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Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Significant Accounting Policies
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Principles of Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries: USSI, USGB, USGG, USBERM, USCAN and U.S. Global Indices, LLC.
In addition, effective June 1, 2014, the Company, through USCAN, completed its purchase of an additional 15 percent interest in Galileo from the company’s founder, Michael Waring. This additional investment brings USCAN’s ownership to 65 percent of the issued and outstanding shares of Galileo and represents a controlling interest of Galileo. With the additional investment, the Company expects to increase its presence in Canada. Galileo is consolidated with USCAN and the non-controlling interest in this subsidiary is included in “non-controlling interest in subsidiary” in the equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 3 Business Combination for additional information. After the purchase of the additional interest, Galileo changed its fiscal year end from December 31 to June 30, effective June 30, 2014, to correspond to the Company’s year end. This change was treated as a change in accounting principle.
The Company’s evaluation for consolidation includes whether entities in which it has an interest are variable interest entities (“VIEs”) and whether the Company is the primary beneficiary of any VIEs identified in its analysis. A VIE is an entity in which either (a) the equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its own activities without additional financial support or (b) the group of holders of the equity investment at risk lacks certain characteristics of a controlling financial interest. The primary beneficiary is the entity that has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses of or right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. If the VIE qualifies for the investment company deferral, the primary beneficiary is the entity that has the obligation to absorb a majority of the expected losses or the right to receive the majority of the residual returns.
The Company holds variable interests in, but is not deemed to be the primary beneficiary of, the funds it advises. The Company has determined that these entities qualify for the Investment Company deferral in ASC 810-10-65-2 (aa) and thus determines whether it is the primary beneficiary of these entities by virtue of its exposure to the expected losses and expected residual returns of the entity. The Company’s interests in these entities consist of the Company’s direct ownership therein, which in each case is insignificant to the total ownership of the fund, and any fees earned but uncollected. In the ordinary course of business, the Company may choose to waive certain fees or assume operating expenses of the funds it advises for competitive, regulatory or contractual reasons (see Note 6 Investment Management and Other Fees for information regarding fee waivers). The Company has not provided financial support to any of these entities outside the ordinary course of business. The Company’s risk of loss with respect to these managed entities is limited to the carrying value of its investments in, and fees receivable from, the entities. The Company does not consolidate these VIEs because it is not the primary beneficiary of these VIEs.
All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain amounts have been reclassified for comparative purposes.
Business Combinations. Business combinations are accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting. Results of operations of an acquired business are included from the date of acquisition. Management estimates the fair value of the acquired assets, including identifiable intangible assets, assumed liabilities, and non-controlling interest in the acquiree based on their estimated fair values as of the date of acquisition. Any excess acquisition date fair value of the consideration transferred over fair value of the acquired net assets, if any, is recorded as “goodwill” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Any excess fair value of the acquired net assets over the acquisition date fair value of the consideration transferred is recorded as a gain on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Cash and Cash Equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.
Investments. The Company classifies its investments based on intent at the time of purchase and reevaluates such designation as of each reporting period date. The Company records security transactions on trade date. Realized gains (losses) from security transactions are calculated on the first-in/first-out cost basis, unless otherwise identifiable, and are recorded in earnings on the date of sale.
Trading Securities. Securities that are purchased and held principally for the purpose of selling in the near term are classified as trading securities and reported at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on these securities are included in Investment income (loss).
Held-to-Maturity Securities. Investments in debt securities that are purchased with the intent and ability to hold until maturity are classified as held-to-maturity and measured at amortized cost. The Company currently has no investments in held-to-maturity securities.
Available-for-sale Securities. Investments that are neither trading securities nor held-to-maturity securities and for which the Company does not have significant influence are classified as available-for-sale securities and reported at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on these available-for-sale securities are excluded from earnings, reported net of tax as a separate component of shareholders’ equity, and recorded in earnings on the date of sale.
The Company evaluates its available-for-sale investments for other-than-temporary decline in value on a periodic basis. This may exist when the fair value of an investment security has been below the current value for an extended period of time. When a security in the Company’s investment portfolio has an unrealized loss in fair value that is deemed to be other than temporary, the Company reduces the book value of such security to its current fair value, recognizing the credit related decline as a realized loss in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and a revised GAAP cost basis for the security is established. For available-for-sale securities with declines in value deemed other than temporary, the unrealized loss recorded net of tax in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is realized as a charge to net income.
Other Investments. Other investments consist of equity investments in entities over which the Company is unable to exercise significant influence and which do not have readily determinable fair values. These equity investments are accounted for under the cost method of accounting and evaluated for impairment. The Company considers many factors in determining impairment, including the severity and duration of the decline in value below cost, the Company’s interest and ability to hold the security for a period of time sufficient for an anticipated recovery in value, and the financial condition and specific events related to the issuer.
Equity Method Investments. Investments classified as equity method consist of investments in companies in which the Company is able to exercise significant influence but not control. Under the equity method of accounting, the Company’s proportional share of investee’s underlying net income or loss is recorded as a component of “other income” with a corresponding increase or decrease to the carrying value of the investment. Distributions received from the investee reduce the Company’s carrying value of the investment. These investments are evaluated for impairment if events or circumstances arise that indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. No impairment was recognized for the Company’s equity method investment during the years presented. No investments were held at June 30, 2015 or 2014 that are accounted for using the equity method. See Note 3 Business Combination for further information.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments. The financial instruments of the Company are reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at market or fair values or at carrying amounts that approximate fair values.
Receivables. Receivables consist primarily of monthly advisory and other fees owed to the Company by USGIF as well as receivables related to ETF and offshore investment advisory fees. Receivables also include advisory fees owed to Galileo by the funds and clients it manages. Management considers various factors including current sales amounts, historical charge-offs and specific accounts identified as high risk. Uncollectible accounts receivable, if any, are charged against the allowance for doubtful accounts when all reasonable efforts to collect the amounts due have been exhausted. The Company had no allowance for doubtful accounts as of June 30, 2015, and 2014.
Property and Equipment. Fixed assets are recorded at cost. Except for Galileo, depreciation for fixed assets is recorded using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of each asset as follows: furniture and equipment are depreciated over 3 to 10 years, and the building and related improvements are depreciated over 14 to 40 years. Galileo fixed assets, consisting of furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements, are depreciated over 2 to 5 years.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets. The Company reviews property and equipment and other long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate the net book values of the assets may not be recoverable. Impairment is indicated when the assets’ net book value is less than fair value of the asset. If this occurs, an impairment loss is recognized for the difference between the fair value and net book value. Factors that indicate potential impairment include: a significant decrease in the market value of the asset or a significant change in the asset’s physical condition or use. No impairments of long-lived assets were recorded during the years included in these financial statements.
Intangible Asset. An intangible asset, consisting of a non-compete agreement, acquired in connection with the acquisition of Galileo shares effective June 1, 2014, is recorded at fair value determined using a discounted cash flow model as of the date of acquisition. The discounted cash flow model included various factors to project future cash flows expected to be generated from the asset, including: (1) an estimated rate of change for underlying managed assets; (2) expected revenue per managed assets; (3) incremental operating expenses; and (4) a discount rate. Management estimates a rate of change for underlying managed assets based on an estimated net redemption or sales rate. Expected revenue per managed assets and incremental operating expenses of the acquired assets are generally based on contract terms.
The Company has determined that the non-compete agreement has a finite useful life. The Company will amortize this finite-lived identifiable intangible asset on a straight-line basis over its estimated useful life, currently expected to be approximately 2 years. Management periodically evaluates the remaining useful lives and carrying values of intangible assets to determine whether events and circumstances indicate that a change in the useful life or impairment in value may have occurred. Indicators of impairment monitored by management include a decline in the level of managed assets, changes to contractual provisions underlying the intangible assets and reductions in underlying operating cash flows. Should there be an indication of a change in the useful life or impairment in value of the finite-lived intangible asset, the Company compares the carrying value of the asset and its related useful life to the projected discounted cash flows expected to be generated from the underlying managed assets over its remaining useful life to determine whether impairment has occurred. If the carrying value of the asset exceeds the discounted cash flows, the asset is written down to its fair value determined using discounted cash flows.
Non-Controlling Interests. The Company reports “non-controlling interest in subsidiary” as equity, separate from parent’s equity, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. In addition, the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations includes “net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest.”
Treasury Stock. Treasury stock purchases are accounted for under the cost method. The subsequent issuances of these shares are accounted for based on their weighted-average cost basis.
Stock-Based Compensation. Stock-based compensation expense is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award, and the cost is recognized as expense ratably over the award’s vesting period.
Income Taxes. The Company and its non-Canadian subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return. USCAN and Galileo file separate tax returns in Canada. Provisions for income taxes include deferred taxes for temporary differences in the bases of assets and liabilities for financial and tax purposes resulting from the use of the liability method of accounting for income taxes. The liability method requires that deferred tax assets be reduced by a valuation allowance in cases where it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes. The Company’s policy is to recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. As of June 30, 2015, the Company did not have any accrued interest or penalties related to uncertain tax positions. The tax years from 2011 through 2014 remain open to examination by the U.S. Federal tax jurisdictions to which the Company is subject. The tax years from 2008 through 2014 remain open to examination by the non-U.S. Federal tax jurisdictions to which the Company is subject.
Revenue Recognition. The Company earns substantially all of its revenues from advisory, distribution services, and administrative fees that are calculated as a percentage of assets under management and are recorded as revenue as services are performed. Offshore advisory client contracts provide for monthly management fees, in addition to performance fees. The advisory contract for the equity funds within USGIF provides for a performance fee on the base advisory fee that are calculated and recorded monthly. Shareholder services fees are based on the assets of the funds held through institutions. Revenue shown on the Consolidated Statements of Operations is net of fee waivers.
Dividends and Interest. Dividends are recorded on the ex-dividend date, and interest income is recorded on an accrual basis. Both dividends and interest income are included in investment income.
Advertising Costs. The Company expenses advertising costs as they are incurred. Certain sales materials, which are considered tangible assets, are capitalized and then expensed during the period in which they are distributed. Net advertising expenditures were $411,000; $615,000; and $862,000 during fiscal years 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.
Foreign Exchange. The balance sheets of certain foreign subsidiaries of the Company and certain foreign-denominated investment products are translated at the current exchange rate as of the end of the accounting period and the related income or loss is translated at the average exchange rate in effect during the period. Net exchange gains and losses resulting from these translations are excluded from income and are recorded in “accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Investment transactions denominated in foreign currencies are converted to U.S. dollars using the exchange rate on the date of the transaction and any related gain or loss is included in “investment income (loss)” on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Use of Estimates. The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Earnings Per Share. The Company computes and presents earnings per share attributable to U.S. Global Investors, Inc. in accordance with ASC 260, Earnings Per Share. Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to U.S. Global Investors, Inc. by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution of EPS that could occur if options to issue common stock were exercised. The Company has two classes of common stock with outstanding shares. Both classes share equally in dividend and liquidation preferences.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss). Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”), net of tax is reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity and includes the unrealized gains and losses on securities classified as available-for-sale and foreign currency translation adjustments.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In April 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements and Property, Plant, and Equipment - Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity (“ASU 2014-08”). ASU 2014-08 will become effective for the Company on July 1, 2015. Management is evaluating the ASU and its potential impact on the financial statements.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”), which supersedes nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is to recognize revenues when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 defines a five-step process to achieve this core principle and, in doing so, more judgment and estimates may be required within the revenue recognition process than are required under existing U.S. GAAP.
The standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods therein, using either of the following transition methods: (i) a full retrospective approach reflecting the application of the standard in each prior reporting period with the option to elect certain practical expedients, or (ii) a retrospective approach with the cumulative effect of initially adopting ASU 2014-09 recognized at the date of adoption (which includes additional footnote disclosures).  We are currently evaluating the impact of our pending adoption of ASU 2014-09 on our consolidated financial statements and have not yet determined the method by which we will adopt the standard in 2018.
In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going
Concern (“ASU 2014-15”). This update requires an entity's management to evaluate whether there are conditions or events,
considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern within one year
after the date that the financial statements are issued (or within one year after the date that the financial statements are available
to be issued when applicable). When conditions or events raise substantial doubts about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, management shall disclose: i) the principal conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern; ii) management's evaluation of the significance of those conditions or events in relation to the entity's ability to meet its obligations; and iii) management's plans that are intended to mitigate the conditions or events - and whether or not those plans alleviate the substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern. ASU 2014-15 is effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and early application is permitted. Management does not currently anticipate that this update will have any impact on the Company’s financial statement disclosures.

In November 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-17, Business Combinations: Pushdown Accounting (“ASU 2014-17”). ASU
2014-17 provides companies with the option to apply pushdown accounting in its separate financial statements upon occurrence of an event in which an acquirer obtains control of the acquired entity. The election to apply pushdown accounting can be made either in the period in which the change of control occurred, or in a subsequent period. If the election is made in a subsequent period, it would be considered a change in accounting principle and treated in accordance with Topic 250, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections. ASU 2014-17 became effective for the Company on November 18, 2014. The adoption of ASU 2014-17 was not material to the consolidated financial statements.

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis (“ASU 2015-02”), which amends the consolidation requirements in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 810, Consolidation. This standard modifies existing consolidation guidance for reporting organizations that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. ASU 2015-02 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2015, and requires either a retrospective or a modified retrospective approach to adoption. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements, as well as the available transition methods.
In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-07, Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent) (“ ASU 2015-07”). ASU 2015-07 removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the NAV per share practical expedient. The update is effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and early adoption is permitted. The update requires the retrospective adoption approach. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements.