U.S. Global Investors(GROW) - 2026 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Quarterly average assets under management were $1.4 billion, operating revenues were $2.25 million, and net income was $1.5 million, showing a significant increase from the previous year [27][30] - Operating revenues increased by $94,000 or 4% from the same quarter last year, primarily due to increases in advisory and administrative fees for equity mutual funds [28] - Net income after taxes for the quarter increased by $1.2 million compared to the same quarter last fiscal year, reaching $1.5 million or $0.12 per share [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Operating expenses increased by $50,000 or 2%, mainly due to a $101,000 increase in employee compensation and a $52,000 increase in advertising expenses related to expanded ETF marketing efforts [29] - Other income for the quarter was $2.4 million compared to $995,000 in the prior year, primarily due to higher net investment income from unrealized gains [30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has maintained a strong balance sheet with approximately $24.6 million in cash and cash equivalents, and current investments totaling $9.7 million [31] - The current ratio stands at 20.5 to 1, indicating a strong liquidity position [31] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on creating thematic products using Smart Beta 2.0 strategy, which involves rigorous backtesting and active money management [8][14] - A two-pillar strategy is in place to enhance shareholder value through dividends and stock buybacks, with a current share repurchase program purchasing 159,074 Class A shares for approximately $400,000 [9][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the worst impacts from the election and tariff battles are hopefully behind, with a rebound in assets and investment income [11][13] - The company remains optimistic about the gold market, highlighting that gold has outperformed the S&P 500 and is seen as a strong diversifier in investment portfolios [20][21] Other Important Information - The company has paid a monthly dividend since June 2007, with a current yield of 3.46% at a share price of $2.60 [10] - The company is actively engaging with shareholders through various marketing channels, including YouTube and social media, to provide insights and updates [32][34] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the company's outlook on gold investments? - Management emphasized that gold has significantly outperformed the S&P 500 and is considered a crucial diversifier for investment portfolios, with recommendations to allocate 10%-15% in gold [20][21] Question: How is the company managing its stock buyback program? - The company utilizes an algorithm to buy back shares on flat and down days, believing the stock is undervalued, and aims to enhance shareholder value through this strategy [9][10]