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TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)
Registration Statement No. 333-196880
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
(To Prospectus Dated June 30, 2014)
$4,100,000
Common Stock
We have entered into an at-the-market sales agreement with BTIG LLC ("BTIG"), relating to shares of our common stock, $0.001 par value per share, offered by this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. In accordance with the terms of the sales agreement, we may offer and sell shares of our common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $15.0 million from time to time through BTIG, acting as our sales agent. As of the date of this prospectus supplement, we have sold $7,950,107 of shares of common stock pursuant to the sales agreement.
Sales of our common stock, if any, under this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus may be made by any method permitted by law deemed to be an "at the market offering" as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, which we refer to as the Securities Act, including sales made directly on the NASDAQ Capital Market, on any other existing trading market for our common stock or to or through a market maker. With our consent, BTIG may also sell our common stock by any other method permitted by law, including in privately negotiated transactions. BTIG will act as sales agent on a commercially reasonable efforts basis, consistent with its normal trading and sales practices and applicable state and federal laws, rules and regulations and the rules of NASDAQ. There is no specific date on which the offering will end, there are no minimum sale requirements and there are no arrangements to place any of the proceeds of this offering in an escrow, trust or similar account.
Our common stock is currently traded on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol "URRE." On July 1, 2014, the last reported sale price of our common stock was $2.61 per share.
The aggregate market value of our outstanding common stock held by non-affiliates, or public float, is approximately $49.0 million, based on 17.8 million shares of outstanding common stock held by non-affiliates and a price per share of $2.75, which was the closing price of our common stock on the NASDAQ Capital Market on June 18, 2014. We have sold approximately $12.2 million of securities pursuant to General Instruction I.B.6 of Form S-3 during the prior 12 calendar month period that ends on and includes the date of this prospectus supplement. Pursuant to General Instruction I.B.6 of Form S-3, in no event will we sell securities in public primary offerings with a value exceeding more than one-third of our public float in any 12-month period so long as our public float remains below $75.0 million.
BTIG will be entitled to compensation at a fixed commission rate of 3.0% of the gross proceeds from the sale of our common stock pursuant to the sales agreement. In connection with the sale of the common stock on our behalf, BTIG may be deemed to be an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act, and the compensation of BTIG may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts. We have also agreed to provide indemnification and contribution to BTIG against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should read "Risk Factors" beginning on page S-3 of this prospectus supplement and the reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement, to read about factors to consider before purchasing our common stock.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus supplement is July 2, 2014.
We are responsible for the information contained and incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and any related free writing prospectus we prepare or authorize. We have not, and BTIG has not, authorized anyone to provide you with different information, and we take no responsibility for any other information that others may give you. We are not, and BTIG is not, making an offer of our common stock in any jurisdiction where the offer is not permitted. The information in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus, the documents incorporated by reference and any related free writing prospectus is only accurate as of the date of the respective documents in which the information appears. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates. Information in this prospectus supplement updates and modifies the information in the accompanying prospectus.
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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are part of a registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-196880) that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and that was declared effective by the SEC on June 30, 2014. Under this shelf registration process, we may, from time to time, offer common stock, debt securities, warrants and units, of which this offering is a part.
This document is in two parts. The first part is this prospectus supplement, which describes the terms of this offering of common stock and also adds, updates and changes information contained in the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated herein by reference. The second part is the accompanying prospectus, which provides more general information about our common stock and other securities that do not pertain to this offering of common stock. To the extent that the information contained in this prospectus supplement conflicts with any information in the accompanying prospectus or any document incorporated by reference, the information in this prospectus supplement shall control. The information in this prospectus supplement may not contain all of the information that is important to you. You should read this entire prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference carefully before deciding whether to invest in our common stock.
References to the "Company," "we," "our" and "us" in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are to Uranium Resources, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires. This document includes trade names and trademarks of other companies. All such trade names and trademarks appearing in this document are the property of their respective holders.
DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents we have incorporated by reference contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements convey our current expectations or forecasts of future events. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by use of the words "estimate," "project," "believe," "intend," "plan," "anticipate," "expect" and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements include management's expectations regarding our liquidity and burn rate, reserves and mineralized uranium material, capital requirements, timing of receipt of mining permits and access rights, production capacity of mining operations for properties in South Texas and New Mexico and planned dates for commencement of production at such properties, and plans for consolidation of the uranium mineral interests in the New Mexico uranium district. Our ability to predict results or the actual effect of future plans or strategies is inherently uncertain. Actual results could differ materially from those in forward-looking statements because of, among other reasons, the factors described below and in the periodic reports that we file with the SEC from time to time, including Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K and any amendments thereto. The forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. They are based on numerous assumptions that we believe are reasonable, but they are open to a wide range of uncertainties and business risks.
Key factors that could cause actual results to be different than expected or anticipated include, but are not limited to:
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In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which are inherently unreliable and speak only as of the date of this prospectus supplement, accompanying prospectus or as of the date of any document incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement or accompanying prospectus, as applicable. When considering forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the cautionary statements in this prospectus supplement, accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference. We are not under any obligation, and we expressly disclaim any obligation, to update or alter any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus might not occur.
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This summary highlights selected information about Uranium Resources, Inc. This summary does not contain all of the information that may be important to you in making an investment decision. For a more complete understanding of Uranium Resources, Inc. you should read carefully this entire prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, including the "Risk Factors" section and the other documents we refer to and incorporate by reference. Unless otherwise indicated, "common stock" means our common stock, par value $0.001 per share. Unless otherwise noted, all share and per share information has been adjusted to reflect the one-for-ten reverse stock split of our common stock that became effective January 22, 2013.
Uranium Resources Overview
Uranium Resources, Inc. was incorporated in 1977 to explore, develop and recover uranium. We control minerals rights encompassing approximately 200,000 acres in the prolific Grants Mineral Belt in New Mexico. The Company also has two licensed processing facilities and properties in Texas, and an NRC license to recover up to three million pounds of uranium per year using the in situ recovery (ISR) process at certain properties in New Mexico. We acquired these properties over the past 25 years, along with an extensive uranium information database of historic drill hole logs, assay certificates, maps and technical reports for the Western United States. None of our properties are currently in production.
Our principal executive offices are located at 6950 South Potomac Street, Suite 300, Centennial, Colorado 80112, and our telephone number is (303) 531-0470. Our website is located at www.uraniumresources.com. Information contained on our website or that can be accessed through our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement.
For additional information as to our business, properties and financial condition, please refer to the documents cited in "Where You Can Find More Information" and "Information Incorporated by Reference."
Recent Developments
RCF Loan Agreement
On November 13, 2013, the Company and its largest stockholder, Resource Capital Fund V L.P. ("RCF") entered into a Loan Agreement (the "Loan Agreement") whereby RCF agreed, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Loan Agreement, to provide a secured convertible loan facility of up to $15.0 million to the Company. The facility initially consisted of three tranches of $5.0 million each. RCF advanced $3.0 million of the first $5.0 million tranche shortly following the closing of the Loan Agreement and on January 29, 2014, the Company's stockholders, excluding RCF, approved the Loan Agreement and the issuance of shares thereunder. Following such approval, RCF advanced the remaining $2.0 million of the first tranche on February 4, 2014. On April 29, 2014, the Company and RCF executed an amendment to the Loan Agreement which reduced the amount available thereunder from $15.0 million to $8.0 million, and on April 30, 2014, the Company requested, and RCF advanced, the final $3.0 million available under the Loan Agreement. No additional amounts may be drawn under the Loan Agreement.
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The Offering
The following summary is provided solely for your convenience and is not intended to be complete. You should read the full text and more specific details contained elsewhere in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. For a more detailed description of our common stock, see "Description of SecuritiesCommon Stock" in the accompanying prospectus.
Issuer | Uranium Resources, Inc. | |
Common Stock Offered |
Shares with an aggregate offering price of up to $4,100,000. |
|
Use of proceeds |
We currently intend to use the net proceeds from this offering for general corporate purposes, which may include technical studies, restoration commitments, capital expenditures and working capital. See "Use of Proceeds." |
|
Listing |
Our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol "URRE." |
|
Risk factors |
An investment in our common stock involves risks, and prospective investors should carefully consider the matters discussed under "Risk Factors" beginning on page S-3 of this prospectus supplement and the reports we file with the SEC pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus before making an investment in our common stock. |
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An investment in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider the risks described below and in the accompanying prospectus, as well as the risks described under the caption "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 and the other filings we make with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, which we have incorporated herein by reference. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks, and the market or trading price of our common stock could decline due to any of these risks. In addition, please read "Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" in this prospectus supplement, where we describe additional uncertainties associated with our business and the forward-looking statements included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement. Please note that additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business and operations.
Risks Related to the Offering and our Common Stock
The availability for sale of a large amount of shares may depress the market price of our common stock.
As of July 1, 2014, approximately 24.8 million shares of our common stock were outstanding, all of which, except for the shares owned by RCF, are freely transferable, and approximately 0.2 million shares of our common stock were reserved for issuance upon the exercise of outstanding options, 0.6 million shares of our common stock were reserved for issuance upon the vesting of outstanding restricted stock units and approximately 3.1 million shares of our common stock were reserved for issuance upon conversion of amounts outstanding under the RCF Loan Agreement. The availability for sale of a large amount of shares by any one or several stockholders may depress the market price of our common stock and impair our ability to raise additional capital through the public sale of our common stock. We have has no arrangement with any of the holders of the foregoing shares to address the possible effect on the price of our common stock of the sale by them of their shares.
Terms of subsequent financings may adversely impact our stockholders.
In order to finance our future production plans and working capital needs, we may have to raise funds through the issuance of equity or debt securities. Depending on the type and the terms of any financing we pursue, stockholders' rights and the value of their investment in our common stock could be reduced. A financing could involve one or more types of securities including common stock, convertible debt or warrants to acquire common stock. These securities could be issued at or below the then prevailing market price for our common stock. We currently have no authorized preferred stock. In addition, if we have to issue secured debt securities, the holders of the debt would have a claim to our assets that would be prior to the rights of stockholders until the debt is paid. Interest on these debt securities would increase costs and negatively impact operating results. If the issuance of new securities results in diminished rights to holders of our common stock, the market price of our common stock could be negatively impacted.
Shareholders could be diluted if we were to use common stock to raise capital.
We may need to seek additional capital to carry our business plan. This financing could involve one or more types of securities including common stock, convertible debt or warrants to acquire common stock. These securities could be issued at or below the then prevailing market price for our common stock. Any issuance of additional shares of our common stock could be dilutive to existing stockholders and could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
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You will experience immediate dilution in the book value per share of the common stock you purchase.
Because the price per share of our common stock being offered is substantially higher than the book value per share of our common stock, you will suffer substantial dilution in the net tangible book value of the common stock you purchase in this offering. After giving effect to an assumed sale by us of 1,570,881 shares of common stock in this offering, and based on an assumed public offering price of $2.61 per share in this offering and a pro forma net tangible book value per share of our common stock of $1.44 as of March 31, 2014, if you purchase shares in this offering, you will suffer immediate and substantial dilution of $1.17 per share in the net tangible book value of the common stock purchased. See "Dilution" for a more detailed discussion of the dilution you will incur in connection with this offering.
Our management will have broad discretion over the use of the net proceeds from this offering, you may not agree with how we use the proceeds and the proceeds may not be invested successfully.
We have not designated any portion of the net proceeds from this offering to be used for any particular purpose. Accordingly, our management will have broad discretion as to the use of the net proceeds from any offering by us and could use them for purposes other than those contemplated at the time of this offering. You will be relying on the judgment of our management with regard to the use of these net proceeds, and you will not have the opportunity, as part of your investment decision, to assess whether the proceeds are being used appropriately. It is possible that the proceeds will be invested in a way that does not yield a favorable, or any, return for our company.
We may issue and sell shares of our common stock having aggregate sales proceeds of up to $4.1 million from time to time. We estimate that the net proceeds from the sale of the shares of common stock that we are offering may be up to approximately $4.0 million, after deducting commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.
We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering for general corporate purposes, which may include technical studies, restoration commitments, capital expenditures and working capital. Our management will retain broad discretion over the use of proceeds, and we may ultimately use the proceeds for different purposes than what we currently intend. Until we use the proceeds for any purpose, we expect to invest them in short-term investments.
Our net tangible book value as of March 31, 2014 was approximately $33.5 million, or approximately $1.37 per share of common stock. Net tangible book value represents total tangible assets less total liabilities. Net tangible book value per share represents net tangible book value divided by the total number of shares of common stock outstanding.
Dilution in net tangible book value per share represents the difference between the public offering price per share of our common stock and the adjusted net tangible book value per share of our common stock after giving effect to this offering. After giving effect to the assumed sale of an aggregate of 1,570,881 shares of our common stock in this offering at an assumed public offering price of $2.61 per share, which was the last reported sale price of our common stock on the NASDAQ Capital Market on July 1, 2014, and after deducting commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, our pro forma net tangible book value would have been approximately $37.5 million, or $1.44 per share. This represents an immediate increase in net tangible book value of approximately $0.07 per share to our existing stockholders and an immediate dilution in net tangible book value of
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approximately $1.17 per share to investors purchasing shares in this offering. The following table illustrates this calculation on a per share basis:
Assumed public offering price per share |
$ | 2.61 | |||||
Net tangible book value per share as of March 31, 2014 |
$ | 1.37 | |||||
Increase per share attributable to this offering |
$ | 0.07 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
As adjusted net tangible book value per share as of March 31, 2014 |
$ | 1.44 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Dilution per share to new investors |
$ | 1.17 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
The foregoing table is based on 24,442,014 shares of common stock outstanding at March 31, 2014, which excludes:
The table above assumes an aggregate of 1,570,881 shares of our common stock are sold at a price of $2.61 per share, for aggregate gross proceeds of $4.1 million. The shares, if any, sold in this offering will be sold from time to time at various prices. An increase of $0.30 in the offering price per share from the assumed offering price of $2.61 per share shown in the table above, assuming shares of our common stock having an aggregate value of $4.1 million are sold at that price, would increase our adjusted net tangible book value per share after this offering to $1.45 per share and would increase the dilution in net tangible book value per share to new investors in this offering to $1.46 per share, after deducting commissions and estimated aggregate offering expenses payable by us. A decrease of $0.30 per share in the offering price per share from the assumed offering price of $2.61 per share shown in the table above, assuming shares of our common stock having an aggregate value of $4.1 million are sold at that price, would decrease our adjusted net tangible book value per share after the offering to $1.43 per share and would decrease the dilution in net tangible book value per share to new investors in this offering to $0.88 per share, after deducting commissions and estimated aggregate offering expenses payable by us.
Because there is no minimum offering amount required as a condition to the closing of this offering, the dilution per share to new investors may be more than that indicated above in the event that the actual number of shares sold, if any, is less than the maximum number of shares of our common stock we are offering.
To the extent restricted stock units vest or options are exercised for shares of our common stock, there will be further dilution to new investors. Additionally, to the extent RCF elects to convert any amounts drawn under the RCF Loan Agreement, there will be further dilution to new investors. The RCF Loan Agreement also contains customary anti-dilution provisions, which may result in the conversion rate for amounts drawn under the RCF Loan Agreement to decrease, resulting in additional dilution to investors.
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PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK AND DIVIDEND POLICY
Our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol "URRE." The last reported sale price of our common stock on July 1, 2014 on the NASDAQ Capital Market was $2.61 per share. The following table sets forth the high and low sale prices for our common stock for the periods indicated as reported on the NASDAQ Capital Market.
|
High | Low | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year Ended December 31, 2012: |
|||||||
First Quarter |
$ | 12.10 | $ | 7.30 | |||
Second Quarter |
9.40 | 6.00 | |||||
Third Quarter |
8.50 | 3.90 | |||||
Fourth Quarter |
5.20 | 3.00 | |||||
Year Ended December 31, 2013: |
|||||||
First Quarter |
$ | 5.99 | $ | 2.55 | |||
Second Quarter |
3.07 | 1.75 | |||||
Third Quarter |
5.53 | 2.43 | |||||
Fourth Quarter |
3.55 | 2.21 | |||||
Year Ended December 31, 2014: |
|||||||
First Quarter |
$ | 4.05 | $ | 2.58 | |||
Second Quarter |
3.10 | 2.33 | |||||
Third Quarter (through July 1, 2014) |
2.75 | 2.56 |
Following the close of trading on January 22, 2013, the Company effected a one-for-ten reverse stock split of its issued and outstanding common stock. The common stock commenced trading on the NASDAQ Capital Market on a split-adjusted basis upon the open of trading on January 23, 2013. The high and low sale prices for our common stock presented in the foregoing table give effect to the reverse stock split.
We have never declared or paid any cash dividend on our common stock, nor do we currently intend to pay any cash dividend on our common stock in the foreseeable future. We expect to retain our earnings, if any, for the growth and development of our business.
We have entered into a sales agreement with BTIG, under which we may issue and sell our common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $15.0 million from time to time through BTIG, acting as our sales agent. A copy of the sales agreement has been filed with the SEC as Exhibit 1.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 28, 2011. As of the date of this prospectus supplement, we have sold $7,950,107 of shares of common stock pursuant to the sales agreement.
The actual dollar amount and number of shares of common stock we sell pursuant to the sales agreement will be dependent on, among other things, market conditions and our fundraising requirements. The sales of our common stock, if any, under the sales agreement may be made by any method permitted by law deemed to be an "at the market offering" as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act, including sales made directly on The NASDAQ Capital Market, on any other existing trading market for our common stock or to or through a market maker. With our consent, BTIG may also sell our common stock by any other method permitted by law, including in privately negotiated transactions.
Each time that we wish to issue and sell shares of our common stock under the sales agreement, we will provide BTIG with a placement notice describing the amount of shares to be sold or the gross proceeds to be raised in a given time period, the time period during which sales are requested to be
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made, any limitation on the amount of shares of common stock that may be sold in any single day, any minimum price below which sales may not be made or any minimum price requested for sales in a given time period and any other instructions relevant to such requested sales. Upon receipt of a placement notice, BTIG, as our sales agent, will use commercially reasonable efforts, consistent with its normal trading and sales practices and applicable state and federal laws, rules and regulations and the rules of NASDAQ, to sell shares of our common stock under the terms and subject to the conditions of the placement notice and the sales agreement. We or BTIG may suspend the offering of common stock pursuant to a placement notice upon proper notice and subject to other conditions. BTIG, in its sole discretion, may decline to accept any placement notice. During the term of the sales agreement, BTIG will not engage in any market making, bidding, stabilization or other trading activity with regard to our common stock if such activity would be prohibited under Regulation M or other anti-manipulation rules under the Securities Act.
BTIG will provide written confirmation to us no later than the opening of the trading day on the NASDAQ Capital Market following the trading day on which shares of our common stock are sold through BTIG under the sales agreement. Each confirmation will include the number of shares sold on the preceding day, the net proceeds to us and the commissions payable by us to BTIG in connection with the sales.
We will pay BTIG commissions for its services in acting as agent in the sale of our common stock pursuant to the sales agreement. BTIG will be entitled to compensation at a fixed commission rate of 3.0% of the gross proceeds from the sale of our common stock pursuant to the sales agreement. Because there are no minimum sale requirements as a condition to this offering, the actual total public offering price, commissions and net proceeds to us, if any, are not determinable at this time. We estimate that the total expenses for this offering, excluding compensation payable to BTIG and certain expenses reimbursable to BTIG under the terms of the sales agreement, will be approximately $20,000.
Settlement for sales of common stock will occur on the third trading day following the date on which any sales are made (or on such other date as is industry practice for regular-way trading), unless otherwise specified in the applicable placement notice, in return for payment of the net proceeds to us. There are no arrangements to place any of the proceeds of this offering in an escrow, trust or similar account. Sales of our common stock as contemplated in this prospectus supplement will be settled through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company or by such other means as we and BTIG may agree upon.
In connection with the sale of the common stock on our behalf, BTIG may, and will with respect to sales effected in an "at the market offering," be deemed to be an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act, and the compensation of BTIG may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts. We have agreed to provide indemnification and contribution to BTIG against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. We also have reimbursed BTIG for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, including the fees and disbursements of counsel to BTIG, incurred in connection with the offering, in the amount of $50,000.
The offering pursuant to the sales agreement will terminate upon the earlier of (i) the sale of all shares of common stock subject to the agreement and (ii) termination of the sales agreement as permitted therein. We may terminate the sales agreement in our sole discretion at any time by giving five days' prior notice to BTIG. BTIG may terminate the sales agreement under the circumstances specified in the sales agreement and in its sole discretion at any time by giving five days' prior notice to us.
BTIG has no relationship with us other than engaging in market making activities involving our common stock and its current role as sales agent for our offering of common stock pursuant to the sales agreement described above. To the extent required by Regulation M, BTIG will not engage in any market making activities involving our common stock while the offering is ongoing under this
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prospectus supplement. BTIG and its affiliates may in the future provide various investment banking and other financial services for us and our affiliates, for which services they may in the future receive customary fees.
The validity of the common stock offered hereby has been passed upon for us by Hogan Lovells US LLP, Denver, Colorado. Greenberg Traurig, LLP, New York, New York, is acting as counsel for BTIG in connection with certain legal matters related to this offering.
The consolidated financial statements of Uranium Resources, Inc. for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 incorporated by reference herein have been audited by Hein & Associates LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report, incorporated by reference herein, and are incorporated by reference in reliance upon that report given on the authority of Hein & Associates LLP as experts in accounting and auditing.
The information regarding our uranium mineralized materials in New Mexico incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement is included in reliance on the report submitted by Behre Dolbear & Company (USA), Inc., an independent private mining consulting firm, and has been included herein in reliance on the authority of such firm as experts in geology and engineering.
The information related to our properties that constitute the Cibola Project, Ambrosia Lake Project and Edgemont Project including non-reserved mineralized material incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement is included in reliance on the following independent technical reports, each of which were completed by Broad Oak Associates, an independent engineer: (i) the Technical Report on the Uranium Resources at The Ambrosia Lake Uranium Project, McKinley County, New Mexico, USA, dated January 18, 2011; (ii) the Technical Report on the Uranium Resources at The Cibola Project, Cibola, McKinley and Sandoval Counties, New Mexico, USA, dated January 14, 2011; and (iii) the Technical Report on the Uranium Resources on The Edgemont Uranium Project, Fall River County, South Dakota, USA, dated January 18, 2011, and has been incorporated by reference herein in reliance on the authority of such firm as experts in geology and engineering.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any reports, statements or other information that we file at the SEC's public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, District of Columbia 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for more information on the public reference room. Our SEC filings are also available to the public from commercial retrieval services and at the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. The reports and other information filed by us with the SEC are also available at our website. The address of the Company's website is www.uraniumresources.com. Information contained on our website or that can be accessed through our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus.
INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
The SEC allows us to incorporate information into this prospectus supplement "by reference," which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to another document that we file separately with the SEC. The information incorporated by reference is deemed to be part of this prospectus supplement, except for any information superseded by information contained directly in this prospectus supplement. These documents contain important information about the Company and its financial condition, business and results.
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We are incorporating by reference the Company's filings listed below and any additional documents that we may file with the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act on or after the date we file this prospectus supplement and prior to the termination of the offering, except we are not incorporating by reference any information furnished (but not filed) under Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of any Current Report on Form 8-K and corresponding information furnished under Item 9.01 as an exhibit thereto:
We will provide, without charge, to each person to whom a copy of this prospectus supplement has been delivered, including any beneficial owner, a copy of any and all of the documents referred to herein that are summarized in this prospectus supplement, if such person makes a written or oral request directed to:
Uranium
Resources, Inc.
6950 South Potomac Street, Suite 300
Centennial, Colorado 80112
Attn: Corporate Secretary
(303) 531-0470
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PROSPECTUS
$50,000,000
Common Stock
Debt Securities
Warrants
Units
We may offer and sell from time to time up to $50,000,000 of any combination of the securities described in this prospectus, in one or more classes or series and in amounts, at prices and on terms that we will determine at the times of the offerings. We may also offer common stock upon conversion of debt securities or upon the exercise of warrants.
We may sell the securities directly to you, through agents we select, or through underwriters and dealers we select, on a continuous or delayed basis. If we use agents, underwriters or dealers to sell the securities, we will name them and describe their compensation in a prospectus supplement. The price to the public of such securities and the net proceeds we expect to receive from such sale will also be set forth in a prospectus supplement.
This prospectus describes some of the general terms that may apply to these securities and the general manner in which they may be offered. Each time we sell securities we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of the securities we are offering and the specific manner in which we will offer the securities. The prospectus supplement may add to, update or change the information in this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and any prospectus supplement carefully before you invest in our securities. This prospectus may not be used to sell securities unless accompanied by a prospectus supplement.
Our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol "URRE." As of June 17, 2014, the aggregate market value of our outstanding common stock held by non-affiliates, or public float, was approximately $48.3 million, based on 24,754,336 shares of outstanding common stock, of which approximately 6,932,854 shares were held by affiliates, and a price of $2.71 per share, which was the last reported sale price of our common stock on the NASDAQ Capital Market on June 17, 2014. We have sold approximately $12.2 million of securities pursuant to General Instruction I.B.6 of Form S-3 during the prior 12 calendar month period that ends on and includes the date of this prospectus. Pursuant to General Instruction I.B.6 of Form S-3, in no event will we sell securities registered on this registration statement in a public primary offering with a value exceeding more than one-third of our public float in any 12-month period so long as our public float remains below $75.0 million.
Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. See "Risk Factors" beginning on page 1 of this prospectus for factors you should consider before buying our securities.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus is June 30, 2014
We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information different from that contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus, and we take no responsibility for any other information that others may give you. This prospectus is not an offer to sell, nor is it a solicitation of an offer to buy, the securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should not assume that the information contained in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front cover of those documents, or that the information contained in any document incorporated by reference is accurate as of any date other than the date of the document incorporated by reference, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or any sale of a security. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.
As permitted by the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part includes additional information not contained in this prospectus. You may read the registration statement and the other reports we file with the SEC at the SEC's website or at the SEC's offices described below under the heading "Where You Can Find More Information." Before investing in our securities, you should read this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus, as well as the additional information described under "Where You Can Find More Information" and "Information Incorporated by Reference."
References to the "Company," "URI," "we," "our" and "us" in this prospectus are to Uranium Resources, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires. This document includes trade names and trademarks of other companies. All such trade names and trademarks appearing in this document are the property of their respective holders.
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This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the SEC utilizing a shelf registration process. Under the shelf registration process, we may offer, from time to time, the securities or combinations of the securities described in this prospectus with a total offering price of up to $50,000,000 in one or more offerings at prices and on terms to be determined by market conditions at the time of each offering.
This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we offer a type or series of securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus that will contain specific information about the terms of the offering.
A prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus may include a discussion of risks or other special considerations applicable to us or the offered securities. A prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. If there is any inconsistency between the information in this prospectus and any related prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus, you must rely on the information in the prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus. Please carefully read both this prospectus and the related prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus in their entirety together with additional information described under the heading "Where You Can Find More Information" in this prospectus. This prospectus may not be used to offer or sell any securities unless accompanied by a prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any reports, statements or other information that we file at the SEC's public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, District of Columbia 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for more information on the public reference room. Our SEC filings are also available to the public from commercial retrieval services and at the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. The reports and other information filed by us with the SEC are also available at our website. The address of the Company's website is www.uraniumresources.com. Information contained on our website or that can be accessed through our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus.
INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
The SEC allows us to incorporate information into this prospectus "by reference," which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to another document that we file separately with the SEC. The information incorporated by reference is deemed to be part of this prospectus, except for any information superseded by information contained directly in this prospectus. These documents contain important information about the Company and its financial condition, business and results.
We are incorporating by reference the Company's filings listed below and any additional documents that we may file with the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") on or after the date hereof and prior to the termination of any offering, except we are not incorporating by reference any information furnished (but not filed) under Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of any Current Report on Form 8-K and corresponding information furnished under Item 9.01 as an exhibit thereto:
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We will provide, without charge, to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom a copy of this prospectus has been delivered a copy of any and all of the documents referred to herein that are summarized in this prospectus, if such person makes a written or oral request directed to:
Uranium
Resources, Inc.
6950 South Potomac Street, Suite 300
Centennial, Colorado 80112
Attn: Jeffrey L. Vigil
(303) 531-0470
DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus, and the documents we have incorporated by reference contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements convey our current expectations or forecasts of future events. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by use of the words "estimate," "project," "believe," "intend," "plan," "anticipate," "expect" and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements include management's expectations regarding our liquidity and burn rate, reserves and mineralized uranium material, capital requirements, timing of receipt of mining permits and access rights, production capacity of mining operations for properties in South Texas and New Mexico and planned dates for commencement of production at such properties, and plans for consolidation of the uranium mineral interests in the New Mexico uranium district. Our ability to predict results or the actual effect of future plans or strategies is inherently uncertain. Actual results could differ materially from those in forward-looking statements because of, among other reasons, the factors described below and in the periodic reports that we file with the SEC from time to time, including Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K and any amendments thereto. The forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. They are based on numerous assumptions that we believe are reasonable, but they are open to a wide range of uncertainties and business risks.
Key factors that could cause actual results to be different than expected or anticipated include, but are not limited to:
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In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which are inherently unreliable and speak only as of the date of this prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus, or any document incorporated by reference in this prospectus. When considering forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the cautionary statements in this prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus, and the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus. We are not under any obligation, and we expressly disclaim any obligation, to update or alter any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus might not occur.
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Uranium Resources, Inc. is a uranium exploration, development and production company. We were organized in 1977 to acquire and develop uranium projects in South Texas using the in-situ recovery ("ISR") process. URI has historically produced uranium by ISR methods in the State of Texas where the Company currently has ISR projects and two licensed processing facilities. We also have approximately 206,900 acres of mineral holdings in the State of New Mexico and a Nuclear Regulatory Commission license to produce up to 3.0 million pounds per annum of uranium on certain of our New Mexico projects. The Company acquired these properties over the past 25 years along with an extensive information database of historic drill hole logs and analysis. None of our properties are currently in production.
Our principal executive offices are located at 6950 South Potomac Street, Suite 300, Centennial, Colorado 80112, and our telephone number is (303) 531-0470. Our website is located at www.uraniumresources.com. Information contained on our website or that can be accessed through our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus.
For additional information as to our business, properties and financial condition, please refer to the documents cited in "Where You Can Find More Information" and "Information Incorporated by Reference."
An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider the risks described below, as well as the risks described under the caption "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 and the other filings we make with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, which we have incorporated herein by reference. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks, and the market or trading price of our securities could decline due to any of these risks. In addition, please read "Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" in this prospectus, where we describe additional uncertainties associated with our business and the forward-looking statements included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. Please note that additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business and operations.
Risks Related to Our Business
The Company is not producing uranium at this time. As a result, we currently have no sources of operating cash. If we cannot monetize certain existing Company assets, partner with another company that has cash resources, find other means of generating revenue other than uranium production and/or access additional sources of private or public capital, we may not be able to remain in business.
As a result of low uranium prices, we ceased production of uranium in 2009. While we have approximately 664,000 pounds of reserves at our South Texas properties, we are not planning to commence production at any of our South Texas properties until we are able to acquire additional reserves or mineralized material and uranium prices recover to levels that will ensure that production, once resumed, is sustainable in the 300,000 to 500,000 pound range per year. Our ability to begin plant construction and wellfield development in New Mexico is subject to availability of financing and activation of our permits and licenses. In addition, we expect that we will need to secure significant capital for the development of our Churchrock project in advance of beginning development activities on the project. We do not have a committed source of financing for the development of our Churchrock project. There can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain financing for this project or our other New Mexico projects. Our inability to develop the New Mexico properties would have a material adverse effect on our future operations.
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Until we begin uranium production, we have no way to generate cash inflows unless we monetize certain Company assets or through financing activities. Our future uranium production, cash flow and income are dependent upon the results of exploration as well as our ability to bring on new, as yet unidentified wellfields and to acquire and develop additional reserves. We can provide no assurance that our properties will be placed into production or that we will be able to continue to find, develop, acquire and finance additional reserves. If we cannot monetize certain existing Company assets, partner with another company that has cash resources, find other means of generating revenue other than uranium production and/or access additional sources of private or public capital, we may not be able to remain in business and holders of our securities may lose their entire investment.
Our ability to function as an operating mining company will be dependent on our ability to mine our properties at a profit sufficient to finance further mining activities and for the acquisition and development of additional properties. The volatility of uranium prices makes long-range planning uncertain and raising capital difficult.
We have deferred activities for exploration, delineation and development of new wellfields at all of our South Texas projects. This decision limits our ability to be immediately ready to begin production should uranium prices improve suddenly. Our ability to operate on a positive cash flow basis will be dependent on mining sufficient quantities of uranium at a profit sufficient to finance our operations and for the acquisition and development of additional mining properties. Any profit will necessarily be dependent upon, and affected by, the long and short term market prices of uranium, which are subject to significant fluctuation. Uranium prices have been and will continue to be affected by numerous factors beyond our control. These factors include the demand for nuclear power, political and economic conditions in uranium producing and consuming countries, uranium supply from secondary sources and uranium production levels and costs of production. A significant, sustained drop in uranium prices may make it impossible to operate our business at a level that will permit us to cover our fixed costs or to remain in operation.
If we are unable to raise additional capital, our business may fail and holders of our securities may lose their entire investment.
We had approximately $10.6 million in cash at March 31, 2014 and approximately $11.9 million as of May 6, 2014. On average, the Company expended approximately $1.35 million of cash per month during 2013 and expects to spend $1.0 million per month during the balance of 2014. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain additional capital after it exhausts its current cash. To the extent that the Company raises additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, the issuance of such securities would likely result in substantial dilution to existing stockholders. If the Company borrows money, we will have to pay interest and may also have to agree to restrictions that limit our operating flexibility.
If additional capital is not available in sufficient amounts or on a timely basis, the Company will experience liquidity problems, and the Company could face the need to significantly curtail current operations, change our planned business strategies and pursue other remedial measures. Any curtailment of business operations would have a material negative effect on operating results, the value of our outstanding stock is likely to fall, and our business may fail, causing holders of our securities to lose their entire investment.
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Restrictions under our secured loan agreement may prevent us from taking actions that we believe would be in the best interest of our business, and defaults under the secured loan agreement may result in Resource Capital Fund V L.P. talking possession and disposing of any collateral.
Our loan agreement with Resource Capital Fund V L.P. ("RCF") contains certain restrictions on our activities, including covenants that may restrict us from, among other things:
These restrictions may prevent us from taking actions that we believe would be in the best interest of our business. If we violate any of these covenants and are unable to obtain waivers, we would be in default under our loan agreement with RCF and payment of the indebtedness could be accelerated. If our indebtedness is accelerated, we may not be able to repay that indebtedness or borrow sufficient funds to refinance it. Our obligations under the loan agreement are secured by pledges of the equity interests of our subsidiaries and a lien on substantially all of our assets, and if we default on our obligations under the loan agreement, among other remedies, RCF could take possession and dispose of any collateral under the loan agreement and related documents, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, operations, financial condition and liquidity. Even if we are able to obtain new financing upon a default under the loan agreement, it may not be on commercially reasonable terms or on terms that are acceptable to us. In addition, complying with these covenants may also cause us to take actions that are not favorable to holders of our securities and may make it more difficult for us to successfully execute our business strategy and compete against companies that are not subject to such restrictions.
Approximately 36.0% of our common stock is beneficially owned by a significant stockholder that may acquire additional shares.
As of June 17, 2014, approximately 36.0% of our common stock is beneficially owned by RCF, including approximately 3.1 million shares issuable upon conversion of the $8.0 million outstanding under our November 2013 loan agreement. In addition, the Company anticipates that it could issue approximately 1.1 million shares to RCF if RCF elects for the Company to satisfy future interest and fees under the loan agreement by the issuance of shares, which would increase RCF's beneficial ownership percentage to approximately 38.4%. RCF could also receive a significant number of additional shares if we were to sell equity or equity-linked securities in the year following the closing of the November 2013 loan agreement at a price below RCF's conversion price of $2.60 per share. In addition, because the number of shares issuable in satisfaction of interest and fees is determined by the market price of our common stock before the issuance of such shares, RCF would be entitled to a significant number of additional shares if the market price of our common stock were to decrease substantially.
Two current members of the Company's Board of Directors were also nominated at the request of RCF. Under a stockholders' agreement between RCF and the Company, RCF is entitled to have two designees placed in nomination for a seat on the Board, and RCF has the right to participate in future
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equity offerings by the Company in proportion to its percentage ownership (assuming conversion of amounts drawn under the November 2013 loan agreement) of the shares of our common stock.
Because of RCF's ownership of URI common stock, RCF has the ability to exercise a substantial degree of control over matters requiring stockholder approval. Those matters include the election of directors, amendments to the certificate of incorporation and approval of significant corporate transactions. This control could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control of the Company or changes in management and will make the approval of certain transactions difficult without the support of RCF, including transactions in which other holders of our securities might otherwise receive a premium for their securities over the then-current market price. In addition, RCF could privately sell control of the Company without other holders of our securities realizing any change-of-control premium. RCF may also have other interests that are different from, in addition to or not always consistent with the Company's interests or with the interests of other holders of our securities.
We have previously identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting, and if we cannot maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting in the future, we may need to restate our financial statements and we may be delayed or prevented from accessing the capital markets.
We are subject to the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, particularly Section 404, and the applicable SEC rules and regulations that require an annual management report on our internal controls over financial reporting. The management report includes, among other matters, management's assessment of the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting.
We have previously identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting and we may not be capable of maintaining an effective system of internal control in the future. Our ability to identify and remediate any material weaknesses in our internal controls could affect our ability to prepare financial reports in a timely manner, control our policies, procedures, operations, and assets, assess and manage our operational, regulatory and financial risks, and integrate any acquired businesses. Any failures to ensure full compliance with internal control and financial reporting requirements in the future could result in a restatement, cause us to fail to timely meet our reporting obligations, delay or prevent us from accessing the capital markets, and harm our reputation and the market price for our securities.
The Navajo Nation's ban on uranium mining in what it considers to be Navajo Indian Country and its opposition to the transportation of radioactive substances over and across what it views as Navajo Nation lands may have a material adverse effect on our future operations.
In April 2005, the Navajo Nation ("Nation") Council passed the Diné Natural Resources Protection Act of 2005, 18 Navajo Nation Code §1303, which prohibits uranium mining and processing on any sites within "Navajo Indian Country" as defined by 7 Navajo Nation Code § 254(A). The ban may impede or prevent us from developing and operating our properties located in federally defined Indian Country for two reasons. First, the Nation takes a more expansive view of its own jurisdiction over "Navajo Indian Country" than does current federal law. Specifically, 7 N.N.C. § 254(A) provides that the term "Navajo Indian Country" applies to all land within the exterior boundaries of the Navajo Indian Reservation or of the Eastern Navajo Agency, Navajo Indian allotments, dependent Indian communities, and all land held in trust for, owned in fee by, or leased by the United States to the Nation. This may conflict with federal law as codified by Congress and interpreted by the federal courts. The term "Indian Country" is derived from jurisdictional determinations in criminal law enforcement proceedings under the federal Indian Country statute, 18 U.S.C. § 1151, and understood to encompass territory situated within Indian reservations, land owned by Indian Allottees, and land within a dependent Indian community. Second, while the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit has specifically held, en banc, that the Company's Section 8 property in Churchrock, New
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Mexico is not Indian Country, approximately one-third of our in-place mineralized uranium material is located elsewhere in federally defined Indian Country. Consequently, with respect to the Nation, our ability to operate will be adversely affected unless Navajo law is modified or a waiver or other exemption is provided.
In February 2012, the Navajo Nation Council passed The Radioactive and Related Substances, Equipment, Vehicles, Persons and Materials Transportation Act of 2012 which would prohibit the transport across Nation lands of any equipment, vehicles, persons or materials for the purposes of exploring for or mining, producing, processing or milling any uranium ore, yellowcake, radioactive waste or other radioactive products on or under the surface of or adjacent to Nation lands unless the transporter has first (i) obtained Nation consent and a federal grant of easement, (ii) consented to full subject matter and personal jurisdiction of the Nation, and (iii) agreed to terms and conditions regarding clean-up and remediation. The Act would also require the Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency ("NNEPA") to promulgate regulations implementing notice requirements, license fees, bonding requirements, route restrictions and curfews for the transportation of radioactive substances over and across Nation lands or otherwise within Navajo Indian Country. The Act, which may conflict with federal laws and regulations governing the transport of radioactive materials, could have a material adverse effect on our future operations, including our ability to transport equipment and personnel to and from our properties and to transport resin from New Mexico to our processing facilities in Texas.
In April 2012, the Nation's Division of Natural Resources issued a Notice of Violation and Order to Comply with the Navajo Nation Civil Trespass Act (the "NOV") against the Company's subsidiary Hydro Resources, Inc. ("HRI"). The NOV assessed a $50 civil assessment for alleged trespass on Section 9, Township 16 North, Range 16 West, N.M.P.M. ("Section 9"), which is land held in trust by the United States for the benefit of the Nation ("Trust Lands"). The NOV stated that HRI's Section 8 Churchrock property cannot be reached from New Mexico State Highway 566 without crossing either Section 9 or Section 17, both of which are Trust Lands, and that the Highway 566 right-of-way does not abut or extend into the Section 8 Churchrock property. The NOV demanded that HRI cease entering upon and crossing Section 9 and Section 17 for the purpose of transporting vehicles, equipment and/or personnel to the Section 8 Churchrock property until HRI either (i) provided documentation of a validly existing right-of-way or easement; or (ii) obtained an appropriate right-of-way from the Nation.
On December 23, 2013, the Navajo Nation Council Resources and Development Committee ("NNRDC") acknowledged the right-of-way and surface use of the Company at its Churchrock properties licensed by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The right of way and surface and mineral access rights were granted in a 1929 Deed by the Santa Fe Pacific Railroad, and were passed to the Company as the successor in interest to the 1929 Deed. The NNRDC also authorized the creation of a Subcommittee to work with the Navajo Nation Executive Director of the Natural Resources Division and the Department of Justice, along with representatives of the Company, to consider the terms of an agreement that results in mutual gains for both the Nation and the Company, considering the right of way and surface use granted in the 1929 Deed.
If further agreement with the Nation is not reached, our development plan could be materially adversely affected.
Certain of our mineral properties may be subject to defects in title and we are at risk of loss of ownership.
Many of our mining properties are unpatented mining claims to which we have only possessory title. The validity of unpatented mining claims is often uncertain and such validity is always subject to contest. Unpatented mining claims are generally considered subject to greater title risk than patented mining claims or other real property interests that are owned in fee simple. Because unpatented mining claims are self-initiated and self-maintained, they possess some unique vulnerabilities not associated
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with other types of property interests. It is impossible to ascertain the validity of unpatented mining claims from public real property records, and, therefore, it can be difficult or impossible to confirm that all of the requisite steps have been followed for location, perfection and maintenance of an unpatented mining claim. The present status of our unpatented mining claims located on public lands allows us the exclusive right to remove locatable minerals, such as uranium. We are also allowed to use the surface of the land solely for purposes related to mining and processing the mineral-bearing ores. However, legal ownership of the public land remains with the federal government. We remain at risk that the mining claims may be lost either to the federal government or to rival private claimants due to failure to comply with statutory requirements. In addition, we may not have, or may not be able to obtain, all necessary surface rights to develop a property.
We may incur significant costs related to defending the title to our properties. A successful claim contesting our title to a property may cause us to compensate other persons or perhaps reduce our interest in the affected property or lose our rights to explore and develop that property. This could result in us not being compensated for our prior expenditures relating to the property.
Exploration and development of uranium properties are risky and subject to great uncertainties.
The exploration for and development of uranium deposits involve significant risks. It is impossible to ensure that the current and future exploration programs on our existing properties will establish reserves. Whether a uranium ore body will be commercially viable depends on a number of factors, including, but not limited to: the particular attributes of the deposit, such as size, grade and proximity to infrastructure; uranium prices, which cannot be predicted and which have been highly volatile in the past; mining, processing and transportation costs; perceived levels of political risk and the willingness of lenders and investors to provide project financing; availability of labor, labor costs and possible labor strikes; availability of drilling rigs, and governmental regulations, including, without limitation, regulations relating to prices, taxes, royalties, land tenure, land use, importing and exporting materials, foreign exchange, environmental protection, employment, worker safety, transportation, and reclamation and closure obligations. Most exploration projects do not result in the discovery of commercially mineable deposits of uranium and there can be no assurance that any of our exploration stage properties will be commercially mineable or can be brought into production.
The developments at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in Japan continue to have a negative impact on the uranium markets and public acceptance of nuclear energy is uncertain.
The developments at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant following the earthquake and tsunami that struck parts of Japan in March 2011 created heightened concerns regarding the safety of nuclear power plants and the ability to safeguard the material used to fuel nuclear power plants. The impact on the perception of the safety of nuclear power resulting from this event may cause increased volatility of uranium prices in the near to mid-term as well as uncertainty involving the continued use and expansion of nuclear power in certain countries. A reduction in the current or the future generation of electricity from nuclear power could result in a reduced requirement for uranium to fuel nuclear power plants which may negatively impact the Company in the future.
Maintaining the demand for uranium at current levels and future growth in demand will depend upon acceptance of nuclear technology as a means of generating electricity. The developments at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant may affect public acceptance of nuclear technology. Lack of public acceptance of nuclear technology would adversely affect the demand for nuclear power and potentially increase the regulation of the nuclear power industry.
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The only significant market for uranium is nuclear power plants world-wide, and there are a limited number of customers.
We are dependent on a limited number of electric utilities that buy uranium for nuclear power plants. Because of the limited market for uranium, a reduction in purchases of newly produced uranium by electric utilities for any reason (such as plant closings) would adversely affect the viability of our business.
The price of alternative energy sources affects the demand for and price of uranium.
The attractiveness of uranium as an alternative fuel to generate electricity may be dependent on the relative prices of oil, gas, coal and hydro-electricity and the possibility of developing other low-cost sources of energy. If the prices of alternative energy sources decrease or new low-cost alternative energy sources are developed, the demand for uranium could decrease, which may result in a decrease in the price of uranium.
We may not be able to mine a substantial portion of our uranium in New Mexico until a mill is built in New Mexico.
A substantial portion of our uranium in New Mexico lends itself most readily to conventional mining methods and may not be able to be mined unless a mill is built in New Mexico. We have no immediate plans to build, nor are we aware of any third party's plan to build, a mill in New Mexico and there can be no guarantee that a mill will be built. In the event that a mill is not built, a substantial portion of our uranium may not be able to be mined. Our inability to mine all or a portion of our uranium in New Mexico would have a material adverse effect on future operations.
Our operations are each subject to environmental risks.
We are required to comply with environmental protection laws, regulations and permitting requirements, and we anticipate that we will be required to continue to do so in the future. We have expended significant resources, both financial and managerial, to comply with environmental protection laws, regulations and permitting requirements, and we anticipate that we will be required to continue to do so in the future. The material laws and regulations within the U.S. include the Atomic Energy Act, Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act of 1978, or UMTRCA, Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, Federal Land Policy Management Act, National Park System Mining Regulations Act, the State Mined Land Reclamation Acts or State Department of Environmental Quality regulations and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, and the rules and regulations of the NNEPA, as applicable.
We are required to comply with the Atomic Energy Act, as amended by UMTRCA, by applying for and maintaining an operating license from the NRC and the State of Texas. Uranium operations must conform to the terms of such licenses, which include provisions for protection of human health and the environment from endangerment due to radioactive materials. The licenses encompass protective measures consistent with the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act. Mining operations may be subject to other laws administered by the USEPA and other agencies.
The uranium industry is subject not only to the worker health and safety and environmental risks associated with all mining businesses, but also to additional risks uniquely associated with uranium ISR, mining and milling. The possibility of more stringent regulations exists in the areas of worker health and safety, storage of hazardous materials, standards for heavy equipment used in ISR, mining or milling, the disposition of wastes, the decommissioning and reclamation of exploration, mining and ISR sites, climate change and other environmental matters, each of which could have a material adverse effect on the cost or the viability of a particular project.
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We cannot predict what environmental legislation, regulation or policy will be enacted or adopted in the future or how future laws and regulations will be administered or interpreted. The recent trend in environmental legislation and regulation, generally, is toward stricter standards, and this trend is likely to continue in the future. This recent trend includes, without limitation, laws and regulations relating to air and water quality, reclamation, waste handling and disposal, the protection of certain species and the preservation of certain lands. These regulations may require the acquisition of permits or other authorizations for certain activities. These laws and regulations may also limit or prohibit activities on certain lands. Compliance with more stringent laws and regulations, as well as potentially more vigorous enforcement policies or stricter interpretation of existing laws, may necessitate significant capital outlays, may materially affect our results of operations and business or may cause material changes or delays our intended activities.
Our operations may require additional analysis in the future including environmental, cultural and social impact and other related studies. Certain activities require the submission and approval of environmental impact assessments. Environmental assessments of proposed projects carry a heightened degree of responsibility for companies and directors, officers and employees. We cannot provide assurance that we will be able to obtain or maintain all necessary permits that may be required to continue our operation or exploration of our properties or, if feasible, to commence development, construction or operation of mining facilities at such properties on terms which enable operations to be conducted at economically justifiable costs. If we are unable to obtain or maintain permits or water rights for development of our properties or otherwise fail to manage adequately future environmental issues, our operations could be materially and adversely affected.
Closure and remediation costs for environmental liabilities may exceed the provisions we have made.
Natural resource companies are required to close their operations and rehabilitate the lands in accordance with a variety of environmental laws and regulations. Estimates of the total ultimate closure and rehabilitation costs for uranium operations are significant and based principally on current legal and regulatory requirements and closure plans that may change materially. Any underestimated or unanticipated rehabilitation costs could materially affect our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Environmental liabilities are accrued when they become known, are probable and can be reasonably estimated. Whenever a previously unrecognized remediation liability becomes known, or a previously estimated reclamation cost is increased, the amount of that liability and additional cost will be recorded at that time and could materially reduce our consolidated net income in the related period.
The laws and regulations governing closure and remediation in a particular jurisdiction are subject to review at any time and may be amended to impose additional requirements and conditions which may cause our provisions for environmental liabilities to be underestimated and could materially affect our financial position or results of operations.
Because mineral exploration and development activities are inherently risky, we may be exposed to environmental liabilities and other dangers. If we are unable to maintain adequate insurance, or liabilities exceed the limits of our insurance policies, we may be unable to continue operations.
The business of mineral exploration and extraction involves a high degree of risk. Few properties that are explored are ultimately developed into production. Unusual or unexpected formations, formation pressures, fires, power outages, labor disruptions, flooding, explosions, cave-ins, landslides and the inability to obtain suitable or adequate machinery, equipment or labor are other risks involved in extraction operations and the conduct of exploration programs. Previous mining operations may have caused environmental damage at certain of our properties. It may be difficult or impossible to assess the extent to which such damage was caused by us or by the activities of previous operators, in which case, any indemnities and exemptions from liability may be ineffective. If any of our properties are
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found to have commercial quantities of uranium, we would be subject to additional risks respecting any development and production activities.
Although we carry liability insurance with respect to our mineral exploration operations, we may become subject to liability for damage to life and property, environmental damage, cave-ins or hazards against which we cannot insure or against which we may elect not to insure because of cost or other business reasons. In addition, the insurance industry is undergoing change and premiums are being increased. If we are unable to procure adequate insurance because of cost, unavailability or otherwise, we might be forced to cease operations.
Reserve and other mineralized material calculations are estimates only, and are subject to uncertainty due to factors including the price of uranium, inherent variability of the ore and recoverability of uranium in the recovery process.
The calculation of reserves, other mineralized material and grading are estimates and depend upon geological interpretation and statistical inferences or assumptions drawn from drilling and sampling analysis, which may prove to be unpredictable. There is a degree of uncertainty attributable to the calculation of reserves, mineralized material and corresponding grades. Until reserves and other mineralized materials are actually mined and processed, the quantity of ore and grades must be considered as an estimate only. In addition, the quantity of reserves and other mineralized materials and ore may vary depending on the price of uranium. Any material change in the quantity of reserves, other mineralized materials, mineralization or grade may affect the economic viability of our properties.
Our inability to obtain financial surety would threaten our ability to continue in business.
Future financial surety requirements to comply with federal and state environmental and remediation requirements and to secure necessary licenses and approvals will increase significantly as future development and production occurs at certain of our sites in Texas and New Mexico. The amount of the financial surety for each producing property is subject to annual review and revision by regulators. We expect that the issuer of the financial surety instruments will require us to provide cash collateral for a significant amount of the face amount of the bond to secure the obligation. In the event we are not able to raise, secure or generate sufficient funds necessary to satisfy these requirements, we will be unable to develop our sites and bring them into production, which inability will have a material adverse impact on our business and may negatively affect our ability to continue to operate.
Competition from better-capitalized companies affects prices and both our ability to acquire properties and personnel.
There is global competition for uranium properties, capital, customers and the employment and retention of qualified personnel. In the production and marketing of uranium, there are a number of producing entities, some of which are government controlled and many of which are significantly larger and better capitalized than we are. Many of these organizations also have substantially greater financial, technical, manufacturing and distribution resources than we have.
Our future uranium production will also compete with uranium recovered from the de-enrichment of highly enriched uranium obtained from the dismantlement of United States and Russian nuclear weapons and imports to the United States of uranium from the former Soviet Union and from the sale of uranium inventory held by the United States Department of Energy. In addition, there are numerous entities in the market that compete with us for properties and are attempting to become licensed to operate ISR and/or underground mining facilities. If we are unable to successfully compete for properties, capital, customers or employees or alternative uranium sources, it could have a materially adverse effect on our results of operations.
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Because we have limited capital, inherent mining risks pose a significant threat to us compared with our larger competitors.
Because we have limited capital we may be unable to withstand significant losses that can result from inherent risks associated with mining, including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, flooding, earthquake, interruptions due to weather conditions and other acts of nature which larger competitors could withstand. Such risks could result in damage to or destruction of our infrastructure and production facilities, as well as to adjacent properties, personal injury, environmental damage and processing and production delays, causing monetary losses and possible legal liability. Our business could be harmed if we lose the services of our key personnel.
Our business and mineral exploration programs depend upon our ability to employ the services of geologists, engineers and other experts. In operating our business and in order to continue our programs, we compete for the services of professionals with other mineral exploration companies and businesses. In addition, several entities have expressed an interest in hiring certain of our employees. Our ability to maintain and expand our business and continue our exploration programs may be impaired if we are unable to continue to employ or engage those parties currently providing services and expertise to us or identify and engage other qualified personnel to do so in their place. To retain key employees, we may face increased compensation costs, including potential new stock incentive grants and there can be no assurance that the incentive measures we implement will be successful in helping us retain our key personnel.
The availability for sale of a large amount of shares may depress the market price of our securities.
As of June 17, 2014, approximately 24.8 million shares of our common stock were outstanding, all of which are freely transferable. As of June 17, 2014, approximately 0.3 million shares of our common stock were reserved for issuance upon the exercise of outstanding options, approximately 0.6 million shares of our common stock were reserved for issuance upon the vesting of outstanding restricted stock units and approximately 3.1 million shares of our common stock were reserved for issuance upon conversion of amounts outstanding under the November 2013 loan agreement. The availability for sale of a large amount of shares by any one or several stockholders may depress the market price of our securities and impair our ability to raise additional capital through the public sale of our securities. We have no arrangement with any of the holders of the foregoing shares to address the possible effect on the price of our securities of the sale by them of their shares.
Terms of future financings may adversely impact holders of our securities.
In order to finance our future production plans and working capital needs, we may have to raise funds through the issuance of equity or debt securities. Depending on the type and the terms of any financing we pursue, the rights of holders of our securities and the value of their investment in our securities could be reduced. A financing could involve one or more types of securities including common stock, convertible debt or warrants to acquire common stock. We currently have no authorized preferred stock. These securities could be issued at or below the then prevailing market price for our securities. Any issuance of additional shares of our common stock could be dilutive to existing stockholders and could adversely affect the market price of our common stock. In addition, if we have to issue secured debt securities, the holders of the debt would have a claim to our assets that would be prior to the rights of stockholders until the debt is paid. Interest on these debt securities would increase costs and negatively impact operating results. If the issuance of new securities results in diminished rights to holders of our common stock or other securities, the market price of our common stock or other securities could be negatively impacted.
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The Company has no history of paying dividends on its common stock, and we do not anticipate paying dividends in the foreseeable future.
The Company has not previously paid dividends on its common stock. We currently anticipate that we will retain all of our available cash, if any, for use as working capital and for other general corporate purposes. Any payment of future dividends will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend upon, among other things, our earnings, financial condition, capital requirements, level of indebtedness, statutory and contractual restrictions applicable to the payment of dividends and other considerations that our Board of Directors deems relevant. In addition, the terms of our November 2013 loan agreement prohibit the Company from declaring or paying dividends on our common stock without the consent of RCF. Investors must rely on sales of their common stock after price appreciation, which may never occur, as the only way to realize a return on their investment.
Unless we specify otherwise in a prospectus supplement, we intend to use the net proceeds from our sale of the securities under this prospectus for general corporate purposes, which may include making additions to our working capital, funding future acquisitions, or for any other purpose we describe in the applicable prospectus supplement.
We will set forth in a prospectus supplement and/or free writing prospectus the following information, as required, regarding any dilution of the equity interests of investors purchasing securities in an offering under this prospectus:
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RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth the historical ratios of earnings to fixed charges for the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries for the periods indicated. As the ratios of earnings to fixed charges indicate less than one-to-one coverage in each of the years presented, we have provided the coverage deficiency amounts for those periods. You should read these figures in connection with our consolidated financial statements, including the notes to those statements, incorporated by reference in this prospectus.
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Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
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Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 |
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2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | ||||||||||||||
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(in thousands) |
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Deficiency of earnings available to cover fixed charges(1) |
$ | (3,460 | ) | $ | (20,294 | ) | $ | (19,361 | ) | $ | (11,066 | ) | $ | (11,804 | ) | $ | (9,756 | ) |
For the periods indicated above, we had no authorized or outstanding shares of preferred stock. Therefore, the ratios of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends are identical to the ratios presented in the tables above.
Common Stock
The following description of our common stock and the material provisions of our restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, and amended and restated bylaws is only a summary. You should refer to the terms of our common stock contained in our restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, and our amended and restated bylaws for more complete information.
Our authorized capital stock consists of 200,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share. As of June 17, 2014, approximately 24.8 million shares of our common stock were issued and outstanding, all of which are fully paid and non-assessable. In addition, there were approximately 0.8 million shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options and upon vesting of outstanding restricted stock units and approximately 3.1 million shares of our common stock issuable upon conversion of the $8.0 million outstanding under the November 2013 loan agreement with RCF. Our common stock is currently traded on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol "URRE."
Under a March 2012 stockholders' agreement between RCF and the Company, as subsequently modified by a December 2012 bridge loan agreement and the November 2013 loan agreement, RCF is entitled to have two designees placed in nomination for seats on the Company's Board of Directors so long as (i) RCF and its affiliates own or hold shares of common stock which in the aggregate exceed 25% of the Company's issued and outstanding common stock or (ii) any obligations remain outstanding under the November 2013 loan agreement. If at any time RCF and its affiliates own or hold less than 25% of the Company's issued and outstanding common stock and no obligations remain outstanding under the November 2013 loan agreement, RCF will still be entitled to have one designee placed in nomination for a seat on the Company's Board of Directors so long as RCF and its affiliates own or hold shares of common stock which in the aggregate exceed 10% of the Company's issued and
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outstanding common stock. Tracy A. Stevenson and Mark K. Wheatley currently serve as RCF's designees on the Company's Board of Directors. In addition, RCF has the right under the March 2012 stockholders' agreement and November 2013 loan agreement to participate in future equity offerings by the Company in proportion to its percentage ownership (assuming conversion of amounts drawn under the November 2013 loan agreement) of the shares of the Company's common stock.
There are no other preemptive, subscription, conversion or redemption rights pertaining to our common stock. The absence of preemptive rights could result in a dilution of the interest of existing stockholders should additional shares of common stock be issued. Holders of our common stock are entitled to receive such dividends as may be declared by our Board of Directors out of assets legally available therefore and to share ratably in our assets upon liquidation.
Each share of our common stock is entitled to one vote for all purposes and cumulative voting is not permitted in the election of directors. Accordingly, the holders of more than fifty percent of all of the outstanding shares of our common stock can elect all of the directors. Matters to be voted upon by the holders of our common stock require the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at a stockholders meeting at which a quorum is present. The presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of one-third of our outstanding shares is necessary to constitute a quorum at a stockholders meeting.
Corporate Stock Transfer, Inc., Denver, Colorado is the transfer agent and registrar for our common stock.
Possible Anti-Takeover Effects of Delaware Law and our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws
Certain provisions of Delaware law, our restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws discussed below could discourage or make it more difficult to accomplish a proxy contest or other change in our management or the acquisition of control by a holder of a substantial amount of our common stock. It is possible that these provisions could make it more difficult to accomplish, or could deter, transactions that stockholders may otherwise consider to be in their best interests or in our best interests. These provisions are intended to enhance the likelihood of continuity and stability in the composition of our Board of Directors and in the policies formulated by the Board of Directors and may discourage certain types of transactions that may involve an actual or threatened change of control of us. The provisions also are intended to discourage certain tactics that may be used in proxy fights. Such provisions also may have the effect of preventing changes in our management.
Delaware Statutory Business Combinations Provision. We are subject to the anti-takeover provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law. In general, Section 203 prohibits a publicly-held Delaware corporation from engaging in a "business combination" with an "interested stockholder" for a period of three years after the date of the transaction in which the person became an interested stockholder, unless the business combination is, or the transaction in which the person became an interested stockholder was, approved in a prescribed manner or another prescribed exception applies. For purposes of Section 203, a "business combination" is defined broadly to include a merger, asset sale or other transaction resulting in a financial benefit to the interested stockholder, and, subject to certain exceptions, an "interested stockholder" is a person who, together with his or her affiliates and associates, owns (or within three years prior, did own) 15% or more of the corporation's voting stock.
Authorized but Unissued Stock. Our restated certificate of incorporation authorizes the issuance of up to 200,000,000 shares of capital stock, par value $0.001 per share. As of June 17, 2014 approximately 24.8 million shares of our common stock were issued and outstanding. Our Board of Directors has the authority, without further approval of the stockholders, to issue such shares, which would adversely affect the voting power and ownership interest of holders of our common stock. This authority may have the effect of deterring hostile takeovers, delaying or preventing a change in control, and discouraging bids for our common stock at a premium over the market price.
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Advance Notice Provisions for Stockholder Proposals and Stockholder Nominations of Directors. Our amended and restated bylaws provide that, for nominations to the Board of Directors or for other business to be properly brought by a stockholder before a meeting of stockholders, the stockholder must first have given timely notice of the proposal in writing to our Secretary. For an annual meeting, a stockholder's notice generally must be delivered not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year's annual meeting. Detailed requirements as to the form of the notice and information required in the notice are specified in the amended and restated bylaws. If it is determined that business was not properly brought before a meeting in accordance with our bylaw provisions, such business will not be conducted at the meeting.
Amendment of Bylaws. Our Board of Directors is expressly authorized to alter or repeal our bylaws.
Special Meetings of Stockholders. Special meetings of the stockholders may be called only by our Chairman, President or pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the total number of directors. Stockholders may not propose business to be brought before a special meeting of the stockholders.
Debt Securities
Our debt securities may be issued from time to time in one or more series and may include senior debt securities, subordinated debt securities, convertible debt securities and exchangeable debt securities. The particular terms of any series of debt securities and the extent to which the general provisions may apply to a particular series of debt securities will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to that series. When describing any debt securities, references to "we", "us" and "our" refer to the issuer of those debt securities and not to any of its subsidiaries.
The debt securities we offer will be issued under an indenture between us and the trustee named in the indenture. You should also read the indenture under which the debt securities are to be issued. We have filed a form of indenture governing different types of debt securities with the SEC as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. The following summary of the indenture does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, all of the provisions of the indenture, including definitions therein of certain terms. A form of each debt security, reflecting the specific terms and provisions of that series of debt securities, will be filed with the SEC in connection with each offering and will be incorporated by reference in the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. You may obtain a copy of the indenture and any form of debt security that has been filed in the manner described under "Where You Can Find More Information."
For a comprehensive description of any series of debt securities being offered to you pursuant to this prospectus, you should read this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, indenture and form of debt security.
General Terms of the Indenture
The indenture does not limit the amount of debt securities that we may issue. The indenture does provide that we may issue debt securities up to the principal amount that we may authorize, which may be in any currency or currency unit that we may designate. Except for the limitations on consolidation, merger and sale of all or substantially all of our assets contained in the indenture, the terms of the indenture do not contain any covenants or other provisions designed to give holders of any debt securities protection against changes in our operations, financial condition or transactions involving us. For each series of debt securities, any restrictive covenants for those debt securities will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement for those debt securities.
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We may issue the debt securities issued under the indenture as "discount securities," which means they may be sold at a discount below their stated principal amount. These debt securities, as well as other debt securities that are not issued at a discount, may, for United States federal income tax purposes, be treated as if they were issued with "original issue discount," or OID, because of interest payment and other characteristics. Special United States federal income tax considerations applicable to debt securities issued with original issue discount will be described in more detail in any applicable prospectus supplement.
You should refer to the prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of debt securities for a description of the following terms of the debt securities offered by that prospectus supplement and by this prospectus:
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The applicable prospectus supplement will present material United States federal income tax considerations for holders of any debt securities and the securities exchange or quotation system on which any debt securities are to be listed or quoted.
Conversion or Exchange Rights
Debt securities may be convertible into or exchangeable for shares of the Company's common stock or other securities. The terms and conditions of conversion or exchange will be stated in the applicable prospectus supplement. The terms will include, among others, the following:
Consolidation, Merger or Sale
The terms of the indenture prevent us from consolidating or merging with or into, or conveying, transferring or leasing all or substantially all of our assets to, any person, unless (i) we are the surviving corporation or the successor corporation or person to which our assets are conveyed, transferred or leased is organized under the laws of the United States, any state of the United States or the District of Columbia and it expressly assumes our obligations under the debt securities and the indenture, and (ii) immediately after completing such a transaction, no event of default under the indenture, and no event that, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an event of default under the indenture, has occurred and is continuing. When the person to whom our assets are conveyed or transferred has assumed our obligations under the debt securities and the indenture, we will be
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discharged from all our obligations under the debt securities and the indenture except in limited circumstances.
This covenant would not apply to any recapitalization transaction, a change of control affecting us or a highly leveraged transaction, unless the transaction or change of control were structured to include a merger or consolidation or conveyance, transfer or lease of all or substantially all of our assets.
Events of Default
The indenture provides that the following will be "events of default" with respect to any series of debt securities:
An event of default for a particular series of debt securities does not necessarily constitute an event of default for any other series of debt securities issued under the indenture. For each series of debt securities, any modifications to the above events of default will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement for those debt securities.
The indenture provides that if an event of default specified in the first, second, third, fourth or sixth bullets above occurs and is continuing, either the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may declare the principal amount of all those debt securities (or, in the case of discount securities or indexed securities, that portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the terms of that series) to be due and payable immediately. If an event of default specified in the fifth bullet above occurs and is continuing, then the principal amount of all those debt securities (or, in the case of discount securities or indexed securities, that portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the terms of that series) will be due and payable immediately, without any declaration or other act on the part of the trustee or any holder. In certain cases, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may, on behalf of holders of all those debt securities, waive any past default and consequences of such default.
The indenture imposes limitations on suits brought by holders of debt securities against us. Except for actions for payment of overdue principal or interest, no holder of debt securities of any series may institute any action against us under the indenture unless:
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We will be required to file annually with the trustee a certificate, signed by one of our officers, stating whether or not the officer knows of any default by us in the performance, observance or fulfillment of any condition or covenant of the indenture.
Discharge, Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance
We can discharge or decrease our obligations under the indenture as stated below.
We may discharge obligations to holders of any series of debt securities that have not already been delivered to the trustee for cancellation and that have either become due and payable or are by their terms to become due and payable, or are scheduled for redemption, within one year. We may effect a discharge by irrevocably depositing with the trustee cash or government obligations denominated in the currency of the debt securities, as trust funds, in an amount certified to be enough to pay when due, whether at maturity, upon redemption or otherwise, the principal of, and any premium and interest on, the debt securities and any mandatory sinking fund payments.
Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may also discharge certain of our obligations to holders of any series of debt securities at any time, which we refer to as defeasance. We may also be released from the obligations imposed by certain covenants of outstanding series of debt securities and provisions of the indenture, and we may omit to comply with those covenants without creating an event of default under the indenture, which we refer to as covenant defeasance. We may effect defeasance and covenant defeasance only if, among other things:
In the case of a defeasance by us, the opinion we deliver must be based on a ruling of the Internal Revenue Service issued, or a change in U.S. federal income tax law occurring, after the date of the indenture.
Although we may discharge or decrease our obligations under the indenture as described in the preceding paragraphs, we may not discharge certain enumerated obligations, including but not limited to, our duty to register the transfer or exchange of any series of debt securities, to replace any temporary, mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen series of debt securities or to maintain an office or agency in respect of any series of debt securities.
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Modification of the Indenture
The indenture provides that we and the trustee may enter into supplemental indentures without the consent of the holders of debt securities to, among other things:
Any provision of the indenture shall automatically be deemed to have been modified, eliminated or added to the extent required to be made as a result of an amendment to the Trust Indenture Act.
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The indenture also provides that we and the trustee may, with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of debt securities of each series of debt securities affected by such supplemental indenture then outstanding, add any provisions to, or change in any manner, eliminate or modify in any way the provisions of, the indenture or any supplemental indenture or modify in any manner the rights of the holders of the debt securities. We and the trustee may not, however, without the consent of the holder of each outstanding debt security affected thereby:
The indenture provides that the holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding debt securities of any series, by notice to the trustee, may on behalf of the holders of the debt securities of that series waive any default and its consequences under the indenture except:
Registered Global Securities and Book Entry System
The debt securities of a series may be issued in whole or in part in book-entry form and may be represented by one or more fully registered global securities. We will deposit any registered global securities with a depositary or with a nominee for a depositary identified in the applicable prospectus supplement or with its custodian and such global securities shall be registered in the name of such depositary or nominee. In such case, we will issue one or more registered global securities denominated in an amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of all of the debt securities of the series to be issued and represented by such registered global security or securities. This means that we will not issue certificates to each holder.
Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for debt securities in definitive registered form, a registered global security may not be transferred except as a whole:
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The prospectus supplement relating to a series of debt securities will describe the specific terms of the depositary arrangement involving any portion of the series represented by a registered global security. We anticipate that the following provisions will apply to all depositary arrangements for debt securities:
The laws of some states may require that specified purchasers of securities take physical delivery of the securities in definitive form. These laws may limit the ability of those persons to own, transfer or pledge beneficial interests in registered global securities.
So long as the depositary for a registered global security, or its nominee, is the registered owner of the registered global security, the depositary or such nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the debt securities represented by the registered global security for all purposes under the indenture. Except as stated below, owners of beneficial interests in a registered global security:
Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial interest in a registered global security must rely on the procedures of the depositary for the registered global security and, if the person is not a participant, on the procedures of a participant through which the person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder under the indenture.
We understand that under existing industry practices, if we request any action of holders or if an owner of a beneficial interest in a registered global security desires to give or take any action that a holder is entitled to give or take under the indenture, the depositary for the registered global security would authorize the participants holding the relevant beneficial interests to give or take the action, and the participants would authorize beneficial owners owning through the participants to give or take the action or would otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners holding through them.
We will make payments of principal and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on debt securities represented by a registered global security registered in the name of a depositary or its nominee to the depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owners of the registered global security.
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Neither we nor the trustee, or any other agent of ours or the trustee will be responsible or liable for any aspect of the records relating to, or payments made on account of, beneficial ownership interests in the registered global security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to the beneficial ownership interests.
We expect that the depositary for any debt securities represented by a registered global security, upon receipt of any payments of principal and premium, if any, and interest, if any, in respect of the registered global security, will immediately credit participants' accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the registered global security as shown on the records of the depositary. We also expect that standing customer instructions and customary practices will govern payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in the registered global security held through the participants, as is now the case with the securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in "street name." We also expect that any of these payments will be the responsibility of the participants.
If the depositary for any debt securities represented by a registered global security is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as depositary, we will appoint an eligible successor depositary. If we fail to appoint an eligible successor depositary within 90 days, or if an event of default has occurred and is continuing and the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding debt securities of any series so request, we will issue the debt securities in definitive form in exchange for the registered global security. In addition, we may at any time and in our sole discretion and subject to the depositary's procedures decide not to have any of the debt securities of a series represented by one or more registered global securities. In that event, we will issue debt securities of the series in a definitive form in exchange for all of the registered global securities representing the debt securities. The trustee will register any debt securities issued in definitive form in exchange for a registered global security in the name or names as the depositary, based upon instructions from its participants, shall instruct the trustee.
We may also issue bearer debt securities of a series in the form of one or more global securities, referred to as "bearer global securities." We will deposit these securities with a depositary identified in the prospectus supplement relating to the series. The prospectus supplement relating to a series of debt securities represented by a bearer global security will describe the applicable terms and procedures. These will include the specific terms of the depositary arrangement and any specific procedures for the issuance of debt securities in definitive form in exchange for a bearer global security, in proportion to the series represented by a bearer global security.
Concerning the Trustee
The indenture provides that in the event that the trustee resigns or is removed with respect to less than all series of debt securities outstanding under the indenture, there may be more than one trustee under the indenture. If there are different trustees for different series of debt securities under the indenture, each such trustee will be a trustee of a trust under the indenture separate and apart from the trust administered by any other trustee under the indenture. Except as otherwise indicated in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement, any action permitted to be taken by a trustee may be taken by such trustee only on the one or more series of debt securities for which it is the trustee under the indenture. Any trustee under the indenture may resign or be removed from one or more series of debt securities.
The indenture provides that, except during the continuance of an event of default, the trustee will perform only such duties as are specifically set forth in the indenture. During the existence of an event of default, the trustee will exercise those rights and powers vested in it under the indenture and use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise as a prudent person would exercise under the circumstances in the conduct of such person's own affairs.
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The trustee may engage in other transactions with us. If the trustee acquires any conflicting interest relating to any duties concerning the debt securities, however, the trustee must eliminate the conflict or resign as trustee.
No Individual Liability of Incorporators, Stockholders, Officers or Directors
The indenture provides that no past, present or future director, officer, stockholder or employee of ours, any of our affiliates, or any successor corporation, in their capacity as such, shall have any individual liability for any of our obligations, covenants or agreements under the debt securities or the indenture.
Governing Law
The indenture is, and any debt securities will be, governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.
Warrants
We may issue warrants for the purchase of common stock in one or more series. We may issue warrants independently or together with common stock, and the warrants may be attached to or separate from these securities. While the terms summarized below will apply generally to any warrants that we may offer, we will describe the particular terms of any series of warrants in more detail in the applicable prospectus supplement. The terms of any warrants offered under a prospectus supplement may differ from the terms described below.
We will file as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, or will incorporate by reference from reports that we file with the SEC, the form of warrant agreement, including a form of warrant certificate, that describes the terms of the particular series of warrants we are offering before the issuance of the related series of warrants. The following summaries of material provisions of the warrants and the warrant agreements are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the warrant agreement and warrant certificate applicable to the particular series of warrants that we may offer under this prospectus. We urge you to read the applicable prospectus supplements related to the particular series of warrants that we may offer under this prospectus, as well as any related free writing prospectuses, and the complete warrant agreements and warrant certificates that contain the terms of the warrants.
General
We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement the terms of the series of warrants being offered, including:
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Before exercising their warrants, holders of warrants will not have any of the rights of holders of the securities purchasable upon such exercise, including the right to receive dividends, if any, or, payments upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up or to exercise voting rights, if any.
Exercise of Warrants
Each warrant will entitle the holder to purchase the securities that we specify in the applicable prospectus supplement at the exercise price that we describe in the applicable prospectus supplement. Unless we otherwise specify in the applicable prospectus supplement, holders of the warrants may exercise the warrants at any time up to the specified time on the expiration date that we set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date, unexercised warrants will become void.
Holders of the warrants may exercise the warrants by delivering the warrant certificate representing the warrants to be exercised together with specified information, and paying the required amount to the warrant agent or the Company in immediately available funds, as provided in the applicable prospectus supplement. We will set forth on the reverse side of the warrant certificate and in the applicable prospectus supplement the information that the holder of the warrant will be required to deliver to the warrant agent.
Upon receipt of the required payment and the warrant certificate properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will issue and deliver the securities purchasable upon such exercise. If fewer than all of the warrants represented by the warrant certificate are exercised, then we will issue a new warrant certificate for the remaining amount of warrants. If we so indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement, holders of the warrants may surrender securities as all or part of the exercise price for warrants.
Governing Law
Unless we provide otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the warrants and warrant agreements will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
Enforceability of Rights by Holders of Warrants
Each warrant agent will act solely as our agent under the applicable warrant agreement and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust with any holder of any warrant. A single bank or trust company may act as warrant agent for more than one issue of warrants. A warrant agent will have no duty or responsibility in case of any default by us under the applicable warrant agreement or warrant, including any duty or responsibility to initiate any proceedings at law or otherwise, or to make any demand upon us. Any holder of a warrant may, without the consent of the related warrant
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agent or the holder of any other warrant, enforce by appropriate legal action its right to exercise, and receive the securities purchasable upon exercise of, its warrants.
Units
The following description, together with the additional information we may include in any applicable prospectus supplements, summarizes the material terms and provisions of the units that we may offer under this prospectus. While the terms summarized below will apply generally to any units that we may offer, we will describe the particular terms of any series of units in more detail in the applicable prospectus supplement. If we indicate in the prospectus supplement, the terms of any units offered under that prospectus supplement may differ from the terms described below. Specific unit agreements will contain additional important terms and provisions and will be incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement that includes this prospectus.
General
We may issue units consisting of common stock, debt securities or warrants. Each unit will be issued so that the holder of the unit is also the holder of each security included in the unit. Thus, the holder of a unit will have the rights and obligations of a holder of each included security. The unit agreement under which a unit is issued may provide that the securities included in the unit may not be held or transferred separately, at any time or at any time before a specified date.
We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement the terms of the series of units being offered, including:
We may issue units in such amounts and in such numbers of distinct series as we determine.
The provisions described in this section, as well as those described under "Description of SecuritiesCommon Stock," "Description of SecuritiesDebt Securities" and "Description of SecuritiesWarrants" will apply to each unit, as applicable, and to any common stock, debt security and warrant included in each unit, as applicable.
Unit Agent
The name and address of the unit agent for any units we offer will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Enforceability of Rights by Holders of Units
Each unit agent will act solely as our agent under the applicable unit agreement and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust with any holder of any unit. A single bank or trust company may act as unit agent for more than one series of units. A unit agent will have no duty or responsibility in case of any default by us under the applicable unit agreement or unit, including any duty or responsibility to initiate any proceedings at law or otherwise, or to make any demand upon us. Any holder of a unit may, without the consent of the related unit agent or the holder of any other unit, enforce by appropriate legal action its rights as holder under any security included in the unit.
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We may sell the securities covered by this prospectus from time to time in one or more offerings. Registration of the securities covered by this prospectus does not mean, however, that those securities will necessarily be offered or sold.
We may sell the securities separately or together
We may sell the securities from time to time:
We will describe the method of distribution of the securities and the terms of the offering in the prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus. Any discounts or concessions allowed or re-allowed or paid to dealers may be changed from time to time.
We may engage in at-the-market offerings into an existing trading market in accordance with Rule 415(a)(4) under the Securities Act, and we may also sell securities through a rights offering, forward contracts or similar arrangements. In any distribution of subscription rights to stockholders, if all of the underlying securities are not subscribed for, we may then sell the unsubscribed securities directly to third parties or may engage the services of one or more underwriters, dealers or agents, including standby underwriters, to sell unsubscribed securities to third parties.
If underwriters are used in the sale of any securities, the securities will be acquired by the underwriters for their own account and may be resold from time to time in one or more transactions described above. The securities may be either offered to the public through underwriting syndicates represented by managing underwriters, or directly by underwriters. Generally, the underwriters' obligations to purchase the securities will be subject to conditions precedent and the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of the securities if they purchase any of the securities. We may use underwriters with whom we have a material relationship. We will describe in the prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus, naming the underwriter, the nature of any such relationship.
We may designate agents to sell the securities. Unless otherwise specified in connection with any particular sale of securities, the agents will agree to use their best efforts to solicit purchases for the period of their appointment.
We may authorize underwriters, dealers or agents to solicit offers by certain purchasers to purchase the securities from us at the public offering price set forth in the prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on a specified date in the future. The contracts will be subject only to those conditions set forth in the
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prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus, and the prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus will set forth any commissions we pay for solicitation of these contracts.
We may enter into derivative transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If the applicable prospectus supplement indicates, in connection with those derivatives, the third parties may sell securities covered by this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, including in short sale transactions. If so, the third party may use securities pledged by us or borrowed from us or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of stock, and may use securities received from us in settlement of those derivatives to close out any related open borrowings of stock. The third party in such sale transactions will be an underwriter and will be identified in the applicable prospectus supplement or in a post-effective amendment.
Underwriters, dealers and agents may be entitled to indemnification by us against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribution with respect to payments made by the underwriters, dealers or agents, under agreements between us and the underwriters, dealers and agents.
We may grant underwriters who participate in the distribution of securities an option to purchase additional securities to cover over-allotments, if any, in connection with the distribution.
Underwriters, dealers or agents may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from us or our purchasers, as their agents in connection with the sale of securities. These underwriters, dealers or agents may be considered to be underwriters under the Securities Act. As a result, discounts, commissions or profits on resale received by the underwriters, dealers or agents may be treated as underwriting discounts and commissions. The prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus will identify any such underwriter, dealer or agent and describe any compensation received by them from us. Any initial public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or re-allowed or paid to dealers may be changed from time to time.
Unless otherwise specified in the related prospectus supplement, all securities we offer, other than common stock, will be new issues of securities with no established trading market. Any underwriters may make a market in these securities, but will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. Any common stock sold pursuant to a prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus will be listed for trading on the NASDAQ or other principal market for our common stock. We may apply to list any series of debt securities or warrants on an exchange, but we are not obligated to do so. Therefore, there may not be liquidity or a trading market for any series of securities.
Any underwriter may engage in over-allotment transactions, stabilizing transactions, short-covering transactions and penalty bids in accordance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act. Over-allotment involves sales in excess of the offering size, which create a short position. Stabilizing transactions permit bids to purchase the underlying security so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum. Short covering transactions involve purchases of the securities in the open market after the distribution is completed to cover short positions. Penalty bids permit the underwriters to reclaim a selling concession from a dealer when the securities originally sold by the dealer are purchased in a covering transaction to cover short positions. Those activities may cause the price of the securities to be higher than it would otherwise be. If commenced, the underwriters may discontinue any of the activities at any time. We make no representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that such transactions may have on the price of the securities. For a description of these activities, see the information under the heading "Underwriting" or "Plan of Distribution" in the applicable prospectus supplement.
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Underwriters, broker-dealers or agents who may become involved in the sale of the common stock may engage in transactions with and perform other services for us in the ordinary course of their business for which they receive compensation.
The validity of the securities offered by this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Hogan Lovells US LLP, Denver, Colorado.
The consolidated financial statements of Uranium Resources, Inc. for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 incorporated by reference herein have been audited by Hein & Associates LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report, incorporated by reference herein, and are incorporated by reference in reliance upon that report given on the authority of Hein & Associates LLP as experts in accounting and auditing.
The information regarding our uranium mineralized materials in New Mexico incorporated by reference in this prospectus is included in reliance on the report submitted by Behre Dolbear & Company (USA), Inc., an independent private mining consulting firm, and has been included herein in reliance on the authority of such firm as experts in geology and engineering.
The information related to our properties that constitute the Cibola Project, Ambrosia Lake Project and Edgemont Project including non-reserved mineralized material incorporated by reference in this prospectus and registration statement is included in reliance on the following independent technical reports, each of which were completed by Broad Oak Associates, an independent engineer: (i) the Technical Report on the Uranium Resources at The Ambrosia Lake Uranium Project, McKinley County, New Mexico, USA, dated January 18, 2011; (ii) the Technical Report on the Uranium Resources at The Cibola Project, Cibola, McKinley and Sandoval Counties, New Mexico, USA, dated January 14, 2011; and (iii) the Technical Report on the Uranium Resources on The Edgemont Uranium Project, Fall River County, South Dakota, USA, dated January 18, 2011, and has been incorporated by reference herein in reliance on the authority of such firm as experts in geology and engineering.
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