Franco-Nevada Stock Hits 52-Week High: What's Aiding Its Performance?

Core Insights - Franco-Nevada Corporation (FNV) shares reached a new 52-week high of $186.12, closing at $185.10, driven by rising gold prices and strong Q2 2025 results [1][6] - The company has a market capitalization of $35.7 billion and holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) [1] - FNV shares have increased by 50.8% over the past year, slightly below the industry's growth of 52.3% [1] Gold Price Drivers - The increase in gold prices in 2025 is attributed to geopolitical tensions, a depreciating U.S. dollar, potential monetary policy easing, central bank purchases, and tariff conditions [3] - Gold prices surpassed $3,500 per ounce in April 2025 and are currently around $3,360, which is expected to positively impact Franco-Nevada's results in upcoming quarters [4] Q2 2025 Financial Performance - Franco-Nevada reported adjusted earnings of $1.24 per share for Q2 2025, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.10, marking a 65% year-over-year increase [4][6] - The company achieved record revenues of $369 million in Q2 2025, a 42% increase year-over-year, driven by high gold prices and contributions from Precious Metal assets [5][6] - Adjusted EBITDA surged 64.8% year-over-year to a record $366 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 99% compared to 85.3% in the prior year [7] Future Guidance - Franco-Nevada projects total Gold Equivalent Ounces (GEOs) for 2025 to be between 465,000 and 525,000, indicating a 7% increase at the midpoint from 2024 [10] - The company expects revenues in 2025 to be 25% higher than the 2024 actual figures [10] Acquisition Strategy - The company is diversifying its portfolio through acquisitions, including a $500 million precious metals stream from Sibanye-Stillwater's South African mines, expected to deliver over 45 years [11] - Recent acquisitions include a 0.625% royalty on the Urasar gold-copper project for $0.55 million and a 4.25% NSR royalty in Discovery Silver's Porcupine Complex for $300 million [12] - Franco-Nevada acquired a 1.0% net smelter return royalty on AngloGold Ashanti's Arthur Gold Project for $250 million, funded through cash and a $175 million draw from its credit facility [13] Financial Position - The company is debt-free, utilizing free cash flow for portfolio expansion and dividends [13] - As of Q2 2025, Franco-Nevada had available capital of $1.6 billion and $0.16 billion in cash [14]