UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
For the Quarterly Period Ended
OR
For the Transition Period from to
Commission File Number:
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
|
|
N/A |
|
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
|
|
|
|
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) |
(Zip Code) |
|
( (Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code) |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:
| Title of Each Class | Trading Symbol | Name of each exchange on which registered |
|
Toronto Stock Exchange |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
|
Accelerated filer ☐ |
Non-accelerated filer ☐ |
Smaller reporting company Emerging growth company |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes
As of March 27, 2026, the Company had
NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| Page | |||
|
|
|||
| 1 | |||
|
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
|||
| 22 | |||
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements or information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 concerning anticipated results and developments in our operations in future periods, planned exploration activities, the adequacy of our financial resources and other events or conditions that may occur in the future. These forward-looking statements may include statements regarding perceived merit of properties, exploration results and budgets, mineral reserves and resource estimates, work programs, anticipated timing of updated reports and/or studies including the Donlin Gold (as defined below) bankable feasibility study, capital expenditures, operating costs, cash flow estimates, production estimates and similar statements relating to the economic viability of a project, anticipated timing and impact of certain judicial and/or administrative decisions, continued support of the state and federal permitting process, future capital raising activities and their related dilutive effects, the anticipated use of net proceeds from previous offerings, sufficiency of working capital, timelines, strategic plans, including our plans and expectations relating to the Donlin Gold project, permitting and the timing thereof, potential natural gas pipeline development, the anticipated impact of the adoption of ASU 2025-11 on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, the Company’s market price, market prices for precious metals, or other statements that are not statements of fact. These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. Statements concerning mineral resource estimates may also be deemed to constitute “forward-looking statements” to the extent that they involve estimates of the mineralization that will be encountered if the property is developed.
Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, identified by words or phrases such as “expects”, “is expected”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “plans”, “projects”, “estimates”, “assumes”, “intends”, “strategy”, “goals”, “objectives”, “potential”, “possible” or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events, conditions or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “should”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material assumptions, including those listed below, which could prove to be significantly incorrect:
|
● |
our ability to achieve production at the Donlin Gold project; |
|
● |
dependence on cooperation of co-owner in exploration and development of the Donlin Gold project; |
|
● |
expectations regarding future gold prices and demand; |
|
● |
estimated capital costs, operating costs, production and economic returns; |
|
● |
estimated metal pricing, metallurgy, mineability, marketability and operating and capital costs, together with other assumptions underlying our mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates; |
|
● |
our expected ability to develop adequate infrastructure and that the cost of doing so will be reasonable; |
|
● |
assumptions that all necessary permits and governmental approvals will be obtained and retained, and the timing of such approvals; |
|
● |
assumptions made in the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of our mineral deposits; |
|
● |
our expectations regarding demand for equipment, skilled labor and services needed for the Donlin Gold project; |
|
● |
our activities not being adversely disrupted or impeded by development, operating or regulatory risks; |
|
● |
our expectations regarding the timing and outcome of certain judicial and/or administrative decisions, including but not limited to the appeals to: (i) the federal Joint Record of Decision and permits issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Bureau of Land Management, and (ii) the State Clean Water Act Section 401 Certification (as defined below); and |
|
● |
our ability to fund the feasibility study update. |
Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation:
|
● |
uncertainty of whether there will ever be production at the Donlin Gold project; |
|
● |
risks related to cooperation with our co-owner on which we depend for Donlin Gold project activities; |
|
● |
ownership of the membership interests being contractually reduced; |
|
● |
risks related to failure of maintaining an effective system of disclosure controls; |
|
● |
our history of losses and expectation of future losses; |
|
● |
our concentrated property portfolio; |
|
● |
risks related to our ability to finance the development of the Donlin Gold project through external financing, strategic alliances, the sale of property interests or otherwise; |
|
● |
uncertainty of estimates of capital costs, operating costs, production and economic returns, including the impact of inflation thereon; |
|
● |
commodity price fluctuations; |
|
● |
risks related to market events and general economic conditions; |
|
● |
risks related to opposition to operations at our mineral exploration and development properties from non-governmental organizations or civil society; |
|
● |
the risk that permits and governmental approvals necessary to develop and operate the Donlin Gold project will not be available on a timely basis, subject to reasonable conditions, or at all; |
|
● |
uncertainties relating to the assumptions underlying our mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates, such as metal pricing, metallurgy, mineability, marketability and operating and capital costs; |
|
● |
risks related to the inability to develop or access the infrastructure required to construct and operate the Donlin Gold project; |
|
● |
uncertainty related to title to the Donlin Gold project; |
|
● |
risks related to our largest shareholder; |
|
● |
risks related to conflicts of interests of some of the directors and officers of the Company; |
|
● |
risks related to the need for reclamation activities on our properties and uncertainty of cost estimates related thereto; |
|
● |
credit, liquidity, interest rate and currency risks; |
|
● |
mining and development risks, including risks related to infrastructure, accidents, equipment breakdowns, labor disputes or other unanticipated difficulties with, or interruptions in, development, construction or production; |
|
● |
risks related to changes in governmental regulation and uncertainties resulting from changes being implemented by the current U.S. federal administration including, but not limited to, the stability of pre-existing tax regimes and tariffs; |
|
● |
risks related to environmental laws and regulations; |
|
● |
risks related to our insurance; |
|
● |
risks related to title and other rights to our mineral properties; |
|
● |
risks related to increases in demand for equipment, skilled labor and services needed for exploration and development of the Donlin Gold project, and related cost increases; |
|
● |
our need to attract and retain qualified management and technical personnel; |
|
● |
uncertainty as to the outcome of potential litigation; |
|
● |
risks related to the effects of global climate change on the Donlin Gold project; |
|
● |
risks related to information technology systems; |
|
● |
risks related to cybersecurity attacks and breaches; and |
|
● |
risks related to the Company’s status as a “passive foreign investment company” in the United States. |
This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of our forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements about the future and are inherently uncertain, and our actual achievements or other future events or conditions may differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements due to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors, including, without limitation, those referred to in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2025, as filed with the SEC on January 22, 2026 (“Annual Report on Form 10-K”) and this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q under the heading “Risk Factors” and elsewhere.
Our forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are based on the beliefs, expectations, and opinions of management as of the date of this report. We do not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management’s beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, except as required by law. For the reasons set forth above, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
|
Item 1. |
|
NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. |
||||||||
|
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM BALANCE SHEETS |
||||||||
|
(Unaudited, US dollars in thousands) |
||||||||
|
As of February 28, 2026 |
As of November 30, 2025 |
|||||||
|
ASSETS |
||||||||
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | $ | ||||||
|
Term deposits |
||||||||
|
Other assets (Note 6) |
||||||||
| Current assets | ||||||||
|
Investment in Donlin Gold (Note 5) |
||||||||
|
Other assets (Note 6) |
||||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||
|
LIABILITIES |
||||||||
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
$ | $ | ||||||
|
Accrued payroll and related benefits |
||||||||
|
Other liabilities (Note 8) |
||||||||
|
Current liabilities |
||||||||
|
Promissory note (Note 7) |
||||||||
|
Other liabilities (Note 8) |
||||||||
|
EQUITY (DEFICIT) |
||||||||
|
Common shares |
||||||||
|
Contributed surplus |
||||||||
|
Accumulated deficit |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
| $ | $ | |||||||
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 7 and 8)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated interim financial statements.
These condensed consolidated interim financial statements are authorized for issue by the Board of Directors on April 1, 2026. They are signed on the Company’s behalf by:
| /s/ Gregory A. Lang | /s/ Hume Kyle |
|
NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. |
|
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF LOSS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS |
|
(Unaudited, US dollars in thousands except per share amounts) |
| Three months ended | ||||||||
|
February 28, |
February 28, |
|||||||
|
2026 |
2025 |
|||||||
|
Operating expenses: |
||||||||
|
General & administrative (Note 11) |
$ | $ | ||||||
|
Equity loss – Donlin Gold (Note 5) |
||||||||
|
Loss from operations |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
|
Other (expense) income: |
||||||||
|
Interest expense - promissory note (Note 7) |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
|
Interest income |
||||||||
|
Other income (expense), net (Note 12) |
||||||||
|
Net loss |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
|
Other comprehensive income (loss): |
||||||||
|
Foreign currency translation adjustments |
( |
) | ||||||
|
Comprehensive loss |
$ | ( |
) | $ | ( |
) | ||
|
Net loss per common share – basic and diluted |
$ | ( |
) | $ | ( |
) | ||
|
Weighted average shares outstanding |
||||||||
|
Basic and diluted (thousands) |
||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated interim financial statements.
|
NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. |
|
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS |
|
(Unaudited, US dollars in thousands) |
|
Three months ended |
||||||||
|
February 28, |
February 28, |
|||||||
|
2026 |
2025 |
|||||||
|
Operating activities: |
||||||||
|
Net loss |
$ | ( |
) | $ | ( |
) | ||
|
Adjustments: |
||||||||
|
Equity loss – Donlin Gold |
||||||||
|
Share-based compensation |
||||||||
|
Interest expense on promissory note |
||||||||
|
Change in fair value of marketable securities (Note 12) |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
|
Foreign exchange (gain) loss |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
|
Other operating adjustments |
||||||||
|
Change in operating assets and liabilities |
||||||||
|
Other assets |
( |
) | ||||||
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
( |
) | ||||||
|
Accrued payroll and related benefits |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
|
Income taxes payable |
( |
) | ||||||
|
Remediation liability |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
|
Net cash used in operating activities |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
|
Investing activities: |
||||||||
|
Proceeds from term deposits |
||||||||
|
Purchases of term deposits |
( |
) | ||||||
|
Funding of Donlin Gold |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
|
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities |
||||||||
|
Net cash used in investing activities |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
|
Financing activities: |
||||||||
|
Proceeds from issuance of equity (Note 9) |
||||||||
|
Payments for costs related to equity issuance (Note 9) |
( |
) | ||||||
|
Payments of withholding tax on share-based compensation |
( |
) | ||||||
|
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
( |
) | ||||||
|
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents |
( |
) | ||||||
|
Net change in cash and cash equivalents |
( |
) | ||||||
|
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |
||||||||
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
$ | $ | ||||||
|
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: |
||||||||
|
Interest and dividends received |
$ | $ | ||||||
|
Income taxes paid |
$ | $ | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated interim financial statements.
|
NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. |
|
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (DEFICIT) |
|
(Unaudited, US dollars and shares in thousands) |
|
Three months ended February 28, 2026 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Common shares |
Contributed |
Accumulated |
Total |
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Shares |
Amount |
surplus |
deficit |
AOCL* |
equity |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
November 30, 2025 |
$ | $ | $ | ( |
) | $ | ( |
) | $ | |||||||||||||||
|
Share-based compensation |
— | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Private placement, net (Note 9) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Stock options exercised |
( |
) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Warrants exercised (Note 9) |
( |
) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Net loss |
— | ( |
) | ( |
) | |||||||||||||||||||
|
Other comprehensive income |
— | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|
February 28, 2026 |
$ | $ | $ | ( |
) | $ | ( |
) | $ | |||||||||||||||
|
Three months ended February 28, 2025 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Common shares |
Contributed |
Accumulated |
|
Total equity |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Shares |
Amount |
surplus | deficit | AOCL* | (deficit) | |||||||||||||||||||
|
November 30, 2024 |
$ | $ | $ | ( |
) | $ | ( |
) | $ | ( |
) | |||||||||||||
|
Share-based compensation |
— | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Performance share units (PSUs) settled in shares |
( |
) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Withholding tax on PSUs |
— | ( |
) | ( |
) | |||||||||||||||||||
|
Net loss |
— | ( |
) | ( |
) | |||||||||||||||||||
|
Other comprehensive income |
— | ( |
) | ( |
) | |||||||||||||||||||
|
February 28, 2025 |
$ | $ | $ | ( |
) | $ | ( |
) | $ | ( |
) | |||||||||||||
* Accumulated other comprehensive loss
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated interim financial statements.
NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, US dollars in thousands except per share amounts)
NOTE 1 – NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. and its affiliates and subsidiaries (collectively, “NOVAGOLD” or the “Company”) operate in the mining industry, focused on the exploration for and development of gold mineral properties. The Company’s principal asset is a
The Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements (“interim statements”) of NOVAGOLD are unaudited. In the opinion of management, all adjustments and disclosures necessary for a fair presentation of these interim statements have been included. The results reported in these interim statements are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be reported for the entire year. These interim statements should be read in conjunction with NOVAGOLD’s Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended November 30, 2025. The year-end balance sheet data was derived from the audited financial statements and certain information and footnote disclosures required by United States generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted.
The functional currency of the Company is the U.S. dollar. Prior to April 22, 2025, the functional currency of NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC., the parent company, was the Canadian dollar. Management reassessed the functional currency of the parent company, NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC., and determined that as of April 22, 2025, given the increasing prevalence of U.S. dollar denominated activities and financing transactions, its functional currency changed from the Canadian dollar to the U.S. dollar. Prior to April 22, 2025, the effects of translating the Company’s Canadian operations from the Canadian dollar to the U.S. dollar were recorded in Other comprehensive income (loss) and Accumulated other comprehensive loss. The change in functional currency was accounted for prospectively from April 22, 2025, and prior period consolidated financial statements were not restated. Previously recorded cumulative translation adjustments were not reversed.
References in these Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements and Notes to $ refer to United States (U.S.) dollars and C$ to Canadian dollars. Dollar amounts are in thousands, except for per share amounts.
NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Contingent note receivable
A portion of the consideration from the Company’s 2018 sale of Galore Creek to a subsidiary of Newmont Corporation (“Newmont”) included a $
Investment in affiliates
Investments in unconsolidated ventures over which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence, but does not control, are accounted for under the equity method and include the Company’s investment in the Donlin Gold project. The Company identified Donlin Gold as a Variable Interest Entity (VIE) as it is dependent on funding from its owners. Prior to June 3, 2025, all funding, ownership, voting rights, and power was shared equally on a 50/50 basis between the owners of the VIE. On June 3, 2025, the Company increased its ownership interest in Donlin Gold to 60% (Note 5) resulting in the funding and ownership being shared on a 60/40 basis between the Company and its new Donlin Gold partner. However, the power to exercise control and direct the activities of Donlin Gold continues to be shared equally on a 50/50 basis between the Company and its new Donlin Gold partner. As such, the Company has determined it continues to not be the primary beneficiary of the VIE. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss is its equity investment in Donlin Gold.
NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, US dollars in thousands except per share amounts)
The equity method is a basis of accounting for investments whereby the initial and any subsequent investment is recorded at cost and the carrying value is adjusted thereafter to include the investor’s pro rata share of post-acquisition earnings or losses of the investee, as computed by the consolidation method. Cash funding increases the carrying value of the investment. Profit distributions received or receivable from an investee reduce the carrying value of the investment.
Donlin Gold is a non-publicly traded equity investee owning an exploration and development project. Therefore, the Company assesses whether there has been a potential triggering event for other-than-temporary impairment by assessing the underlying assets of the equity investee for recoverability and assessing whether there has been a change in the development plan or strategy for the project. If the underlying assets are not recoverable, the Company will record an impairment charge equal to the difference between the carrying amount of the investee and its fair value.
Share-based payments
The Company records share-based compensation awards exchanged for employee services at fair value on the date of the grant and expenses the awards in the Consolidated Statements of Loss over the requisite employee service period. The fair values of stock options are determined using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. The fair values of PSUs are determined using a Monte Carlo valuation model. The Company’s estimates may be impacted by certain variables including, but not limited to, stock price volatility, employee stock option exercise behaviors, additional stock option and PSU grants, estimates of forfeitures, the Company’s performance, and the Company’s performance in relation to its peers.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements and Securities and Exchange Commission Rules
In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2023-09 “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures.” ASU 2023-09 enhances the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures through changes to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid information. The standard is effective beginning with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2026, and subsequent interim periods, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the guidance on the consolidated financial statements.
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03 “Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income - Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses.” ASU 2024-03 requires disaggregated disclosures of relevant income statement expenses to improve financial reporting by enhancing transparency in the notes to the financial statements, specifically regarding expense categories. The standard is effective beginning with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2028, and subsequent interim periods, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this standard.
In December 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-11, “Interim Reporting (Topic 270) Narrow-Scope Improvements.” The ASU clarifies and reorganizes interim reporting guidance, including disclosure requirements related to events occurring since the end of the most recent annual reporting period, and improves the presentation and usability of interim financial statement disclosures. The ASU is effective for interim reporting periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2027, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this ASU on its interim financial reporting and does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, US dollars in thousands except per share amounts)
NOTE 3 – SEGMENTED INFORMATION
Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision-maker (CODM). At present, the Company operates a single reportable segment. The CODM, who is responsible for allocating resources and assessing the performance of the operating segments, has been identified as the Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer evaluates the Company’s performance based on the overall results of the Company, including the performance of its investment in the Donlin Gold project (Note 5). The Company uses a single U.S. GAAP-consistent measure of segment profit or loss with no reconciling items or measurement differences. Management has concluded that consolidated net income (loss) is the appropriate measure of segment profit or loss. The CODM does not regularly receive or review discrete segment-level expense categories separate from those presented in the consolidated statements of operations. Accordingly, no significant segment expenses are separately disclosed, as all expenses are included within the consolidated statements of loss.
NOTE 4 – NOTES RECEIVABLE
Galore Creek
On July 27, 2018, the Company sold its interest in the Galore Creek project to a subsidiary of Newmont for cash proceeds of $
No value was assigned to the final $
NOTE 5 – INVESTMENT IN DONLIN GOLD
On June 3, 2025, the Company closed on a membership interest purchase agreement among Paulson, Barrick Gold U.S. Inc., Barrick (together, the “Barrick Parties”), DGH (a subsidiary of Paulson), and NOVAGOLD Resources Alaska, Inc. (NGRA), a subsidiary of the Company, whereby the Barrick Parties sold their
As part of the consideration paid for the additional
The Donlin Gold project is owned and operated by Donlin Gold, a limited liability company in which, effective June 3, 2025, wholly-owned subsidiaries of NOVAGOLD and DGH owned a 60% and 40% interest, respectively. While the Company has a
NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, US dollars in thousands except per share amounts)
Changes in the Company’s Investment in Donlin Gold are summarized as follows:
|
Three months ended February 28, |
||||||||
|
2026 |
2025 |
|||||||
|
Balance – beginning of period |
$ | $ | ||||||
|
Share of losses: |
||||||||
|
Mineral property expenditures |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
|
Depreciation |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
|
Accretion |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
| ( |
) | ( |
) | |||||
|
Funding |
||||||||
|
Balance – end of period |
$ | $ | ||||||
The following amounts represent the Company’s
|
As of February 28, |
As of November 30, |
|||||||
|
2026 |
2025 |
|||||||
|
Economic interest of Donlin Gold held |
% | % | ||||||
| Company’s share of Donlin Gold assets and liabilities held | ||||||||
|
Current assets: Cash, prepaid expenses, and other receivables |
$ | $ | ||||||
|
Non-current assets: Right-of-use assets, property and equipment |
||||||||
|
Non-current assets: Mineral property |
||||||||
|
Current liabilities: Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and lease obligations |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
|
Non-current liabilities: Reclamation and lease obligations |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
|
Net assets |
$ | $ | ||||||
NOTE 6 – OTHER ASSETS
|
As of February 28, 2026 |
As of November 30, 2025 |
|||||||
|
Other current assets: |
||||||||
|
Accounts receivable |
$ | $ | ||||||
|
Interest receivable |
||||||||
|
Receivable from Donlin Gold |
||||||||
|
Prepaid expenses |
||||||||
|
Marketable equity securities |
||||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||
|
Other long-term assets: |
||||||||
|
Marketable equity securities |
$ | $ | ||||||
|
|
||||||||
|
Office equipment |
||||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||
NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, US dollars in thousands except per share amounts)
During the first quarter of 2026, management has sold a portion of its marketable equity securities and anticipates selling the remaining positions over the next 12 months. As such, the marketable equity security holdings have been reclassified to Other current assets during the first quarter of 2026.
NOTE 7 – PROMISSORY NOTE
The Company has a promissory note payable to Barrick of $
Concurrent with the closing of the Donlin Gold Transaction on June 3, 2025, the Company entered into an amended and restated secured promissory note with Barrick that provides the Company with the option to prepay the promissory note in full for $
Changes in the Company’s Promissory Note is summarized as follows:
|
As of February 28, 2026 |
As of November 30, 2025 |
|||||||
|
Balance – beginning of year |
$ | $ | ||||||
|
Interest expense on promissory note during period |
$ | |||||||
|
Balance – end of period |
$ | $ | ||||||
NOTE 8 – OTHER LIABILITIES
|
As of February 28, 2026 |
As of November 30, 2025 |
|||||||
|
Other current liabilities: |
||||||||
|
Remediation liabilities |
$ | $ | ||||||
|
Lease obligations |
||||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||
|
Other long-term liabilities: |
||||||||
|
Remediation liabilities |
$ | $ | ||||||
|
Lease obligations |
||||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||
NOTE 9 – EQUITY TRANSACTIONS
2026 Private Placement Offering
On February 5, 2026, the Company closed a private placement for
NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, US dollars in thousands except per share amounts)
2025 Public Equity Offering and Private Placement Offering
On May 9, 2025, the Company closed a public equity offering of
On closing of the May 2025 Offering, the Company received aggregate gross proceeds of $
Warrants
Concurrent with the Donlin Gold Transaction announced on April 22, 2025, the Company entered into a backstop commitment agreement with certain institutional investors, pursuant to which the investors committed to purchase up to $
As discussed above, the Company subsequently completed the May 2025 Offering and the backstop commitment expired unexercised in May 2025. The Company determined the Backstop Warrants met the conditions for equity classification in accordance with U.S. GAAP and were included as a component of shareholders’ equity (deficit).
The Company estimated the fair value of the Backstop Warrants using the Black-Scholes option pricing model on the grant date. Key inputs included a
Changes in the Company’s outstanding Backstop Warrants is summarized as follows:
|
As of February 28, 2026 |
As of November 30, 2025 |
|||||||
|
Balance – beginning of year |
||||||||
|
Issued during period |
||||||||
|
Exercised – shares issued |
( |
) | ||||||
|
Cashless exercise – warrants cancelled |
( |
) | ||||||
|
Balance – end of period |
||||||||
NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, US dollars in thousands except per share amounts)
NOTE 10 – FAIR VALUE ACCOUNTING
Financial instruments measured at fair value are classified into one of three levels in the fair value hierarchy according to the significance of the inputs used in making the measurement. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:
Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;
Level 2 — Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; and
Level 3 — Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (supported by little or no market activity).
The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, term deposits, accounts receivable, including from Donlin Gold, marketable equity securities, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and a promissory note. The fair value of the promissory note approximates its prepayment option amount of $
NOTE 11 – GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE
|
Three months ended February 28, |
||||||||
|
2026 |
2025 |
|||||||
|
Share-based compensation (Note 13) |
$ | $ | ||||||
|
Salaries and benefits |
||||||||
|
Professional fees |
||||||||
|
Office expense |
||||||||
|
Corporate communications and regulatory |
||||||||
|
Depreciation |
||||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||
NOTE 12 – OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), NET
|
Three months ended February 28, |
||||||||
|
2026 |
2025 |
|||||||
|
Change in fair market value of marketable equity securities |
$ | $ | ||||||
|
Foreign exchange gain (loss) |
||||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||
NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, US dollars in thousands except per share amounts)
NOTE 13 – SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
The following table shows the recognized share-based compensation expense by award type:
|
Three months ended February 28, |
||||||||
|
2026 |
2025 |
|||||||
|
Stock options |
$ | $ | ||||||
|
Performance share unit plan |
||||||||
|
Deferred share unit plan |
||||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||
Stock options
A summary of stock options outstanding and activity during the three months ended February 28, 2026 are as follows:
|
Number of stock options |
Weighted- average exercise price per share |
Weighted- average remaining contractual term (years) |
Aggregate intrinsic value |
|||||||||||||
|
November 30, 2025 |
$ | |||||||||||||||
|
Granted |
||||||||||||||||
|
Exercised – shares issued |
( |
) | ||||||||||||||
|
Cashless exercise – options cancelled |
( |
) | ||||||||||||||
|
Expired |
( |
) | ||||||||||||||
|
Forfeited |
( |
) | ||||||||||||||
|
February 28, 2026 |
$ | $ | ||||||||||||||
|
Vested and exercisable as of February 28, 2026 |
$ | $ | ||||||||||||||
The following table summarizes key stock option valuation inputs and other information regarding the option grants:
|
Three months ended February 28, |
||||||||
|
2026 |
2025 |
|||||||
|
Weighted-average assumptions used to value stock option awards: |
||||||||
|
Expected volatility |
% | % | ||||||
|
Risk-free interest rate |
% | % | ||||||
|
Expected forfeiture rate |
% | % | ||||||
|
Expected dividend rate |
% | % | ||||||
|
Expected term of options (years) |
— | |||||||
|
Weighted-average grant-date fair value |
$ | $ | ||||||
|
Intrinsic value of options exercised |
$ | $ | ||||||
|
Cash received from options exercised |
$ | $ | ||||||
As of February 28, 2026, the Company had $
Performance share units
The Company has granted PSUs under the May 26, 2009 PSU Plan to all employees of the Company that represent shares potentially issuable in the future. PSUs granted pursuant to the PSU Plan have a -year performance period between the grant date and the maturity date, when a vesting determination is made. The number of PSUs vesting is based on the Company’s common share price performance relative to the performance of the S&P/TSX Global Gold Index between the PSU grant date and the maturity date. This relative performance is converted to a percentage which translates to an adjustment factor used to determine the number of PSUs that will vest on or shortly after the maturity date. PSUs can vest anywhere from
NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, US dollars in thousands except per share amounts)
A summary of PSU awards outstanding and activity during the three months ended February 28, 2026 are as follows:
|
Number of PSU awards |
Weighted- average grant day fair value per award |
Aggregate intrinsic value |
||||||||||
|
November 30, 2025 |
$ | |||||||||||
|
Expired |
( |
) | ||||||||||
|
Forfeited |
( |
) | ||||||||||
|
Granted |
||||||||||||
|
February 28, 2026 |
$ | $ | ||||||||||
The following table summarizes key PSU valuation inputs and other information regarding the PSU grants:
|
Three months ended February 28, |
||||||||
|
2026 |
2025 |
|||||||
|
Weighted-average assumptions used to value PSU awards: |
||||||||
|
Expected volatility of Company shares |
% | % | ||||||
|
Expected volatility of TSX index |
% | % | ||||||
|
Expected correlation between Company shares and TSX |
% | % | ||||||
|
Canadian risk-free interest rate |
% | % | ||||||
|
Expected term of PSUs (years) |
— | |||||||
|
Number of PSUs granted |
||||||||
|
Weighted-average grant-date fair value |
$ | $ | ||||||
As of February 28, 2026, the Company had $
NOTE 14 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company provided management and administrative services to Donlin Gold for $
As consideration for providing a backstop commitment to the Company on April 22, 2025, NOVAGOLD issued Backstop Warrants (Note 9) to three institutional investors, one of which was Electrum Strategic Resources L.P. ("Electrum”). The Backstop Warrants had an estimated aggregate fair value at grant of $
Additionally, Electrum was one of two institutional investors who participated in the 2025 private placement that closed concurrently with the public equity offering at the same price as the 2025 public equity offering described in Note 9. Electrum purchased
|
Item 2. |
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
In Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, “NOVAGOLD”, the “Company”, “we,” “us” and “our” refer to NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. and its consolidated subsidiaries. The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations constitutes management’s review of the factors that affected our financial and operating performance for the three-month periods ended February 28, 2026 and February 28, 2025. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated interim financial statements and notes thereto contained elsewhere in this report and our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as other information we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission on EDGAR at www.sec.gov and with Canadian Securities Administrators on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. References herein to $ refer to United States dollars and C$ to Canadian dollars, except as otherwise specified.
Paulson are investment funds managed by Paulson Advisers LLC.
Paul Chilson, P.E., who is the Manager, Mine Engineering for NOVAGOLD and a “qualified person” under National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) current mining disclosure rules has approved the scientific and technical information contained herein.
Highlights
During the first quarter of 2026, NOVAGOLD closed an underwritten bought deal private placement issuing approximately 31 million common shares at a price of $10.00 per share for gross proceeds of approximately $310.2 million, including the partial exercise of the underwriters’ overallotment option. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the private placement for expenditures associated with Donlin Gold activities, exercise of the Company’s prepayment option on the promissory note with Barrick, and general corporate purposes.
On January 8, 2026, NOVAGOLD and Paulson and their affiliates, as part of Donlin Gold’s infrastructure and energy strategy, announced that a non-binding Letter of Intent (LOI) was signed with Glenfarne Alaska LNG, LLC, majority owner and developer of the Alaska LNG project, to explore the potential supply of natural gas for Donlin Gold’s on-site power generation.
On February 9, 2026, NOVAGOLD and Paulson and their affiliates announced that Fluor Corporation (“Fluor”) was selected as the lead engineering firm for the Donlin Gold Bankable Feasibility Study (BFS) as the project advances toward construction. The BFS is expected to be completed in 2027.
Following the end of the first fiscal quarter of 2026, NOVAGOLD and Paulson and their affiliates announced on March 12, 2026, the award of specialized contracts to three engineering firms — WSP USA, Inc. (WSP), Worley Alaska, Inc., and Hatch Ltd. (the “Specialist Contractors”) — to advance critical infrastructure and processing components, including the on-site power plant, natural gas pipeline, and the pressure oxidation circuit and oxygen plant, as part of the Donlin Gold BFS.
Fluor and the Specialist Contractors have commenced work on the BFS, under the leadership of the newly appointed Project Director Frank Arcese (see release dated January 13, 2026), who has extensive experience in delivering large-scale mining projects. With major contractors now on board and ongoing progress on the BFS workstreams, the Company expects to review the schedule and budget for the next phase of development by mid-2026 and provide any update to guidance as required.
Company Overview
We operate in the gold mining industry, primarily focused on advancing the Donlin Gold project in Alaska. The Donlin Gold project is held by Donlin Gold, a limited liability company which, following the closing of the Donlin Gold Transaction on June 3, 2025, is owned 60% by a wholly-owned subsidiary of NOVAGOLD and 40% by a wholly-owned subsidiary of Paulson. While NOVAGOLD has a 60% economic interest in Donlin Gold, governance of Donlin Gold is shared equally by NOVAGOLD and Paulson. We account for our interest in the Donlin Gold project using the equity method, which results in our 60% share of Donlin Gold’s expenses being recorded as a single line item in the income statement as an operating loss.
Our corporate goals include completing the BFS and moving to a subsequent construction decision; maintaining a favorable reputation of NOVAGOLD and the Donlin Gold project among shareholders and stakeholders; promoting strong community outreach and a sustainability culture; maintaining strong safety and environmental performance; and managing the Company’s treasury effectively and efficiently. Our operations primarily relate to the delivery of project milestones, including the achievement of various technical, environmental, sustainable development, economic and legal objectives, obtaining necessary permits and maintaining those received in good standing, advancement of the BFS, preparation of engineering designs and maintaining sufficient capital resources to fund these objectives.
Donlin Gold project
In the first quarter of 2026, Donlin Gold continued to prioritize meaningful engagement with local communities, stakeholders, and government representatives in the Yukon-Kuskokwim (Y-K) region, Alaska, and Washington, D.C., in support of project development and permitting. Decades of consistent outreach across 62 communities have fostered strong relationships, facilitated knowledge exchange, and reinforced the project’s social license while building lasting trust. Key activities in the first quarter included:
|
● |
Donlin Gold participated in the Alaska Chamber of Commerce and Resource Development Council Legislative fly-in, providing project updates, meetings with Congressional delegation state directors, and holding discussions with the Alaska Department of Natural Resources Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner. |
|
● |
Additionally, the Donlin Gold team conducted 11 key legislative visits and engaged with numerous state representatives and senators. |
|
● |
Donlin Gold and NOVAGOLD staff participated in the 4th annual Juneau Mining Forum and a joint legislative reception for the Alaska Miners Association, Trucking Association and Alaska General Contractors Association. The group also attended Senator Lisa Mukkowski’s holiday luncheon and co-sponsored an event for Speaker Edgmon, Senator Cathy Geissel, and Representative Louise Stutes. |
|
● |
As part of the commitment between Donlin Gold, and the landowners, Calista Corporation (“Calista”), owner of the mineral rights, and The Kuskokwim Corporation (TKC), to seek input and share knowledge on subsistence matters, Donlin Gold hosted its bi-annual Subsistence Community Advisory Committee (SCAC) in Anchorage. The SCAC members represent a range of perspectives on the project that are important to consider as we advance development. Donlin Gold also held its first virtual SCAC session, which included participation from both SCAC and Donlin Gold Project Community Advisory Committees. The meetings focused on the Barge Communications Plan, providing SCAC members with an opportunity to review the project approach, ask questions, and provide feedback that informs ongoing planning. |
|
● |
Donlin Gold also provided a project update at a town hall meeting in Bethel, the largest town downriver from the project. |
NOVAGOLD is committed to education, community wellness, cultural preservation, ecological stewardship, and best practices that enhance the economic, health, and social well-being of our employees, the people of the Y-K region, and surrounding communities. Donlin Gold supports these efforts through a wide range of programs and community events, supporting cultural preservation, strengthening stakeholder relationships, advancing economic and social well-being, and promoting youth engagement. In the first quarter of 2026, Donlin Gold carried out the following key activities and projects:
|
● |
Pursued its support for the Alaska Safe Riders winter safety program, which promotes the secure use of snowmachines, all-terrain vehicles, and recreational off-road vehicles. |
|
● |
Continued its support of local stakeholders across education, sports, and cultural initiatives such as the Cook Inlet Tribal Council’s Native Youth Olympics, the ASAA/First National Bank Alaska Wrestling State Championships, the Girl Scouts of Alaska, the Lower Yukon School District Career Fair, the Kusilvak Career Academy, and the University of Alaska Foundation’s Rural Alaska Honors Institute — a six-week, tuition-free program helping rural and Alaska Native students earn college credits and develop academic skills. Donlin Gold also hosted and supported the “Donlin Gold Classic” Invitational Basketball Tournament at Bethel Regional High School, bringing together varsity teams and community members from across the Y-K region. |
|
● |
Engaged with municipal leaders and community stakeholders across Alaska by participating in and supporting the Alaska Municipal League Conference, discussing regional priorities and development opportunities. |
|
● |
Collaborated with Calista’s Shareholder Relations Committee and travelled to four Y-K communities to engage directly with Calista shareholders on topics including Donlin Gold. |
These various efforts are also aligned with Donlin Gold’s long-term objectives to support workforce development and regional economic participation as the project advances.
Our share of funding for the Donlin Gold project in the first quarter of 2026 was $15.5 million. We continue to expect our total annual Donlin Gold funding to be $78.8 million during fiscal 2026 to continue to advance the Donlin Gold BFS, in line with our previously issued guidance.
Permitting
Donlin Gold is a federally permitted project on private land designated for mining activities by Calista, owner of the mineral rights, and TKC owner of the surface estate. Permitting in Alaska is a substantial undertaking supported by a diligent, thorough, transparent, and inclusive process for all involved, including stakeholders from the Y-K region.
Comments from Alaska Department of Natural Resources’ (“ADNR”) on the preliminary dam safety design packages are anticipated in 2026. BGC Engineering has been appointed as the contractor for the Detailed Design Packages. Completion of the Detailed Design Packages continues to be anticipated by the end of 2026/early 2027, with potential issuance of the Dam Safety Certificates in 2028.
Upholding current permits and working to secure key state approvals
Donlin Gold continued to support the state and federal agencies defending their permits in the litigation described below.
NOVAGOLD continues to support the State of Alaska in defending the Department of Environmental Conservation’s (ADEC) Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certification (the “401 Certification”), which is the only remaining challenge to Donlin Gold’s permits in state court. On May 6, 2025, the Alaska Superior Court upheld ADEC’s issuance of the 401 Certification. Earthjustice filed an appeal in the Alaska Supreme Court and filed their opening brief on September 16, 2025. Donlin Gold’s and the State of Alaska’s briefs were filed on November 25, 2025, and Earthjustice’s reply brief was filed on January 9, 2026. Oral argument is scheduled for April 8, 2026.
On April 5, 2023, Earthjustice representing the Orutsararmiut Traditional Native Council (ONC) and six Y-K villages filed suit against the U.S. government in the U.S. District Court for Alaska (the “Federal District Court”) asking the Federal District Court to invalidate the Donlin Gold Joint Record of Decision (JROD), which included the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer’s (“Corps”) issuance of the 404 permit and the Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM)’s issuance of the ROW lease for the portions of the pipeline on Federal lands. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is defending the issuance of the permits by those Federal agencies. The State of Alaska, Donlin Gold, and Calista were granted intervenor status in this case. The DOJ filed their brief supporting the issuance of the JROD and the sufficiency of the environmental analysis in the Final Environmental Impact Statement on April 2, 2024. Amicus briefs supporting the project were filed by the village of Crooked Creek and the Alaska federal Congressional delegation. Oral arguments were held on June 24, 2024, and the Federal District Court issued a decision on September 30, 2024. The decision rejected the plaintiffs’ arguments on two of the three issues raised in the litigation but agreed with plaintiffs that the federal agencies took too narrow of a view in analyzing the impact of a theoretical release from the tailings’ storage facility. The Federal District Court requested supplemental briefing on the appropriate remedy for addressing this issue. On October 7, 2024, the plaintiffs filed a request for reconsideration on one of the issues on which the Federal District Court had ruled against the plaintiffs and, at DOJ’s request, the Federal District Court suspended the schedule for briefing on the appropriate remedy until after the Federal District Court ruled on plaintiffs’ motion for reconsideration. On December 23, 2024, the Federal District Court denied plaintiffs’ request for reconsideration. Remedy briefing was completed in March 2025 and oral argument on remedy was held May 9, 2025. On June 10, 2025, the Federal District Court issued an order denying Earthjustice’s request to vacate the permits and remanding the case to the agencies to supplement the National Environmental Policy Act analysis on the narrow issue regarding the analysis of a potential larger release from the tailings storage facility. The Court retained jurisdiction over the case during the remand and ordered the agencies to file periodic status updates with the court. The Corps, in consultation with BLM and other federal agencies, will be the lead agency for this Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) process to ensure a transparent, science-based review that provides the public and decision-makers with complete and accurate information. On October 27, 2025, Donlin Gold was also formally accepted into the Fixing America’s Transportation Act (FAST-41) program and coordinated by the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council. The FAST-41 is a federal initiative that increases transparency, accountability, and predictability in permitting. A Notice of Intent to prepare a SEIS was issued in January 2026, and the public comment period for the scoping process closed in February 2026. The Corps and cooperating agencies will review and consider comments received and proceed with preparation of the draft SEIS which is anticipated to be published in September 2026 in accordance with the coordinated FAST-41 permitting schedule.
To date, all permits and approvals granted to Donlin Gold by federal and state agencies remain in place while the legal challenges described above proceed. We recognize the importance of preparedness and organization on these matters. Donlin Gold and its owners continue their unwavering support of the state and federal agencies in defending their thorough and diligent permitting processes, including working with the federal agencies and all stakeholders on an appropriate remedy to address the Federal District Court’s remand decision.
Financing Activities During First Quarter of 2026
The Company completed a private placement offering on February 5, 2026 of 31,020,000 common shares at a price of $10.00 per share for aggregate gross proceeds of $310.2 million less $16.2 million of issuance costs. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the private placement for expenditures associated with Donlin Gold activities, exercise of the Company’s prepayment option on the promissory note with Barrick, and general corporate purposes.
Overview of Donlin Gold Transaction and Financing Activities During 2025
On June 3, 2025, NOVAGOLD and Paulson, through wholly-owned subsidiaries, completed a $1 billion acquisition of Barrick’s 50% interest in Donlin Gold (the “Donlin Gold Transaction”) pursuant to the terms of a membership interest purchase agreement dated April 22, 2025 (the “MIPA”) among Barrick Gold U.S. Inc. (“Barrick Gold”), Barrick, Paulson, Donlin Gold Holdings LLC (DGH), a subsidiary of Paulson, and NGRA, a subsidiary of the Company. NOVAGOLD, through NGRA, acquired an additional 10% interest in Donlin Gold for $200 million, increasing its stake to 60% of Donlin Gold, while Paulson, through DGH, acquired the remaining 40% interest for $800 million. Both owners have equal governance rights in Donlin Gold. The Donlin Gold Transaction marks a significant milestone in a long-term strategy to advance the Donlin Gold project. NOVAGOLD’s portion of the acquisition was funded through a combination of a public equity offering and a concurrent private placement.
Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement for Donlin Gold LLC
In connection with the closing of the Donlin Gold Transaction, NGRA, DGH and Donlin Gold entered into an amended and restated limited liability company agreement (the “A&R LLC Agreement”) governing Donlin Gold, pursuant to which the Company and Paulson have equal governance rights. NGRA had previously entered into a limited liability company agreement with Barrick Gold and Donlin Gold (the “Prior LLC Agreement”) dated December 1, 2007, as amended from time to time. Pursuant to the terms of the A&R LLC Agreement, the primary amendments to the Prior LLC Agreement consist of the following:
|
● |
The deadlock provision contained in Article XVI of the Prior LLC Agreement has been replaced with a provision for non-binding mediation for dispute resolution. |
|
● |
Consistent with the Prior LLC Agreement, the funding for Donlin Gold will be shared by both parties based on their percentage ownership. For example, since NGRA holds 60% of the membership interests of Donlin Gold, it will have the responsibility to fund 60% of the expenses of Donlin Gold. However, regardless of the fact that DGH holds 40% of Donlin Gold, DGH and NGRA have equal governance rights. This adjustment to the parties’ voting interests, as set forth in the A&R LLC Agreement means that (i) NGRA’s voting percentage interests are defined as its membership interest from time to time less an absolute 10% and (ii) DGH’s voting percentage interests are defined as its membership interest from time to time plus an absolute 10%. For this reason, although NGRA holds 60% of the membership interests of Donlin Gold, it only has a 50% voting interest. |
|
● |
The parties agree to manage the operations of Donlin Gold in a manner to avoid adverse tax consequences to the parties, including pursuant to Section 4943 of the Internal Revenue Code. |
|
● |
Certain provisions in the Prior LLC Agreement have been deleted or amended as a result of such provisions being outdated or no longer relevant due to the current development and permitting status of Donlin Gold. |
Amended and Restated Promissory Note
Pursuant to the Prior LLC Agreement for Donlin Gold, the Company issued a promissory note to Barrick Gold to repay Barrick out of future mine production cash flow for a portion of Barrick’s prior expenditures on the Donlin Gold project. Concurrent with the Donlin Gold Transaction announcement on April 22, 2025, NOVAGOLD entered into a prepayment option agreement with Barrick, which provided the Company with an option to prepay the promissory note in full for $90 million prior to the closing of the Donlin Gold Transaction. The $90 million prepayment option was not exercised prior to closing. In connection with the closing of the Donlin Gold Transaction, on June 3, 2025 NGRA and Barrick Gold amended and restated the promissory note primarily to (i) modify the security package in order to exclude any property held by Donlin Gold or membership interest in Donlin Gold held by NGRA, but ensure it remains secured by NGRA’s right, title and interest to proceeds from Donlin Gold and (ii) provide the ability for NGRA to prepay and retire the promissory note for an aggregate of $100 million until December 3, 2026. In connection with the amended and restated promissory note, NGRA has made an irrevocable direction to Donlin Gold whereby Donlin Gold shall distribute to Barrick Gold, until the promissory note is fully repaid, 85% of distributed processed products, cash and other assets, and payments of 5% of certain net proceeds specified in the promissory note. As per the amended and restated promissory note, the principal amount owed is $158.9 million.
Backstop Agreement
In order to ensure available financing for the Company’s $200 million obligation under the MIPA, funding commitments of up to $170 million were obtained from Electrum, Paulson, and Kopernik Global Investors, LLC, on behalf of investment funds and accounts managed by them (“Kopernik”, together with Electrum and Paulson, the “Investors”) pursuant to a backstop agreement dated April 22, 2025 (“Backstop Agreement”). Pursuant to the Backstop Agreement, the Investors agreed to purchase, on a non-brokered, private placement basis, up to $170 million in the Company’s common shares at $3.00 per share, representing up to 56,666,667 common shares in the aggregate.
While the Company did not exercise its rights provided by the Backstop Agreement, in consideration for entering into the Backstop Agreement, the Company issued an aggregate of 25,500,000 warrants to purchase the Company’s common shares (the “Warrants”), with each Warrant entitling the holder thereof to purchase one common share (a “Warrant Share”) at an exercise price of $3.00 per Warrant Share for a period of five years from the date of issuance. The Warrants contain a “cashless exercise” feature, such that, in lieu of making the cash payment otherwise contemplated to be made upon such exercise of the Warrant, the holder may elect instead to receive upon such exercise (either in whole or in part) the net number of common shares determined according to a formula set forth in the Warrants. The Warrants were issued in the following amounts: (i) 12,750,000 Warrants to Paulson; (ii) 6,375,000 Warrants to Electrum; and (iii) 6,375,000 Warrants to Kopernik. During the three months ended February 28, 2026, 796,875 Warrants were exercised by way of the cashless exercise feature, resulting in the issuance of 569,333 NOVAGOLD shares and the cancellation of 227,542 Warrants to cover the exercise price. As at February 28, 2026, 24,703,125 Backstop Warrants remained outstanding.
The Backstop Agreement further provided the Investors with registration rights, pursuant to which the Company had agreed to, among other things, file a registration statement with the SEC registering the resale of the Warrant Shares and to cause such registration statement to remain effective until the earlier of (a) three years from the issuance of the Subscribed Shares (which were not issued), (b) the date on which all of the Subscribed Shares and Warrant Shares shall have been sold, or (c) on the first date on which each Investor can sell all of its Subscribed Shares and/or Warrant Shares (or shares received in exchange therefor) under Rule 144 of the Securities Act without limitation as to the manner of sale or the amount of such securities that may be sold. The Backstop Agreement also contained customary indemnification and other provisions customary for registration rights of this type. Pursuant to discussions with the Investors and the Placement Investors (as defined below), the Company may file a resale registration statement in the future upon request of such investors with respect to the Warrant Shares or common shares issued pursuant to the Subscription Agreement (as defined below).
Public Offering and Concurrent Private Placement
On May 7, 2025, the Company entered into an underwriting agreement related to a public offering of 47,850,000 of the Company’s common shares at a public offering price of $3.75 per share (the “Underwriting Agreement”). In addition, the Company granted the underwriters an option exercisable for 30 days from the date of the Underwriting Agreement to purchase up to 7,177,500 of additional common shares of the Company (the “Overallotment Option”). The net proceeds from the public offering were approximately $169.7 million. The Overallotment Option was exercised in full on June 5, 2025, bringing the total net proceeds to the Company for the public offering and the Overallotment Option to approximately $195.2 million after deducting the underwriting discount and offering expenses. The Company made certain customary representations, warranties and covenants concerning the Company and the registration statement in the Underwriting Agreement and also agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).
Concurrently with the public offering announced in May 2025, the Company completed a private placement offering on May 9, 2025 of 17,173,853 common shares at a price equal to the public offering price for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $64.4 million with Electrum and investments funds and accounts managed by Kopernik Global Investors, LLC (each a “Placement Investor”). The Company entered into a Subscription Agreement dated May 7, 2025 (the “Subscription Agreement”) with each of the Placement Investors setting out the terms of the concurrent private placement, which included similar resale registration rights as contained in the Backstop Agreement. The concurrent private placement closed on May 9, 2025.
First Quarter 2026 Financial Results
Net loss and loss per share in the first quarter of 2026 were $15.4 million and $0.04, respectively, compared to net loss and loss per share of $9.6 million and $0.03, respectively, in the first quarter of 2025. NOVAGOLD’s net loss during the first quarter of 2026 increased by $6.3 million from the comparable prior year period primarily due to higher expenditures at Donlin Gold following the commencement of BFS related activities including hiring for key roles on the Donlin Gold project team and higher general and administrative expenses at NOVAGOLD.
The Company’s share of Donlin Gold expenses in the first quarter of 2026 was $3.9 million higher than the comparative prior year period due to camp remaining open this winter, increased project activity following Fluor being awarded the lead engineering role for the Donlin Gold BFS in early February 2026 and the Company’s share of Donlin Gold expenditures increasing by 10% to 60% starting in the third quarter of 2025. General and administrative expenses increased in the first quarter of 2026 by $3.9 million from the comparable prior year period primarily due to higher professional fees and share-based compensation. Professional fees were elevated during the first quarter but remained in line with quarterly cadence expectations and are expected to decline from first quarter levels during the remainder of the year and remain within previously issued 2026 guidance. Share-based compensation expense in the first quarter increased by $0.9 million versus the comparative 2025 period primarily due to the issuance of two annual share award grants during the last twelve-month period contributing to a disproportionately larger share-based compensation expense during the quarter.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity overview
The Company monitors its liquidity and capital resources on a regular basis to ensure it has sufficient liquidity and capital resources to meet its current operating and capital requirements. As of February 28, 2026, the Company had cash resources comprising cash and cash equivalents, term deposits, and marketable securities totaling approximately $394.2 million, which are sufficient to cover the anticipated funding costs in respect of the Donlin Gold project and corporate general and administrative costs for at least the next twelve months.
With the commencement of the Donlin Gold BFS during the first quarter of 2026, NOVAGOLD’s pro-rata share of Donlin Gold expenditures is expected to increase over the next 18 to 24 months from fiscal 2025 levels. The Company believes it is fully funded to complete the Donlin Gold BFS and to exercise its option to prepay the Barrick promissory note. The Company expects to raise additional capital at some point to support additional future activities, including the commencement of detailed engineering. As a result of a delinquent filing of a Form 8-K in June 2025, NOVAGOLD will not be eligible to use a Form S-3 registration statement to register its securities with the SEC until July 2026. This may adversely impact the Company’s ability to raise additional capital prior to that time.
Future funding to support developing the Donlin Gold project is anticipated to include, among other things, a combination of corporate debt and equity, project specific debt, and potentially a royalty, stream and government support. NOVAGOLD’s continued operations, in the longer term, are dependent on its ability to generate future cash flows and maintain sufficient capital resources. There is no assurance that the Company will be successful in its efforts to raise additional capital on favorable terms, or at all. For further information, refer to the section titled Item 1A. Risk Factors – Our ability to continue the exploration, permitting and development of the Donlin Gold project, to complete the Bankable Feasibility Study for the Donlin Gold project, to fund construction of the Donlin Gold project, and to continue as a going concern, will depend in part on our ability to obtain suitable financing in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
NOVAGOLD’s anticipated operating expenditures during fiscal year 2026 are unchanged from previously issued guidance of approximately $98.5 million, including $78.8 million to fund the Donlin Gold project, and $19.7 million for corporate general and administrative costs.
The Company’s financial position includes the following as of February 28, 2026:
|
● |
Cash and cash equivalents of $117.5 million, primarily held at three Canadian chartered banks with investment grade credit ratings. |
|
● |
Term deposits of $275.0 million held at two Canadian chartered banks and one large U.S. bank with investment grade credit ratings and maturities of less than one year. |
|
● |
Marketable securities valued at $1.7 million that are traded on active markets. |
|
● |
Promissory note payable to Barrick of $169.9 million, including accrued interest at U.S. prime plus 2%, compounded semi-annually. The promissory note and accrued interest are payable from 85% of distributed processed products, cash and other assets, and payments of 5% of certain net proceeds specified in the promissory note. On June 3, 2025, the Company entered into an amended and restated secured promissory note with Barrick that provides the Company with an option to prepay the promissory note in full for $100 million on or before December 3, 2026. |
Cash flows
In the first quarter of 2026, cash and cash equivalents increased by $7.4 million, primarily due to $310.2 million in proceeds from a private placement offering less $16.2 million of issuance costs and $4.1 million in proceeds from the sale of marketable securities partially offset by $270.0 million in net purchases of term deposits, $15.5 million in Donlin Gold funding and corporate general and administrative costs.
Cash used in operating activities during the first quarter of 2026 was $0.2 million lower than the comparative prior year period. Cash used in investing activities during the first quarter of 2026 increased by $278.7 million from the comparative prior year period primarily due to $270.0 million in net purchases of term deposits and $11.9 million in incremental Donlin Gold funding partially offset by $3.2 million in proceeds from the sale of marketable securities. Funding of Donlin Gold was higher in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025 due to increased activity following the commencement of the Donlin Gold BFS in early February 2026 and due to the Company’s share of Donlin Gold funding increasing by 10% to 60% starting in the third quarter for 2025.
Cash provided by financing activities during the first quarter of 2026 increased by $294.1 million from the comparative prior year period primarily due to $310.2 million in proceeds from a private placement offering less $16.2 million of issuance costs.
Outstanding share data
As of March 27, 2026, the Company had 438,780,614 common shares issued and outstanding. Also, as of March 27, 2026, the Company had: i) a total of 24,703,125 warrants outstanding with an exercise price of $3.00 per share; ii) a total of 9,606,600 stock options outstanding; 8,249,100 with a weighted-average exercise price of $5.41 per share and the remaining 1,357,500 of those stock options with a weighted-average exercise price of C$7.24 per share; and iii) 1,979,800 PSUs; and iv) 321,573 deferred share units outstanding. Upon exercise or pay out, as applicable, of the foregoing convertible securities, the Company would be required to issue a maximum of 37,600,998 common shares.
|
Item 3. |
Our financial instruments are exposed to certain financial risks, including credit and interest rate risks.
Credit risk
Concentration of credit risk exists with respect to our cash and cash equivalents, and term deposit investments. Cash and cash equivalents are primarily held at three Canadian chartered banks with investment grade credit ratings. All term deposits are held at two Canadian chartered banks and one large U.S. bank with investment grade credit ratings and maturities of less than one year.
Interest rate risk
The interest rate on the promissory note owed to Barrick is variable with the U.S. prime rate. Based on the amount owing on the promissory note as of February 28, 2026, and assuming all other variables remain constant, a 1% change in the U.S. prime rate would result in an increase/decrease of approximately $1.7 million in the interest accrued on the promissory note per annum.
|
Item 4. |
Management, with the participation of our President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) as of February 28, 2026. On the basis of this review, our President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that the information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC and to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
There have not been any changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) promulgated by the SEC under the Exchange Act) during the Company’s most recently completed fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s internal controls over financial reporting are based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
|
Item 1. |
From time to time, the Company may be a party to litigation or legal proceedings that are considered ordinary routine litigation incidental to our business or not material. Notwithstanding the foregoing, please refer to the section titled Litigation in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
|
Item 1A. |
Except as set forth below, there have been no material changes to the risk factors set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K. The risk factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, in addition to the other information set forth in this quarterly report, could materially affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we deem to be immaterial could also materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Increases in energy prices and inflationary pressures could materially increase our capital and operating costs and adversely affect the economic viability of our projects.
Global energy markets have experienced significant volatility, including increases in oil and fuel prices associated with geopolitical developments involving Iran and disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Prolonged disruptions in global energy supply or transportation routes may lead to sustained increases in oil and other energy prices.
Energy costs are a significant component of the cost of developing and operating mining projects. Sustained increases in the price of oil, fuel, power and other energy inputs may increase the cost of construction, transportation, equipment operation and the production and delivery of consumables used in mining operations. Higher energy prices may also contribute to broader inflationary pressures affecting the costs of labor, materials, equipment, reagents, contractors and other services required for the development and operation of our projects.
Estimated capital costs, operating costs, production levels and economic returns for the Donlin Gold project are based on assumptions regarding, among other things, input costs, energy prices, supply chains and inflation. If energy prices remain elevated or inflation persists, actual costs may be significantly higher than our current estimates. Higher costs or increased uncertainty regarding future costs could adversely affect project development decisions, reduce projected economic returns, require additional financing or result in delays in development or construction. Any of these factors could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and the economic viability of our projects.
|
Item 2. |
None.
|
Item 3. |
None.
|
Item 4. |
These disclosures are not applicable to us.
|
Item 5. |
|
Item 6. |
See Exhibit Index.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
|
Date: April 1, 2026 |
NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. |
|
|
By: |
/s/ Gregory A. Lang |
|
|
Gregory A. Lang |
||
|
President and Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) |
||
|
By: |
/s/ Peter Adamek |
|
|
Peter Adamek |
||
|
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial and accounting officer) |
EXHIBIT INDEX
|
Exhibit No. |
Description |
|
|
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) |
||
|
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) |
||
|
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 |
||
|
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 |
||
|
101 |
The following materials are filed herewith: (i) Inline XBRL Instance, (ii) Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema, (iii) Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation, (iv) XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels, (v) XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation, and (vi) Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition. |
|
|
104 |
Cover Page Interactive Data File – The cover page interactive data file does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document. |