UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.
20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
[X] Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
for the quarterly period ended November 30, 2011.
[ ] Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or
15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
for the transition period from _________ to _______ .
Commission file number: 000-51775
STERLING GROUP VENTURES,
INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its
charter)
Nevada | 72-1535634 |
(State or other jurisdiction of | (I.R.S. Employer |
incorporation or organization) | Identification No.) |
308 - 1228 Marinaside Cr., Vancouver, B.C. V6Z 2W4
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(604) 689-4407
(Registrants telephone number,
including area code)
N/A
(Former name, former address and former
fiscal year, if changes since last report)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all
reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period
that the registrant was required
to file such reports), and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large
accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a
smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer,"
"accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the
Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer [ ] | Accelerated filer [ ] | Non-accelerated filer [ ] | Smaller reporting company [X] |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company
(as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes [
] No [X]
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock as of January 12, 2012.
Title of each class | Number of shares |
Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share | 75,730,341 |
1
STERLING GROUP VENTURES, INC.
FORM 10-Q
INDEX
2
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
STERLING GROUP VENTURES, INC. |
(An Exploration Stage Company) |
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS |
November 30, 2011 and May 31, 2011 |
November 30, | May 31, | |||||
Stated in U.S. dollars | 2011 | 2011 | ||||
(unaudited) | (audited) | |||||
ASSETS | ||||||
Current Assets | ||||||
Cash | $ | 1,552,852 | $ | 2,095,515 | ||
Cash held in trust - Note 4 | 28,271 | 43,312 | ||||
GST/HST receivable | 13,609 | 7,917 | ||||
Prepaid expenses and other receivable | 6,362 | 75,187 | ||||
Total current assets | 1,601,094 | 2,221,931 | ||||
Advance on investment - Note 3(a) | - | 55,945 | ||||
Equipment | 2,176 | 1,358 | ||||
Environmental deposit - Note 3(a) | 123,823 | - | ||||
Mineral Properties - Note 3(a) | 3,148,740 | - | ||||
Total Assets | $ | 4,875,833 | $ | 2,279,234 | ||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | ||||||
Current Liabilities | ||||||
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities - Note 4 | $ | 483,332 | $ | 551,277 | ||
Deferred income tax liability - Note 3(a) | 732,687 | - | ||||
1,216,019 | 551,277 | |||||
Stockholders' Equity | ||||||
Common Stock : $0.001 Par
Value - Note 5 Authorized : 500,000,000 Issued and Outstanding : 75,730,341 (2011: 65,730,341) |
75,730 |
65,730 |
||||
Additional Paid In Capital - Note 5 (a) & (b) | 9,415,014 | 7,185,014 | ||||
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | (582 | ) | (582 | ) | ||
Deficit accumulated during the exploration stage | (5,830,348 | ) | (5,522,205 | ) | ||
Total Stockholders' Equity | 3,659,814 | 1,727,957 | ||||
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity | $ | 4,875,833 | $ | 2,279,234 |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
3
STERLING GROUP VENTURES, INC. |
(An Exploration Stage Company) |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS |
For the three months and six months ended November 30, 2011 and 2010 and |
for the period from July 27, 1994 (date of inception) to November 30, 2011 |
(unaudited) |
July 27, 1994 | |||||||||||||||
(Date of | |||||||||||||||
Three months ended | Six months ended | inception) | |||||||||||||
November 30, | November 30, | to November 30, | |||||||||||||
Stated in U.S. dollars | 2011 | 2010 | 2011 | 2010 | 2011 | ||||||||||
Expenses | |||||||||||||||
Accounting, audit, legal and professional fees | $ | 37,364 | $ | 11,051 | $ | 69,930 | $ | 40,109 | $ | 580,331 | |||||
Bank charges | 55 | (100 | ) | 394 | 89 | 2,859 | |||||||||
Consulting fees - Note 4 | 6,326 | 5,845 | 13,200 | 11,485 | 751,034 | ||||||||||
Depreciation | 203 | - | 378 | 47 | 9,780 | ||||||||||
Filing fees and transfer agent | 4,790 | 425 | 9,146 | 3,928 | 57,835 | ||||||||||
Foreign exchange loss (gain) | (10,009 | ) | 8,529 | (19,059 | ) | 4,551 | (24,216 | ) | |||||||
General and administrative - Note 4 | 4,114 | 870 | 5,543 | 2,576 | 129,514 | ||||||||||
Mineral property costs - Note 3 | 78,442 | 4,437 | 93,553 | 4,437 | 1,357,947 | ||||||||||
Printing and mailing | 549 | - | 5,549 | - | 22,432 | ||||||||||
Shareholder information and investor relations | 4,013 | 3,278 | 81,876 | 3,278 | 160,404 | ||||||||||
Stock-based compensation - Note 5 (b) | 40,000 | - | 40,000 | - | 2,686,248 | ||||||||||
Travel and entertainment | (710 | ) | - | 7,833 | - | 154,304 | |||||||||
Recovery of doubtful collection | - | - | - | - | (272,358 | ) | |||||||||
Allowance for doubtful collection | - | - | - | - | 246,708 | ||||||||||
(165,137 | ) | (34,335 | ) | (308,343 | ) | (70,500 | ) | (5,862,822 | ) | ||||||
Other item | |||||||||||||||
Interest income | 96 | - | 200 | 18 | 32,474 | ||||||||||
Net loss for the period | $ | (165,041 | ) | $ | (34,335 | ) | $ | (308,143 | ) | $ | (70,482 | ) | $ | (5,830,348 | ) |
Currency translation adjustment | - | 5 | - | 5 | (582 | ) | |||||||||
Comprehensive loss for the period | $ | (165,041 | ) | $ | (34,330 | ) | $ | (308,143 | ) | $ | (70,477 | ) | $ | (5,830,930 | ) |
Basic and diluted loss per share | $ | (0.00 | ) | $ | (0.00 | ) | $ | (0.00 | ) | $ | (0.00 | ) | |||
Weighted average number of shares outstanding | 75,730,341 | 43,826,175 | 73,817,773 | 43,826,175 |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
4
STERLING GROUP VENTURES, INC. |
(An Exploration Stage Company) |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (CAPITAL DEFICIT) |
For the period from July 27, 1994 (date of inception) to November 30, 2011 |
(unaudited) |
Deficit | ||||||||||||||||||
Accumulated | Accumulated | |||||||||||||||||
Stock | Additional | Other | During The | |||||||||||||||
Common | Amount At | Paid In | Comprehensive | Exploration | ||||||||||||||
Stated in U.S. dollars | Shares | Par Value | Capital | Income (Loss) | Stage | Total | ||||||||||||
Balance, July 27, 1994 (Date of inception) | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | |||||||
Common stock | 1 | 1 | - | - | - | 1 | ||||||||||||
Amount contributed by director | - | - | 1,881 | - | - | 1,881 | ||||||||||||
Net loss for the periods | - | - | - | - | (7,902 | ) | (7,902 | ) | ||||||||||
Balance, May 31, 2001 | 1 | $ | 1 | $ | 1,881 | $ | - | $ | (7,902 | ) | $ | (6,020 | ) | |||||
Net loss of the year | - | - | - | - | (1,860 | ) | (1,860 | ) | ||||||||||
Balance, May 31, 2002 | 1 | $ | 1 | $ | 1,881 | $ | - | $ | (9,762 | ) | $ | (7,880 | ) | |||||
Net loss of the year | - | - | - | - | (1,360 | ) | (1,360 | ) | ||||||||||
Balance, May 31, 2003 | 1 | $ | 1 | $ | 1,881 | $ | - | $ | (11,122 | ) | $ | (9,240 | ) | |||||
Reverse acquisition | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | (1,881 | ) | - | - | (1,882 | ) | ||||||||
Issuance of common shares for reverse acquisition | 25,000,000 | 25,000 | (23,119 | ) | - | - | 1,881 | |||||||||||
Outstanding common shares of Company prior to acquisition | 11,360,000 | 11,360 | (10,883 | ) | (583 | ) | - | (106 | ) | |||||||||
Issuance of shares for cash pursuant to a private placement - at $0.50 | 1,766,000 | 1,766 | 881,234 | - | - | 883,000 | ||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | - | - | 368,641 | - | - | 368,641 | ||||||||||||
Net loss of the year | - | - | - | - | (527,446 | ) | (527,446 | ) | ||||||||||
Balance, May 31, 2004 | 38,126,000 | $ | 38,126 | $ | 1,215,873 | $ | (583 | ) | $ | (538,568 | ) | $ | 714,848 | |||||
Issuance of shares for cash pursuant to a private placement - at $0.50 | 1,950,000 | 1,950 | 973,050 | - | - | 975,000 | ||||||||||||
Issuance of shares for finder's fee of private placement | 101,500 | 102 | 50,648 | - | - | 50,750 | ||||||||||||
Finders' fees | - | - | (50,750 | ) | - | - | (50,750 | ) | ||||||||||
Issuance of shares for services rendered | 100,000 | 100 | 41,900 | - | - | 42,000 | ||||||||||||
Net loss of the year | - | - | - | - | (818,954 | ) | (818,954 | ) | ||||||||||
Balance, May 31, 2005 | 40,277,500 | $ | 40,278 | $ | 2,230,721 | $ | (583 | ) | $ | (1,357,522 | ) | $ | 912,894 | |||||
Net loss for the year | - | - | - | - | (461,201 | ) | (461,201 | ) | ||||||||||
Balance, May 31, 2006 | 40,277,500 | $ | 40,278 | $ | 2,230,721 | $ | (583 | ) | $ | (1,818,723 | ) | $ | 451,693 | |||||
Issuance of shares for cash pursuant to a private placement - at $0.15 | 2,750,300 | 2,750 | 409,795 | - | - | 412,545 | ||||||||||||
Issuance of shares for finder's fee of private placement | 123,690 | 124 | 21,522 | - | - | 21,646 | ||||||||||||
Finders' fees | - | - | (21,646 | ) | - | - | (21,646 | ) | ||||||||||
Share issuance costs | - | - | (3,687 | ) | - | - | (3,687 | ) | ||||||||||
Issuance of shares for services rendered | 350,000 | 350 | 48,650 | - | - | 49,000 | ||||||||||||
Net loss for the year | - | - | - | - | (864,485 | ) | (864,485 | ) |
5
Deficit | ||||||||||||||||||
Accumulated | Accumulated | |||||||||||||||||
Stock | Additional | Other | During The | |||||||||||||||
Common | Amount At | Paid In | Comprehensive | Exploration | ||||||||||||||
Stated in U.S. dollars | Shares | Par Value | Capital | Income (Loss) | Stage | Total | ||||||||||||
Balance, May 31, 2007 | 43,501,490 | $ | 43,502 | $ | 2,685,355 | $ | (583 | ) | $ | (2,683,208 | ) | $ | 45,066 | |||||
Issuance of shares for services rendered at $0.06 | 324,685 | 324 | 19,156 | - | - | 19,480 | ||||||||||||
Revaluation of share purchase warrants | - | - | 409,525 | - | - | 409,525 | ||||||||||||
Net loss for the year | - | - | - | - | (516,440 | ) | (516,440 | ) | ||||||||||
Balance, May 31, 2008 | 43,826,175 | $ | 43,826 | $ | 3,114,036 | $ | (583 | ) | $ | (3,199,648 | ) | $ | (42,369 | ) | ||||
Revaluation of share purchase warrants | - | - | 83,852 | - | - | 83,852 | ||||||||||||
Net loss for the year | - | - | - | - | (245,405 | ) | (245,405 | ) | ||||||||||
Balance, May 31, 2009 | 43,826,175 | $ | 43,826 | $ | 3,197,888 | $ | (583 | ) | $ | (3,445,053 | ) | $ | (203,922 | ) | ||||
Revaluation of share purchase warrants | - | - | 91,704 | - | - | 91,704 | ||||||||||||
Net loss for the year | - | - | - | - | (213,704 | ) | (213,704 | ) | ||||||||||
Balance, May 31, 2010 | 43,826,175 | $ | 43,826 | $ | 3,289,592 | $ | (583 | ) | $ | (3,658,757 | ) | $ | (325,922 | ) | ||||
Issuance of shares for cash pursuant to a private placement - at $0.10 | 20,000,000 | 20,000 | 1,980,000 | - | - | 2,000,000 | ||||||||||||
Issuance of shares for finder's fee of private placement | 752,500 | 752 | (752 | ) | - | - | - | |||||||||||
Issuance of shares for execise of "C" warrants - at $0.18 | 801,666 | 802 | 143,498 | - | - | 144,300 | ||||||||||||
Issuance of shares for services rendered | 350,000 | 350 | 80,150 | - | - | 80,500 | ||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | - | - | 1,692,526 | - | - | 1,692,526 | ||||||||||||
Currency translation adjustment | - | - | - | 1 | - | 1 | ||||||||||||
Net loss for the period | - | - | - | - | (1,863,448 | ) | (1,863,448 | ) | ||||||||||
Balance, May 31, 2011 | 65,730,341 | $ | 65,730 | $ | 7,185,014 | $ | (582 | ) | $ | (5,522,205 | ) | $ | 1,727,957 | |||||
Issuance of shares for acquisition of the subsidiary - at $0.22 | 10,000,000 | 10,000 | 2,190,000 | - | - | 2,200,000 | ||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | - | - | 40,000 | - | - | 40,000 | ||||||||||||
Net loss for the period | - | - | - | - | (308,143 | ) | (308,143 | ) | ||||||||||
Balance, November 30, 2011 | 75,730,341 | $ | 75,730 | $ | 9,415,014 | $ | (582 | ) | $ | (5,830,348 | ) | $ | 3,659,814 |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
6
STERLING GROUP VENTURES, INC. |
(An Exploration Stage Company) |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS |
For the six months ended November 30, 2011 and 2010 and |
for the period from July 27, 1994 (date of inception) to November 30, 2011 |
(unaudited) |
July 27, 1994 | |||||||||
(Date of | |||||||||
inception) | |||||||||
Six months ended November 30, | to November 30, | ||||||||
Stated in U.S. dollars | 2011 | 2010 | 2011 | ||||||
Cash flows from operating activities | |||||||||
Net loss for the period | $ | (308,143 | ) | $ | (70,482 | ) | $ | (5,830,348 | ) |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | |||||||||
Stock compensation expenses | 40,000 | - | 2,686,248 | ||||||
Depreciation | 378 | 47 | 9,780 | ||||||
Permit and engineering studies | - | - | 150,000 | ||||||
Shareholder information and investor relations | - | - | 100,947 | ||||||
Accounting, audit and legal fees | - | - | 49,000 | ||||||
Unrealized FV adjustment on cash | (332 | ) | - | (437 | ) | ||||
Changes in non-cash working capital items related to operations | |||||||||
GST/HST refundable | (5,692 | ) | (1,338 | ) | (13,609 | ) | |||
Prepaid expenses and other receivable | 68,831 | (817 | ) | 15,197 | |||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | (11,789 | ) | 24,425 | 558,968 | |||||
Net cash used in operating activities | (216,747 | ) | (48,165 | ) | (2,274,254 | ) | |||
Cash flows from investing activities | |||||||||
Advance on investment | - | - | (205,945 | ) | |||||
Additions to equipment | (1,194 | ) | - | (11,954 | ) | ||||
Additions to mineral properties | (279,576 | ) | - | (279,576 | ) | ||||
Net change in cash held in trust | 15,041 | (1 | ) | (28,271 | ) | ||||
Net cash flows used in investing activities | (265,729 | ) | (1 | ) | (525,746 | ) | |||
Cash flows from financing activities | |||||||||
Net proceeds on issuance of common stock | - | - | 4,411,158 | ||||||
Amounts contributed by director | (56,181 | ) | - | (54,300 | ) | ||||
Net cash flows provided by financing activities | (56,181 | ) | - | 4,356,858 | |||||
Foreign exchange effect on cash | (4,006 | ) | 13 | (4,006 | ) | ||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash | (542,663 | ) | (48,153 | ) | 1,552,852 | ||||
Cash - beginning of period | 2,095,515 | 192,502 | - | ||||||
Cash - end of period | $ | 1,552,852 | $ | 144,349 | $ | 1,552,852 | |||
Supplemental Information : | |||||||||
Cash paid for : | |||||||||
Interest | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | |||
Income taxes | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | |||
Non-cash Transactions : | |||||||||
Issuance of shares for commission paid to broker for private placement | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 147,646 | |||
Issuance of shares for services rendered | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 171,500 | |||
Issuance of shares for settlement of accounts payable | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 19,480 | |||
Issuance of share purchase warrants for finder's fee paid to broker for private placement | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 11,477 | |||
Issuance of shares for acquisition of the subsidiary | $ | 2,200,000 | $ | - | $ | 2,200,000 |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
7
Sterling Group Ventures, Inc. |
(An Exploration Stage Company) |
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements |
November 30, 2011 |
(Stated in US Dollars) |
(Unaudited) |
Note 1 | Nature of Operations and Ability to Continue as a Going Concern |
Sterling Group Ventures Inc. was incorporated in the State of Nevada on September 13, 2001 and its fiscal year-end is May 31. On January 20, 2004, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of Micro Express Ltd. (Micro), which was incorporated on July 27, 1994. The business combination was accounted for as a reverse acquisition whereby the purchase method of accounting was used with Micro being the accounting acquirer and the Company being the accounting subsidiary. The cumulative figures are shown on a reverse acquisition basis with respect to the accounting acquirers date of inception, July 27, 1994.
Sterling Group Ventures Inc. (the Company) is in the exploration stage. The Company has entered into joint venture agreements to explore and develop mineral properties located in China and has not yet determined whether these properties contain reserves that are economically recoverable. The recoverability of amounts from these properties will be dependent upon the discovery of economically recoverable reserves, the ability of the Company to obtain necessary financing to satisfy the expenditure requirements under the joint venture agreements and to complete the development of the properties and upon future profitable production or proceeds from the sale thereof.
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applicable to a going concern, which assumes that the Company will be able to meet its obligations and continue its operations for its next fiscal year. Realization values may be substantially different from carrying values as shown as these financial statements do not give effect to adjustments that would be necessary to the carrying values and classification of assets and liabilities should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern. At November 30, 2011, the Company had not yet achieved profitable operations and has accumulated losses of $5,830,348 since its inception and expects to incur further losses in the development of its business, all of which casts substantial doubt about the Companys ability to continue as a going concern. The Companys ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon its ability to generate future profitable operations and/or to obtain the necessary financing to meet its obligations and repay its liabilities arising from normal business operations when they come due. Management has no formal plan in place to address this concern but considers that the Company will be able to obtain additional funds by equity financing and/or related party advances, however there is no assurance of additional funding being available.
These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Micro Express Holdings Inc., Micro Express Ltd., Huyana Ventures Limited, Makaelo Holdings Inc., Makaelo Limited, Silver Castle Investments Limited (Silver Castle) and its 100% controlled subsidiary, Chenxi County Hongyu Mining Co. Ltd. ("Hongyu"). All inter-company transactions and account balances have been eliminated.
Note 2 | Recent Accounting Pronouncements |
The Company has evaluated all the recent accounting pronouncements and believes that none of them will have a material effect on the Companys consolidated financial statements.
On June 1, 2011, the Company adopted ASU 2010-13, "Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718) issued by FASB. This Update provides amendments to Topic 718 to clarify that an employee share-based payment award with an exercise price denominated in the currency of a market in which a substantial portion of the entity's equity securities trades should not be considered to contain a condition that is not a market, performance, or service condition. Therefore, an entity would not classify such an award as a liability if it otherwise qualifies as equity. The adoption of ASU 2010-13 did not have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.
8
Sterling Group Ventures, Inc. |
(An Exploration Stage Company) |
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements |
November 30, 2011 |
(Stated in US Dollars) |
(Unaudited) |
Note 2 | Recent Accounting Pronouncements (contd) |
On June 1, 2011, the Company adopted ASU 2010-29, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Disclosure of Supplementary Pro Forma Information for Business Combinations issued by FASB to clarify the reporting of pro forma financial information related to business combinations of public entities and expand certain supplemental pro forma disclosures. The adoption of ASU 2010-29 did not have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.
In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs. This ASU is intended to result in convergence between U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) requirements for measurement of and disclosures about fair value. The amendments are not expected to have a significant impact on companies applying U.S. GAAP. Key provisions of the amendment include: a prohibition on grouping financial instruments for purposes of determining fair value, except when an entity manages market and credit risks on the basis of the entitys net exposure to the group; an extension of the prohibition against the use of a blockage factor to all fair value measurements (that prohibition currently applies only to financial instruments with quoted prices in active markets); and a requirement that for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements, entities disclose quantitative information about unobservable inputs, a description of the valuation process used and qualitative details about the sensitivity of the measurements. In addition, for items not carried at fair value but for which fair value is disclosed, entities will be required to disclose the level within the fair value hierarchy that applies to the fair value measurement disclosed. This ASU is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a significant impact on the Companys fair value measurements, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income. This ASU will require companies to present the components of net income and other comprehensive income either as one continuous statement or as two consecutive statements. It eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders' equity. The standard does not change the items which must be reported in other comprehensive income, how such items are measured or when they must be reclassified to net income. This standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. Because this ASU impacts presentation only, it will have no effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-08, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment. The amendments in this update allow an entity the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, based on its qualitative assessment, an entity concludes it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, quantitative impairment testing is required. However, if an entity concludes otherwise, quantitative impairment testing is not required. ASU No. 2011-08 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect such adoption will have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
9
Sterling Group Ventures, Inc. |
(An Exploration Stage Company) |
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements |
November 30, 2011 |
(Stated in US Dollars) |
(Unaudited) |
Note 3 | Mineral Properties |
A summary of mineral properties costs for the cumulative period from date of inception (July 27, 1994) to November 30, 2011 were incurred and accounted for in the consolidated statement of operations as follows:
DXC | Gaoping | ||||||||
Salt Lake | Phosphate | ||||||||
Summary of mineral property expenditures | Property | Property | Total | ||||||
From Date of Inception (July 27, 1994) to November 30, 2011 | |||||||||
Balance, May 31, 2005 | $ | - | $ | - | |||||
Administrative | 5,560 | - | 5,560 | ||||||
Consulting fees | 46,629 | - | 46,629 | ||||||
Engineering studies | 26,933 | - | 26,933 | ||||||
Feasibility study | 29,080 | - | 29,080 | ||||||
Geophysical study | 31,114 | - | 31,114 | ||||||
Legal fees | 623 | - | 623 | ||||||
Topography measurement | 32,266 | - | 32,266 | ||||||
Travel | 30,953 | - | 30,953 | ||||||
Wages and benefits | 33,601 | - | 33,601 | ||||||
Balance, May 31, 2006 | 236,759 | - | 236,759 | ||||||
Administrative | 5,200 | - | 5,200 | ||||||
Consulting fees | 134,580 | - | 134,580 | ||||||
Engineering studies | 38,063 | - | 38,063 | ||||||
Mining permit | 382,920 | - | 382,920 | ||||||
Topography measurement | 15,001 | - | 15,001 | ||||||
Legal fees | 9,695 | - | 9,695 | ||||||
Travel | 53,262 | - | 53,262 | ||||||
Wages and benefits | 35,687 | - | 35,687 | ||||||
Balance, May 31, 2007 | 911,167 | - | 911,167 | ||||||
Administrative | 706 | - | 706 | ||||||
Consulting fees | 60,548 | - | 60,548 | ||||||
Travel | 5,456 | - | 5,456 | ||||||
Legal fees | 11,566 | - | 11,566 | ||||||
Balance, May 31, 2008 | 989,443 | - | 989,443 | ||||||
Administrative | 867 | - | 867 | ||||||
Consulting fees | 27,890 | - | 27,890 | ||||||
Travel | 16,959 | - | 16,959 | ||||||
Legal fees | 7,008 | - | 7,008 | ||||||
Balance, May 31, 2009 | 1,042,167 | - | 1,042,167 | ||||||
Balance, May 31, 2010 | 1,042,167 | - | 1,042,167 | ||||||
Balance, May 31, 2011 | 1,042,167 | - | 1,042,167 | ||||||
Administrative | - | 7,608 | 7,608 | ||||||
Consulting fees | - | 312 | 312 | ||||||
Feasibility study | - | 3,121 | 3,121 | ||||||
Project design and safety reports | 24,966 | 24,966 | |||||||
Technical reports | 29,730 | 29,730 | |||||||
Travel | 16,770 | 16,770 | |||||||
Wages and benefits | 11,046 | 11,046 | |||||||
Balance, November 30, 2011 | $ | 1,042,167 | $ | 93,553 | $ | 1,135,720 |
10
Sterling Group Ventures, Inc. |
(An Exploration Stage Company) |
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements |
November 30, 2011 |
(Stated in US Dollars) |
(Unaudited) |
Note 3 | Mineral Properties (contd) |
Not included in the table above was a total of $222,227 of costs incurred on other properties which were abandoned during the years ended May 31, 2006, 2007 and 2009.
a) |
Gaoping Phosphate Property |
On October 18, 2010, the Company signed two agreements (the "Agreements") with Chenxi County Hongyu Mining Co. Ltd. ("Hongyu") and its shareholders ("Hongyu Shareholders") regarding the Gaoping phosphate mine (the "GP Property") located in Tanjiachang village, Chenxi County, Hunan Province, China and other phosphate resources in Hunan Province. Hongyu holds a business license and a mining permit in the GP Property which is in effect until November 10, 2014 and covers 42.5 hectares.
The Agreements also required an investment company to be incorporated in Hong Kong (the Investment Company) which will be owned 20% by the Hongyu Shareholders and 80% by the Company. The Investment Company will acquire 90% of Hongyu with the other 10% of Hongyu being transferred to the nominees of the Company. Upon completion of this acquisition, Hongyu will become a Hong Kong / China joint venture company and within five business days of the approval of such joint venture company by the appropriate Chinese authorities, the Company will pay RMB 2,000,000 ($310,366) to the Hongyu Shareholders. During the acquisition phase, the Company will ensure that Hongyus net assets retain a minimum value of RMB 5,000,000 ($771,545). At any time when requested by the Company, the Hongyu Shareholders agree to sell their 20% interest in the Investment Company to the Company for the issuance of 10,000,000 common shares of the Companys capital stock to them all subject to the rules and requirements of the US regulatory bodies bearing jurisdiction. If the Company does not complete taking over Hongyu through the Investment Company within three months after signing the Agreements, the Company shall pay RMB 200,000 to the Hongyu Shareholders as down payment.
Pursuant to the Agreements, Hongyu agreed to surrender its future exclusive cooperative rights to the Company, and the Hongyu Shareholders agreed that the Company shall have all Hongyu's title and interest in any phosphate properties, including but not limited to the GP Property, and the Company shall arrange for the financing of building a mining and processing plant on the GP Property together with other facilities required for a mining operation thereon.
On October 13, 2010, the Company incorporated the Investment Company called Silver Castle Investments Ltd. (Silver Castle) in Hong Kong. The Company paid RMB 200,000 ($30,862) to the Hongyu shareholders as a down payment on December 14, 2010. The Company received all required approvals from Chinese authorities for the completion of its acquisition of Hongyu pursuant to the Agreements dated October 18, 2010. On July 5, 2011, the Company issued 10,000,000 shares to the Hongyu Shareholders with the closing market price of the shares at $0.22 for acquiring the remaining 20% equity interest in Silver Castle from the Hongyu Shareholders. The Company also paid the remaining RMB1,800,000 ($279,576) to Hongyu Shareholders on July 8, 2011 for completion of the transaction. The Company effectively controls 100% of Hongyu through its wholly owned subsidiary, Silver Castle Investments Ltd. which holds 90% of Hongyu with the other 10% held by the nominees of the Company.
The acquisition was treated as an acquisition of assets rather than a business combination because Hongyu does not constitute a business according to the definition of business under FASB ASC Topic 805 Business Combinations. The acquisition is accounted for based on the cash paid and quoted market price of the Companys common shares issued as part of the transaction.
There were no liabilities assumed during the acquisition. Details of the purchase consideration and net assets acquired are as follows:
11
Sterling Group Ventures, Inc. |
(An Exploration Stage Company) |
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements |
November 30, 2011 |
(Stated in US Dollars) |
(Unaudited) |
Note 3 | Mineral Properties (contd) |
a) |
Gaoping Phosphate Property (contd) |
Purchase price: | |||
Cash consideration | $ | 310,438 | |
Common shares (1) | 2,200,000 | ||
Transaction costs | 27,749 | ||
$ | 2,538,187 | ||
Allocated to: | |||
Environmental deposit | $ | 122,134 | |
Mineral property | 3,148,740 | ||
Deferred tax liability | (732,687 | ) | |
$ | 2,538,187 |
(1) |
Consideration paid consisted of an aggregate cash payment of RMB2,000,000 ($310,438) and issuance of 10,000,000 shares of common stock at $0.22 per share which was the closing price of the Companys shares on the date of acquisition. |
Incurred in connection with the acquisition were transaction costs of $27,749 which were included as part of the purchase consideration.
As of November 30, 2011, the Company has incurred mineral property costs of $93,553 on this property which have been expensed to the statement of operations as disclosed in the table above.
b) |
Dangxiongcuo Salt Lake Project |
On September 16, 2005, the Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Micro Express Holdings Inc. (Micro), signed an agreement (the Mianping Agreement) with Beijing Mianping Salt Lake Research Institute (Mianping) for the development of Dangxiongcuo salt lake property (DXC Salt Lake) in Nima county of Naqu district in Tibet, China.
Pursuant to the Mianping Agreement, the parties agreed to set up a Cooperative Company (the Cooperative) to develop the DXC Salt Lake. The objective of the Cooperative was to use the funds provided by the Company and the skills and technology provided by the other party to produce lithium carbonate and borate from brine. The Company, through Micro, was to own 65% of the Cooperative. It was anticipated that the total investment in the Cooperative would be approximately RMB 240 million (or approximately US$35 million). The Cooperative Company was never set up. On July 3, 2007, Micro received a letter from the other party to the Mianping Agreement stating that the agreement between Micro and the other party should be deemed terminated as a result of lack of progress in the approval for the establishment of the joint venture company and is considering a lawsuit against the Company and Micro. Micro has responded that the other partys claim has no legal grounds as the lack of progress is not caused by Micro. There has been no legal action to date and none is expected. By letter dated August 25, 2008, Mianping has confirmed that the agreement dated September 16, 2005 was terminated effective July 8, 2008. This agreement was replaced by the agreement with Zhong Chuan International Mining Holdings Co. Ltd. (Zhong Chuan) dated July 8, 2008 (the Agreement).
12
Sterling Group Ventures, Inc. |
(An Exploration Stage Company) |
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements |
November 30, 2011 |
(Stated in US Dollars) |
(Unaudited) |
Note 3 | Mineral Properties (contd) |
b) |
Dangxiongcuo Salt Lake Project (contd) |
The Company received verbal termination of the Agreement with Zhong Chuan in July 2009, as advised by third party legal counsel, at a meeting in Beijing, China. The Agreement, in effect, allows Zhong Chuan to terminate the Agreement if it pays the Company double the amount of funds paid by the Company to date to secure and develop the DXC Project. Zhong Chuan has not paid the required amount anticipated by the Agreement to date. The delay in payment has delayed the termination process. At this point, the termination is incomplete.
As Zhong Chuan did not fulfill the terms of the Agreement, DXC Salt Lake project was delayed again. The Company renegotiated with Mianping which still holds DXC Salt Lake project. On October 31, 2011, the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, Micro Express Holdings Inc. (collectively "Micro Express"), signed an agreement (the "Ternination Agreement") with Beijing Mianping Salt Lake Research Institute and Tibet Sunrise Mining Development Ltd. which is actual control person of Beijing Mianping Salt Lake Research Institute (collectively "Sunrise") regarding amending and terminating the agreement dated September 16, 2005 ( the "Mianping Agreement") between Micro Express Holdings Inc. and Beijing Mianping Salt Lake Research Institute for the development of the Dangxiongcuo (DXC) Salt Lake Project located in Nima County, Tibet, China.
Pursuant to the Ternination Agreement, the parties have confirmed that when Sunrise completes its shareholder's change and increases its registered capital to RMB 100 million, Sunrise warrants and agrees to pay lump sum RMB 10 million (approximately $1,573,000) to Micro Express immediately in exchange of the original receipts in total amount of RMB 6,218,451 which Micro Express has spent for the DXC project and the receipt of RMB 3,781,549 from Micro Express. Upon receipt of full payment of RMB 10,000,000 from Sunrise, Micro Express shall quitclaim all of its interest in and to the DXC project and the Mianping Agreement and amendments thereto, if any, shall be deemed to be null and void effective immediately. As of Novemeber 30, 2011, the Company received Nil from Sunrise.
As of November 30, 2011, the Company has incurred a total of $1,042,167 in mineral property costs on this property.
Note 4 | Related Party Transactions |
The Company was charged consulting fees for administrative, corporate, financial, engineering, and management services during the three months and six months ended November 30, 2011 totalling $5,856 (2010: $5,846) and $12,032 (2010: $11,486) respectively by companies controlled by a director of the Company.
The Company was charged rental fees included in general and administrative expense during the three months and six months ended November 30, 2011 totalling $nil (2010: $nil) and $nil (2010: $1,091) respectively by a company controlled by a director of the Company.
Cash held in trust at November 30, 2011 includes $28,271 (May 31, 2011: $43,312) held in trust by a director of the Company for Company related expenses.
Included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities is $468,052 (May 31, 2011: $524,233) which was due to companies controlled by the directors of the Company for their services provided.
These transactions were measured at the exchange amount which represented the amount of consideration established and agreed to by the related parties.
13
Sterling Group Ventures, Inc. |
(An Exploration Stage Company) |
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements |
November 30, 2011 |
(Stated in US Dollars) |
(Unaudited) |
Note 5 | Capital Stock |
a) |
Capital Stock |
During the year ended May 31, 2004 and 2005, the Company completed a private placement of 3,716,000 units at $0.50 per unit for total proceeds of $1,858,000. Each unit consists of one common share and one share purchase warrant entitling the holder the right to purchase one common share at $0.75 per share, expiring on February 16, 2006 (the Series A Share Purchase Warrants). Upon exercise of the A share purchase warrant, an additional share purchase warrant will be granted at $1.00 per share, expiring February 16, 2007 (the Series B Share Purchase Warrants). An additional 101,500 units were issued as finders fees.
On December 18, 2004, the Company issued 100,000 shares with a fair value of $42,000 to a consultant for investor relations services for a period of one year.
During the year ended May 31, 2007, the Company completed a private placement of 2,750,300 units at $0.15 per unit for total proceeds of $412,545. Each unit consists of one common share and one share purchase warrant entitling the holder the right to purchase one common share at $0.18 per share expiring on December 29, 2006 (the Series C Share Purchase Warrants). An additional 123,690 units were issued as finders fees.
During the year ended May 31, 2008, the Company issued 324,685 common shares at $0.06 per share to settle accounts payable of $19,480.
During the year ended May 31, 2011, the Company completed a private placement of 20,000,000 units at $0.10 per unit for total proceeds of $2,000,000. Each unit consists of one common share and one share purchase warrant entitling the holder the right to purchase one common share at $0.15 per share expiring on January 31, 2012 (the Series D Share Purchase Warrants). An additional 752,500 units were issued as finders fees.
On May 25, 2011, the Company issued 350,000 shares at a quoted market price of $0.23 each to a consultant for its services.
On July 5, 2011, Sterling issued 10,000,000 shares to the Hongyu Shareholders with the closing market price of the shares at $0.22 for acquiring the remaining 20% equity interest in Silver Castle from the Hongyu Shareholders (Note 3).
b) |
Stock Options |
On April 27, 2011, the Company granted 4,700,000 stock options to employees and consultants at an exercise price of $0.25 each expiring on February 3, 2019. The options were vested immediately.
On November 3, 2011, the Company granted 500,000 stock options to a consultant at an exercise price of $0.25 each expiring on February 3, 2019. The options were vested immediately.
The fair value of each option granted was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with weighted average assumptions for grants as follows:
Period ended | Year ended | |||||
November 30, 2011 | May 31, 2011 | |||||
Risk free interest rate | 1.48% | 2.74% | ||||
Expected life of options in years | 7.26 years | 7.83 years | ||||
Expected volatility | 233.3% | 238.7% | ||||
Dividend per share | $ | 0.00 | $ | 0.00 |
14
Sterling Group Ventures, Inc. |
(An Exploration Stage Company) |
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements |
November 30, 2011 |
(Stated in US Dollars) |
(Unaudited) |
Note 5 | Capital Stock (contd) |
b) |
Stock Options (contd) |
During the period ended November 30, 2011, the weighted average fair value of options granted was $0.08 per share. The Company recognized a total stock based compensation expense of $40,000 for options granted and vested using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.
During the year ended May 31, 2011, the weighted average fair value of options granted was $0.25 per share. The Company recognized a total stock based compensation expense of $1,175,000 for options granted and vested using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.
At November 30, 2011, there were 5,200,000 stock options (May 31, 2011: 4,700,000) outstanding and exercisable with an exercise price at $0.25 each expiring on February 3, 2019.
c) |
Share Purchase Warrants |
Changes in share purchase warrants for the period ended November 30, 2011 and year ended May 31, 2011 are summarized as follows:
Average | ||||||
Number of | exercise | |||||
shares | price | |||||
Balance, May 31, 2011 | 24,570,000 | $ | 0.204 | |||
Granted | - | - | ||||
Exercised | - | - | ||||
Expired | - | - | ||||
Balance, November 30, 2011 | 24,570,000 | $ | 0.204 |
Share purchase warrants outstanding at November 30, 2011:
Series | Number | Price | Expiry Date | ||||||
"A" | 3,817,500 | $ | 0.50 | February 16, 2012 | |||||
"D" | 20,752,500 | $ | 0.15 | January 31, 2012 | |||||
24,570,000 |
Each Series A warrant entitles the holder thereof the right to purchase one common share at $0.50 per share expiring on the earlier of:
1) |
February 16, 2008; or | |
2) |
The 30th day after the day on which the weighted average trading price of the Company's shares exceeds $0.80 per share for 20 consecutive trading days. |
Upon exercise of the Series "A" Share Purchase Warrant at $0.50 each, the holder will receive one Common Share of the Company and a Series "B" Share Purchase Warrant exercisable at $1.00 expiring one year after the occurrence of either (1) or (2) as described above. The Series "A" Share Purchase Warrants were originally issued in 2004 pursuant to a private placement commenced in February 2004.
15
Sterling Group Ventures, Inc. |
(An Exploration Stage Company) |
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements |
November 30, 2011 |
(Stated in US Dollars) |
(Unaudited) |
Note 5 | Capital Stock - (contd) |
c) |
Share Purchase Warrants - (contd) |
On February 7, 2008, the Company extended the expiry date of the 3,817,500 Series A Share Purchase Warrants from February 16, 2008 to February 16, 2009. The exercise price of the warrants remains unchanged at $0.50 per share. The additional fair value of the 3,817,500 extended life Series A Share Purchase Warrants was estimated at $252,989 using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model with the following weighted average assumptions: dividend yield of 0%, expected volatility of 218.52%, risk free interest rates of 2.08% and expected life of one year.
On February 6, 2009, the Company re-extended the expiry date of 3,817,500 Series A Share Purchase Warrants from February 16, 2009 to February 16, 2010. The exercise price of the warrants remains unchanged at $0.50 per share. The additional fair value of the 3,817,500 extended life Series A Share Purchase Warrants was estimated at $35,593 using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model with the following weighted average assumptions: dividend yield of 0%, expected volatility of 223.36%, risk free interest rates of 0.82% and expected life of one year.
On February 12, 2010, the Company re-extended the expiry date of 3,817,500 Series "A" Share Purchase Warrants from February 16, 2010 to February 16, 2011. The exercise price of the warrants remains unchanged at $0.50 per share. The additional fair value of the 3,817,500 extended life Series A Share Purchase Warrants was estimated at $44,283 using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model with the following weighted average assumptions: dividend yield of 0%, expected volatility of 244%, risk free interest rates of 0.56% and expected life of one year.
On February 14, 2011, the Company re-extended the expiry date of 3,817,500 Series "A" Share Purchase Warrants from February 16, 2011 to February 16, 2012. The exercise price of the warrants remains unchanged at $0.50 per share. The additional fair value of the 3,817,500 extended life Series A Share Purchase Warrants was estimated at $517,526 using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model with the following weighted average assumptions: dividend yield of 0%, expected volatility of 201%, risk free interest rates of 0.29% and expected life of one year.
On February 7, 2008, the Company extended the expiry date of the 2,873,990 Series C Share Purchase Warrants from February 29, 2008 to February 27, 2009. The exercise price of the warrants remained unchanged at $0.18 per share. The additional fair value of the 2,873,990 extended life Series C Share Purchase Warrants was estimated at $156,536 using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model with the following weighted average assumptions: dividend yield of 0%, expected volatility of 222.09%, risk-free interest rates of 2.08% and expected life of one year.
On February 6, 2009, the Company re-extended the expiry date of 2,873,990 Series "C" share purchase Warrants from February 27, 2009 to February 26, 2010. The exercise price of the warrants remains unchanged at $0.18 per share. The Series "C" Share Purchase Warrants were originally issued in September 2006 pursuant to a private placement commenced in August 2006. The additional fair value of the 2,873,990 extended life Series C Share Purchase Warrants was estimated at $48,259 using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model with the following weighted average assumptions: dividend yield of 0%, expected volatility of 244.01%, risk-free interest rates of 0.82% and expected life of one year.
On February 12, 2010, the Company re-extended the expiry date of 2,873,990 the Series "C" share purchase Warrants from February 26, 2010 to February 16, 2011. The exercise price of the warrants remains unchanged at $0.18 per share. The additional fair value of the 2,873,990 extended life Series C Share Purchase Warrants was estimated at $47,421 using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model with the following weighted average assumptions: dividend yield of 0%, expected volatility of 244%, risk-free interest rates of 0.56% and expected life of one year.
16
Sterling Group Ventures, Inc. |
(An Exploration Stage Company) |
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements |
November 30, 2011 |
(Stated in US Dollars) |
(Unaudited) |
Note 5 | Capital Stock - (contd) |
c) |
Share Purchase Warrants - (contd) |
During the year ended May 31, 2011, 801,666 Series "C" Share Purchase Warrants with an exercise price of $0.18 per share were exercised for gross proceeds of approximately $144,300. On February 16, 2011, the remaining Series "C" Share Purchase Warrants expired unexercised.
Note 6 | Foreign Currency Risk |
The Company is exposed to fluctuations in foreign currencies through amounts held in China in RMB:
Cash and Cash held in trust $37,889 (May 31, 2011 - $43,312)
The Company is exposed to fluctuations in foreign currencies through amounts held in Canada in CAD:
Cash $64,695 (May 31, 2011 - $58,390)
17
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes for the year ended May 31, 2011 , the financial statements and related notes in this Quarterly Report, the risk factors in our 10K for the year ended May 31, 2011 , and all of the other information contained elsewhere in this report.
As used in this quarterly report, the terms we, us, our, our company, Company and Sterling refer to Sterling Group Ventures, Inc. and its subsidiaries, unless otherwise indicated.
Forward-Looking Statements. When used in this Form 10-Q, the words believe, may, will, plan, estimate, continue, anticipate, intend, expect, project, estimates, and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including those set forth below under "Risks and Uncertainties," that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Company's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.
Overview
On October 18, 2010, Sterling signed two agreements (the "Agreements") with Chenxi County Hongyu Mining Co. Ltd. ("Hongyu") and its shareholders ("Hongyu Shareholders") regarding the Gaoping phosphate mine (the "GP Property") located in Tanjiachang village, Chenxi County, Hunan Province, China and other phosphate resources in Hunan Province. Hongyu holds a business license and a mining permit in the GP Property which is in effect until November 10, 2014 and covers 42.5 hectares.
The Agreements also required an investment company to be incorporated in Hong Kong (the "Investment Company") which will be owned 20% by the Hongyu Shareholders and 80% by Sterling. The Investment Company will acquire 90% of Hongyu. Upon completion of this acquisition, Hongyu will become a Hong Kong / China joint venture company and within five business days of the approval of such joint venture company by the appropriate Chinese authorities, Sterling will pay RMB 2,000,000 to the Hongyu Shareholders. During the acquisition phase, Sterling will ensure that Hongyu's assets retain a minimum value of RMB 5,000,000. At any time when requested by Sterling, the Hongyu Shareholders agree to sell their 20% interest in the Investment Company to Sterling for the issuance of 10,000,000 common shares of Sterling's capital stock to them all subject to the rules and requirements of the US regulatory bodies bearing jurisdiction. If Sterling does not complete taking over Hongyu through the Investment Company within three months after signing the Agreements, Sterling shall pay RMB 200,000 to the Hongyu Shareholders as down payment.
Pursuant to the Agreements, Hongyu agreed to surrender its future exclusive cooperative rights to Sterling, and the Hongyu Shareholders agreed that Sterling shall have all Hongyu's title and interest in any phosphate properties, including but not limited to the GP Property, and Sterling shall arrange for the financing to put the property into production.
On October 13, 2010, the Investment Company called Silver Castle Investments Ltd. ("Silver Castle") was incorporated in Hong Kong. Sterling paid RMB 200,000 ($30,862) to the Hongyu shareholders as a down payment on December 14, 2010. Sterling received all required approvals from Chinese authorities for the completion of its acquisition of Hongyu pursuant to the Agreements dated October 18, 2010. Hongyu received an amended business license on June 14, 2011. On July 5, 2011, Sterling issued 10,000,000 shares of its common stock to existing Hongyu shareholders and obtained the remaining 20% of Silver Castle that it did not previously own and paid the balance of RMB 1,800,000 Yuan ($279,504) to the Hongyu shareholders as consideration for the acquisition on July 8, 2011. As a result of these transactions, Silver Castle became a wholly owned subsidiary of Sterling and Sterling effectively controls 100% of Hongyu with Silver Castle holding 90% of Hongyu and the other 10% held by the nominees of Sterling.
Sterling through its subsidiary company, Silver Castle Investments Ltd., has also signed a letter of intent for a larger area known as Tanjiachang Exploration Concession with Chenxi County Merchants Bureau, Hunan Province, China. Tanjiachang Exploration Concession is surrounding Gaoping Mining permit.
18
Sterling is currently preparing plans to put its phosphate deposit into production.
On November 10, 2010, Sterling signed a letter of intent (the "LOI") with Shimen County Merchants Bureau, Hunan Province, China regarding the development of Shimen Phosphate Mine.
Under the terms of the LOI, Sterling will conduct due diligence on the Shujiatai phosphate property located in Shimen County, Hunan Province, China (the "SM Property") within one and half years and update any Chinese study reports if necessary to build a mining, processing and chemical plant. After the due diligence is completed, Sterling will set up a joint venture in Shimen County for developing the SM Property.
On September 16, 2005, the Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Micro Express Holdings Inc. ("Micro"), signed an agreement (the "Mianping Agreement") with Beijing Mianping Salt Lake Research Institute ("Mianping") for the development of Dangxiongcuo salt lake property ("DXC Salt Lake") in Nima county of Naqu district in Tibet, China.
Pursuant to the Mianping Agreement, the parties agreed to set up a Cooperative Company (the "Cooperative") to develop the DXC Salt Lake. The objective of the Cooperative was to use the funds provided by the Company and the skills and technology provided by the other party to produce lithium carbonate and borate from brine. The Company, through Micro, was to own 65% of the Cooperative. It was anticipated that the total investment in the Cooperative would be approximately RMB 240 million (or approximately US$35 million). The Cooperative Company was never set up. On July 3, 2007, Micro received a letter from the other party to the Mianping Agreement stating that the agreement between Micro and the other party should be deemed terminated as a result of lack of progress in the approval for the establishment of the joint venture company and is considering a lawsuit against the Company and Micro. Micro has responded that the other party's claim has no legal grounds as the lack of progress is not caused by Micro. There has been no legal action to date and none is expected. By letter dated August 25, 2008, Mianping has confirmed that the agreement dated September 16, 2005 was terminated effective July 8, 2008. This agreement was replaced by the agreement with Zhong Chuan International Mining Holdings Co. Ltd. ("Zhong Chuan") dated July 8, 2008("the Agreement").
In July 2009, the Company received verbal termination of the Agreement with Zhong Chuan as advised by third party legal counsel at a meeting in Beijing, China. The Agreement, in effect, allows Zhong Chuan to terminate the Agreement if it pays the Company double the amount of funds paid by the Company to date to secure and develop the DXC Project. Zhong Chuan has not paid the required amount anticipated by the Agreement to date. The delay in payment has delayed the termination process. At this point, the termination is incomplete.
As Zhong Chuan did not fulfill the terms of the Agreement, DXC Salt Lake project was delayed again. The Company renegotiated with Mianping which still holds DXC Salt Lake project. On October 31, 2011, the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, Micro Express Holdings Inc. (collectively "Micro Express"), signed an agreement (the "Termination Agreement") with Beijing Mianping Salt Lake Research Institute and Tibet Sunrise Mining Development Ltd. which is actual control person of Beijing Mianping Salt Lake Research Institute (collectively "Sunrise") regarding amending and terminating the Mainping Agreement dated September 16, 2005 between Micro Express Holdings Inc. and Beijing Mianping Salt Lake Research Institute for the development of the Dangxiongcuo (DXC) Salt Lake Project located in Nima County, Tibet, China.
Pursuant to the Termination Agreement, the parties have confirmed that when Sunrise completes its shareholder's change and increases its registered capital to RMB 100 million, Sunrise warrants and agrees to pay lump sum RMB 10 million (approximately $1,573,000) to Micro Express immediately in exchange of the original receipts in total amount of RMB 6,218,451 which Micro Express has spent for the DXC project and the receipt of RMB 3,781,549 from Micro Express. Upon receipt of full payment of RMB 10,000,000 from Sunrise, Micro Express shall quitclaim all of its interest in and to the DXC project and the Mianping Agreement and amendments thereto, if any, shall be deemed to be null and void effective immediately. As of November 30, 2011, the Company has not received any payment from Sunrise.
Business of Sterling Group Ventures Inc.
Sterling is an exploration stage company, and its objective is to become a recognized leader in mineral property acquisition, exploration, development and production. The Company acquired the GP phosphate Property and intents to develop the SM phosphate property for the exploration and production of phosphate.
19
Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires that we make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. We evaluate our estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis. Our actual results may differ significantly from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. There have been no material changes to these estimates for the periods presented in this quarterly report.
We believe that of our significant accounting policies, which are described in Note 2 to our annual financial statements, the following accounting policies involve a greater degree of judgment and complexity. Accordingly, the following policies are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our financial condition and results of operations.
Basis of Presentation
These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of our Company and our wholly-owned subsidiaries, Micro Express Holdings Inc., Micro Express Ltd., Huyana Ventures Limited, Makaelo Holdings Inc., Makaelo Limited, Silver Castle Investments Limited ("Silver Castle") and its 90% owned subsidiary, Chenxi County Hongyu Mining Co. Ltd. ("Hongyu"). All inter-company transactions and account balances have been eliminated.
Interim Reporting
The information presented in the accompanying interim consolidated financial statements is without audit pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the interim consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although we believe that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.
These statements reflect all adjustments, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Except where noted, the interim consolidated financial statements follow the same accounting policies and methods of their application as our May 31, 2011 annual consolidated financial statements. All adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. It is suggested that these interim consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with our May 31, 2011 annual consolidated financial statements.
Operating results for the three months and six months ended November 30, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results that can be expected for the year ending May 31, 2012.
Mineral Property Costs
Costs of acquiring mineral properties are capitalized by the project area unless the mineral properties do not have proven reserves. Costs to maintain mineral rights and leases are expensed as incurred. When a property reaches the production state, the related capitalized costs are amortized using the unit of production method on the basis of annual estimates of ore reserves. Management reviews the carrying value of mineral properties at least annually and will recognize impairment in value based upon current exploration results, and any impairment or subsequent losses are charged to operations at the time of impairment. If a property is abandoned or sold, its capitalized costs are charged to operations. Mineral property exploration costs are expensed as incurred. Exploration activities conducted jointly with others are reflected at the Company's proportionate interest in such activities. As of November 30, 2011, the Company did not have proven or probable ore reserves.
Stock-based Compensation
On June 1, 2006, the Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC Topic 718-10, Compensation - Stock Compensation - Overall.
In accordance with ASC Topic 718-10 compensation expenses is amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period which approximates the vesting period rather than as a reduction of taxes paid. The Company has elected to use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of options and the extension of the expiry date of share purchase warrants previously granted. The Company has estimated the fair value of share purchase warrants and options for the period ended November 30, 2011 and the year ended May 31, 2011 using the assumptions more fully described in Note 5(b) & (c) to the financial statements
20
Foreign Currency Translation
Our functional and reporting currency is U.S. dollars. Our consolidated financial statements are translated to U.S. dollars in accordance with ASC 830, "Foreign Currency Matters". Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated using the exchange rate prevailing at the balance sheet date. Gains and losses arising on translation or settlement of foreign currency denominated transactions or balances are included in the determination of income. We have not, to the date of these consolidated financial statements, entered into derivative instruments to offset the impact of foreign currency fluctuations.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenditures during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Going Concern
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis which assumes that adequate sources of financing will be obtained as required, and that our assets will be realized and liabilities settled in the ordinary course of business. These consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments related to the recoverability of assets and classification of assets and liabilities that might be necessary if we are unable to continue as a going concern.
In order to continue as a going concern, we require additional financing. There can be no assurance that additional financing will be available to us when needed or, if available, that it can be obtained on commercially reasonable terms. If we are not able to continue as a going concern, we would likely be unable to realize the carrying value of our assets reflected in the balances set out in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.
At November 30, 2011, the Company had not yet achieved profitable operations and has accumulated losses of $5,830,348 since its inception and expects to incur further losses in the development of its business, all of which casts substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. The Company's ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon its ability to generate future profitable operations and/or to obtain the necessary financing to meet its obligations and repay its liabilities arising from normal business operations when they come due. Management has no formal plan in place to address this concern but considers that the Company will be able to obtain additional funds by equity financing and/or related party advances; however there is no assurance of additional funding being available.
Results Of Operations
The operating loss increased to $165,041 for the quarter ended November 30, 2011, as compared to $34,335 for the quarter ended November 30, 2010 mainly due to the increase of mineral property costs and Stock-based compensation of $40,000, a non-cash item in 2011. The operating loss for six months ended November 30, 2011 increased to $308,143 as compared to $70,482 for the six months ended November 30, 2010 mainly due to the increase of mineral property costs, Stock-based compensation, Shareholder information and investor relation of $81,876 of which 73,500 were paid by shares in 2011.
Accounting, audit and legal fees increased by $26,313 for the three months ended November 30, 2011 when compared to the same period in 2010, and accounting, audit and legal fees increased by $29,821 for the six months ended November 30, 2011 when compared to the same period in 2010 mainly because of the increase of audit fees.
Filing fees increased by $4,365 for the three months ended November 30, 2011 when compared to the same period in 2010, and filing fees increased by $5,218 for the six months ended November 30, 2011 when compared to the same period in 2010 because of the increased charge from the filing company.
21
Foreign exchange gain increased by $18,538 for the three months ended November 30, 2011 when compared to the same period in 2010, and foreign exchange gain increased by $23,610 for the six months ended November 30, 2011 when compared to the same period in 2010 because of the exchange rate fluctuation among US dollar, Canadian dollar and RMB.
General and administrative increased by $3,244 for the three months ended November 30, 2011 when compared to the same period in 2010, and General and administrative increased by $2,967 for the six months ended November 30, 2011 when compared to the same period in 2010 mainly because of inflation.
Mineral property costs increased by $74,005 for the three months ended November 30, 2011 when compared to the same period in 2010, and mineral property costs increased by $89,116 for the six months ended November 30, 2011 when compared to the same period in 2010, because the Company has started to develop the Gaoping phosphate property.
Investor relations costs increased by $735 for the three months ended November 30, 2011 when compared to the same period in 2010. Investor relations costs increased by $78,598 for the six months ended November 30, 2011 when compared to the same period in 2010 because $73,500 were paid by shares to a consultant for the investor relation services in the six months ended November 30, 2011.
Stock-based compensation increased by $40,000 for the three months and six months ended November 30, 2011 when compared to the same period in 2010 because 500,000 options were granted in the period of 2011.
The Company expects the trend of losses to continue until we can achieve commercial production on some of the mineral properties, of which there can be no assurance as described in Risk Factors.
Liquidity And Working Capital
As of November 30, 2011, the Company had total current assets of $1,601,094 and total liabilities of $483,332. As of November 30, 2011, the Company had cash totaling $1,581,123 which includes cash held in trust of $28,271, and a working capital surplus of $1,117,762.
Cash used in operating activities for the six months ended November 30, 2011 was $216,747 as compared to cash used in operating activities for the same period in 2010 of $48,165. The increase in cash used in operating activities was primarily due to the increase in cash expenditures for mineral property costs, accounting and audit fees as well as the reduction of accounts payable and accrued liabilities. Cash used in investing activities for the six months ended November 30, 2011 was $265,729 and was mainly related to the acquisition of Hongyu. For the six months ended November 30, 2010, cash used in investing activities was insignificant.
According to the agreement signed with Beijing Mianping Salt Lake Research Institute and Tibet Sunrise Mining Development Ltd. (collectively "Sunrise") on October 31, 2011, Sunrise will repay the Company RMB 10,000,000 (approximately $1,573,000) for the sale of Dangxiongcuo (DXC) Salt Lake Project located in Nima County, Tibet, China. When the payment is received from Sunrise, the Company's working capital will increase accordingly.
The Company has no other capital resources other than the ability to use its common stock to raise additional capital or the exercise of the warrants by the unit holders. If all warrants outstanding including bonus warrants are exercised, the Company will receive approximately $10 million in cash. The Company's current cash can meet its short term need. The cash will be mainly used for mining property development, general administrative, corporate (accounting, audit, and legal), financing and management.
No other commitments to provide additional funds have been made by management or other stockholders except as set forth above. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that any additional funds will be available to the Company to allow it to cover operation expenses. This raises substantial doubt that the Company will be able to continue as a going concern unless additional capital is raised.
22
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
In addition to the U.S. Dollar, we conduct our business in Chinese Yuan (RMB) and Canadian Dollar and, therefore, are subject to foreign currency exchange risk on cash flows related to expenses and investing transactions. In July 2005, the Chinese government began to permit the Chinese Yuan to float against the U.S. Dollar. All of our costs to operate our Chinese project are paid in Chinese Yuan and all of our costs to operate our principal executive office in Canada are paid in Canadian dollar. Our exploration costs in China may be incurred under contracts denominated in Chinese Yuan or U.S. Dollars. If the Chinese Yuan continues to appreciate with respect to the U.S. Dollar, our costs in China may increase. If the Canadian Dollar continues to appreciate with respect to the U.S. Dollar, our costs in Canada may increase. To date we have not engaged in hedging activities to hedge our foreign currency exposure. In the future, we may enter into hedging instruments to manage our foreign currency exchange risk or continue to be subject to exchange rate risk.
Although inflation has not materially impacted our operations in the recent past, increased inflation in China or Canada could have a negative impact on our operating and general and administrative expenses, as these costs could increase. China has recently experienced inflationary pressures, which could increase our costs associated with our operations in China. If there are material changes in our costs, we may seek to raise additional funds earlier than anticipated.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
a. Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures:
We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based upon that evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report..
b. Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting:
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II. - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
None
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
We have sought to identify what we believe to be the most significant risks to our business. However, we cannot predict whether, or to what extent, any of such risks may be realized nor can we guarantee that we have identified all possible risks that might arise. Investors should carefully consider all of such risk factors before making an investment decision with respect to our Common Stock. We provide the following cautionary discussion of risks, uncertainties and possible inaccurate assumptions relevant to our business. These are factors that we think could cause our actual results to differ materially from expected results. Other factors besides those listed here could adversely affect us.
Factors That May Affect Future Results and Market Price of Stock
The business of the Company involves a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from results projected in any forward-looking statement, or statements, made in this report. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not necessarily limited to the risks set forth below. The Company's securities are speculative and investment in the Company's securities involves a high degree of risk and the possibility that the investor will suffer the loss of the entire amount invested.
23
There is Substantial Doubt About the Company's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern
Sterling is in the exploration stage. The Company has entered into joint venture agreements to explore and develop mineral properties located in China and has not yet determined whether these properties contain reserves that are economically recoverable. The Company has not yet achieved profitable operations and is dependent on its ability to raise capital from shareholders or other sources to meet its obligations and repay its liabilities arising from normal business operations when they come due. These factors raise substantial doubt that the Company will be able to continue as a going concern.
Lack of Technical Training of Management
The Management of our Company has academic and scientific experience related to mining issues but lacks technical training and experience exploring for, commissioning and operating a mine. With no direct training or experience in these areas, management may not be fully aware of many of the specific requirements related to working within this industry. The decisions and choices may not take into account standard engineering or managerial approaches mineral exploration companies commonly use. Consequently, operations, earnings and the ultimate financial success of the Company could suffer irreparable harm due to management's lack of experience in this industry. The company has recently hired an experienced mining engineer.
Exploration Risk
Development of mineral properties is contingent upon obtaining satisfactory exploration results. Mineral exploration and development involves substantial expenses and a high degree of risk, which even a combination of experience, knowledge and careful evaluation may not be able to adequately mitigate.
The Gaoping property has been examined in the field by professional geologists/mining engineers. The Company received the national instrument 43-101 report (Canadian Standard). Professional geologist also made an exploration proposal for Tanjiachang Exploration Concession which is surrounding Gaoping property which is under letter of intent with Chenxi County Merchants Bureau, Hunan Province, China. The SM property is not examined in the field by professional geologists or mining engineers yet. The Company's Chinese mining engineer is still reviewing information of SM property in Shimen County, Hunan Province, China. There is no assurance that commercial quantities of ore will be discovered on the SM property and Tanjiachang Exploration Concession. There is also no assurance that, even if commercial quantities of ore are discovered, the SM property and Tanjiachang Exploration Concession will be brought into commercial production. The discovery of mineral deposits is dependent upon a number of factors not the least of which is the technical skill of the exploration personnel involved. The commercial viability of a mineral deposit, once discovered, is also dependent upon a number of factors, some of which are the particular attributes of the deposit, such as size, grade and proximity to infrastructure, metal prices and government regulations, including regulations relating to royalties, allowable production, importing and exporting of minerals, and environmental protection. In addition, assuming discovery of a commercial ore body, depending on the type of mining operation involved, several years can elapse from the initial phase of drilling until commercial operations are commenced. Most of the above factors are beyond the control of the Company.
The properties may need exploration and such exploration processes shall be conducted in phases. When each phase of a particular project is completed, and upon analysis of the results thereto, the Company will make a decision on whether to proceed with each successive phase of the exploration program. There is no assurance that projects will be carried to completion.
Limited Management Resource Development Experience
The Company does not have a track record of exploration and mining operation history. The Company's management has limited experience in mineral resource development and exploitation, and has relied on and may continue to rely upon consultants and others for development and operation expertise. The company recently hired an experienced mining engineer.
Limited Financial Resources
Furthermore, the Company has limited financial resources with no assurance that sufficient funding will be available to it for future exploration and development or to fulfill its obligations under current agreements. There is no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain adequate financing in the future or that the terms of such financing will be favorable. Failure to obtain such additional financing could result in delay or indefinite postponement of further exploration and development of its projects.
24
Limited Public Market, Possible Volatility of Share Price
The Company's Common Stock is currently quoted on the NASD OTC QB under the ticker symbol SGGV and is listed on Berlin Bremen Stock Exchange under the symbol GD7. As of November 30, 2011, there were 75,730,341 shares of common stock outstanding. There can be no assurance that a trading market will be sustained in the future.
Dependence on Executive Officers and Technical Personnel
The success of our business plan depends on attracting qualified personnel, and failure to retain the necessary personnel could adversely affect our business. Competition for qualified personnel is intense, and we may need to pay premium wages to attract and retain personnel. Attracting and retaining qualified personnel is critical to our business. Inability to attract and retain the qualified personnel necessary would limit our ability to implement our business plan successfully.
Need for Additional Financing
The Company believes it has sufficient capital to meet its short-term cash needs, including the costs of compliance with the continuing reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. However, if losses continue, it may have to seek loans or equity placements to cover longer-term cash needs to continue operations and expansion.
No commitments to provide additional funds have been made by management or other stockholders. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that any additional funds will be available to the Company to allow it to cover operation expenses.
If future operations are unprofitable, it will be forced to develop another line of business, or to finance its operations through the sale of assets it has, or enter into the sale of stock for additional capital, none of which may be feasible when needed. The Company has no specific management ability or financial resources or plans to enter any other business as of this date.
Dilution to the Existing Shareholders
The Company has no other capital resources other than the ability to use its common stock to raise additional capital or the exercise of the warrants by the unit holders, which will significantly dilute the Company's stockholders.
Market Risk and Political Risks
The Company does not hold any derivatives or other investments that are subject to market risk. The carrying values of any financial instruments, approximate fair value as of those dates because of the relatively short-term maturity of these instruments, which eliminates any potential market risk associated with such instruments.
The market in China is monitored by the government, which could impose taxes or restrictions at any time which would make operations unprofitable and infeasible and cause a write-off of investment in the mineral properties. Other factors include political policy on foreign ownership, political policy to open the doors to foreign investors, and political policy on mineral claims and metal prices.
The disruptions in the financial markets and economic conditions have adversely affected the US and the world economy. Turmoil in global credit markets and turmoil in the geopolitical environment in many parts of the world have adversely affected global economic conditions. There can be no assurances that government responses to the disruptions in financial markets will restore investor confidence and economic activity. This could affect our ability to raise capital.
Additionally, the uncertain economic environment may cause farmers to use less fertilizer to cut costs, which will adversely affect the demand for phosphate. A similar situation occurred in 2008 leading to a sharp decline in phosphate prices.
The Hongyu phosphate deposit is located in China which, as a result of its operations, exposes the Company to political and market risks in China. Exports of phosphate rock are currently subject to an export tax due to domestic phosphate requirements.
25
Other Risks and Uncertainties
The business of mineral deposit exploration and development involves a high degree of risk. Few properties that are explored are ultimately developed into production. Other risks facing the Company include competition, reliance on third parties and joint-venture partners, environmental and insurance risks, political and environmental instability, statutory and regulatory requirements, fluctuations in mineral prices and foreign currency, share price volatility, title risks, and uncertainty of additional financing.
Since October 2008, a severe general downturn in the U. S. economy and global economy slowdown which already affected the securities markets took place. Such a deleterious turn of events has made it much more difficult for the Company to access financing should it be required to do so. The outlook remains uncertain as growth in the US and Europe experienced another downturn such that another recession is now possible in the US and Europe.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
During the year ended May 31, 2011, the Company completed a private placement of 20,000,000 units at $0.10 per unit for total proceeds of $2,000,000. Each unit consists of one common share and one share purchase warrant entitling the holder the right to purchase one common share at $0.15 per share expiring on January 31, 2012 (the Series "D" Share Purchase Warrants). An additional 752,500 units were issued as finders' fees. The proceeds from this private placement will be used for the phosphate projects in Hunan, China and general working capital.
On May 25, 2011, the Company issued 350,000 shares at a quoted market price of $0.23 each to a consultant for its services.
On July 5, 2011, Sterling issued 10,000,000 shares to the Hongyu Shareholders with the closing market price of the shares at $0.22 for acquiring the remaining 20% equity interest in Silver Castle from the Hongyu Shareholders.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None
ITEM 4. (REMOVED AND RESERVED)
None
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
None
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
Exhibits required to be attached by Item 601 of Regulation S-K are listed in the Index to Exhibits beginning on page 27 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which is incorporated herein by reference.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Sterling Group Ventures Inc. | |
/s/ Raoul Tsakok | |
Raoul Tsakok, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer | |
Date: January 13, 2012 | |
/s/ Richard Shao | |
Richard Shao, President and Chief Financial Officer | |
Date: January 13, 2012 |
26
INDEX OF EXHIBITS
Exhibit | |
Number | Description |
3.1 | Articles of Incorporation of the Company, (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed on July 26, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference). |
3.2 | Bylaws of the Company (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed on July 26, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference). |
4.1 | Specimen stock certificate (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed on July 26, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference). |
10.1 | Acquisition Agreement between the Company and Micro Express Ltd., dated January 20, 2004. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's current report on Form 8-K filed on January 29, 2004, and incorporated herein by reference). |
10.2 | Joint Venture Contract between Micro Express Ltd. .(the Companys wholly subsidiary) and Sichuan Province Mining Ltd., dated April 5, 2005 (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's current report on Form 8-K filed on April 11, 2005, and incorporated herein by reference). |
10.3 | Agreement for Development of DXC Salt Lake Property between Micro Express Holdings Inc. .(the Companys wholly subsidiary) and Beijing Mianping Salt Lake Research Institute, dated September 16, 2005 (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's current report on Form 8-K filed on September 21, 2005, and incorporated herein by reference). |
10.4 | Agreement for Termination of Joint Venture between Micro Express Ltd. and Sichuan Province Mining Ltd., dated March 3, 2006 (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's current report on Form 8- K filed on March 6, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference). |
10.5 | Agreement between the Company, Zhong Chuan International Mining Holding Co., Ltd. , and shareholders of Monte Sea Holdings Ltd., dated July 8, 2008 (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's current report on Form 8-K filed on July 15, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference). |
10.6 | Agreement between the Company, Hongyu Mining Co., Ltd. , and shareholders of Hongyu Mining Co., Ltd., dated October 18, 2010 (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's current report on Form 8-K filed on October 21, 2010, and incorporated herein by reference). |
10.7 | Letter of Intent between the Company and Shimen County Merchants Bureau, dated November 10, 2010 (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's current report on Form 8-K filed on November 16, 2010, and incorporated herein by reference). |
14.1 | Code of Ethics. ( Filed as Exhibit 14.1 to the Company's Annual report on Form 10-K filed on August 28, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference) |
31.1 | |
31.2 | |
32.1 | |
32.2 | |
99.1 | Audit Committee Charter. (Filed as Exhibit 99.1 to the Company's Annual report on Form 10-K filed on August 28, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference) |
101.INS | XBRL Instance Document. Furnished herewith. |
101.SCH | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. Furnished herewith. |
101.CAL | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. Furnished herewith. |
101.DEF | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document. Furnished herewith. |
101.LAB | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document. Furnished herewith. |
101.PRE | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. Furnished herewith. |
27
Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Raoul Tsakok, certify that:
1. |
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Sterling Group Ventures, Inc.; | |
2. |
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; | |
3. |
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; | |
4. |
The registrant 's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: | |
a) |
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; | |
b) |
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting 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 generally accepted accounting principles; | |
c) |
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant 's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and | |
d) |
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant 's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant 's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant 's internal control over financial reporting; and | |
5. |
The registrant 's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant 's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): | |
a) |
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and | |
b) |
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls over financial reporting. |
By: | /s/ Raoul Tsakok | |
Raoul Tsakok | ||
Chairman & CEO | ||
Date: January 13, 2012 |
Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Richard (Xuxin) Shao, certify that:
1. |
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Sterling Group Ventures, Inc.; | |
2. |
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; | |
3. |
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; | |
4. |
The registrant 's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: | |
a) |
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; | |
b) |
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting 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 generally accepted accounting principles; | |
c) |
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant 's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and | |
d) |
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant 's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant 's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant 's internal control over financial reporting; and | |
5. |
The registrant 's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant 's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): | |
a) |
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and | |
b) |
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls over financial reporting. |
By: | /s/ Richard (Xuxin) Shao | |
Richard (Xuxin) Shao | ||
President & CFO | ||
Date: January 13, 2012 |
EXHIBIT 32.1
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PURSUANT
TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE
SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Quarterly Report of Sterling Group Ventures, Inc. (the "Company") on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 30, 2011, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the " Report"), I, Raoul Tsakok, as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to the best of my knowledge, that:
1. |
the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and |
2. |
the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. |
By: | /s/ Raoul Tsakok | |
Raoul Tsakok | ||
Chairman & CEO | ||
Date: January 13, 2012 |
EXHIBIT 32.2
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT
TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE
SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Quarterly Report of Sterling Group Ventures, Inc. (the "Company") on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 30, 2011, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the " Report"), I, Richard (Xuxin) Shao, as Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to the best of my knowledge, that:
1. |
the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and |
2. |
the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. |
By: | /s/ Richard (Xuxin) Shao | |
Richard (Xuxin) Shao | ||
President & CFO | ||
Date: January 13, 2012 |
Mineral Properties
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Nov. 30, 2011
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Mineral Properties [Text Block] |
A summary of mineral properties costs for the cumulative period from date of inception (July 27, 1994) to November 30, 2011 were incurred and accounted for in the consolidated statement of operations as follows:
Not included in the table above was a total of $222,227 of costs incurred on other properties which were abandoned during the years ended May 31, 2006, 2007 and 2009.
On October 18, 2010, the Company signed two agreements (the "Agreements") with Chenxi County Hongyu Mining Co. Ltd. ("Hongyu") and its shareholders ("Hongyu Shareholders") regarding the Gaoping phosphate mine (the "GP Property") located in Tanjiachang village, Chenxi County, Hunan Province, China and other phosphate resources in Hunan Province. Hongyu holds a business license and a mining permit in the GP Property which is in effect until November 10, 2014 and covers 42.5 hectares. The Agreements also required an investment company to be incorporated in Hong Kong (the “Investment Company”) which will be owned 20% by the Hongyu Shareholders and 80% by the Company. The Investment Company will acquire 90% of Hongyu with the other 10% of Hongyu being transferred to the nominees of the Company. Upon completion of this acquisition, Hongyu will become a Hong Kong / China joint venture company and within five business days of the approval of such joint venture company by the appropriate Chinese authorities, the Company will pay RMB 2,000,000 ($310,366) to the Hongyu Shareholders. During the acquisition phase, the Company will ensure that Hongyu’s net assets retain a minimum value of RMB 5,000,000 ($771,545). At any time when requested by the Company, the Hongyu Shareholders agree to sell their 20% interest in the Investment Company to the Company for the issuance of 10,000,000 common shares of the Company’s capital stock to them all subject to the rules and requirements of the US regulatory bodies bearing jurisdiction. If the Company does not complete taking over Hongyu through the Investment Company within three months after signing the Agreements, the Company shall pay RMB 200,000 to the Hongyu Shareholders as down payment. Pursuant to the Agreements, Hongyu agreed to surrender its future exclusive cooperative rights to the Company, and the Hongyu Shareholders agreed that the Company shall have all Hongyu\'s title and interest in any phosphate properties, including but not limited to the GP Property, and the Company shall arrange for the financing of building a mining and processing plant on the GP Property together with other facilities required for a mining operation thereon. On October 13, 2010, the Company incorporated the Investment Company called Silver Castle Investments Ltd. (“Silver Castle”) in Hong Kong. The Company paid RMB 200,000 ($30,862) to the Hongyu shareholders as a down payment on December 14, 2010. The Company received all required approvals from Chinese authorities for the completion of its acquisition of Hongyu pursuant to the Agreements dated October 18, 2010. On July 5, 2011, the Company issued 10,000,000 shares to the Hongyu Shareholders with the closing market price of the shares at $0.22 for acquiring the remaining 20% equity interest in Silver Castle from the Hongyu Shareholders. The Company also paid the remaining RMB1,800,000 ($279,576) to Hongyu Shareholders on July 8, 2011 for completion of the transaction. The Company effectively controls 100% of Hongyu through its wholly owned subsidiary, Silver Castle Investments Ltd. which holds 90% of Hongyu with the other 10% held by the nominees of the Company. The acquisition was treated as an acquisition of assets rather than a business combination because Hongyu does not constitute a business according to the definition of business under FASB ASC Topic 805 “ Business Combinations ”. The acquisition is accounted for based on the cash paid and quoted market price of the Company’s common shares issued as part of the transaction. There were no liabilities assumed during the acquisition. Details of the purchase consideration and net assets acquired are as follows:
Incurred in connection with the acquisition were transaction costs of $27,749 which were included as part of the purchase consideration. As of November 30, 2011, the Company has incurred mineral property costs of $93,553 on this property which have been expensed to the statement of operations as disclosed in the table above.
On September 16, 2005, the Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Micro Express Holdings Inc. (“Micro”), signed an agreement (the “Mianping Agreement”) with Beijing Mianping Salt Lake Research Institute (“Mianping”) for the development of Dangxiongcuo salt lake property (“DXC Salt Lake”) in Nima county of Naqu district in Tibet, China. Pursuant to the Mianping Agreement, the parties agreed to set up a Cooperative Company (the “Cooperative”) to develop the DXC Salt Lake. The objective of the Cooperative was to use the funds provided by the Company and the skills and technology provided by the other party to produce lithium carbonate and borate from brine. The Company, through Micro, was to own 65% of the Cooperative. It was anticipated that the total investment in the Cooperative would be approximately RMB 240 million (or approximately US$35 million). The Cooperative Company was never set up. On July 3, 2007, Micro received a letter from the other party to the Mianping Agreement stating that the agreement between Micro and the other party should be deemed terminated as a result of lack of progress in the approval for the establishment of the joint venture company and is considering a lawsuit against the Company and Micro. Micro has responded that the other party’s claim has no legal grounds as the lack of progress is not caused by Micro. There has been no legal action to date and none is expected. By letter dated August 25, 2008, Mianping has confirmed that the agreement dated September 16, 2005 was terminated effective July 8, 2008. This agreement was replaced by the agreement with Zhong Chuan International Mining Holdings Co. Ltd. (“Zhong Chuan”) dated July 8, 2008 (“the Agreement”).
The Company received verbal termination of the Agreement with Zhong Chuan in July 2009, as advised by third party legal counsel, at a meeting in Beijing, China. The Agreement, in effect, allows Zhong Chuan to terminate the Agreement if it pays the Company double the amount of funds paid by the Company to date to secure and develop the DXC Project. Zhong Chuan has not paid the required amount anticipated by the Agreement to date. The delay in payment has delayed the termination process. At this point, the termination is incomplete. As Zhong Chuan did not fulfill the terms of the Agreement, DXC Salt Lake project was delayed again. The Company renegotiated with Mianping which still holds DXC Salt Lake project. On October 31, 2011, the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, Micro Express Holdings Inc. (collectively "Micro Express"), signed an agreement (the "Ternination Agreement") with Beijing Mianping Salt Lake Research Institute and Tibet Sunrise Mining Development Ltd. which is actual control person of Beijing Mianping Salt Lake Research Institute (collectively "Sunrise") regarding amending and terminating the agreement dated September 16, 2005 ( the "Mianping Agreement") between Micro Express Holdings Inc. and Beijing Mianping Salt Lake Research Institute for the development of the Dangxiongcuo (DXC) Salt Lake Project located in Nima County, Tibet, China. Pursuant to the Ternination Agreement, the parties have confirmed that when Sunrise completes its shareholder\'s change and increases its registered capital to RMB 100 million, Sunrise warrants and agrees to pay lump sum RMB 10 million (approximately $1,573,000) to Micro Express immediately in exchange of the original receipts in total amount of RMB 6,218,451 which Micro Express has spent for the DXC project and the receipt of RMB 3,781,549 from Micro Express. Upon receipt of full payment of RMB 10,000,000 from Sunrise, Micro Express shall quitclaim all of its interest in and to the DXC project and the Mianping Agreement and amendments thereto, if any, shall be deemed to be null and void effective immediately. As of Novemeber 30, 2011, the Company received Nil from Sunrise. As of November 30, 2011, the Company has incurred a total of $1,042,167 in mineral property costs on this property. |