Core Insights - Sandstorm Gold Ltd. (SAND) has entered into an agreement with Royal Gold, Inc. (RGLD) for the acquisition of all issued and outstanding common shares of Sandstorm at an implied value of approximately $3.5 billion [1][8] - The transaction is expected to provide Sandstorm shareholders with 0.0625 shares of Royal Gold for each Sandstorm share, representing a 21% premium to Sandstorm's 20-day volume-weighted average price as of July 3, 2025 [2][3][8] - The merger aims to enhance portfolio maturity and diversification, allowing Sandstorm shareholders to participate in a larger, diversified precious metals streaming and royalty company [3][4][8] Transaction Details - The acquisition is part of a broader strategy by Sandstorm to deliver consistent growth and value to its shareholders [2] - Royal Gold will benefit from Sandstorm's high-quality, long-life precious metals assets located in mining-friendly jurisdictions [4] - The transaction is anticipated to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, pending requisite approvals, leading to the delisting of Sandstorm and Horizon stocks from the TSX, NYSE, and TSX-V [4] Market Performance - Sandstorm's stock has increased by 85.3% over the past year, outperforming the industry average growth of 49.5% [6] - The current Zacks Rank for Sandstorm is 3 (Hold), indicating a neutral outlook [7]

Group 1 - Proactive provides fast, accessible, informative, and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience [2] - The company focuses on medium and small-cap markets while also covering blue-chip companies, commodities, and broader investment stories [3] - Proactive's news team delivers insights across various sectors including biotech, pharma, mining, natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto, and emerging technologies [3] Group 2 - Proactive is committed to adopting technology to enhance workflows and content production [4] - The company utilizes automation and software tools, including generative AI, while ensuring all content is edited and authored by humans [5]

Core Viewpoint - Sandstorm Gold Ltd. has entered into a definitive arrangement agreement with Royal Gold Inc. for an all-share transaction valued at approximately $3.5 billion, providing Sandstorm shareholders with a premium on their shares [1][24][25]. Transaction Details - Sandstorm shareholders will receive 0.0625 of a Royal Gold Share for each Sandstorm Share held, representing a 21% premium to the 20-day volume-weighted average price (VWAP) and a 17% premium to the closing price on July 3, 2025 [1][24]. - Royal Gold will issue approximately 19 million shares to Sandstorm shareholders, resulting in former Sandstorm shareholders owning about 23% of the issued Royal Gold Shares on a fully diluted basis [25]. Strategic Rationale - The transaction is expected to create significant value for Sandstorm shareholders by providing immediate premium and maintaining exposure to a high-quality, long-life portfolio [4][5]. - The merger aims to close the valuation gap between Sandstorm and mid-tier royalty peers, improve portfolio maturity, and enhance access to institutional investors [5][7]. Pro-Forma Royal Gold - Post-transaction, Royal Gold will have a diversified portfolio of 393 streams and royalties, with 80 cash-flowing assets and 47 in development, primarily focused on precious metals [8][9]. - The revenue mix for 2025 is projected to be approximately 87% from precious metals, with gold contributing about 75% of total revenue [9][10]. Key Producing Assets - Notable assets include Mount Milligan, Pueblo Viejo, and Cortez, which are expected to contribute significantly to Royal Gold's revenue through their respective production guidance [12][13][14]. - Mount Milligan is projected to produce 165,000–185,000 ounces of gold and 50–60 million pounds of copper in 2025 [12]. Key Development Assets - Development projects such as MARA, Hod Maden, and Platreef are expected to provide substantial organic production growth over the long term [19][20][22]. - MARA is anticipated to produce approximately 200,000 tonnes of copper equivalent per year with a mine life exceeding 20 years [19]. Board Recommendations - The Boards of Directors of Royal Gold and Sandstorm, along with a special committee of independent directors, have determined that the transactions are in the best interests of their respective companies [23]. Approval and Timing - The completion of the transactions is subject to shareholder approvals and regulatory conditions, with an expected closing in the fourth quarter of 2025 [34][27][30].

Market Overview - Wall Street is experiencing a rally due to easing tariff fears and optimism regarding a potential rate cut by the Federal Reserve in the near future [1][2] - The S&P 500 and Nasdaq reached new closing highs, with investors hopeful that a rate cut will further enhance stock performance [1] Trade Agreements - Recent trade deals between the United States and Vietnam, as well as with China and the United Kingdom, have positively influenced market sentiment [4][5] - Despite the positive news, uncertainties remain regarding the impact of new tariffs on the economy, as the White House has not provided clarity [6] Federal Reserve Outlook - Optimism surrounding an anticipated rate cut in July is contributing to the market rally, although Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell has maintained a hawkish stance [7] - Market participants are expecting two 25-basis-point rate cuts by the end of the year, but the lack of a clear timeline from the Federal Reserve may affect investor sentiment [7] Dividend-Paying Stocks - In light of market volatility, cautious investors may consider dividend-paying stocks for stable income and capital protection [3] - Three notable dividend-paying stocks include: - **Bank OZK**: Announced a dividend of $0.44 per share with a yield of 3.38%, having increased its dividend 21 times over the past five years [9][11] - **Lindsay Corporation**: Declared a dividend of $0.37 per share with a yield of 0.98%, having increased its dividend five times in five years [13][11] - **Sandstorm Gold Ltd.**: Announced a dividend of $0.02 per share with a yield of 0.59%, having raised its dividend seven times in five years [15][11]

Core Insights - The author has over 10 years of experience researching companies across various sectors, including commodities and technology, which provides valuable insights for readers [1] - The focus has shifted from writing a blog to creating a value investing-focused YouTube channel, where extensive research on hundreds of companies has been conducted [1] - The author expresses a particular interest in metals and mining stocks, while also being knowledgeable in other industries such as consumer discretionary, REITs, and utilities [1]

Group 1: Sandstorm Gold Ltd. Developments - Sandstorm Gold Ltd. is pleased to announce various developments and exploration highlights within its diversified stream and royalty portfolio [1] - The company holds a gold stream on the Santa Elena mine, allowing it to purchase 20% of the gold produced at Santa Elena for ongoing cash payments of $487 per ounce of gold [5] Group 2: First Majestic Silver Corp. Discoveries - First Majestic Silver Corp. has identified a significant gold-silver discovery on its Santa Elena property, specifically the Santo Niño vein, which has been traced over one kilometre along strike and 400 metres down-dip [2] - Exploration results from 14 drill intercepts at Santo Niño have returned significant gold and silver grades, with notable results including hole SE-25-15 intersecting 1.91 metres grading 8.38 g/t gold and 248 g/t silver [3] - The Santo Niño discovery complements ongoing success at the Navidad deposit, reinforcing Santa Elena's status as a prolific, district-scale system with substantial upside [4] Group 3: Lundin Gold Ltd. Drilling Program - Lundin Gold Ltd. has expanded its 2025 drilling program at the Fruta del Norte mine to at least 108,000 metres, marking the largest annual drill program ever completed on the land package [6] - High-grade intercepts from the conversion program at FDN South have confirmed the deposit's continuity and identified additional mineralized zones [7] - Sandstorm holds a 0.9% net smelter returns royalty on the precious metals produced at Fruta del Norte [11] Group 4: Entrée Resources Ltd. Drilling Results - Entrée Resources Ltd. has released additional analytical results from drilling on the Hugo North Extension at the Oyu Tolgoi mine, with highlights including a surface hole grading 2.30% copper and 1.45 g/t gold [12][13] - Sandstorm has a copper and precious metal stream with Entrée, allowing it to purchase 0.33% of the copper and 4.47% of the gold and silver produced at the HNE [15] Group 5: Awalé Resources Ltd. Drilling Campaign - Awalé Resources Ltd. is executing an 18,000-metre drill campaign at the Odienné project, with results confirming a broad gold-copper system extending over 1 kilometre of strike at the BBM Zone [19][20] - Sandstorm holds a 2.0% NSR royalty on the Odienné project [23] Group 6: Omai Gold Mines Corp. Drilling Results - Omai Gold Mines Corp. has completed 15,639 metres of drilling in 2025, surpassing the planned 15,000 metres, with results extending the known limits of gold mineralization at Wenot [24] - Sandstorm holds a 1.0% NSR royalty on the Omai gold mine [30] Group 7: Troilus Gold Corp. Drill Campaign - Troilus Gold Corp. released results from its 2025 drill campaign focused on identifying higher-grade mineralization within the Troilus project [31] - Sandstorm holds a 1.0% NSR royalty on the Troilus project [32]

Core Points - Sandstorm Gold Ltd. held its Annual General and Special Meeting of Shareholders on May 30, 2025, with 70% of issued common shares represented [1] - Shareholders voted in favor of all resolutions, including the re-election of all director nominees [1] Election of Directors - Nolan Watson received 174,714,604 votes (99.26% for) and 1,297,328 votes withheld (0.74% withheld) [2] - David Awram received 173,247,072 votes (98.43% for) and 2,764,861 votes withheld (1.57% withheld) [2] - David E. De Witt received 168,801,580 votes (95.90% for) and 7,210,352 votes withheld (4.10% withheld) [2] - Andrew T. Swarthout received 168,949,013 votes (95.99% for) and 7,062,919 votes withheld (4.01% withheld) [2] - John P.A. Budreski received 154,624,590 votes (87.85% for) and 21,387,342 votes withheld (12.15% withheld) [2] - Mary L. Little received 139,978,560 votes (79.53% for) and 36,033,373 votes withheld (20.47% withheld) [2] - Vera Kobalia received 172,613,405 votes (98.07% for) and 3,398,528 votes withheld (1.93% withheld) [2] - Elif Levesque received 145,709,384 votes (82.78% for) and 30,302,549 votes withheld (17.22% withheld) [2] Company Overview - Sandstorm Gold is a precious metals-focused royalty company that provides upfront financing to mining companies and receives a percentage of production from mines for their lifespan [4] - The company holds a portfolio of approximately 230 royalties, with 40 of the underlying mines currently producing [4] - Sandstorm aims to grow and diversify its low-cost production profile through the acquisition of additional gold royalties [4]

Core Viewpoint - Sandstorm Gold Ltd. has received updated voting recommendations from Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. (ISS) to support all management proposals regarding amendments to the company's share-based compensation program, which will be voted on at the upcoming Annual General and Special Meeting of Shareholders on May 30, 2025 [1]. Group 1 - ISS now recommends shareholders vote FOR all management proposals, including those it previously advised against [1]. - Glass, Lewis & Co. LLC has also recommended that shareholders vote FOR the management proposals related to the share-based compensation program [1]. - The proposals are detailed in the Company's Management Information Circular dated April 9, 2025 [1]. Group 2 - Sandstorm Gold is a precious metals-focused royalty company that provides upfront financing to mining companies and receives a percentage of production from mines for their operational life [3]. - The company holds a portfolio of approximately 230 royalties, with 40 of the underlying mines currently in production [3]. - Sandstorm aims to grow and diversify its low-cost production profile through the acquisition of additional gold royalties [3].

Core Viewpoint - Sandstorm Gold Ltd. is addressing voting recommendations from Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. (ISS) that miscalculated parameters related to proposed amendments to the Company's share-based compensation program, aiming to clarify and ensure accurate interpretation of these changes [1][2]. Summary by Sections Shareholder Proposals - ISS has recommended voting against three management proposals concerning the Company's Stock Option Plan and Restricted Share Plan, which were intended to align executive compensation with shareholder interests [2]. - The Company believes ISS's recommendations stem from a semantic misinterpretation of the proposed maximum limit of shares under the Share Plans [2]. Clarifying Amendments - The Clarifying Amendments state that, effective January 1, 2025, the total number of common shares issuable under the Share Plans will not exceed 6.0% of the total issued and outstanding shares [3]. - The previous proposal included a declining rate from 6.0% in 2025 to 5.5% in 2026 and 5.0% in 2027, which was misinterpreted as a cumulative limit rather than a non-cumulative declining rate [3]. Approval and Recommendations - The Toronto Stock Exchange and the Company's Board of Directors have conditionally approved the Clarifying Amendments, which are considered housekeeping in nature, thus not requiring shareholder approval at the upcoming Meeting [4]. - The Company advises shareholders to refer to the revised Share Plans filed on SEDAR+ for all matters related to the Share Plans and to disregard the versions in the Information Circular [4]. Additional Information - Shareholders can access the Information Circular and amended Share Plans through SEDAR+ or by contacting Investor Relations [5]. - Sandstorm Gold Royalties is a precious metals-focused royalty company with a portfolio of approximately 230 royalties, aiming to grow its low-cost production profile through additional acquisitions [7].

Core Viewpoint - Sandstorm Gold Ltd. reported strong financial results for Q1 2025, driven by high commodity prices, with record revenues and net income, alongside ongoing share buybacks and deleveraging efforts [2][7][12]. Financial Highlights - Record revenue of $50.1 million, up from $42.8 million in Q1 2024 [7][12]. - Production of 18,492 attributable gold equivalent ounces, down from 20,316 ounces in the same period last year [7][12]. - Cash flows from operating activities of $40.8 million, compared to $32.6 million in Q1 2024 [7][15]. - Net income of $11.3 million, a significant improvement from a net loss of $3.9 million in Q1 2024 [7][15]. Shareholder Returns - The company repurchased approximately 3.1 million common shares for $19.1 million during Q1 2025, with an additional 270,000 shares purchased for $2.0 million post-quarter [2][3]. - Sandstorm renewed its normal course issuer bid (NCIB) allowing for the purchase of up to 20 million common shares, indicating a strategic focus on share repurchases [3]. Deleveraging Efforts - The company made $15 million in net debt repayments during the quarter, with an additional $12 million repaid after the quarter ended [4]. - As of May 6, 2025, Sandstorm has an outstanding balance of $328 million on its revolving credit facility, with an undrawn balance of $297 million [4]. Production and Revenue Breakdown - Approximately 73% of gold equivalent production was from precious metals, 20% from copper, and 7% from other commodities [12]. - Revenue from precious metals was $34.8 million, copper revenue was $11.3 million, and other commodities contributed $4.0 million [13]. Project Developments - The Hod Maden joint venture is advancing with approved early-works capital investments of $60–$100 million for 2025 [5]. - Glencore is expected to submit an application for the MARA copper-gold project under Argentina's RIGI, which aims to support large investments [6][8]. Production Outlook - Attributable gold equivalent ounces are forecasted to be between 65,000 and 80,000 ounces in 2025, with long-term production expected to reach approximately 150,000 ounces by 2030 [11].