Core Viewpoint - U.S. Global Investors, Inc. has successfully listed its shipping ETF, the U.S. Global Sea to Sky Cargo ETF (SEA), on the Mexican Stock Exchange, expanding its international presence and providing investors with access to the global transportation and logistics sectors [1][3]. Company Overview - U.S. Global Investors, Inc. is a registered investment advisory firm with over 50 years of history, focusing on niche markets globally [5]. - The company specializes in gold mining stocks and the airline industry, and now aims to enhance its offerings in the shipping sector through the SEA ETF [1][5]. ETF Details - The SEA ETF is the first pure-play maritime shipping and air freight ETF listed on the BMV, joining the U.S. Global Jets ETF (JETS) and U.S. Global GO GOLD and Precious Metal Miners ETF (GOAU) [2][4]. - Launched in January 2022, SEA aims to provide diversified access to the global shipping and air freight industries, utilizing a Smart Beta 2.0 strategy to identify efficient companies in these sectors [4][13]. Market Context - The Bolsa Mexicana de Valores (BMV) is the second-largest stock exchange in Latin America, with a market capitalization exceeding $530 billion, indicating a significant opportunity for investment in the region [3]. - The Mexican government is investing billions to modernize its seaports, which aligns with SEA's focus on global trade expansion, particularly between North America and East Asia [4][3]. Industry Insights - Over 80% of global goods are transported by sea, highlighting the critical role of the companies within SEA's index in global commerce [5]. - The U.S. Global Sea to Sky Cargo Index (SEAX) tracks companies involved in marine shipping, air freight, and port operations, providing diversified exposure across various market capitalizations [13].

Core Insights - The U.S. is entering a new era of industrial policy centered around artificial intelligence (AI), with significant government backing and private investment [1][2][3] - An executive order signed by President Trump has prioritized AI data centers and related infrastructure, indicating a shift in U.S. manufacturing and energy policy [3][4] - The potential for investment in AI infrastructure is substantial, with estimates suggesting a $6.7 trillion global price tag by 2030, primarily for facilities handling AI workloads [7] Government Policy and Investment - The executive order aims to streamline the development of large-scale AI data centers, particularly those consuming over 100 megawatts of power, facilitating faster permitting and regulatory processes [4][5] - Projects with capital expenditures of $500 million or more will be fast-tracked, signaling a strong push from the government for rapid development in the tech industry [5] - Over $90 billion in new private capital pledges for AI and energy infrastructure has been announced, including significant contributions from major firms like Alphabet and Blackstone [5][6] Market Dynamics and Trends - AI startups in the U.S. raised $104 billion in the first half of 2025, indicating a surge in venture capital investment, which represents over 60% of all venture capital raised nationwide [9] - The demand for electricity driven by AI data centers is projected to increase by 165% by 2030, necessitating a significant expansion in power sector workforce [8] - The American Investment Council reports over $1 trillion has been invested in AI infrastructure since 2020, covering various sectors from data centers to clean energy projects [11] Adoption and Future Outlook - Current AI adoption among American companies stands at 9.2%, showing rapid growth compared to previous years, suggesting that the technology is still in its early stages of integration [12][13] - The coordinated government push for AI development is reminiscent of historical industrial revolutions, indicating potential for generational investment opportunities [14][15]

Core Insights - The U.S. is experiencing significant impacts from tariffs, with customs duties exceeding $100 billion for the first time in a single year, indicating a growing trend in tariff implementation [2][4] - The upcoming tariffs, particularly on pharmaceuticals, are expected to increase prices and create uncertainty for consumers and businesses [1][9][17] Tariff Revenue and Economic Impact - In June, the U.S. collected over $27 billion in tariffs, contributing to a surprising $27 billion budget surplus for the month [4] - If the current tariff strategy continues, tariff revenue could exceed $300 billion by year-end [4] - The average U.S. household is estimated to incur an additional cost of $2,500 due to tariffs this year [7] Inflation and Consumer Prices - The consumer price index (CPI) rose to 2.7% year-over-year, with core inflation at 2.9%, driven by high tariff rates on imported consumer staples [6] - Tariffs are likely to lead to higher prices at major retailers, impacting disposable income for families [7] Sector-Specific Impacts - The automotive sector is facing potential price increases of up to $5,700 per imported vehicle due to tariffs, although prices have dipped recently [8] - The pharmaceutical industry is on alert for proposed drug import tariffs, which could significantly affect healthcare stocks [9] Business Sentiment and Economic Growth - A survey indicates that 70% of executives report tariff-related uncertainty, with nearly 90% in manufacturing expressing similar concerns [13] - This uncertainty may lead to reduced hiring and investment, potentially dragging GDP growth down by approximately one percentage point this year [14] Market Performance and Investment Strategies - Despite tariff-related challenges, the S&P 500 reached a record high, with some companies absorbing tariff costs or rerouting supply chains to lower-tariff countries [10][11] - Gold is suggested as a potential investment due to tariff-induced uncertainty and fiscal imbalances, with a recommendation for a 10% allocation in physical gold and gold mining stocks [16]

Core Viewpoint - U.S. Global Investors, Inc. continues to pay monthly dividends and is increasing its exposure to the Bitcoin ecosystem, reflecting a favorable regulatory environment for digital assets and a strategic focus on sectors that perform well during market stress [1][3][4]. Dividend Announcement - The Board approved a monthly dividend of $0.0075 per share starting July 2025 through September 2025, with record dates on July 14, August 11, and September 15, and payment dates on July 28, August 25, and September 29 [2]. - Based on the closing price of $2.41 on June 16, 2025, this dividend represents an annualized yield of 3.73%, while the shareholder yield was reported at 10.5% as of March 31, 2025 [2][12]. Bitcoin Ecosystem Investment - The company is accumulating investments in the Bitcoin ecosystem, indicating a belief in Bitcoin as a legitimate portfolio diversifier [3][4]. - CEO Frank Holmes highlighted the growing trend of publicly traded companies holding Bitcoin, suggesting a shift in market perception towards digital assets [4]. Fear Trade Strategy - The company suggests that investors consider the "Fear Trade," which includes investments that historically perform well during geopolitical tensions, inflation, or market stress [5]. Gold and Precious Metals - Gold remains a key asset in global reserve management, with central banks accumulating gold at a record pace; 95% of surveyed central banks expect global gold reserves to rise [6]. - The U.S. Global GO GOLD and Precious Metal Miners ETF targets high-quality gold mining and royalty companies, focusing on those with strong fundamentals [6]. Defense Sector Insights - Global armed conflict and defense spending have surged, with 2024 marking the highest number of state-based conflicts since 1946; defense budgets are increasing with a focus on cybersecurity, AI, and aerospace modernization [7]. - The U.S. Global Technology and Aerospace & Defense ETF employs a Smart Beta 2.0 strategy to invest in companies at the intersection of national security and innovation [7].

Group 1: Economic Agreements and Defense Spending - President Trump's diplomatic tour in the Persian Gulf resulted in significant economic agreements, including a $142 billion arms deal as part of a broader $600 billion commercial package with Saudi Arabia, marking it as the largest defense sales agreement in history [3][4] - Saudi Arabia is the largest U.S. foreign military sales customer, with nearly 80% of its defense acquisitions sourced from American companies, and spent over $80 billion on defense in 2024, making it the seventh-largest military spender globally [4] - Global defense spending reached a record $2.7 trillion in 2024, reflecting a 9.4% year-over-year increase, the highest rise since at least 1988, indicating a trend of increasing military budgets across all regions [13][14] Group 2: AI and Semiconductor Investments - The emergence of AI and semiconductors as critical assets in defense was highlighted, with Saudi Arabia launching a multibillion-dollar initiative called HUMAIN to build an "AI Zone" in partnership with Amazon Web Services, utilizing American semiconductors [6][7] - NVIDIA is expected to supply at least 18,000 chips for the HUMAIN project, with potential future orders reaching several hundred thousand, while the UAE is negotiating for over a million NVIDIA chips to enhance its AI infrastructure [8] - Saudi Arabia's AI investments could generate $3 to $5 billion in annual chip sales, with long-term infrastructure spending estimated at $15 to $20 billion, positioning sovereign AI as a rapidly growing segment within the $450 billion AI infrastructure market [9] Group 3: Aerospace Industry Developments - Boeing secured its largest-ever widebody aircraft deal with Qatar Airways, valued at $96 billion for up to 210 American-made jets, emphasizing the strategic importance of aviation in economic and national security [10][11] - Commercial aircraft deals often include co-production agreements and maintenance support, which enhance soft power and reinforce the industrial base [11] Group 4: Broader Investment Opportunities - The trends in defense spending, AI infrastructure, and aerospace manufacturing present growing investment opportunities across multiple sectors, including defense contractors, semiconductor makers, and AI infrastructure providers [15]

Core Viewpoint - U.S. Global Investors, Inc. has successfully listed its gold-focused ETF, the U.S. Global GO GOLD and Precious Metal Miners ETF (GOAU), on the Bolsa de Valores de Colombia, enhancing its accessibility for Colombian investors and expanding its presence in Latin America [1][2][3] Company Overview - U.S. Global Investors, Inc. is a boutique investment firm specializing in precious metals and emerging markets, with over 50 years of history [7] - The company is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, and provides money management and other services to various funds and ETFs [7] ETF Details - GOAU offers exposure to companies involved in the production of gold and other precious metals through mining or royalty agreements [2][3] - The ETF is already listed in New York, Mexico, and Peru, and its addition to the BVC increases its visibility across Latin America [2] - GOAU is the only non-UCITS ETF listed on the BVC that provides access to gold and precious metals mining companies [3] Investment Strategy - The GoGold ETF employs a smart-factor, rules-based investment strategy that combines passive investing efficiency with active management selectivity [5] - It tracks the U.S. Global GO GOLD and Precious Metal Miners Index, which screens companies based on valuation, profitability, and balance sheet quality [5][13] - Unlike traditional gold mining funds, GOAU focuses on high-quality, well-managed companies with consistent profitability, particularly North American royalty and streaming companies [6] Market Context - The listing of GOAU on the BVC is seen as timely due to the growing sophistication of Colombia's capital markets and increasing demand for diversified investment options amid economic uncertainty and geopolitical instability [3] - As of May 2025, only two gold-related ETFs are listed on the BVC, highlighting the unique position of GOAU in the Colombian market [3]

Trade Dynamics - A significant slowdown in trade between the U.S. and China is developing into a potential supply shock, driven by new tariffs as high as 145% imposed by President Trump [1][4] - Flexport reports that shipping capacity from China to the U.S. is being reduced at a faster rate than during the pandemic, indicating a shift in logistics patterns [3] - Container ship bookings from China to the U.S. have sharply declined, with only 90,831 TEUs recorded for the week ending April 21, nearly half the volume from the previous year [4] Economic Outlook - Economists are warning of a potential recession as early as summer, with real GDP contracting slightly in the first quarter, marking the first decline since the pandemic [7] - The International Monetary Fund has reduced its U.S. growth forecast for 2025 by nearly 1%, now projecting a growth of only 1.8% for the current year [7] Employment Impact - Layoffs in the trucking and retail sectors are anticipated by late May or early June due to collapsing shipping demand, with reports of 1,800 freight-related job cuts already occurring across several states [6] - The Port of Los Angeles has noted that import-export activities with China are currently very limited, further exacerbating the employment situation [5] Inventory Concerns - There is uncertainty regarding inventory levels for back-to-school and holiday sales, with Flexport indicating that it could take weeks for trade to normalize and goods to be restocked [8] - The Toy Association warns that Christmas 2025 could be at risk, as nearly 80% of toys sold in the U.S. are manufactured in China, and many small to mid-sized toy companies may face closure without immediate relief from tariffs [9] Long-Term Industrial Changes - The administration's protectionist trade policies are expected to encourage manufacturers to return to the U.S., with several companies announcing plans to invest and expand domestically [11][12] - Manufacturing's share of the U.S. economy has declined from about 25% in the 1950s to below 10% currently, highlighting the long-term shifts in industrial dynamics [12] Investment Strategies - Gold is identified as a safe haven asset for investors amid economic and financial turmoil related to trade policies, with significant inflows into gold-backed ETFs and a year-to-date price increase of 25.3% through April [13][14] - The demand for gold is expected to continue rising as long as tariffs remain in place, indicating potential further upside for the precious metal [14]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported assets under management of $1.4 billion for the quarter, with operating revenues of $2.1 million, reflecting a decrease of $490,000 or 19% from the same quarter last year [64][65] - The net loss for the quarter was $832,000, or $0.03 per share, which is an unfavorable change compared to a net loss of $35,000 in the same quarter of the previous fiscal year [67] - Operating expenses were $3 million, a decrease of $85,000 or 3%, primarily due to lower fund expenses [66] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The decrease in operating revenues was primarily attributed to declines in assets under management, particularly in the JET ETF [65] - Operational earnings consist of advisory services and other earnings, which include realized and unrealized gains and losses on investment holdings [65] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a significant apathy towards the airline industry despite strong performance from airlines like United, which was up 130% last year [18][36] - The gold mining stocks are trading at multiyear highs, yet there is a paradox where redemptions are occurring despite rising gold prices [40][42] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to increase exposure to the Bitcoin ecosystem and plans to deploy remaining capital back into Bitcoin and Hive, citing a unique growth opportunity [17][26] - The strategic buyback of stock is part of the company's two-pillar strategy to enhance shareholder value through increasing dividends and buying back stock [48][53] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the airline industry transitioning from a cyclical to a growth business, driven by increased travel demand post-COVID [23][20] - The company remains bullish on gold as an asset class, anticipating continued interest from central banks and a potential rise in gold prices due to modern monetary theory [30][34] Other Important Information - The company has maintained a strong balance sheet with high levels of cash and securities, and it has no long-term debt [67] - The current dividend yield is approximately 4.13%, with a total shareholder yield of 10.53% [50][53] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the company's outlook on the airline industry? - Management believes the airline industry will evolve into a growth business rather than remaining cyclical, supported by strong demand for travel [18][20] Question: How does the company view the current state of gold stocks? - Despite the paradox of rising gold prices and redemptions in gold stocks, management remains optimistic about the long-term potential of gold as a safe haven asset [40][42] Question: What are the company's plans regarding Bitcoin investments? - The company plans to increase its exposure to Bitcoin through a dollar-cost averaging program and investments in Hive shares, anticipating regulatory changes that will favor Bitcoin [26][17]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported assets under management of $1.4 billion and operating revenues of $2.1 million for the quarter, with a net loss of $832,000, translating to a loss of $0.03 per share, which is an unfavorable change compared to a net loss of $35,000 in the same quarter last year [65][68] - Operating revenues decreased by $490,000 or 19% from $2.6 million in the same quarter last year, primarily due to decreases in assets under management, particularly in the JET ETF [66] - Operating expenses were $3 million, a decrease of $85,000 or 3%, mainly due to lower fund expenses [67] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The operational earnings consist of advisory services and other earnings, which are subject to market fluctuations [66] - The operating loss for the quarter was $893,000, an unfavorable change of $405,000 compared to the same quarter last year [67] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a significant decrease in assets under management, which impacted overall revenues [66] - Despite the challenges, the company maintains a strong balance sheet with high levels of cash and securities, and no long-term debt [68] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to create thematic products that are sustainable using a Smart Beta 2.0 strategy, which requires rigorous backtesting [13] - There is a strategic focus on increasing exposure to the Bitcoin ecosystem, with plans to deploy capital back into Bitcoin and Hive shares due to their growth potential [17][26] - The company is committed to stock buybacks and increasing dividends as part of its strategy to enhance shareholder value [49][51] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the airline industry transitioning from a cyclical to a growth business, citing strong performance from airlines like United [18][23] - There is a belief that gold will continue to perform well as a safe haven asset, especially with increasing central bank purchases and regulatory changes favoring physical gold [30][34] - The company acknowledges current market apathy but remains confident in the long-term growth potential of its products and strategies [45][59] Other Important Information - The company has been actively engaging with shareholders through various platforms, including social media and video content [70][73] - Upcoming participation in industry conferences to connect with potential shareholders and enhance market presence [71] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the outlook for the airline industry? - Management believes the airline industry will transition from being cyclical to a growth business, supported by strong demand and pricing power [18][23] Question: How does the company plan to address current market challenges? - The company plans to focus on stock buybacks and increasing dividends while maintaining a strong balance sheet to weather market volatility [49][51] Question: What is the company's stance on gold investments? - Management remains bullish on gold, citing its historical performance and the increasing interest from central banks as key factors for future growth [30][34]

Financial Performance & Strategy - U.S Global Investors reported average assets under management of $1.5 billion[106, 116] and operating revenues of $2.2 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2024[106, 116] - The company experienced a net loss of $86,000 for the quarter[116] - The company repurchased 236,731 class A shares for approximately $587,000 during the three months ended December 31, 2024[56] - U.S Global Investors has paid a monthly dividend of $0.0075 per share since June 2007, with a current yield of 3.67% based on a share price of $2.45 as of February 7, 2025[62, 63] Investment Products & Market Trends - U.S. Global Investors launched The U.S Global Technology and Aerospace & Defense ETF (NYSE: WAR) on December 30, 2024[78] - The U.S Global Jets ETF (JETS) outperformed the market and the Airlines Index in 2024, with a NAV Total Return of +33.21%[90] - The U.S Global GOLD and Precious Metal Miners ETF (GOAU) outperformed gold mining stocks in 2024, with a NAV Total Return of +13.66%[97, 98] - The U.S Global SEA ETF ended positive for 2024, with a NAV Total Return of 18.56%[100, 101] Shareholder Value - GROW shareholder yield is 10.06% compared to 5-Year Treasury Yield of 4.58% and 10-Year Treasury Yield of 4.38%[69]