NOTE 12 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 securities, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and promissory note. The fair value of the promissory note approximates its carrying value based on accrued interest at U.S. prime plus 2% and is payable from 85% of distributed processed products, cash and other assets, and payments of 5% of certain net proceeds specified in the promissory note. The fair values of the Company’s other financial instruments approximate their carrying value due to the short‐term nature of their maturity. The Company’s financial instruments initially measured at fair value and then held at amortized cost include cash and cash equivalents, term deposits, accounts receivable, including from Donlin Gold, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and a promissory note. The Company’s marketable securities are valued using quoted market prices in active markets and as such are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the marketable securities was $4,406 as of November 30, 2025 ($3,387 as of November 30, 2024), calculated as the quoted market price of the marketable equity security multiplied by the quantity of shares held by the Company.

Historical Timeline

Fiscal YearFiled
2025Jan 22, 2026Showing above
2024Jan 23, 2025
2023Jan 24, 2024
2022Jan 25, 2023
2021Jan 26, 2022
2020Jan 27, 2021
2019Jan 22, 2020
2018Jan 23, 2019
2017Jan 24, 2018
2016Jan 25, 2017
2015Jan 27, 2016

About Fair Value Disclosures

Fair value disclosures classify all assets and liabilities measured at fair value into a three-level hierarchy: Level 1 (quoted market prices), Level 2 (observable inputs like yield curves), and Level 3 (unobservable inputs requiring management estimates). The proportion of Level 3 assets directly reflects how much of the balance sheet depends on internal models rather than market evidence.

Key signals: a growing Level 3 balance relative to total fair-value assets increases valuation uncertainty and earnings volatility risk. Watch for transfers between levels — assets moving from Level 2 to Level 3 often signal deteriorating market liquidity. Unrealized gains and losses on Level 3 positions flow through earnings or other comprehensive income, so large swings deserve scrutiny. For financial institutions, examine the sensitivity disclosures that show how Level 3 valuations change under alternative assumptions. Compare the fair value of debt against its carrying amount to gauge hidden leverage.