Sprott(SII) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Assets under management (AUM) increased by $9 billion during the quarter, reaching $49.1 billion, a 23% increase from $40 billion as of June 30, and a 56% increase from $31.5 billion as of December 31, 2024 [3][6] - Net income for the quarter was $13.2 million, up 4% from $12.7 million year-over-year, while year-to-date net income was $38.6 million, up 3% from $37.6 million [7][10] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $31.9 million, a 54% increase from $20 million year-over-year, and year-to-date adjusted EBITDA was $79.3 million, up 26% from $62.8 million [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The managed equities business performed exceptionally well, with some strategies up more than 100% as of October 31 [4] - The physical trusts segment finished October at $39.4 billion, representing 76% of overall AUM, with year-to-date growth of $15.4 billion or 64% [12] - The ETF product suite saw AUM growth of 83% this year, with most ETFs exceeding break-even AUM levels [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced record high net flows in September, with the highest-ever monthly sales number achieved across 18 different funds [14] - The uranium market saw a price increase, with the term price reaching a multi-year high of $86, indicating strong demand [25] - The silver market experienced a dislocation, with significant trading activity and movement of physical silver between markets [55] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its suite of funds to include a broader range of metals and listing ETFs across multiple jurisdictions to attract institutional investors [14] - The strategic importance of critical material supply chains and energy security is emphasized, with the U.S. government ramping up interventions in critical materials markets [20] - The company aims to leverage the strengths of its investment team through actively managed ETFs, which are gaining popularity among investors [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the current environment is favorable for multiple metals, driven by geopolitical shifts and the demand for critical materials due to AI infrastructure build-out [13][20] - The company believes that gold is chronically under-owned among U.S. investors, suggesting potential for significant price increases with slight allocation adjustments [19] - The outlook for critical materials remains strong, with government initiatives aimed at securing supply and reducing reliance on foreign sources [20] Other Important Information - The board declared a third-quarter dividend of $0.40 per share, a 33% increase from the previous quarter [4][10] - The company announced the strengthening of its executive team with new appointments, signaling confidence in its leadership [5] Q&A Session Summary Question: Challenges in sourcing uranium material - Management indicated that sourcing uranium has been active, with 7 million pounds purchased in the spot market since late June, despite market tightness [24] Question: Impact of ETF growth on net flow volatility - Management explained that physical trusts are less volatile than mining stocks, and institutions typically start with physical allocations before moving to equities [28] Question: Flows in the quarter and institutional demand - Management noted that flows have been largely institutional-driven, with a mix of retail and institutional interest, and a growing trend of institutional allocations to the space [36] Question: Plans for cash on the balance sheet - Management expressed commitment to not building a money market fund, indicating plans for potential acquisitions and continued share buybacks [42] Question: Update on uranium trust inventory and U.S. origin material - Management clarified that a small percentage of uranium inventory is of U.S. origin, with ongoing discussions about a strategic uranium reserve by the U.S. government [52] Question: Insights on the physical silver market - Management provided insights into recent dislocations in the silver market, highlighting significant trading activity and the movement of silver between jurisdictions [55]