to spend $20.8 million for 105,300 meters of drilling, and development of exploration drifts to replace Mineral Reserve depletion and to add Mineral Resources in the Lower Phoenix, Cygnet and Robbins Hills areas. Agnico will spend another $4.4 million for 11,300 meters of underground and surface exploration with the aim of discovering addition high-grade mineralization at Fosterville.
Metalla holds a 2.5% GVR royalty on the northern and southern extensions of the Fosterville mining license and other areas in the land package.
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Lama
On May 3, 2023, Barrick reported that drilling continued during the first quarter of 2023 with one rig testing mineralization concepts at Penelope South and West targets. Total exploration, evaluation and project expenses for the whole Pascua-Lama project totaled $8 million for the first quarter of 2023.
Metalla holds a 2.5%-3.75% GP royalty on gold and a 0.25%-3.0% NSR royalty on all other metals (other than gold and silver) at Lama.
Castle Mountain
On May 3, 2023, Equinox Gold Corp. ("Equinox") reported a surface exploration program of geological mapping and channel sampling commenced with the primary goal to sample previously identified mineralization exposed on surface such that data can be used in future Mineral Resource estimation. Sustaining capital expenditures during the quarter were primarily related to work on a water well. A total of $1.4 million was spent on Phase 2 permitting and optimization for the quarter.
On February 23, 2023, Equinox reported that in 2023 it plans to spend $8 million on Castle Mountain phase two optimization, engineering and permitting.
Metalla holds a 5.0% NSR royalty on the South Domes area of the Castle Mountain mine.
Santa Gertrudis
On February 16, 2023, Agnico provided a resource update on the Santa Gertrudis project near Hermosillo, Mexico where Agnico expects to spend $7.3 million for 10,000 meters of drilling in 2023. Measured & Indicated Resources at Santa Gertrudis totaled 516 Koz at 0.91 g/t gold and 2,106 Koz at 3.71 g/t silver. Inferred Resources totaled 1,464 Koz at 2.25 g/t gold and 7,548 Koz at 11.58 g/t silver.
Metalla holds a 2.0% NSR royalty on the Santa Gertrudis project.
Akasaba West
On April 27, 2023, Agnico announced that 670 kt of overburden was removed to date and construction and installation of surface infrastructure was ongoing to bring the Akasaba West project online for early 2024 where it is expected to contribute 12,000 ounces of gold per year to the Goldex operation.
Metalla holds a 2.0% NSR royalty on the Akasaba West project subject to a 210 Koz gold exemption.
Camflo
On April 27, 2023, Agnico reported there are three drill rigs currently investigating near-surface targets at Camflo. On February 16, 2023, Agnico reported the Canadian Malartic partnership has identified porphyry hosted gold mineralization that could potentially be mined via an open pit at the Camflo property and provide tonnage to the Canadian Malartic operation by the end of the decade. Additional studies are underway to fully evaluate the mineralization and additional potential in adjacent rock types. An aggressive drill program of $5 million with 22,000 meters is planned in 2023. The Camflo property covers the past producing Camflo mine which had historical production of approximately 1.6 Moz gold at 5.78 g/t.
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Metalla holds a 1.0% NSR royalty on the Camflo mine, located ~1km northeast of the Canadian Malartic operation.
Plomosas
On March 20, 2023, GR Silver Mining announced an updated Mineral Resource estimate for the Plomosas project. At the Plomosas Mine area, total Indicated Resources are 31 Moz at 200 g/t silver equivalent ("AgEq") and Inferred Resources are 17 Moz at 175 g/t AgEq. The San Juan-La Colorada Area has an Indicated Resource of 1 Moz at 204 g/t AgEq and an Inferred Resource of 16 Moz at 180 g/t AgEq.
Metalla holds a 2.0% NSR royalty on the Plomosas property subject to a buy back of 1.0% for $1.0 million.
Tower Mountain
On April 25, 2023, Thunder Gold Corp announced they intersected 941 g/t over 1.5 meters with visible gold in the core at the Thunder Gold property. Additional highlights include 0.77 g/t gold over 23 meters and 1.26 g/t gold over 17.5 meters.
Metalla holds a 2% NSR royalty on the Tower Mountain property.
Montclerg
Through press releases dated February 8, 2023, and January 18, 2023, GFG Resources Inc. reported high grade intervals at the Montclerg Gold Project located 48 km east of the Timmins Gold District. Significant intercepts include 8.46 g/t gold over 5 meters and 9.85 g/t gold over 16 meters.
Metalla holds a 1.0% NSR royalty on the Montclerg property.
Detour DNA
On February 16, 2023, Agnico reported the results from step out drilling approximately 2.4 km west of the Detour West pit where a significant drill hole intercepted 2.6 g/t gold over 35.3 meters and 13.7 g/t gold over 3.2 meters.
Metalla holds a 2.0% NSR royalty on the Detour DNA property which is approximately 7 km west of the Detour West reserve pit margin.
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Green Springs
On December 9, 2022, Contact Gold Corp. announced it has entered into a $10 million earn-in with Centerra Gold on the Green Springs project. On April 5, 2023, Contact Gold reported a 4,500 meter drill program with a budget of $1.85 million will be conducted at Green Springs.
Metalla holds a 2.0% NSR royalty on the Green Springs project.
QUALIFIED PERSON
The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Charles Beaudry, geologist M.Sc., member of the Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario and of the Ordre des Géologues du Québec and a director of Metalla. Mr. Beaudry is a QP as defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”).
ABOUT METALLA
Metalla is a precious metals royalty and streaming company. Metalla provides shareholders with leveraged precious metal exposure through a diversified and growing portfolio of royalties and streams. Our strong foundation of current and future cash-generating asset base, combined with an experienced team gives Metalla a path to become one of the leading gold and silver companies for the next commodities cycle.
For further information, please visit our website at www.metallaroyalty.com
ON BEHALF OF METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD.
(signed) "Brett Heath"
President and CEO
CONTACT INFORMATION
Metalla Royalty & Streaming Ltd.
Brett Heath, President & CEO
Phone: 604-696-0741
Email: info@metallaroyalty.com
Kristina Pillon, Investor Relations
Phone: 604-908-1695
Email: kristina@metallaroyalty.com
Website: www.metallaroyalty.com
Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Non-IFRS Financial Measures
Metalla has included certain performance measures in this press release that do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) including (a) attributable gold equivalent ounces (GEOs), (b) average cash cost per attributable GEO, (c) average realized price per attributable GEO, (d) operating cash margin per attributable GEO, and (e) adjusted EBITDA. The Company believes that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, certain investors use this information to evaluate the Company's performance and ability to generate cash flow.
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(a) Attributable GEOs
Attributable GEOs are a non-IFRS financial measure that is composed of gold ounces attributable to the Company, plus an amount calculated by taking the revenue earned by the Company in the period from payable silver ounces attributable to the Company divided by the average London fix price of gold for the relevant period, plus an amount calculated by taking the cash received or accrued by the Company in the period from the derivative royalty asset divided by the average London fix gold price for the relevant period. Included in the calculation of attributable GEOs is any cash received from the Higginsville price participation royalty, which is accounted for as a derivative royalty asset, as such any payments received under this royalty are treated as a reduction in the carrying value of the asset on the Company's statement of financial position and not shown as revenue on the Company's statement of profit and loss. However, operationally as the Company receives payment similar to the Company's other royalty interests, the results have been included for more accurate comparability and to allow the reader to accurately analyze the operations of the Company. The Company presents attributable GEOs as it believes that certain investors use this information to evaluate the Company's performance in comparison to other streaming and royalty companies in the precious metals mining industry who present results on a similar basis. The Company's attributable GEOs for the three months ended March 31, 2023, were as follows:
| Attributable GEOs during the period from: | |||
| Higginsville | 354 | ||
| Wharf | 352 | ||
| El Realito | 168 | ||
| La Encantada | 26 | ||
| NLGM | 27 | ||
| Total attributable GEOs | 927 |
(b) Average cash cost per attributable GEO
Average cash cost per attributable GEO is a non-IFRS financial measure that is calculated by dividing the Company's total cash cost of sales, excluding depletion by the number of attributable GEOs. The Company presents average cash cost per attributable GEO as it believes that certain investors use this information to evaluate the Company's performance in comparison to other streaming and royalty companies in the precious metals mining industry who present results on a similar basis. The Company's average cash cost per attributable GEO for three months ended March 31, 2023, was:
| Cost of sales for NLGM | $ | 5 | |
| Total cash cost of sales | 5 | ||
| Total attributable GEOs | 927 | ||
| Average cash cost per attributable GEO | $ | 5 |
(c) Average realized price per attributable GEO
Average realized price per attributable GEO is a non-IFRS financial measure that is calculated by dividing the Company's revenue, excluding any revenue earned from fixed royalty payments, and including cash received or accrued in the period from derivative royalty assets, by the number of attributable GEOs sold. The Company presents average realized price per attributable GEO as it believes that certain investors use this information to evaluate the Company's performance in comparison to other streaming and royalty companies in the precious metals mining industry that present results on a similar basis. The Company's average realized price per attributable GEO for three months ended March 31, 2023, was:
| Royalty revenue (excluding fixed royalty payments) | $ | 981 | |
| Payments from derivative assets | 669 | ||
| Revenue from NLGM | 52 | ||
| Sales from stream and royalty interests | 1,702 | ||
| Total attributable GEOs sold | 927 | ||
| Average realized price per attributable GEO | $ | 1,836 |
(d) Operating cash margin per attributable GEO
Operating cash margin per attributable GEO is a non-IFRS financial measure that is calculated by subtracting the average cast cost price per attributable GEO from the average realized price per attributable GEO. The Company presents operating cash margin per attributable GEO as it believes that certain investors use this information to evaluate the Company's performance in comparison to other streaming and royalty companies in the precious metals mining industry that present results on a similar basis.
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(e) Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA is a non-IFRS financial measure which excludes from net income taxes, finance costs, depletion, impairment charges, foreign currency gains/losses, share based payments, and non-recurring items. Management uses Adjusted EBITDA to evaluate the Company's operating performance, to plan and forecast its operations, and assess leverage levels and liquidity measures. The Company presents Adjusted EBITDA as it believes that certain investors use this information to evaluate the Company's performance in comparison to other streaming and royalty companies in the precious metals mining industry who present results on a similar basis. However, Adjusted EBITDA does not represent, and should not be considered an alternative to net income (loss) or cash flow provided by operating activities as determined under IFRS. The Company's adjusted EBITDA for three months ended March 31, 2023, was:
| Net loss | $ | (1,356 | ) |
| Adjusted for: | |||
| Interest expense | 315 | ||
| Finance charges | 33 | ||
| Income tax provision | 199 | ||
| Depletion | 399 | ||
| Foreign exchange loss | 68 | ||
| Share-based payments | 897 | ||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 555 |
Refer the Company's MD&A for the three months ended March 31, 2023, which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, for a numerical reconciliation of the non-IFRS financial measures described above. The presentation of these non-IFRS financial measures is intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. Other companies may calculate these non-IFRS financial measures differently.
Technical and Third-Party Information
Metalla has limited, if any, access to the properties on which Metalla holds a royalty, stream or other interest. Metalla is dependent on (i) the operators of the mines or properties and their qualified persons to provide technical or other information to Metalla, or (ii) publicly available information to prepare disclosure pertaining to properties and operations on the mines or properties on which Metalla holds a royalty, stream or other interest, and generally has limited or no ability to independently verify such information. Although Metalla does not have any knowledge that such information may not be accurate, there can be no assurance that such third-party information is complete or accurate. Some information publicly reported by operators may relate to a larger property than the area covered by Metalla's royalty, stream or other interests. Metalla's royalty, stream or other interests can cover less than 100% and sometimes only a portion of the publicly reported mineral reserves, resources and production of a property.
Unless otherwise indicated, the technical and scientific disclosure contained or referenced in this press release, including any references to mineral resources or mineral reserves, was prepared in accordance with Canadian NI 43-101, which differs significantly from the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") applicable to U.S. domestic issuers. Accordingly, the scientific and technical information contained or referenced in this press release may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements of the SEC.
"Inferred mineral resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Historical results or feasibility models presented herein are not guarantees or expectations of future performance.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. The forward-looking statements herein are made as of the date of this press release only and the Company does not intend to and does not assume any obligation to update or revise them except as required by applicable law.
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All statements included herein that address events or developments that we expect to occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “expects”, “is expected”, “budgets”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “predicts”, “projects”, “intends”, “targets”, “aims”, “anticipates” or “believes” or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases or may be identified by statements to the effect that certain actions “may”, “could”, “should”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: future events or future performance of Metalla; the completion of the Company’s royalty purchase transactions; the Company’s plans and objectives; the Company’s future financial and operational performance; expectations regarding stream and royalty interests owned by the Company; the satisfaction of future payment obligations, contractual commitments and contingent commitments by Metalla; the future achievement of any milestones in respect of the payment or satisfaction of contingent consideration by Metalla; the effectiveness, and potential use and benefit of the Company’s final short form base shelf prospectus and Form F-10 registration statement; the future sales of common shares under the 2022 ATM program and the value of the gross proceeds to be raised; the future availability of funds, including drawdowns pursuant to the Company’s loan facility (as amended or supplemented); the effective interest rate of drawdowns under the Company’s loan facility (as amended or supplemented) and the life expectancy thereof; the future conversion of funds drawn down by Metalla under its loan facility (as amended or supplemented); the amendments or supplements to the Company’s loan facility, including the effectiveness of the Supplemental Loan Agreement and conversion of C$4.0 million of the third drawdown; the payment of the principal and accrued interest on the Castle Mountain loan and the anticipated timing thereof; the completion by property owners of announced drilling programs, capital expenditures, and other planned activities in relation to properties on which the Company and its subsidiaries hold a royalty or streaming interest and the expected timing thereof; production and life of mine estimates or forecasts at the properties on which the Company and its subsidiaries hold a royalty or streaming interest; future disclosure by property owners and the expected timing thereof; the completion by property owners of announced capital expenditure programs; the expected 2023 production at La Encantada; the expected 2023 guidance for the mine at La Encantada; the advancement of mining at La Encantada towards the Ojuelas and Beca-Zone orebodies; the intended improvements for the heap leach pads at El Realito; the completion of 4,000 meters of exploration drilling by Agnico at the Chipriona deposit at El Realito; the expected 2023 production at Wharf; the focus of the exploration efforts at Wharf in 2023; the extension of the mine operating life at NLGM; the assessment of the Wasamac project by Agnico, and its expected production potential; Moneta’s plan to assess the expansion of underground resources and evaluate the increase of underground production rates; the expected future production at the Tower Gold Project, and anticipated timing thereof; the production potential at the AK deposit and the anticipated timing thereof; the recommencing of operations at the Endeavor mine; the completion of Polymetals acquisition of Orana Minerals Pty Ltd. and obtaining the required shareholder approval; the closing of the agreement between the Company and Cobar Operations to convert the Company’s 100% silver stream in the Endeavor mine to a 4.0% NSR royalty on all lead, zinc and silver produced from those tenements; additional technical studies planned to complete test work and studies to optimize inclusion of Gosselin into future Côté life-of-mine plans; St. Barbara’s plan to investigate repurposing of the Touquoy processing facility; the construction of the Fifteen Mile Stream mine, and the anticipated timing thereof; the expected expenses by Agnico at Fosterville, and the completion of capitalized drilling, development of exploration drifts, and underground and surface exploration; the budget for the Phase 2 optimization, engineering and permitting at Castle Mountain and the anticipated timing thereof; Agnico’s expected expenses for drilling at Santa Gertrudis for 2023; the expected timing of start of production at Akasaba West, and the expected production potential; the potential that the porphyry hosted gold mineralization identified by the Canadian Malartic partnership may be mined via an open pit from the Camflo property, and the anticipated timing of production thereof; the anticipated drill program at Camflo property and the anticipated timing thereof; the expected drilling program at Green Springs, and the anticipated timing and expenses; the amount and timing of the attributable GEOs expected by the Company in 2023; the availability of cash flows from the Wharf, Higginsville, El Realito, NLGM and La Encantada royalties and streams; royalty payments to be paid to Metalla by property owners or operators of mining projects pursuant to each royalty interest; the future outlook of Metalla and the mineral reserves and resource estimates for the properties with respect to which the Metalla has or proposes to acquire an interest; future gold and silver prices; other potential developments relating to, or achievements by, the counterparties for the Company’s stream and royalty agreements, and with respect to the mines and other properties in which the Company has, or may acquire, a stream or royalty interest; costs and other financial or economic measures; prospective transactions; growth and achievements; financing and adequacy of capital; future payment of dividends; future public and/or private placements of equity, debt or hybrids thereof; and the Company’s ability to fund its current operational requirements and capital projects.
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Such forward-looking statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management. Forward-looking statements are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions that, while believed by management to be reasonable, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties, and contingencies. Forward-looking statements are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of Metalla to control or predict, that may cause Metalla's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other factors set out herein, including but not limited to: risks related to commodity price fluctuations; the absence of control over mining operations from which Metalla will purchase precious metals pursuant to gold streams, silver streams and other agreements or from which it will receive royalty payments pursuant to net smelter returns, gross overriding royalties, gross value royalties and other royalty agreements or interests and risks related to those mining operations, including risks related to international operations, government and environmental regulation, delays in mine construction and operations, actual results of mining and current exploration activities, conclusions of economic evaluations and changes in project parameters as plans are refined; risks related to exchange rate fluctuations; that payments in respect of streams and royalties may be delayed or may never be made; risks related to Metalla’s reliance on public disclosure and other information regarding the mines or projects underlying its streams and royalties; that some royalties or streams may be subject to confidentiality arrangements that limit or prohibit disclosure regarding those royalties and streams; business opportunities that become available to, or are pursued by, Metalla; that Metalla’s cash flow is dependent on the activities of others; that Metalla has had negative cash flow from operating activities in the past; that some royalty and stream interests are subject to rights of other interest-holders; that Metalla’s royalties and streams may have unknown defects; risks related to Metalla’s sole material asset, the Côté property; risks related to general business and economic conditions; risks related to global financial conditions, geopolitical events and other uncertainties; risks related to epidemics, pandemics or other public health crises, including COVID-19 global health pandemic, and the spread of other viruses or pathogens, and the potential impact thereof on Metalla’s business, operations and financial condition; that Metalla is dependent on its key personnel; risks related to Metalla’s financial controls; dividend policy and future payment of dividends; competition; that project operators may not respect contractual obligations; that Metalla’s royalties and streams may be unenforceable; risks related to conflicts of interest of Metalla’s directors and officers; that Metalla may not be able to obtain adequate financing in the future; risks associated with Metalla’s 2022 ATM Program; risks related to Metalla’s current credit facility and financing agreements; litigation; title, permit or license disputes related to interests on any of the properties in which Metalla holds, or may acquire, a royalty, stream or other interest; interpretation by government entities of tax laws or the implementation of new tax laws; changes in tax laws impacting Metalla; risks related to anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws; credit and liquidity risk; risks related to Metalla’s information systems and cyber security; risks posed by activist shareholders; that Metalla may suffer reputational damage in the ordinary course of business; risks related to acquiring, investing in or developing resource projects; risks applicable to owners and operators of properties in which Metalla holds an interest; exploration, development and operating risks; risks related to climate change; environmental risks; that the exploration and development activities related to mine operations are subject to extensive laws and regulations; that the operation of a mine or project is subject to the receipt and maintenance of permits from governmental authorities; risks associated with the acquisition and maintenance of mining infrastructure; that Metalla’s success is dependent on the efforts of operators’ employees; risks related to mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates; that mining depletion may not be replaced by the discovery of new mineral reserves; that operators’ mining operations are subject to risks that may not be able to be insured against; risks related to land title; risks related to international operations; risks related to operating in countries with developing economies; risks related to the construction, development and expansion of mines or projects; risks associated with operating in areas that are presently, or were formerly, inhabited or used by indigenous peoples; that Metalla is required, in certain jurisdictions, to allow individuals from that jurisdiction to hold nominal interests in Metalla’s subsidiaries in that jurisdiction; the volatility of the stock market; that existing securityholders may be diluted; risks related to Metalla’s public disclosure obligations; risks associated with future sales or issuances of debt or equity securities; risks associated with the Company’s loan facility; that there can be no assurance that an active trading market for Metalla’s securities will be sustained; risks related to the enforcement of civil judgments against Metalla; risks relating to Metalla potentially being a passive “foreign investment company” within the meaning of U.S. federal tax laws; and the other risks and uncertainties disclosed under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s most recent Annual Information Form, annual report on Form 40-F and other documents filed with or submitted to the Canadian securities regulatory authorities on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on the EDGAR website at www.sec.gov. Although we have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. We are under no obligation to update or alter any forward-looking statements except as required under applicable securities laws. For the reasons set forth above, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements.