EX-99.2 3 tm2016525d3_ex99-2.htm EXHIBIT 99.2

 

Exhibit 99.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

Letter to Shareholders  2
Management's Discussion and Analysis  3
Management's Responsibility for Financial Reporting  28
Independent Auditors' Report  29
Consolidated Financial Statements  33
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements  37

 

 

 

 

February 27, 2019

 

Dear Shareholders,

 

The fourth quarter of 2018 was difficult for investors as trade tensions and growth fears caused steep declines in equity markets and led most major asset classes into negative territory for the year. Amid broadly negative returns for the year, gold and silver were rare outliers, admirably performing their traditional roles as safe havens and portfolio diversifiers, returning 8% and 7% respectively during the quarter. Early in 2019, the outlook for precious metals improved further when, after three years of gradual tightening, the Fed finally blinked by not raising rates at its January meeting and signaling patience going forward. We believe that precious metals and their related equities are now poised for a multi-year uptrend, triggered by a growing realization that the Fed’s tightening cycle is reaching its conclusion.

 

Due largely to the strong late-year performance of gold and silver, Sprott’s assets under management (“AUM”) increased by approximately $0.5 billion during the fourth quarter to close the year at $10.6 billion. Adjusted base EBITDA for the quarter was $10.1 million or $0.04 per share, up $2.6 million (34%) from the prior period. The increase in earnings was due to higher net fees generated on the acquired CFCL assets and newly called capital and higher co-investment income generated in our lending LPs. These increases were partially offset by lower contributions from our Canadian and U.S broker-dealers. For the year ended December 31, 2018, we reported adjusted base EBITDA of $40.5 million or $0.16 per share.

 

With approximately 90% of our AUM concentrated in precious metal-related investments, we are pleased with our positioning and continue to focus on using this specialty to achieve profitable long-term growth.

 

In recent years, we have remained true to our contrarian roots by investing in the business while others in the precious metals space have retreated. We have strengthened our management team with the appointment of Whitney George as President of Sprott and deepened our mining and portfolio management expertise with the addition of Dr. Neil Adshead at Sprott US. Looking ahead, we are focused on growing our business by increasing the scale of key units such as Private Lending and our Exchange-Listed products. We are also rebuilding our managed equities platform and recently took another step in this direction by launching a new joint venture with John Hathaway and the Tocqueville precious metals team.

 

At Sprott we are committed to being at the forefront of innovation in the precious metals sector and have made early stage investments in a number of digital gold platforms. With investor sentiment towards the sector improving, we believe these platforms could be poised for widespread adoption in the years ahead.

 

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to reporting to you on our progress throughout the year.

 

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Peter Grosskopf

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 2 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Management's Discussion and Analysis

 

Year ended December 31, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 3 

 

 

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

Certain statements in this Management's Discussion & Analysis ("MD&A"), and in particular the "Business Highlights and Growth Initiatives" section and "Outlook" subsection, contain forward-looking information (collectively referred to herein as the "Forward-Looking Statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words "expect", "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "may", "will", "project", "should", "believe", "plans", "intends" and similar expressions are intended to identify Forward-Looking Statements. In particular, but without limiting the forgoing, this MD&A contains Forward-Looking Statements pertaining to: (i) expectations regarding continued wind-down of balance sheet lending as we grow the AUM in our suite of lending LPs, including that balance sheet run-off will reach a conclusion by the end of 2019, leading to material increases in lending LP management fees in 2020 and onwards; (ii) expectations regarding deployment of capital called into our lending LPs in 2019; (iii) expectation that the strong finish to the price of gold in the year will carry forward to 2019; (iv) expectation that there will be a lower redemption experience for exchange listed products in 2019; (v) expectation that the average AUM for exchange listed products will likely be lower in 2019; (vi) expectation that, to the extent that loan repayments outpace capital deployments, declines in 2019 interest income could outpace increases in management fees from our lending LPs; (vii) anticipation that earnings from the alternative asset management business will be relatively flat to slightly positive year-over-year; (viii) expectation that equity origination and placement fee activities will continue to come under pressure in 2019 as it did in 2018; (ix) expectation that we will see a material decrease in compensation expense in 2019 and the primary reasons causing such decrease as described under the heading “Outlook - Corporate”; (x) our belief that management fees and interest income will continue to be sufficient to satisfy ongoing operating needs and that we hold sufficient cash and liquid securities to meet any other operating and capital requirements; and (xi) the declaration, payment and designation of dividends.

 

Although the Company believes that the Forward-Looking Statements are reasonable, they are not guarantees of future results, performance or achievements. A number of factors or assumptions have been used to develop the Forward-Looking Statements, including: (i) the impact of increasing competition in each business in which the Company operates will not be material; (ii) quality management will be available; (iii) the effects of regulation and tax laws of governmental agencies will be consistent with the current environment; and (iv) those assumptions disclosed herein under the heading "Significant Accounting Judgments, Estimates and Changes in Accounting Policies". Actual results, performance or achievements could vary materially from those expressed or implied by the Forward-Looking Statements should assumptions underlying the Forward-Looking Statements prove incorrect or should one or more risks or other factors materialize, including: (i) difficult market conditions; (ii) poor investment performance; (iii) failure to continue to retain and attract quality staff; (iv) employee errors or misconduct resulting in regulatory sanctions or reputational harm; (v) performance fee fluctuations; (vi) a business segment or another counterparty failing to pay its financial obligation; (vii) failure of the Company to meet its demand for cash or fund obligations as they come due; (viii) changes in the investment management industry; (ix) failure to implement effective information security policies, procedures and capabilities; (x) lack of investment opportunities; (xi) risks related to regulatory compliance; (xii) failure to manage risks appropriately; (xiii) failure to deal appropriately with conflicts of interest; (xiv) competitive pressures; (xv) corporate growth which may be difficult to sustain and may place significant demands on existing administrative, operational and financial resources; (xvi) failure to comply with privacy laws; (xvii) failure to successfully implement succession planning; (xviii) foreign exchange risk relating to the relative value of the U.S. dollar; (xix) litigation risk; (xx) failure to develop effective business resiliency plans; (xxi) failure to obtain or maintain sufficient insurance coverage on favourable economic terms; (xxii) historical financial information being not necessarily indicative of future performance; (xxiii) the market price of common shares of the Company may fluctuate widely and rapidly; (xxiv) risks relating to the Company’s investment products; (xxv) risks relating to the Company's proprietary investments; (xxvi) risks relating to the Company's lending business; (xxvii) risks relating to the Company’s merchant bank and advisory business; (xxviii) those risks described under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company’s annual information form dated February 27, 2019; and (xxix) those risks described under the headings "Managing Risk: Financial" and "Managing Risk: Non-Financial" in this MD&A. In addition, the payment of dividends is not guaranteed and the amount and timing of any dividends payable by the Company will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors of the Company and will be established on the basis of the Company’s earnings, the satisfaction of solvency tests imposed by applicable corporate law for the declaration and payment of dividends, and other relevant factors. The Forward-Looking Statements speak only as of the date hereof, unless otherwise specifically noted, and the Company does not assume any obligation to publicly update any Forward-Looking Statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be expressly required by applicable Canadian securities laws.

 

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

This MD&A of financial condition and results of operations, dated February 27, 2019, presents an analysis of the consolidated financial condition of the Company and its subsidiaries as at December 31, 2018, compared with December 31, 2017, and the consolidated results of operations for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2018, compared with the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2017. The Board of Directors approved this MD&A on February 27, 2019. All note references in this MD&A are to the notes to the Company's December 31, 2018 audited consolidated financial statements ("financial statements"), unless otherwise noted. The Company was incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) on February 13, 2008.

 

PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

The financial statements, including the required comparative information, have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"), as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB"). Financial results, including related historical comparatives contained in this MD&A, unless otherwise specified herein, are based on the financial statements. The Canadian dollar is the Company's functional and reporting currency for purposes of preparing the financial statements given that the Company conducts most of its operations in that currency. Accordingly, all dollar references in this MD&A are in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise specified. The use of the term "prior period" refers to the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2017.

 

 

 

 4 

 

 

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (NON-IFRS FINANCIAL MEASURES)

 

The Company measures the success of its business using a number of key performance indicators that are not measurements in accordance with IFRS and should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss) or any other measure of performance under IFRS. Non-IFRS financial measures do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Our key performance indicators include:

 

Assets Under Management

 

Assets Under Management ("AUM") refers to the total net assets managed by the Company through its various investment product offerings, managed accounts and managed companies.

 

Net Sales & Capital Calls

 

Sales and capital calls, net of redemptions and distributions, are key performance indicators as the amount of new net assets being added to the total AUM of the Company will lead to higher management fees and can potentially lead to increased carried interest and performance fee generation given that AUM is also the basis upon which carried interest and performance fees are calculated.

 

Net Fees

 

Management fees, carried interest and performance fees, net of trailer fees, sub-advisor fees, carried interest and performance fee payouts, is a key revenue indicator as it represents the net revenue contribution after directly associated costs that we generate from our AUM.

 

Net Commissions

 

Commissions, net of commission expenses, arise from the transaction based service offerings of our Canadian and U.S broker-dealers.

 

 

 

 5 

 

 

EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted base EBITDA

 

EBITDA in its most basic form is defined as earnings before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. EBITDA is a measure commonly used in the investment industry by management, investors and investment analysts in understanding and comparing results by factoring out the impact of different financing methods, capital structures, amortization techniques and income tax rates between companies in the same industry. While other companies, investors or investment analysts may not utilize the same method of calculating EBITDA (or adjustments thereto), the Company believes its adjusted base EBITDA metric, in particular, results in a better comparison of the Company's underlying operations against its peers.

 

Neither EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA or adjusted base EBITDA have standardized meaning under IFRS. Consequently, they should not be considered in isolation, nor should they be used in substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS.

 

The following table outlines how our EBITDA measures are determined:

 

   3 months ended   12 months ended 
(in thousands $)  Dec. 31, 2018   Dec. 31, 2017   Dec. 31, 2018   Dec. 31, 2017 
Net income (loss) for the periods   9,831    2,519    31,379    37,532 
Adjustments:                    
Interest expense   312    22    419    201 
Provision (recovery) for income taxes   3,383    (1,234)   1,278    5,774 
Depreciation and amortization   598    1,386    2,199    6,427 
EBITDA   14,124    2,693    35,275    49,934 
                     
Other adjustments:                    
(Gains) losses on proprietary investments   (3,912)   63    5,782    5,189 
(Gains) losses on foreign exchange   (2,026)   (340)   (2,310)   7,412 
Non-cash stock-based compensation   1,738    1,275    5,199    1,662 
Net proceeds from Sale Transaction       915    (4,200)   (31,691)
Unamortized placement fees   (279)   349    (1,093)   5,057 
Other expenses(1)   447    3,886    2,746    4,788 
Adjusted EBITDA   10,092    8,841    41,399    42,351 
                     
Other adjustments:                    
Carried interest and performance fees       (3,584)   (1,802)   (4,676)
Carried interest and performance fee related expenses       2,267    915    2,489 
Adjusted base EBITDA   10,092    7,524    40,512    40,164 

 

(1) See Other Expenses in Note 7 of the financial statements. In addition to the items outlined in Note 7, Other also includes severance accruals of $Nil for the 3 months ended (2017 - $2.2 million) and $0.5 million for the 12 months ended (2017 - $2.5 million).

 

 

 

 6 

 

 

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

 

Our reportable operating segments are as follows:

             * These reportable operating segments substantially form our "Private Resource Investments" Platform. Previously, we separately disclosed the results of our Consulting segment.

 

Exchange Listed Products

 

The Company's closed-end physical trusts and exchange traded funds ("ETFs").

 

Alternative Asset Management

 

The Company's alternative investment strategies and sub-advised products.

 

Global

 

The Company's U.S operations, including: 1) fixed-term limited partnership vehicles, 2) discretionary managed accounts; and 3) U.S.-based broker-dealer.

 

Lending

 

The Company's lending activities occur through limited partnership vehicles ("lending LPs"). Balance sheet lending continues to wind-down as we grow the AUM in our suite of lending LPs.

 

Merchant Banking & Advisory Services

 

The Company's Canadian merchant banking and advisory services activities through Sprott Capital Partners ("SCP"), a division of Sprott Private Wealth LP ("SPW").

 

Corporate

 

Provides the Company's various operating segments with capital, balance sheet management and other shared services.

 

All Other Segments

 

Given its immateriality relative to the three quantitative tests of IFRS 8, effective Q1 2018, the Consulting segment no longer met the definition of a reportable segment. Consequently, this segment is now included as part of "All Other Segments" in Note 14 of the financial statements. Consulting is the only segment in this category as all other Company segments are reportable.

 

For a detailed account of the underlying principal subsidiaries within our reportable business segments, refer to the Company's Annual Information Form and Note 2 of the financial statements.

 

 

 

 7 

 

 

BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS AND GROWTH INITIATIVES

 

Investment Performance

 

Market value appreciation was $929 million during the quarter, and on a full year basis was down $16 million. Strong precious metals prices in the fourth quarter offset a significant amount of market value depreciation experienced earlier in the year.

 

Product and Business Line Expansion

 

AUM in our lending LPs stood at $498 million (US$365 million) as of December 31, 2018. This was due to $246 million (US$164 million) of new capital calls into our lending LPs (net of capital distributions) during the year. Subsequent to year-end, total uncalled capital (i.e. committed but not yet called into our lending LPs) stood at $965 million (US$707 million). The $625 million (US$449 million) increase from September 30, 2018 was primarily due to the December and January closings of an additional $590 million (US$432 million) in capital commitments.

 

On January 29, 2018, the Company completed the sale of its non-core private wealth client business (together with the August 1, 2017 sale of its non-core Canadian diversified funds business, referred to as the "Sale Transaction").

 

On January 16, 2018, the Company successfully closed on the acquisition of Central Fund of Canada Limited ("CFCL") for $120 million, plus a contingent earn-out. This transaction added $4.3 billion to Company AUM at the time. Upon closing, the assets of CFCL were transfered to the Sprott Physical Gold & Silver Trust ("CEF").

 

Outlook

 

Exchange Listed Products

We expect the strong finish to the price of gold in the year to carry forward to 2019, however, the benefit of higher gold prices will be somewhat offset by starting 2019 with a lower AUM base given our 2018 redemption experience (15% of acquired CFCL assets).

 

Lending

We expect a relatively steady deployment of called capital (AUM growth) into our lending LPs in 2019, ranging from US$200 million - US$400 million by end of that year. Over that same time period, we expect our legacy balance sheet loans to continue running off at about the same pace it has historically. However, to the extent that loan repayments outpace capital deployments, declines in 2019 interest income could outpace increases in 2019 management fees from our lending LPs. We anticipate the balance sheet run-off to reach a conclusion by end of 2019.

 

Alternative Asset Management

We anticipate earnings from this business to be relatively flat to slightly positive year-over-year.

 

Canadian & U.S. broker-dealer businesses

We expect the pace of equity origination and placement fee activity to be similar in 2019 to what it was in 2018.

 

Corporate

We expect to see a material decrease in corporate expenses in 2019, primarily due to: (1) lower LTIP amortization as the graded vesting schedule of the 2017 grants reach the low points of the amortization schedule; and (2) slightly flat to lower SG&A as we continue our cost containment efforts.

 

 

 

 8 

 

 

SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

(In thousands $)  Q4
2018
  Q3
2018
  Q2
2018
  Q1
2018
  Q4
2017
  Q3
2017
  Q2
2017
  Q1
2017
 
SUMMARY INCOME STATEMENT                                 
Management fees   13,182   13,722   14,559   14,056   10,247   13,597   20,460   20,677 
Carried interest and performance fees         685   1,117   3,584   835   126   131 
less: Trailer fees   38   45   49   47   225   617   2,762   2,944 
less: Sub-advisor fees                  426   1,124   1,060 
less: Carried interest and performance fee payouts         356   559   2,267      12   16 
Net Fees   13,144   13,677   14,839   14,567   11,339   13,389   16,688   16,788 
Commissions   6,414   4,573   7,516   8,857   7,366   4,746   8,878   8,200 
less: Commission expense   2,704   2,447   2,701   3,667   2,855   1,553   3,364   3,208 
Net Commissions   3,710   2,126   4,815   5,190   4,511   3,193   5,514   4,992 
Interest income   4,244   4,824   3,293   2,775   3,588   2,789   3,387   5,829 
Gains (losses) on proprietary investments   3,912   (4,765)  (3,050)  (1,879)  (63)  (3,770)  613   (1,969)
Gains (losses) on long-term investments   3,007   (151)  (72)  56   3,639          
Other income (loss)   2,453   (275)  3,683   6,533   1,144   31,487   (2,648)  1,338 
Total Net Revenues   30,470   15,436   23,508   27,242   24,158   47,088   23,554   26,978 
                                  
Compensation (1)   11,163   8,167   10,634   9,485   10,631   5,655   11,784   12,461 
Compensation - severance accruals   38   359      149   2,193   62   196   1 
Placement and referral fees   368   223   148   204   833   782   4,628   68 
Selling, general and administrative   4,483   3,430   4,920   4,652   5,761   5,208   6,163   6,566 
Expected credit loss provisions (recoveries) (2)                        (4,942)
Amortization and impairment charges   598   457   456   688   1,386   1,473   1,778   1,790 
Other expenses   606   790   802   1,179   2,069   703   289   934 
Total Expenses   17,256   13,426   16,960   16,357   22,873   13,883   24,838   16,878 
                                  
Net Income (Loss)   9,831   1,975   5,916   13,657   2,519   29,804   (3,606)  8,815 
Net Income (Loss) per share   0.04   0.01   0.02   0.06   0.01   0.12   (0.01)  0.04 
Adjusted base EBITDA   10,092   9,707   10,686   10,027   7,524   8,007   8,751   15,882 
Adjusted base EBITDA per share   0.04   0.04   0.04   0.04   0.03   0.03   0.04   0.06 
                                  
SUMMARY BALANCE SHEET                                 
Total Assets   428,215   401,366   403,985   407,177   409,849   408,093   387,636   426,647 
Total Liabilities   55,094   36,486   36,372   42,417   65,985   61,707   62,925   64,113 
Cash   47,252   41,452   37,974   52,097   156,120   152,952   96,572   113,882 
less: syndicate cash holdings   (10,421)  (967)  (796)  (932)  (776)  (649)  (477)  (3,838)
Net cash   36,831   40,485   37,178   51,165   155,344   152,303   96,095   110,044 
Proprietary and long-term investments   129,271   115,744   120,853   96,352   114,327   134,306   137,505   156,097 
less: obligations related to securities sold short   (255)     (2,927)  (8,543)  (24,993)  (25,988)  (26,577)  (30,157)
Net investments   129,016   115,744   117,926   87,809   89,334   108,318   110,928   125,940 
Loans receivable   36,021   36,532   40,208   50,467   48,673   46,215   67,804   73,336 
Investable Capital   201,868   192,761   195,312   189,441   293,351   306,836   274,827   309,320 
                                  
ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT                                 
Exchange Listed Products   8,164,136   7,560,651   8,530,082   9,014,378   4,634,068   4,539,751   4,591,479   4,758,403 
Alternative Asset Management   799,942   868,003   1,009,007   1,054,745   1,115,114   1,177,214   3,323,611   3,529,068 
Private Resource Investments (3)   1,614,348   1,637,458   1,586,953   1,522,090   1,574,200   1,474,547   1,391,367   1,404,955 
Total Enterprise AUM   10,578,426   10,066,112   11,126,042   11,591,213   7,323,382   7,191,512   9,306,457   9,692,426 

 

(1) Compensation includes stock-based compensation, but excludes commission expense, carried interest and performance fee payouts, which are reported net of commission revenue, carried interest and performance fees, respectively.

 

(2) Starting Q1, 2018, in order to comply with the new IFRS 9 accounting standard, an expected loss model was used. In the periods prior to Jan 1, 2018, an incurred loss model was used as per IAS 39. See Changes in accounting policies in Note 2 of the annual financial statements.

 

(3) Primarily includes the AUM of our Consulting, Global and Lending segments.

 

 

 

 9 

 

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

AUM SUMMARY

 

AUM was $10.6 billion as at December 31, 2018, up $0.5 billion (5%) from September 30, 2018 and up $3.3 billion (44%) from December 31, 2017. The increase on a three months ended basis was primarily due to higher precious metal prices in our physical trusts net of redemptions. The increase on a full year basis was primarily due to the successful acquisition of CFCL and higher capital calls activity (AUM) in our lending LPs. These increases more than offset the redemption activity in our physical trusts and sub-advised product offerings.    

 

3 months results

 

In millions $   AUM
Sept. 30, 2018
  Net Sales 
& Capital Calls
      Market
Value Change
  Distributions, Acquisitions 
& Divestitures
      AUM
Dec. 31, 2018
Exchange Listed Products                                  
- Physical Trusts     7,320     (300 )(1)       907           7,927
- ETFs     241     (41 )       37           237
      7,561     (341 )       944           8,164
Alternative Asset Management                                    
- In-house     376             (30 )   (51 )     295
- Sub-advised     492     (3 )       16         505
      868     (3 )       (14 )   (51 )   800
Private Resource Investments                                    
- Managed Companies     595             11           606
- Private Resource Lending LPs     493     35         27     (57 )(2)     498
- Fixed Term LPs     270             (27 )         243
- Separately Managed Accounts     279             (12 )         267
      1,637     35         (1 )   (57 )     1,614
Total     10,066     (309 )       929     (108 )     10,578

 

 

(1) Total CFCL units acquired on January 16, 2018 were 252 million. For the 3 months ended December 31, 2018, 9 million units ($139 million or 4%) were redeemed.

 

(2) Distributions of principal receipts to clients of our lending LPs.

 

12 months results

 

In millions $   AUM
Dec. 31, 2017
  Net Sales
& Capital Calls
      Market
Value Change
  Distributions, Acquisitions
& Divestitures
      AUM
Dec. 31, 2018
Exchange Listed Products                                
- Physical Trusts     4,200     (883 )(1)       273     4,337       7,927
- ETFs     434     (131     (66 )         237
      4,634     (1,014 )       207     4,337       8,164
Alternative Asset Management                                    
- In-house     405     (10 )       (49 )   (51 )     295
- Sub-advised     710     (92 )       (113 )         505
      1,115     (102 )       (162 )   (51 )     800
Private Resource Investments                                    
- Managed Companies     706             (2 )   (98 )     606
- Private Resource Lending LPs     252     320         47     (121 )(2)     498
- Fixed Term LPs     308             (65 )         243
- Separately Managed Accounts     308             (41 )         267
      1,574     320         (61 )   (219 )     1,614
Total     7,323     (796 )       (16 )   4,067       10,578

 

(1) Total CFCL units acquired on January 16, 2018 were 252 million. For the 12 months ended December 31, 2018, 37 million units ($616 million or 15%) were redeemed.

 

(2) Distributions of principal receipts to clients of our lending LPs.

 

 

 

 10 

 

 

MANAGEMENT FEES BREAKDOWN

 

Below is a detailed list of management fee rates on our fund products as at December 31, 2018 (in thousands $):

FUND  AUM  

BLENDED NET
MANAGEMENT
FEE RATE

  

CARRIED INTEREST AND PERFORMANCE

FEE CRITERIA

Exchange Listed Products             
Sprott Physical Gold and Silver Trust   3,830,912    0.40%  N/A (1)
Sprott Physical Gold Trust   2,763,268    0.35%  N/A (1)
Sprott Physical Silver Trust   1,194,220    0.45%  N/A (1)
Sprott Gold Miner's ETF   179,440    0.57%  N/A (1)
Sprott Physical Platinum & Palladium Trust   138,562    0.50%  N/A (1)
Sprott Jr. Gold Miner's ETF   57,734    0.57%  N/A (1)
              
Total   8,164,136    0.40%   
              
Alternative Asset Management: In-house             
Sprott U.S. Value Strategies   248,570    1.00%  15% of all net profits in excess of the HWM
Separately Managed Accounts (2)   45,970    1.00%  N/A
              
Total   294,540    1.00%   
              
Alternative Asset Management: Sub-advised             
Bullion Funds (3)   311,261    0.51%  10% excess over applicable benchmark indices
Corporate Class Funds (3)   106,789    0.75%  10% excess over applicable benchmark indices
Flow-through LPs (3)   87,352    0.70%  20% of all net profits in excess of the HWM
              
Total   505,402    0.59%   
              
Private Resource Investments             
Managed Companies (4)   605,598    0.50%  N/A
Sprott Private Resource Lending LPs   498,231    1.23%  15-70% of net profits over guaranteed return
Separately Managed Accounts (5)   267,068    0.61%  20% of net profits over guaranteed return
Fixed Term Limited Partnerships   243,451    1.70%  15-30% over guaranteed return
              
Total   1,614,348    0.92%   
              
Total AUM   10,578,426    0.51%   

 

(1) Exchange listed products do not attract performance fees, however the management fees they generate are closely correlated to precious metals prices.

 

(2) Institutional managed accounts.

 

(3) Management fee rate represents the net amount received by the Company as sub-advisor for these products.

 

(4) Includes Sprott Resource Holdings Inc. and Sprott Korea Corp.

 

(5) Includes our private equity strategy in Sprott Asia and high net worth discretionary managed accounts in the U.S.

 

 

 

 11 

 

 

KEY REVENUE LINES

 

Net Fees in the quarter were $13.1 million, up $1.8 million (16%) from the prior period and were $56.2 million on a full year basis, down $2.0 million (3%). The increase on a three months ended basis was due to management fee generation on the newly acquired CFCL assets in our Exchange Listed Products platform. We also experienced increased fee generation from our lending LPs as we continue to deploy called capital as fee earning AUM. On a full year basis, excluding net fees that were earned last year on the diversified assets sold as part of the Sale Transaction, Net Fees were up $14.9 million (36%). The increase on a normalized basis was due to management fee generation on the newly acquired CFCL assets in our Exchange Listed Products platform. We also experienced increased fee generation from our lending LPs as we continue to deploy called capital as fee earning AUM.

 

 

(1) Excludes fees generated from the non-core assets sold in August 2017.

 

Interest Income in the quarter was $4.2 million, up $0.7 million (18%) from the prior period and was $15.1 million on a full year basis, down $0.5 million (3%). The increase on a three months ended basis was primarily due to increased co-investments in our lending LPs. Excluding last year's impact of catch-up interest recorded on a previously impaired loan, interest income on a full year basis was up $2.2 million (17%). The full year increase on a normalized basis was primarily due to the early settlement of loans and income generation from our co-investments in lending LPs.

 

 

(1) $965 million (US$707 million) of committed capital remains uncalled (future AUM).

 

Net Commissions in the quarter were $3.7 million, down $0.8 million (18%) from the prior period and were $15.8 million on a full year basis, down $2.4 million (13%). The decline was due to lower equity origination and placement activities in both our Canadian and U.S broker-dealers.

 

 

 

 12 

 

 

KEY EXPENSE LINES

 

Compensation, excluding commissions, carried interest and performance fee payouts, which are presented net of their related revenues in this MD&A, and severance accruals which are non-recurring, was $11.2 million, up $0.5 million (5%) from the prior period and was $39.4 million on a full year basis, which was down $1.1 million (3%).The increase on a three months ended basis was mainly due to year-end incentive accrual true-ups. The decrease on a full year basis was primarily due to lower head count as a result of last year's Sale Transaction which more than offset the higher equity amortization.

 

 

SG&A was $4.5 million in the quarter, down $1.3 million (22%) from the prior period and was $17.5 million on a full year basis, down $6.2 million (26%). This was largely due to lower rent, marketing, sales, professional fees, technology and fund operating expenses as a result of last year's Sale Transaction, and to a lesser extent, our on-going cost containment program.

 

ADDITIONAL REVENUE AND EXPENSE HIGHLIGHTS

 

Proprietary investments gains during the quarter and losses on a full year basis were due to market value movements of certain resource equity holdings and bullion investments.

 

Gains on long-term investments were due to market value appreciation of our strategic long-term investments.

 

Other income was higher in the quarter and lower on a full year basis. The increase in the quarter was mainly from foreign exchange gains on U.S dollar dominated cash, receivables and loans. The decrease on a full year basis was primarily due to net sales proceeds received on last year's Sale Transaction in the prior period.

 

Placement and referral fees were lower in the quarter and on a full year basis due to less usage of placement agents in our lending business.

 

Expected credit loss provisions ("ECL") were $Nil in the quarter, however on transition to IFRS 9 in the first quarter of this year, a Stage 1 ECL provision of $50 thousand was charged to opening retained earnings (December 31, 2017 - $Nil).

 

Amortization of intangibles was lower due to finite life fund management contracts in our Global segment being fully amortized in the first quarter of this year.

 

Amortization of property and equipment had a nominal increase on a three months ended basis and was flat on a full year basis.

 

Other expenses were lower in the quarter and on a full year basis, due to lower costs related to our energy assets.

 

 

 

 13 

 

 

Adjusted Base EBITDA

 

3 months results

 

Adjusted base EBITDA in the quarter was $10.1 million, up $2.6 million (34%) from the prior period. The increase in earnings was due to higher net fees generated on the newly acquired CFCL assets and newly called capital (AUM) and higher co-investment income generated in our lending LPs. These increases were partially offset by lower fees earned on U.S. based fixed-term LPs and lower net commissions due to lower equity origination and placement activities in both our Canadian and U.S broker-dealers.

 

 

12 months results

 

Adjusted base EBITDA on a full year basis was $40.5 million, up $0.3 million (1%). Excluding the impact of last year's Sale Transaction, catch-up interest and loan loss reversal, adjusted base EBITDA was up $13.7 million (51%). The increase in earnings on a normalized basis was due to higher net fees generated on the newly acquired CFCL assets and newly called capital (AUM) and higher co-investment income generated in our lending LPs. These increases were partially offset by lower fees earned on U.S. based fixed-term LPs and lower net commissions due to lower equity origination and placement activities in both our Canadian and U.S broker-dealers.

 

 

(1) Net of consolidation eliminations and non-reportable segments. See Note 14 of the annual financial statements.

(2) Excludes EBITDA generated in 2017 from: 1) non-core assets sold in our Alternative Asset Management segment; and 2) loan loss provision reversal and related catch-up interest in our Lending segment.

 

 

 

 14 

 

 

Balance Sheet

 

Investable Capital was $202 million, down $91 million (31%) from December 31, 2017. The decrease was primarily due to the purchase of CFCL assets in January of this year.

 

 

Total Assets were $428 million, up $18 million (4%) from December 31, 2017. The slight increase was primarily due to increased intangible assets attributable to the CFCL transaction, offset by the deployment of investable capital previously described.

 

Total Liabilities were $55 million, down $11 million (17%) from December 31, 2017. The decrease was largely due to lower obligations related to securities sold short as we unwind certain hedge positions in our proprietary investments.

 

Total Shareholder's Equity was $373 million, up $29 million (9%) from December 31, 2017. The increase was primarily due to the issuance of share capital on purchase of CFCL.

 

 

 

 15 

 

 

REPORTABLE OPERATING SEGMENTS

 

Exchange Listed Products

 

   3 months ended   12 months ended 
(In thousands $)  Dec. 31, 2018   Dec. 31, 2017   Dec. 31, 2018   Dec. 31, 2017 
SUMMARY INCOME STATEMENT                    
Management fees   7,511    4,672    32,652    18,579 
Other income (loss)   719    94    827    (595)
Total Revenues   8,230    4,766    33,479    17,984 
                     
Compensation   1,047    1,708    4,473    3,669 
Selling, general and administrative   802    588    3,295    2,655 
Amortization and impairment charges   316    340    1,259    1,369 
Other expenses           30     
Total Expenses   2,165    2,636    9,057    7,693 
                     
Net Income before income taxes   6,065    2,130    24,422    10,291 
Adjusted base EBITDA   5,675    2,376    24,924    12,255 
Total AUM   8,164,136    4,634,068    8,164,136    4,634,068 

 

3 and 12 months ended

 

Adjusted base EBITDA in the quarter was $5.7 million, up $3.3 million from the prior period and $24.9 million on a full year basis, up $12.7 million:

 

The increase was primarily due to higher management fees generated on new AUM from the CFCL acquisition. This increase was partially offset by higher compensation expense on a full year basis as a result of higher LTIP amortization.

 

Non-EBITDA highlights:

 

Other income during the quarter and on a full year basis was mainly driven by FX movements on U.S dollar dominated cash and receivables.

 

 

 

 16 

 

 

Alternative Asset Management

 

   3 months ended   12 months ended 
(In thousands $)  Dec. 31, 2018   Dec. 31, 2017   Dec. 31, 2018   Dec. 31, 2017 
SUMMARY INCOME STATEMENT                    
Management fees   1,596    2,078    7,199    32,901 
Carried interest and performance fees       3,584    1,061    4,676 
less: Trailer fees   38    40    179    7,594 
less: Sub-advisor fees               2,611 
less: Carried interest and performance fee payouts       2,267    559    2,295 
Net Fees   1,558    3,355    7,522    25,077 
Gains (losses) on proprietary investments       (34)   5    532 
Other income (loss)   359    (294)   878    34,833 
Total Net Revenues   1,917    3,027    8,405    60,442 
                     
Compensation   955    1,585    4,530    11,120 
Selling, general and administrative   641    1,810    1,949    8,030 
Amortization and impairment charges   72    37    275    1,105 
Other expenses       9    11    52 
Total Expenses   1,668    3,441    6,765    20,307 
                     
Net Income (Loss) before income taxes   249    (414)   1,640    40,135 
Adjusted base EBITDA   471    376    1,686    7,614 
Total AUM   799,942    1,115,114    799,942    1,115,114 

 

3 and 12 months ended

 

Adjusted base EBITDA in the quarter was $0.5 million, up $0.1 million (25%) from the prior period and was $1.7 million on a full year basis, down $5.9 million (78%). Excluding the impact of last year's Sale Transaction, adjusted base EBITDA was down $0.2 million (11%) on a full year basis primarily due to fund redemptions and market value depreciation.

 

Non-EBITDA highlights:

 

Other income increased during the quarter due to FX movements on U.S dollar dominated cash and receivables. However, Other income was lower on a full year basis due to net sales proceeds received on last year's Sale Transaction.

 

 

 

 17 

 

 

Global*

 

   3 months ended   12 months ended 
(In thousands $)  Dec. 31, 2018   Dec. 31, 2017   Dec. 31, 2018   Dec. 31, 2017 
SUMMARY INCOME STATEMENT                    
Management fees   1,426    1,804    6,429    7,097 
less: Sub-advisor fees   42    46    179    183 
Net Fees   1,384    1,758    6,250    6,914 
Commissions   2,298    1,632    9,685    11,487 
less: Commission expense   949    519    3,341    4,073 
Net Commissions   1,349    1,113    6,344    7,414 
Gains (losses) on proprietary investments   (565)   (242)   (730)   770 
Gains (losses) on long-term investments   (172)   199    (434)   199 
Other income (loss)   (144)   54    (400)   863 
Total Net Revenues   1,852    2,882    11,030    16,160 
                     
Compensation (1)   2,021    683    8,154    4,749 
Placement and referral fees   9    39    102    157 
Selling, general and administrative   1,121    1,120    4,316    4,430 
Amortization and impairment charges   22    990    328    3,849 
Other expenses   140    17    503    114 
Total Expenses   3,313    2,849    13,403    13,299 
                     
Net Income (Loss) before income taxes   (1,461)   33    (2,373)   2,861 
Adjusted base EBITDA   375    1,304    3,037    5,655 
Total AUM   396,698    474,550    396,698    474,550 

 

* This segment, along with our Lending segment substantially forms our "Private Resource Investments" platform.

 

(1) Compensation is presented excluding commission expense, which is reported net of commission revenue.

 

3 and 12 months ended

 

Adjusted base EBITDA in the quarter was $0.4 million, down $0.9 million (71%) from the prior period, and was $3.0 million on a full year basis, down $2.6 million (46%):

 

On a three months ended basis, lower EBITDA was due to lower net fee generation on lower AUM in fixed-term LP products.

 

On a full year basis, lower EBITDA was due to lower net commissions on reduced private placement activity in the U.S. broker-dealer portion of this segment, as well as lower net fee generation on lower AUM in fixed-term LPs as previously noted.

 

Non-EBITDA highlights:

 

Proprietary investment losses were due to market value depreciation on warrants and other equity kickers received in certain transactions of our U.S. broker-dealer.

 

Other losses were mainly driven by FX movements on Canadian dollar denominated cash and receivables.

 

Compensation increased due to higher restricted stock unit ("RSU") issuance.

 

Other expenses related primarily to non-recurring professional fees.

 

 

 

 18 

 

 

Lending*

 

   3 months ended   12 months ended 
(In thousands $)  Dec. 31, 2018   Dec. 31, 2017   Dec. 31, 2018   Dec. 31, 2017 
SUMMARY INCOME STATEMENT                    
Management fees   1,420    622    4,929    1,323 
Carried interest and performance fees           685     
less: Carried interest and performance fee payouts           356     
Net Fees   1,420    622    5,258    1,323 
Interest income (1)   3,619    3,079    13,884    13,860 
Gains (losses) on proprietary investments   3,488    (302)   1,871    (488)
Gains on long-term investments   27    491    43    491 
Other income (loss)   1,666    511    6,290    (4,150)
Total Revenues   10,220    4,401    27,346    11,036 
                     
Compensation   1,291    2,855    5,173    4,947 
Placement and referral fees   49    617    157    5,888 
Selling, general and administrative   595    324    1,522    1,003 
Expected credit loss provisions (recoveries)               (4,942)
Amortization and impairment charges   37    2    78    6 
Other expenses           30     
Total Expenses   1,972    3,798    6,960    6,902 
                     
Net Income before income taxes   8,248    603    20,386    4,134 
Adjusted base EBITDA   3,300    3,014    15,437    16,962 
Total AUM (2)   498,231    252,151    498,231    252,151 

* This segment, along with our Global segment, substantially forms our "Private Resource Investments" platform.

 

(1) Includes interest income from: (1) on-balance sheet loans; and (2) co-investment income from lending LP units.

 

(2) During the quarter, the Company's Lending segment AUM grew by $5 million (US$3 million) and on a full year basis by $246 million (US$164 million). This brings our total Lending segment AUM to $498 million (US$365 million). $965 million (US$707 million) of committed capital remains uncalled (future AUM).

 

3 and 12 months ended

 

Adjusted base EBITDA in the quarter was $3.3 million, up $0.3 million (9%) from the prior period. The increase was primarily due to higher management fees and co-investment income from our lending LPs.

 

On a full year basis, adjusted base EBITDA was $15.4 million, down $1.5 million (9%). Excluding the impact of last year's loan loss reversal and catch-up interest, adjusted base EBITDA was up $6.1 million (65%). The increase in earnings on a normalized basis was primarily due to higher management fees and co-investment income from our lending LPs. We also benefited from the acceleration of deferred interest income on the early settlement of loans.

 

Non-EBITDA highlights:

 

Carried interest net of related payouts was $Nil on a three months ended basis and $0.3 million on a full year basis as a result of certain crystallization events in Q2 2018.

Gains on proprietary investments were due to market value appreciation on equity kickers received on certain loan arrangements.

Other income was mainly driven by FX movements on U.S dollar dominated cash, receivables and loans.

 

 

 

 19 

 

 

Merchant Banking and Advisory Services

 

   3 months ended   12 months ended 
(In thousands $)  Dec. 31, 2018   Dec. 31, 2017   Dec. 31, 2018   Dec. 31, 2017 
SUMMARY INCOME STATEMENT                    
Commissions   3,929    5,118    17,453    17,321 
less: Commission Expense   1,871    1,951    8,619    8,214 
Net Commissions   2,058    3,167    8,834    9,107 
Interest income   625    509    1,252    1,733 
Gains (losses) on proprietary investments   (256)   376    (939)   118 
Other income (loss)   (171)   597    4,350    2,383 
Total Net Revenues   2,256    4,649    13,497    13,341 
                     
Compensation (1)   990    2,011    3,877    4,977 
Placement and referral fees   291    142    564    191 
Selling, general and administrative   625    833    2,415    2,948 
Amortization and impairment charges   2    4    12    19 
Other expenses       21    301    137 
Total Expenses   1,908    3,011    7,169    8,272 
Net Income (Loss) before income taxes   348    1,638    6,328    5,069 
Adjusted base EBITDA   1,094    1,434    4,474    5,699 

 

(1) Compensation is presented excluding commission expense, which is reported net of commission revenue.

 

3 and 12 months ended

 

Adjusted base EBITDA in the quarter was $1.1 million, down $0.3 million (24%) from the prior period, and was $4.5 million on a full year basis, down $1.2 million (21%):

 

Lower compensation expense was more than offset by lower net commissions and lower trailer fee income on assets under administration attributable to Sprott products as a result of the Sale Transaction.

On a full year basis, results were also impacted by lower interest income.

 

Non-EBITDA highlights:

 

Losses on proprietary investments were the result of market value depreciation on equity kickers earned on private placement transactions.

Other income on a full year basis was primarily related to the net sale proceeds received on the Sale Transaction. See Note 7 of the annual financial statements.

 

 

 

 20 

 

 

Corporate

 

This segment is primarily a cost centre that provides capital, balance sheet management and shared services to the Company's subsidiaries.

 

   3 months ended   12 months ended 
(In thousands $)  Dec. 31, 2018   Dec. 31, 2017   Dec. 31, 2018   Dec. 31, 2017 
SUMMARY INCOME STATEMENT                    
Gains (losses) on proprietary investments   2,196    135    (897)   (6,473)
Gains (losses) on long-term investments   3,152    2,949    3,231    2,949 
Other income (loss)   (149)   (303)   138    (2,244)
Total Revenues   5,199    2,781    2,472    (5,768)
                     
Compensation   4,022    3,103    10,308    8,409 
Selling, general and administrative   340    725    2,723    3,308 
Amortization and impairment charges   59    8    142    51 
Other expenses   159    765    1,355    1,183 
Total Expenses   4,580    4,601    14,528    12,951 
Net Income (Loss) before income taxes   619    (1,820)   (12,056)   (18,719)
Adjusted base EBITDA   (1,020)   (840)   (8,982)   (8,188)

 

3 and 12 months ended

 

Proprietary investments gains during the quarter and losses on a full year basis were due to market value movements of certain resource equity holdings and bullion investments.

Long-term investment gains were due to market value appreciation of our strategic long-term investments.

Other loss during the quarter and other income on a year-to-date basis was mainly driven by FX movements on U.S dollar dominated cash and receivables.

Higher compensation expense was largely a result of higher LTIP amortization.

Lower SG&A was largely due to our on-going cost containment program.

Other expenses related primarily to non-recurring professional fees.

 

 

 

 21 

 

 

Dividends

 

The following dividends were declared by the Company during the 12 months ended December 31, 2018:

 

Record date  Payment Date  Cash dividend per share ($)  Total dividend amount
(in thousands $)
March 12, 2018 - Regular Dividend Q4 - 2017  March 27, 2018  0.03  7,553
May 21, 2018 - Regular Dividend Q1 - 2018  June 5, 2018  0.03  7,553
August 20, 2018 - Regular Dividend Q2 - 2018  September 4, 2018  0.03  7,566
November 19, 2018 - Regular Dividend Q3 - 2018  December 4, 2018  0.03  7,586
Dividends (1)        30,258

 

(1) Subsequent to the year-end, on February 27, 2019, a regular dividend of $0.03 per common share was declared for the quarter ended December 31, 2018. This dividend is payable on March 25, 2019 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 8, 2019.

 

Capital Stock

 

Including the 9.9 million unvested common shares currently held in the EPSP Trust (December 31, 2017 - 10.4 million), total capital stock issued and outstanding was 253.0 million (December 31, 2017 - 244.5 million). The increase from December 31, 2017 was primarily due to the issuance of shares as part of the purchase of CFCL on January 16, 2018.

 

Earnings per share for the current and prior periods have been calculated using the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the respective periods. Basic earnings per share was $0.04 and $0.13 for the three and twelve months ended respectively compared to $0.01 and $0.16 in the respective prior periods. Diluted earnings per share was $0.04 and $0.12 for the three and twelve months ended respectively compared to $0.01 and $0.15 in the respective prior periods. Diluted earnings per share reflects the dilutive effect of in-the-money stock options, unvested shares held in the EPSP Trust and outstanding restricted stock units.

 

A total of 3.3 million stock options are outstanding pursuant to our stock option plan, of which 1.9 million are exercisable.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Management fees and interest income can be projected and forecasted with a higher degree of certainty than commission income, carried interest and performance fees, and are therefore used as a base for budgeting and planning by the Company. Management fees and interest income are generally collected monthly or quarterly, which aids the Company's ability to manage cash flow. The Company believes that management fees and interest income will continue to be sufficient to satisfy ongoing operating needs, including expenditures on corporate infrastructure, business development and information systems. In addition, the Company holds sufficient cash and liquid securities to meet any other operating and capital requirements, if any, including its contractual commitments.

 

As at December 31 2018, the Company had a $90 million undrawn credit facility with a major Canadian schedule I chartered bank. Amounts may be borrowed under the facility through prime rate loans, or bankers' acceptances. Amounts may also be borrowed in U.S. dollars through base rate loans.

 

Sprott Private Wealth LP ("SPW") and Sprott Asset Management ("SAM") are required to maintain a minimum amount of regulatory capital calculated in accordance with the rules of the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada ("IIROC") and of the Ontario Securities Commission ("OSC"), respectively. In addition, Sprott Global Resource Investment Ltd. is registered with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA") in the United States and is required to maintain a minimum amount of regulatory capital calculated in accordance with the rules of FINRA and the Securities Exchange Commission ("SEC").

 

Commitments

 

Besides the Company's long-term lease agreements, there may be commitments to provide loans or make co-investments in lending LPs arising from our Lending segment or commitments to make investments in the net investments portfolio of the Company. As at December 31, 2018, the Company had no direct on-balance sheet loan commitments (December 31, 2017 - $9.9 million) and $38.7 million in co-investment commitments from the Lending segment (December 31, 2017 - $7.8 million).

 

 

 

 22 

 

 

Significant Accounting Judgments, Estimates and Changes in Accounting Policies

 

The key assumptions concerning the future and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting date that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities are described below. The Company based its assumptions and estimates on parameters available when the annual financial statements were prepared. Existing circumstances and assumptions about future developments may change due to market changes or circumstances arising beyond the control of the Company. Such changes are reflected in the assumptions and estimates as they occur.

 

Fair value of financial instruments

 

When the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities recorded in the consolidated balance sheets cannot be derived from active markets, they are determined using valuation techniques and models. Model inputs are taken from observable markets where possible, but where this is not feasible, unobservable inputs may be used. The use of unobservable inputs can involve significant judgment and materially affect the reported fair value of financial instruments.

 

Loan loss provisions

 

Due to the nature of provisions, a considerable part of their determination is based on estimates and judgments, including assumptions concerning the likelihood of future events occurring. The actual outcome of these uncertain events may be materially different from the initial provision in the Company's financial statements. Management exercises judgment to determine the expected credit loss, the probability of default and loss given default.

 

Share-based payments

 

The Company measures the cost of share-based payments to employees by reference to the fair value of the equity instruments at the date on which they are granted. Estimating fair value for share-based payments requires determining the most appropriate valuation model for a grant of equity instruments, which is dependent on the terms and conditions of the grant. This also requires determining the most appropriate inputs to the valuation model including (in the case of options grants) the expected life of the option, volatility, and dividend yields, (and in the case of performance-based equity grants), the probability of a subsidiary or executive attaining certain performance targets, the future stock price of the Company and the future employment of a senior employee.

 

Deferred tax assets

 

Deferred tax assets are recognized for unused tax losses to the extent it is probable that sufficient taxable profit will be generated in order to utilize the losses. In addition, taxable income is subject to estimation as a portion of performance fee revenue is an allocation of partnership income. Such allocations involve a certain degree of estimation and income tax estimates could change as a result of: (i) changes in tax laws and regulations, both domestic and foreign; (ii) an amendment to the calculation of partnership income allocation; or (iii) a change in foreign affiliate rules. Significant management judgment is required to determine the amount of deferred tax assets that can be recognized based on the likely timing and the level of future taxable profits together with future tax planning strategies.

 

Investments in other entities

 

IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements ("IFRS 10") and IAS 28 Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures ("IAS 28") provide for the use of judgment in determining whether an investee should be included within the consolidated financial statements of the Company and on what basis (subsidiary, joint venture or associate). Significant judgment is applied in evaluating facts and circumstances relevant to the Company and investee, including: (1) the extent of the Company's direct and indirect interests in the investee; (2) the level of compensation to be received from the investee for management and other services provided to it; (3) "kick out rights" available to other investors in the investee; and (4) other indicators of the extent of power that the Company has over the investee.

 

 

 

 23 

 

 

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets

 

All indefinite life intangible assets and goodwill are assessed for impairment, however, finite life intangibles are only tested for impairment to the extent indications of impairment exist at time of a quarterly assessment. In the case of goodwill and indefinite life intangibles, an annual test for impairment augments the quarterly impairment indicator assessments. Values associated with goodwill and intangibles involve estimates and assumptions, including those with respect to future cash inflows and outflows, discount rates and asset lives. These estimates require significant judgment regarding market growth rates, fund flow assumptions, expected margins and costs which could affect the Company's future results if estimates of future performance and fair value change.

 

Change in accounting policies

 

In Q1, 2018 the Company adopted IFRS 9 Financial Instruments (“IFRS 9”) and IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“IFRS 15”). As a result, the Company changed its accounting policies. As permitted by the transition provision of both IFRS 9 and IFRS 15, the Company elected not to restate comparative period results. Accordingly, all comparative period information is presented in accordance with previous accounting policies.

 

Managing Risk: Financial

 

Market risk

 

The Company separates market risk into three categories: price risk, interest rate risk and foreign currency risk.

 

Price risk

 

Price risk arises from the possibility that changes in the price of the Company's on and off-balance sheet assets and liabilities will result in changes in carrying value or recoverable amounts. The Company's revenues are also exposed to price risk since management fees, carried interests and performance fees are correlated with AUM, which fluctuates with changes in the market values of the assets in the funds and managed accounts managed by the Company.

 

Interest rate risk

 

Interest rate risk arises from the possibility that changes in interest rates will adversely affect the value of, or cash flows from, financial instrument assets. The Company’s earnings, particularly through its Lending segment, are exposed to volatility as a result of sudden changes in interest rates. Management takes into account a number of factors and is committed to several processes to ensure that this risk is appropriately managed.

 

Foreign currency risk

 

Foreign currency risk arises from foreign exchange rate movements that could negatively impact either the carrying value of financial assets and liabilities or the related cash flows when translating those balances into Canadian dollars. The Company's primary foreign currency is the United States Dollar ("USD"). The Company may employ certain hedging strategies to mitigate foreign currency risk.

 

Credit risk

 

Credit risk is the risk that a borrower will not honor its commitments and a loss to the Company may result. Credit risk generally arises in the Company's on balance sheet loans, co-investments in lending LPs and its net investments portfolio.

 

Loans receivable

 

The Company incurs credit risk primarily in the on-balance sheet loans of Sprott Resource Lending Corporation ("SRLC") and through co-investments made in the lending LPs managed by SRLC. In addition to the relative default probability of SRLC borrowers (both directly via on balance sheet loans and indirectly via borrowers of the lending LPs we co-invest with), credit risk is also dependent on loss given default, which can increase credit risk if the values of the underlying assets securing the Company's loans and co-investments decline to levels approaching or below the loan amounts. A decrease in commodity prices may delay the development of the underlying security or business plans of the borrower and could adversely affect the value of the Company's security against a loan. Additionally, the value of the Company's underlying security in a loan can be negatively affected if the actual amount or quality of the commodity proves to be less than originally estimated, or the ability to extract the commodity proves to be more difficult or more costly than originally estimated. During the loan origination process, management takes into account a number of factors and is committed to several processes to ensure that this risk is appropriately managed.

 

 

 

 24 

 

 

Collectability of loans

 

Besides the above noted measures we take to manage credit risk, the Company will report on credit risk in the notes to the annual financial statements and records expected credit loss provisions to ensure the loans are recorded at their estimated recoverable amount (i.e. net of impairment risk we believe to exist as at the balance sheet date and in accordance with IFRS). Actual losses incurred in the loan portfolio could differ materially from our provisions. Management takes into account a number of factors and is committed to several processes to ensure that this risk is appropriately managed.

 

Net investments

 

The Company incurs credit risk when entering into, settling and financing transactions with counterparties. Management takes into account a number of factors and is committed to several processes to ensure that this risk is appropriately managed.

 

Other

 

The majority of accounts receivable relate to management fees, carried interest and performance fees receivable from the funds, managed accounts and managed companies managed by the Company. These receivables are short-term in nature and any credit risk associated with them is managed by dealing with counterparties that the Company believes to be creditworthy and by actively monitoring credit exposure and the financial health of the counterparties.

 

Liquidity risk

 

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company cannot meet a demand for cash or fund its obligations as they come due. The Company's exposure to liquidity risk is minimal as it maintains sufficient levels of liquid assets to meet its obligations as they come due. Additionally, the Company has access to a $90 million committed line of credit with a major Canadian Schedule I chartered bank. As part of its cash management program, the Company primarily invests in short-term debt securities issued by the Government of Canada with maturities of less than three months.

 

The Company's exposure to liquidity risk as it relates to loans receivable arises from fluctuations in cash flows from making loan advances and receiving loan repayments (both directly via on balance sheet loans and indirectly via borrowers of the lending LPs we co-invest with). The Company manages its loan commitment liquidity risk through the ongoing monitoring of scheduled loan fundings and repayments ("match funding") and through its broader treasury risk management program and enterprise capital budgeting.

 

Financial liabilities, including accounts payable and accrued liabilities and compensation and employee bonuses payable, are short-term in nature and are generally due within a year.

 

The Company's management team is responsible for reviewing resources to ensure funds are readily available to meet its financial obligations (e.g. dividend payments) as they come due, as well as ensuring adequate funds exist to support business strategies and operations growth. The Company manages liquidity risk by monitoring cash balances on a daily basis and through its broader treasury risk management program. To meet any liquidity shortfalls, actions taken by the Company could include: syndicating a portion of its loans; slowing its lending activities; cutting its dividend; drawing on the line of credit; liquidating net investments; and/or issuing common shares.

 

Concentration risk

 

A significant portion of the Company's AUM as well as its net investments and loans are focused on the natural resource sector, and in particular, precious metals related investments and transactions. In addition, from time-to-time, certain net investment and loan positions may be concentrated to a material degree in a single position or group of positions. Management takes into account a number of factors and is committed to several processes to ensure that this risk is appropriately managed.

 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures ("DC&P") and Internal Control over Financial Reporting ("ICFR")

 

Management is responsible for the design and operational effectiveness of DC&P and ICFR in order to provide reasonable assurance regarding the disclosure of material information relating to the Company. This includes information required to be disclosed in the Company's annual filings, interim filings and other reports filed under securities legislation, as well as the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with IFRS.

 

Consistent with National Instrument 52-109, the Company's CEO and CFO evaluate quarterly the DC&P and ICFR. As of December 31, 2018, the Company's CEO and CFO concluded that the Company's DC&P and ICFR were properly designed and were operating effectively. In addition, there were no material changes to ICFR during the quarter.

 

 

 

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Managing Risk: Non-financial

 

Managing Risk: Non-financial

 

Confidentiality of Information

 

Confidentiality is essential to the success of the Company's business, and it strives to consistently maintain the highest standards of trust, integrity and professionalism. Account information is kept under strict control in compliance with all applicable laws, and physical, procedural, and electronic safeguards are maintained in order to protect this information from access by unauthorized parties. The Company keeps the affairs of its clients confidential and does not disclose the identities of clients (absent expressed client consent to do so). If a prospective client requests a reference, the Company will not provide the name of an existing client before receiving permission from that client to do so.

 

Conflicts of Interest

 

The Company established a number of policies with respect to employee personal trading. Employees may not trade any of the securities held or being considered for investment by any of the Company's funds without prior approval. In addition, employees must receive prior approval before they are permitted to buy or sell securities. Speculative trading is strongly discouraged. While employees are permitted to have investments managed by third parties on a discretionary basis, they generally choose to invest in funds managed by the Company. All employees must comply with the Company's Code of Ethics. The code establishes strict rules for professional conduct including the management of conflicts of interest.

 

Independent Review Committee

 

National Instrument 81-107 - Independent Review Committee for Investment Funds (“NI 81-107”) requires all publicly offered investment funds to establish an independent review committee ("IRC") to whom all conflicts of interest matters must be referred for review and approval. The Company established an IRC for its public funds. As required by NI 81-107, the Company established written policies and procedures for dealing with conflict of interest matters and maintains records in respect of these matters and provides assistance to the IRC in carrying out its functions. The IRC is comprised of three independent members, and is subject to requirements to conduct regular assessments and provide reports to the Company and to the holders of interests in public mutual funds in respect of its functions.

 

Insurance

 

The Company maintains appropriate insurance coverage for general business and liability risks as well as insurance coverage required by regulation. Insurance coverage is reviewed periodically to ensure continued adequacy.

 

Internal Controls and Procedures

 

Several of the Company's subsidiaries operate in regulated environments and are subject to business conduct rules and other rules and regulations. The Company has internal control policies related to business conduct. They include controls required to ensure compliance with the rules and regulations of relevant regulatory bodies including the OSC, IIROC, FINRA and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").

 

 

Additional information relating to the Company, including the Company's Annual Information Form is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com

 

 

 

 26 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Year ended December 31, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MANAGEMENT'S RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL REPORTING

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements, which consolidate the financial results of Sprott Inc. (the "Company"), were prepared by management, who are responsible for the integrity and fairness of all information presented in the consolidated financial statements and management's discussion and analysis ("MD&A") for the year ended December 31, 2018. The consolidated financial statements were prepared by management in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards. Financial information presented in the MD&A is consistent with that in the consolidated financial statements.

 

In management's opinion, the consolidated financial statements have been properly prepared within reasonable limits of materiality and within the framework of the significant accounting policies summarized in Note 2 of the consolidated financial statements. Management maintains a system of internal controls to meet its responsibilities for the integrity of the consolidated financial statements.

 

The board of directors (the "Board of Directors") of the Company appoints the Company's audit and risk committee (the "Audit & Risk Committee") annually. Among other things, the mandate of the Audit & Risk Committee includes the review of the consolidated financial statements of the Company on a quarterly basis and the recommendation to the Board of Directors for approval. The Audit & Risk Committee has access to management and the auditors to review their activities and to discuss the external audit program, internal controls, accounting policies and financial reporting matters.

 

KPMG LLP performed an independent audit of the consolidated financial statements, as outlined in the auditors' report contained herein. KPMG LLP had, and has, full and unrestricted access to management of the Company, the Audit & Risk Committee and the Board of Directors to discuss their audit and related findings and have the right to request a meeting in the absence of management at any time.

 

    
    
Peter Grosskopf  Kevin Hibbert
Chief Executive Officer  Chief Financial Officer and Senior Managing Director

 

February 27, 2019

 

 

 

 28 

 

 

 

 

 

Independent Auditors' Report

To the Shareholders of Sprott Inc.

 

Opinion

 

We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Sprott Inc. (the "Company"), which comprise:

 

the consolidated balance sheets as at December 31, 2018 and 2017;

 

the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income for the years then ended;

 

the consolidated statements of changes in shareholders’ equity for the years then ended;

 

the consolidated statements of cash flows for the years then ended;

 

and notes to the consolidated financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies.

 

(hereinafter referred to as the "financial statements").

 

In our opinion, the accompanying financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as at December 31, 2018 and 2017, and its consolidated financial performance and its consolidated cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

 

Basis for Opinion

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the "Auditors’ Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements" section of our auditors’ report.

 

We are independent of the Company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in Canada and we have fulfilled our other responsibilities in accordance with these requirements.

 

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

 

 

 

 

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Information Other than the Financial Statements and Auditor’s Report Thereon

 

Management is responsible for the other information. Other information comprises:

 

the information included in Management’s Discussion and Analysis filed with the relevant Canadian Securities Commissions.

 

the information, other than the financial statements and the auditors’ report thereon, included in a document likely to be entitled “Annual Report 2018”.

 

Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not and will not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

 

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information identified above and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit and remain alert for indications that the other information appears to be materially misstated.

 

We obtained the information, other than the financial statements and the auditors’ report thereon, included in Management’s Discussion and Analysis filed with the relevant Canadian Securities Commissions and the “Annual Report 2018” as at the date of this auditor’s report.

 

If, based on the work we have performed on this other information, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact in the auditors’ report. We have nothing to report in this regard.

 

Responsibilities of Management and Those Charged with Governance for the Financial Statements

 

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

 

In preparing the financial statements, management is responsible for assessing the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless management either intends to liquidate the Company or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so.

 

Those charged with governance are responsible for overseeing the Company‘s financial reporting process.

 

 

 

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Auditors’ Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements

 

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are/is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditors’ report that includes our opinion.

 

Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards will always detect a material misstatement when it exists.

 

Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of the financial statements.

 

As part of an audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards, we exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit.

 

We also:

 

identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control;

 

obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control;

 

evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by management;

 

conclude on the appropriateness of management's use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditors’ report to the related disclosures in the financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditors’ report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Company to cease to continue as a going concern;

 

 

 

 31 

 

 

 

 

evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial statements, including the disclosures, and whether the financial statements represents the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation;

 

communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit;

 

provide those charged with governance with a statement that we have complied with relevant ethical requirements regarding independence, and communicate with them all relationships and other matters that may reasonably be thought to bear on our independence, and where applicable, related safeguards; and

 

obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the entities or business activities within the group Entity to express an opinion on the financial statements. We are responsible for the direction, supervision and performance of the group audit. We remain solely responsible for our audit opinion;

 

 

 

Chartered Professional Accountants, Licensed Public Accountants

 

The engagement partner on the audit resulting in this auditors’ report is James Loewen.

 

February 27, 2019

Toronto, Canada

 

 

 

 32 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

As at    Dec. 31  Dec. 31  
(In thousands of Canadian dollars)    2018  2017  
Assets             
Current             
Cash and cash equivalents      47,252   156,120  
Fees receivable      8,635   13,776  
Loans receivable  (Note 6)   15,275   17,218  
Proprietary investments  (Note 3)   26,711   64,564  
Other assets  (Note 7)   10,774   23,161  
Income taxes recoverable      2,379   1,356  
Total current assets      111,026   276,195  
              
Loans receivable  (Note 6)   20,746   31,455  
Long-term investments  (Note 3)   102,560   49,763  
Other assets  (Note 7)   1,214   1,448  
Property and equipment, net  (Note 4)   12,334   5,299  
Intangible assets  (Note 5)   148,324   16,452  
Goodwill  (Note 5)   26,115   24,023  
Deferred income taxes  (Note 9)   5,896   5,214  
       317,189   133,654  
Total assets      428,215   409,849  
              
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity             
Current             
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities      36,141   15,812  
Compensation payable      9,466   10,667  
Obligations related to securities sold short  (Note 3)   255   24,993  
Note payable  (Note 11)   5,500   9,900  
Income taxes payable      607   3,179  
Total current liabilities      51,969   64,551  
Deferred income taxes  (Note 9)   3,125   1,434  
Total liabilities      55,094   65,985  
              
Shareholders' equity             
Capital stock  (Note 8)   412,938   392,556  
Contributed surplus  (Note 8)   43,383   39,907  
Deficit      (117,201)  (118,272 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income      34,001   29,673  
Total shareholders' equity      373,121   343,864  
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity      428,215   409,849  
Commitments and provisions  (Note 15)          

 

The accompanying notes form part of the financial statements                

 

"Jack C. Lee" "Sharon Ranson"
Director Director

 

 

 

 33 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

       For the years ended 
       Dec. 31   Dec. 31 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts)      2018   2017 
Revenues               
Management fees        55,519    64,981 
Carried interest and performance fees        1,802    4,676 
Commissions        27,360    29,190 
Interest income        15,136    15,593 
Loss on proprietary investments   (Note 3)    (5,782)   (5,189)
Gains on long-term investments   (Note 3)    2,840    3,639 
Other income   (Note 7)    12,394    31,321 
Total revenue        109,269    144,211 
                
Expenses               
Compensation        40,072    49,566 
Stock-based compensation   (Note 8)    12,358    6,692 
Trailer fees        179    6,548 
Sub-advisor fees            2,610 
Placement and referral fees        943    6,311 
Expected credit loss provisions (recoveries)   (Note 6)        (4,942)
Selling, general and administrative        17,485    23,698 
Amortization of intangibles   (Note 5)    1,431    5,600 
Amortization of property and equipment   (Note 4)    768    827 
Other expenses   (Note 7)    3,376    3,995 
Total expenses        76,612    100,905 
Income before income taxes for the period        32,657    43,306 
Provision for income taxes   (Note 9)    1,278    5,774 
Net income for the period        31,379    37,532 
Basic earnings per share   (Note 8)   $0.13   $0.16 
Diluted earnings per share   (Note 8)   $0.12   $0.15 
                
Net income for the period        31,379    37,532 
Other comprehensive income               
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss               
Foreign currency translation gain (loss) on foreign operations (taxes of $Nil)        4,328    (3,872)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)        4,328    (3,872)
Comprehensive income        35,707    33,660 

 

The accompanying notes form part of the financial statements      

 

 

 

 34 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

(In thousands of Canadian dollars, other than number of shares)   Number of
Shares
Outstanding
  Capital
Stock
  Contributed
Surplus
  Deficit  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
  Total
 Equity
 
At Dec. 31, 2017     234,098,634   392,556   39,907   (118,272)  29,673   343,864 
IFRS 9 transition adjustment              (50)     (50)
Shares acquired for equity incentive plan  (Note 8)  (2,402,500)  (7,161)           (7,161)
Shares released on vesting of equity incentive plan  (Note 8)  2,836,201   6,446   (6,446)         
Shares released on exercise of stock option plan  (Note 8)  558,048   1,217   (1,217)         
Foreign currency translation gain on foreign operations                 4,328   4,328 
Issuance of share capital on purchase of management contracts  (Note 8)  6,997,387   17,284            17,284 
Stock-based compensation  (Note 8)        12,358         12,358 
Issuance of share capital on conversion of RSUs and other share based considerations  (Note 8)  635,939   1,581   (1,219)        362 
Dividends declared  (Note 12)  338,628   1,015      (30,258)     (29,243)
Net income              31,379      31,379 
Balance, Dec. 31, 2018     243,062,337   412,938   43,383   (117,201)  34,001   373,121 
                            
At Dec. 31, 2016     243,190,293   411,231   41,802   (126,264)  33,545   360,314 
Shares acquired for equity incentive plan     (8,100,000)  (17,882)           (17,882)
Shares released on vesting of equity incentive plan     3,021,795   7,938   (7,938)         
Foreign currency translation loss on foreign operations                 (3,872)  (3,872)
Cancellation of repurchased shares     (5,000,000)  (11,000)           (11,000)
Stock-based compensation           6,692         6,692 
Issuance of share capital on conversion of RSUs and other share based considerations     755,413   1,728   (649)        1,079 
Dividends declared     231,133   541      (29,540)     (28,999)
Net income              37,532      37,532 
Balance, Dec. 31, 2017     234,098,634   392,556   39,907   (118,272)  29,673   343,864 

 

The accompanying notes form part of the financial statements                                        

 

 

 

 35 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

   For the years ended 
   Dec. 31   Dec. 31 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, other than number of shares)  2018   2017 
Operating Activities          
Net income for the period   31,379    37,532 
Add (deduct) non-cash items:          
Losses on proprietary investments   5,782    5,189 
Gains on Long-term investments   (2,840)   (3,639)
Stock-based compensation   12,358    6,692 
Amortization of property, equipment and intangible assets   2,199    6,427 
Sale of property, equipment and intangible assets       2,063 
Expected credit loss provision (recoveries)       (4,942)
Deferred income tax recovery   1,022    (2,055)
Current income tax expense   256    7,829 
Other items   (435)   (3,028)
Income taxes paid   (3,852)   (13,140)
Changes in:          
Fees receivable   5,141    12,294 
Loans receivable   12,652    23,943 
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and compensation payable   19,128    (11,251)
Other assets   12,621    (11,760)
Cash provided by operating activities   95,411    52,154 
Investing Activities          
Purchase of investments   (79,267)   (61,282)
Sale of investments   37,077    90,033 
Purchase of property and equipment   (7,805)   (860)
Deferred sales commissions paid       (165)
Purchase of intangible assets   (115,719)    
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities   (165,714)   27,726 
Financing Activities          
Acquisition of common shares for equity incentive plan   (7,161)   (7,982)
Acquisition of common shares for cancellation       (11,000)
Note payable repayment   (4,400)    
Dividends paid   (29,243)   (28,999)
Cash used in financing activities   (40,804)   (47,981)
Effect of foreign exchange on cash balances   2,239    266 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents during the year   (108,868)   32,165 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the year   156,120    123,955 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period   47,252    156,120 
Cash and cash equivalents:          
Cash   41,999    156,108 
Short-term deposits   5,253    12 
    47,252    156,120 
Supplementary disclosure of cash flow information          
Amount of interest received during the year   8,689    5,442 

 

The accompanying notes form part of the financial statements                

 

 

 

 36 

 

 

SPROTT INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

1 CORPORATE INFORMATION

 

Sprott Inc. (the "Company") was incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) on February 13, 2008. Its registered office is at Royal Bank Plaza, South Tower, 200 Bay Street, Suite 2600, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2J1.

 

2 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Statement of compliance

 

These annual audited consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 ("financial statements") have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB").

 

They have been authorized for issue by a resolution of the Board of Directors of the Company on February 27, 2019 and include all subsequent events up to that date.

 

Basis of presentation

 

These financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis and on a historical cost basis, except for financial assets and financial liabilities classified as fair value through profit or loss ("FVTPL") or fair value through other comprehensive income ("FVOCI"), both of which have been measured at fair value. The financial statements are presented in Canadian dollars and all values are rounded to the nearest thousand ($000), except when indicated otherwise.

 

Principles of consolidation

 

These financial statements of the Company are prepared on a consolidated basis so as to include the accounts of all limited partnerships and corporations the Company is deemed to control under IFRS. Controlled limited partnerships and corporations ("subsidiaries") are consolidated from the date the Company obtains control. All intercompany balances with subsidiaries are eliminated upon consolidation. Subsidiary financial statements are prepared over the same reporting period as the Company's and are based on accounting policies consistent with that of the Company.

 

Control exists if the Company has power over the entity, exposure or rights to variable returns from its involvement with the entity and the ability to use its power over the entity to affect the amount of returns the Company receives. In many, but not all instances, control will exist when the Company owns more than one half of the voting rights of a corporation, or is the sole limited and general partner of a limited partnership.

 

The Company currently controls the following principal subsidiaries:

 

Sprott Asset Management LP ("SAM");
Sprott Private Wealth LP ("SPW");
Sprott Consulting LP ("SC");
Sprott Asia LP ("Sprott Asia") and Sprott Korea Corporation ("Sprott Korea");
Sprott U.S. Holdings Inc. ("SUSHI"), parent of: (1) Rule Investments Inc. ("RII") (2) Sprott Global Resource Investments Ltd. ("SGRIL"); (3) Sprott Asset Management USA Inc. ("SAM US"); and (4) Resource Capital Investment Corporation ("RCIC"). Collectively, the interests of SUSHI are referred to as "Global" in these financial statements;
Sprott Resource Lending Corp. ("SRLC");
Sprott Genpar Ltd.; and
Sprott Inc. 2011 Employee Profit Sharing Plan Trust (the "Trust")

 

 

 

 37 

 

 

SPROTT INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on deposit with banks and with carrying brokers, which are not subject to restrictions, and short-term interest bearing notes and treasury bills with a term to maturity of less than three months from the date of purchase.

 

Proprietary investments

 

Proprietary investments are investments held with the primary intention of short-term liquidity and capital management.

 

Long-term investments

 

Long-term investments are investments held for strategic purposes rather than for short-term liquidity and capital management purposes. Long-term investments classification reflects strategic positions held with the intention of seeding and building the next generation of investment products and services consistent with the long-term strategic objectives of the Company. These investments primarily include co-investments in strategically important investment funds, joint-venture interests or equity stakes in other entities.

 

Financial Instruments

 

Changes in accounting policies

 

In the first quarter of the current year, the Company adopted IFRS 9 Financial Instruments (“IFRS 9”). As a result, the Company changed its accounting policies in the areas outlined below. As permitted by the transition provisions of IFRS 9, the Company elected not to restate comparative period results. Accordingly, any adjustments to the carrying amounts of financial assets and liabilities at the date of transition were recognized in the opening retained earnings of the current period. See "Expected credit losses" section of Note 6 for further details.

 

Classification and measurement of Financial Assets

 

Under IFRS 9, financial assets are measured at initial recognition at fair value, and are classified and subsequently measured at FVTPL, amortized cost or FVOCI.

 

Financial assets are measured at amortized cost if the contractual terms of the instrument give rise to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding and it is held within a business model whose objective is to hold assets to collect contractual cash flows.

 

Financial assets are measured at FVOCI if the contractual terms of the instrument give rise to cash flows that are solely for payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding and it is held within a business model whose objective is to hold assets to collect contractual cash flow and to sell financial assets. For equity instruments that are not held for trading, the Company may also elect to irrevocably elect, on an investment by investment basis, to present changes in the fair value of an investment through OCI.

 

All financial assets that are not measured at amortized cost or FVOCI are measured at FVTPL. This includes all derivative financial assets the Company may hold.

 

The adoption of IFRS 9 required the following reclassifications of financial assets and liabilities:

 

  IFRS 9 IAS 39
Cash and Cash equivalents Amortized Cost Held for Trading
Fees Receivable and Loans receivable Amortized Cost Loans and Receivable
Proprietary investments:    
   - Public equities FVTPL Held for Trading
   - Co-investments in funds FVTPL Held for Trading
   - Private Holdings FVTPL Held for Trading
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Other Financial Liabilities Other Financial Liabilities

 

 

 

 38 

 

 

SPROTT INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

Valuation of Investments

 

Both Proprietary investments and Long-term investments include public equities, share purchase warrants, fixed income securities, mutual fund and alternative investment strategies, and private holdings. Public equities, share purchase warrants and fixed income securities are measured at fair value and are accounted for on a trade-date basis. Mutual fund and alternative investment strategy investments which are valued using the net asset value per unit of the fund, which represents the underlying net assets at fair values determined using closing market prices. These investments are generally made in the process of launching a new fund and are redeemed (if open-end) or sold (if closed-end) as third party investors subscribe. The balance represents the Company's maximum exposure to loss associated with the investments. Private holdings include private company investments which are classified as FVTPL and carried at fair value based on the value of the Company's interests in the private companies determined from financial information provided by management of the private companies, which may include operating results, subsequent rounds of financing and other appropriate information. Any change in fair value is recognized on the consolidated statements of operations.

 

Fair value hierarchy

 

All financial instruments recognized at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets are classified into three fair value hierarchy levels as follows:

 

Level 1: valuation based on quoted prices (unadjusted) observed in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

 

Level 2: valuation techniques based on inputs that are quoted prices of similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; inputs other than quoted prices used in a valuation model that are observable for that instrument; and inputs that are derived from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means; and

 

Level 3: valuation techniques with significant unobservable market inputs.

 

The Company will transfer financial instruments into or out of levels in the fair value hierarchy to the extent the instrument no longer satisfies the criteria for inclusion in the category in question. Level 3 valuations are prepared by the Company and reviewed and approved by management at each reporting date. Valuation results, including the appropriateness of model inputs, are compared to actual market transactions to the extent readily available. Valuations of level 3 assets are also discussed with the Audit Committee as deemed necessary by the Company.

 

Offsetting of financial instruments

 

Financial assets and financial liabilities are offset and the net amount reported on the consolidated balance sheets if, and only if, there is a currently enforceable legal right to offset the recognized amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis, or to realize the assets and settle the liabilities simultaneously.

 

Impairment of financial assets

 

Expected credit losses are a probability-weighted estimate of future credit losses. Credit losses are measured as the present value of the difference between the cash flows due to the Company in accordance with the contract and the cash flows the Company expects to receive.

 

At each reporting date, management assesses the probability of default and the loss given default using economic and market trends, quoted credit rating of the borrower, market value of the asset, and appraisals, if any, of the security underlying the loan. The impairment is then classified into three stages:

 

 

 

 39 

 

 

SPROTT INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

Stage 1 - For Loans where credit risk has not increased significantly, an impairment is recognized equal to the credit losses expected to result from defaults occurring over the following twelve months.

 

Stage 2 - For Loans where credit risk has increased significantly, an impairment is recognized equal to the credit losses expected to result from defaults occurring over the life of the loan.

 

Stage 3 - For Loans which are credit impaired, a loss allowance is recognized equal to the expected lifetime of the Loan. Any subsequent recognition of interest income for which an expected credit loss provision exists, is calculated at the discount rate used in determining the provision, which may differ from the contractual rate of interest.

 

Loans receivable

 

Loans receivable are financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are held solely for payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding and are held within a business model whose objective is to hold assets to collect contractual cash flows. Loans receivable are measured at amortized cost.

 

Fees received for originating loans are considered an integral part of the yield earned on the loan and are recognized in interest income over the term of the loan using the effective interest method. Fees received may include cash payments and/or securities in the borrower.

 

Recognition of income and related expenses

 

Changes in accounting policy

 

In the first quarter of the current year, the Company adopted IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“IFRS 15”). As a result, the Company changed its accounting policies in the areas outlined below. As permitted by the transition provisions of IFRS 15, the Company elected not to restate comparative period results. Accordingly, any adjustments to the carrying amounts of financial assets and liabilities at the date of transition were recognized in the opening retained earnings of the current period. There was no material transitional impact on conversion to IFRS 15.

 

Recognition of income and related expenses

 

The Company receives variable consideration in the form of management fees, which are allocated to distinct time periods in which the management services are being provided. Management fees are recognized when they are no longer susceptible to market factors and no longer subject to a significant reversal in revenue.

 

The Company may also earn variable consideration in the form of carried interest and performance fees. These fees are recognized when they are no longer susceptible to market factors or subject to significant reversal in revenue, which is determined subject to agreements in the underlying funds.

 

Commission income is recognized when the related services are rendered and no longer subject to a significant reversal in revenue.

 

Interest income is recognized on an accrual basis using the effective interest method. Under the effective interest method, the interest rate realized is not necessarily the same as the stated rate in the loan or debenture documents. The effective interest rate is the rate required to discount the future value of all loan or debenture cash flows to their present value and is adjusted for the receipt of cash and non-cash items in connection with the loan.

 

Costs related to obtaining a contract with clients ("placement fees") are amortized on a systematic basis related to the transfer of services to those clients.

 

Property and equipment

 

Property and equipment are recorded at cost and are amortized on a declining balance basis over the expected useful life which ranges from 1 to 5 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Artwork is not amortized since it does not have a determinable useful life. The residual values, useful life and methods of amortization for property and equipment are reviewed at each reporting date and adjusted prospectively, if necessary. Any loss resulting from impairment of property and equipment is expensed in the period the impairment is identified.

 

 

 

 40 

 

 

SPROTT INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

Intangible assets

 

The useful life of an intangible asset is either finite or indefinite. Intangible assets other than goodwill are recognized when they are separable or arise from contractual or other legal rights, and have fair values that can be reliably measured.

 

Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over the useful economic life and assessed for impairment indicators at each reporting date, or more frequently if changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be impaired. Intangible assets with finite lives are only tested for impairment if indicators of impairment exist at the time of an impairment assessment. The amortization period and the amortization method for an intangible asset with a finite useful life is reviewed at each reporting date. Changes in the expected useful life or the expected pattern of consumption of future economic benefits embodied in the asset is accounted for by changing the amortization period or method, as appropriate, and are treated as changes in accounting estimates. The amortization expense and any impairment losses on intangible assets with finite lives are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations.

 

Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but are assessed for impairment indicators at each reporting date, or more frequently if changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be impaired. In addition to impairment indicator assessments, indefinite life intangibles must be tested annually for impairment. The indefinite life of an intangible asset is reviewed annually to determine whether the indefinite life continues to be supportable. If no longer supportable, changes in useful life from indefinite to finite are made prospectively.

 

Any loss resulting from impairment of intangible assets is expensed in the period the impairment is identified. Any gain resulting from an impairment reversal of intangible assets is recognized in the period the impairment reversal is identified but cannot exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined (net of amortization and impairment) had no impairment loss been recognized for the intangible asset in prior periods.

 

Business combinations and goodwill

 

The purchase price of an acquisition accounted for under the acquisition method is allocated based on the fair values of the net identifiable assets acquired. The excess of the purchase price over the fair values of such identifiable net assets is recorded as goodwill.

 

Goodwill, which is measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses, is not amortized, but rather, is assessed for impairment indicators at each reporting date, or more frequently if changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be impaired. In addition to quarterly impairment indicator assessments, goodwill must be tested annually for impairment. For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill is allocated to each of the Company's cash generating units ("CGUs") that are expected to benefit from the acquisition. The recoverable amount of a CGU is compared to its carrying value plus any goodwill allocated to the CGU. If the recoverable amount of a CGU is less than its carrying value plus allocated goodwill, an impairment charge is recognized, first against the carrying value of the goodwill, with any remaining difference being applied against the carrying value of assets contained in the impacted CGUs. Impairment losses on goodwill are recorded in the consolidated statements of operations and cannot be subsequently reversed.

 

Income taxes

 

Income tax is comprised of current and deferred tax.

 

Income tax is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations except to the extent that it relates to items recognized directly in other comprehensive income or elsewhere in equity, in which case, the related taxes are also recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) or elsewhere in equity.

 

Deferred taxes are recognized using the liability method for temporary differences that exist between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet and the amounts attributed to such assets and liabilities for tax purposes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the enacted or substantively enacted tax rates that are expected to apply when the differences related to the assets or liabilities reported for tax purposes are expected to reverse in the future. Deferred tax assets are recognized only when it is probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available or taxable temporary differences reversing in future periods against which deductible temporary differences may be utilized.

 

 

 

 41 

 

 

SPROTT INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

Deferred taxes liabilities are not recognized on the following temporary differences:

 

Temporary differences on the initial recognition of assets and liabilities in a transaction that is not a business combination and that affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss;

 

Taxable temporary differences related to investments in subsidiaries, associates or joint ventures or joint operations to the extent they are controlled by the Company and they will not reverse in the foreseeable future;

 

Taxable temporary differences arising on the initial recognition of goodwill.

 

The Company records a provision for uncertain tax positions if it is probable that the Company will have to make a payment to tax authorities upon their examination of a tax position. This provision is measured at the Company's best estimate of the amount expected to be paid. Provisions are reversed to income in the period in which management assesses they are no longer required or determined by statute.

 

The measurement of tax assets and liabilities requires an assessment of the potential tax consequences of items that can only be resolved through agreement with the tax authorities. While the ultimate outcome of such tax audits and discussions cannot be determined with certainty, management estimates the level of provisions required for both current and deferred taxes.

 

Share-based payments

 

The Company uses the fair value method to account for equity settled share-based payments with employees and directors. Compensation expense is determined using the Black-Scholes option valuation model for stock options. Compensation expense for the share incentive program is determined based on the fair value of the benefit conferred on the employee. Compensation expense for deferred stock units ("DSU") is determined based on the value of the Company's common shares at the time of grant. Compensation expense for earn-out shares is determined using appropriate valuation models. Compensation expense related to the Company's Employee Profit Sharing Plan is determined based on the value of the Company's common shares purchased by the Trust as of the grant date. Compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period with a corresponding increase to contributed surplus other than for the Company's DSUs where the corresponding increase is to liabilities. Stock options and common shares held by the Trust vest in installments which require a graded vesting methodology to account for these share-based awards. On the exercise of stock options for shares, the contributed surplus previously recorded with respect to the exercised options and the consideration paid is credited to capital stock. On the issuance of the earn-out shares, the contributed surplus previously recorded with respect to the issued earn-out shares is credited to capital stock. On the vesting of common shares in the Trust, the contributed surplus previously recorded is credited to capital stock. On the exercise of DSUs, the liability previously recorded is credited to cash.

 

Earnings per share

 

Basic and diluted earnings per share are computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.

 

The Company applies the treasury stock method to determine the dilutive impact, if any, of stock options and unvested shares purchased for the Trust. The treasury stock method determines the number of incremental common shares by assuming that the number of dilutive securities the Company has granted to employees have been issued.

 

Foreign currency translation

 

Accounts in the financial statements of the Company's subsidiaries are measured using their functional currency, being the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates. The Company's performance is evaluated and its liquidity is managed in Canadian dollars. Therefore, the Canadian dollar is the functional currency of the Company. The Canadian dollar is also the functional currency of all its subsidiaries, with the exception of Global Companies, which uses the U.S. dollar as its functional currency. Accordingly, the assets and liabilities of Global Companies are translated into Canadian dollars using the rate in effect on the date of the consolidated balance sheets. Revenue and expenses are translated at the average rate over the reporting period. Foreign currency translation gains and losses arising from the Company's translation of its net investment in Global Companies, including goodwill and the identified intangible assets, are included in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss as a separate component within shareholders' equity until there has been a realized reduction in the value of the underlying investment.

 

 

 

 42 

 

 

SPROTT INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

Segment reporting

 

Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to management. Management is responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance of the operating segments to make strategic decisions.

 

Significant accounting judgments and estimates

 

The key assumptions concerning the future and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting date that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are described below. The Company based its assumptions and estimates on parameters available when these financial statements were prepared. Existing circumstances and assumptions about future developments may change due to market changes or circumstances arising beyond the control of the Company. Such changes are reflected in the assumptions and estimates as they occur.

 

Fair value of financial instruments

 

When the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities recorded in the consolidated balance sheets cannot be derived from active markets, they are determined using valuation techniques and models. Model inputs are taken from observable markets where possible, but where this is not feasible, unobservable inputs may be used. The use of unobservable inputs can involve significant judgment and materially affect the reported fair value of financial instruments.

 

Loan loss provisions

 

Due to the nature of provisions, a considerable part of their determination is based on estimates and judgments, including assumptions concerning the likelihood of future events occurring. The actual outcome of these uncertain events may be materially different from provisions recorded on the Company's financial statements. With regard to loan impairments, management exercises judgment to determine the expected credit loss, the probability of default and loss given default.

 

Share-based payments

 

The Company measures the cost of share-based payments to employees by reference to the fair value of the equity instruments at the date on which they are granted. Estimating fair value for share-based payments requires determining the most appropriate valuation model for a grant of equity instruments, which is dependent on the terms and conditions of the grant. This also requires determining the most appropriate inputs to the valuation model including (in the case of options grants) the expected life of the option, volatility, and dividend yields, (and in the case of performance-based equity grants), the probability of a subsidiary or executive attaining certain performance targets, the future stock price of the Company and the future employment of senior employees.

 

Deferred tax assets

 

Deferred tax assets are recognized for unused tax losses to the extent it is probable that sufficient taxable profit will be generated in order to utilize the losses. In addition, taxable income is subject to estimation as a portion of performance fee revenue is an allocation of partnership income. Such allocations involve a certain degree of estimation and income tax estimates could change as a result of: (i) changes in tax laws and regulations, both domestic and foreign; (ii) an amendment to the calculation of partnership income allocation; or (iii) a change in foreign affiliate rules. Significant management judgment is required to determine the amount of deferred tax assets that can be recognized based on the likely timing and the level of future taxable profits together with future tax planning strategies.

 

 

 

 43 

 

 

SPROTT INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

Investments in other entities

 

IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements ("IFRS 10") and IAS 28 Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures ("IAS 28") provide for the use of judgment in determining whether an investee should be included within the consolidated financial statements of the Company and on what basis (subsidiary, joint venture or associate). Significant judgment is applied in evaluating facts and circumstances relevant to the Company and investee, including: (1) the extent of the Company's direct and indirect interests in the investee; (2) the level of compensation to be received from the investee for management and other services provided to it; (3) "kick out rights" available to other investors in the investee; and (4) other indicators of the extent of power that the Company has over the investee.

 

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets

 

All indefinite life intangible assets and goodwill are assessed for impairment, however, finite life intangibles are only tested for impairment to the extent indications of impairment exist at time of a quarterly assessment. In the case of goodwill and indefinite life intangibles, an annual test for impairment augments the quarterly impairment indicator assessments. Values associated with goodwill and intangibles involve estimates and assumptions, including those with respect to future cash inflows and outflows, discount rates and asset lives. These estimates require significant judgment regarding market growth rates, fund flow assumptions, expected margins and costs which could affect the Company's future results if estimates of future performance and fair value change.

 

Future Accounting Standards

 

IFRS 16, Leases (“IFRS 16”)

 

IFRS 16 was issued by IASB in January 2016 and is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019. IFRS 16 establishes principals for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases. The standard introduces a single lessee accounting model that requires, generally speaking, the recognition of most lease assets on the balance sheet as opposed to off-balance sheet in the financial statement notes.

 

Based on current estimates, the adoption of IFRS 16 is not expected to have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements.

 

IFRIC 23, Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatements ("IFRIC 23")

 

IFRIC 23 was issued by IASB in June 27 and is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019. IFRIC 23 clarifies the accounting treatment for income tax items that have yet to be accepted by tax authorities in order to enhance transparency. IFRIC 23 does not introduce new disclosures but reinforces the need to comply with existing requirements about judgments made, the assumptions used and other estimates, along with the potential impact of uncertainties.

 

Based on current estimates, the adoption of IFRIC 23 is not expected to have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

 44 

 

 

SPROTT INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

3      PROPRIETARY INVESTMENTS, OBLIGATIONS RELATED TO SECURITIES SOLD SHORT AND LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS

 

Proprietary investments and Obligations related to securities sold short

 

Consist of the following (in thousands $):

 

  

Classification and
measurement criteria

  December 31, 2018   Dec. 31, 2017 
Public equities and share purchase warrants  FVTPL   19,066    55,578 
Fixed income securities  FVTPL   2,796    249 
Private holdings:             
- Private investments  FVTPL   2,830    4,269 
- Energy contracts  Non-financial instrument   2,019    4,468 
Total proprietary investments      26,711    64,564 
              
Obligations related to securities sold short  FVTPL   255    24,993 

 

Long-term investments

 

Consists of the following (in thousands $):

 

   Classification and
measurement criteria
  December 31, 2018   Dec. 31, 2017 
Public equities and share purchase warrants  FVTPL       1,639 
Co-investments in funds  FVTPL   72,739    35,972 
Private holdings             
- Private investments  FVTPL   29,821    12,152 
Total long-term investments      102,560    49,763 

 

Realized gains and losses on financial assets classified at FVTPL are included in the gains (loss) on proprietary investments and Long-term investments on the consolidated statements of operations.

 

 

 

 45 

 

 

SPROTT INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

4 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT 

 

Consist of the following (in thousands $):

 

    Artwork     Furniture and
fixtures
    Computer
hardware and
software
    Leasehold
improvements
    Total  
Cost                                        
At December 31, 2016     2,622       3,255       2,652       8,479       17,008  
Disposal on Sale Transaction           (82 )     (462 )     (4,532 )     (5,076 )
Additions     374       10       465       11       860  
Net exchange differences           (35 )     (36 )     (19 )     (90 )
At December 31, 2017     2,996       3,148       2,619       3,939       12,702  
Additions     6,605       2       946       252       7,805  
Disposals           (28 )     (54 )     (28 )     (110 )
Net exchange differences           44       53       34       131  
At December 31, 2018     9,601       3,166       3,564       4,197       20,528  
                                         
Accumulated amortization                                        
At December 31, 2016           (3,084 )     (2,417 )     (5,196 )     (10,697 )
Disposal on Sale Transaction           30       86       3,925       4,041  
Charge for the year           (60 )     (266 )     (501 )     (827 )
Net exchange differences           37       33       10       80  
At December 31, 2017           (3,077 )     (2,564 )     (1,762 )     (7,403 )
Charge for the year           (27 )     (297 )     (444 )     (768 )
Disposals             28       44       18       90  
Net exchange differences           (44 )     (46 )     (23 )     (113 )
At December 31, 2018           (3,120 )     (2,863 )     (2,211 )     (8,194 )
                                         
Net book value at:                                        
December 31, 2017     2,996       71       55       2,177       5,299  
December 31, 2018     9,601       46       701       1,986       12,334  

 

 

 

 46 

 

 

SPROTT INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

5 GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

Consist of the following (in thousands $):

 

   Goodwill   Fund
management
contracts -
indefinite life
   Fund
management
contracts-
finite life
   Deferred
sales
commissions
   Total 
Cost                         
At December 31, 2016   177,749        49,371    10,171    237,291 
Net additions and (disposals)               (10,171)   (10,171)
Net exchange differences   (10,867)       (1,955)       (12,822)
At December 31, 2017   166,882        47,416        214,298 
Net additions and (disposals)       133,303            133,303 
Net exchange differences   13,482                13,482 
At December 31, 2018   180,364    133,303    47,416        361,083 
                          
Accumulated amortization                         
At December 31, 2016   (152,039)       (27,794)   (8,689)   (188,522)
Amortization charge for the year           (4,980)   (620)   (5,600)
Disposals in the year               9,309    9,309 
Net exchange differences   9,180        1,810        10,990 
At December 31, 2017   (142,859)       (30,964)       (173,823)
Amortization charge for the year           (1,431)       (1,431)
Net exchange differences   (11,390)               (11,390)
At December 31, 2018   (154,249)       (32,395)       (186,644)
                          
Net book value at:                         
December 31, 2017   24,023        16,452        40,475 
December 31, 2018   26,115    133,303    15,021        174,439 

 

 

 

 47 

 

 

SPROTT INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

Impairment assessment of goodwill

 

The Company identified seven cash generating units ("CGUs") for goodwill impairment and testing purposes: Exchange Listed Products, Alternative Asset Management, Global, Lending, Consulting, Merchant Banking & Advisory and Corporate.

 

As at December 31, 2018, the Company had allocated $26.1 million (December 31, 2017 - $24.0 million) of goodwill on a relative value approach basis to the Exchange Listed Products and Alternative Asset Management CGUs.

 

In the normal course, goodwill is tested for impairment once per annum, which for the Company is during the fourth quarter of each year. During the impairment testing process, there was no impairment in either the Exchange Listed Products CGU or the Alternative Asset Management CGU.

 

Impairment assessment of indefinite life fund management contracts

 

As at December 31, 2018, the Company had an exchange listed fund management contract within the Exchange Listed Products CGU of $133.3 million related to the purchase of the Central Fund of Canada in the first quarter of the current year. There was no impairment as at December 31, 2018.

 

Impairment assessment of finite life fund management contracts

 

As at December 31, 2018, the Company had no fixed-term limited partnerships within the Global CGU (December 31, 2017 - $0.4 million) and exchange listed funds within the Exchange Listed Products CGU of $15.0 million (December 31, 2017 - $16.1 million). There was no impairment as at December 31, 2018.

 

 

 

 48 

 

 

SPROTT INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

6       LOANS RECEIVABLE

 

Components of loans receivable

 

Loans are reported at their amortized cost using the effective interest method. Loans are reported net of any expected credit loss loss provisions on the expected credit loss provisions line of the consolidated statements of operations. Total carrying value consists of the following (in thousands $):

 

   Dec. 31, 2018   Dec. 31, 2017 
Loans          
Loan principal   37,873    53,272 
Accrued interest   14    252 
Deferred revenue   (1,816)   (4,851)
Amortized cost   36,071    48,673 
Loan loss provisions   (50)    
Less: current portion   (15,275)   (17,218)
Total carrying value of non-current loans receivable   20,746    31,455 

 

Expected credit losses ("ECL")

 

When a loan is classified as impaired, the original expected timing and amount of future cash flows may be revised to reflect new circumstances. These revised cash flows are discounted using the original effective interest rate to determine the net realizable value of the loan. Interest income is thereafter recognized on this net realizable value using the original effective interest rate. Additional changes to the amount or timing of future cash flows could result in further losses, or the reversal of previous losses, which would also impact the amount of subsequent interest income recognized.

 

On transition to IFRS 9, a Stage 1 ECL provision of $50 thousand (December 31, 2017 - $Nil) was recorded through opening retained earnings under the transitional provision of IFRS 9. As at December 31, 2018, the Company performed a comprehensive review of each loan measured at amortized cost in its portfolio to determine the requirement for an ECL provision. There were no credit events in the year.

 

Interest income on impaired loans and the changes in expected credit loss provisions are as follows (in thousands $):

 

   For the years ended 
   Dec. 31, 2018   Dec. 31, 2017 (1) 
Interest on impaired loans        
Expected credit loss provisions          
Balance, beginning of the year       4,993 
Transition adjustment   50     
Revised balance, beginning of the year   50    4,993 
Expected credit loss provision (recovery)       (4,942)
Net exchange differences       (51)
Balance, end of period   50     

 

(1)With the transition to IFRS 9, an expected loss model was used. In the prior period, an incurred loss model was used. See Changes in Accounting Policy in Note 2.

 

 

 

 49 

 

 

SPROTT INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

Sector distribution of loan principal

 

Distribution of Company outstanding loan principal balances by sector:

 

   Dec. 31, 2018   Dec. 31, 2017 
   Number of Loans   (in thousands $)   Number of Loans   (in thousands $) 
Loans                
Metals and mining   1    34,931    3    41,961 
Energy and other   2    2,942   4    11,311 
Total loan principal   3    37,873    7    53,272 

 

Geographic distribution of loan principal

 

Distribution of Company outstanding loan principal balances by geographic location of the underlying security:

 

   December 31, 2018   December 31, 2017 
   Number of Loans   (in thousands $)   Number of Loans   (in thousands $) 
Canada   1    1,578    2    8,578 
United States of America   2    36,295    3    31,310 
Peru           1    1,505 
South Africa           1    11,879 
Total loan principal   3    37,873    7    53,272 

 

 

 

 

 50 

 

 

SPROTT INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

7       OTHER ASSETS, INCOME AND EXPENSES

 

Other assets

 

Consist of the following (in thousands $):

 

   Dec. 31, 2018   Dec. 31, 2017 
Fund recoveries and investment receivables   4,722    17,168 
Deferred CFCL acquisition charges (1)       4,751 
Prepaid expenses   5,369    1,947 
Other (2)   1,897    743 
Total Other assets   11,988    24,609 

 

(1) Includes legal, proxy, solicitation and investor relations costs.

(2) Other includes miscellaneous third-party receivables.

 

Other income

 

Consist of the following (in thousands $):

 

   For the years ended 
   Dec. 31, 2018   Dec. 31, 2017 
Net proceeds from Sale Transaction (1)   4,200    31,691 
Other investment income (2)   4,708    5,383 
Foreign exchange gain (losses)   2,310    (7,412)
Total Other income (3)   11,218    29,662 

 

(1)Gross proceeds of $5.0 million, net of transaction costs of $0.8 million. This relates to the January 29, 2018 closing of the sale of our non-core private wealth client business. For 2017 income, gross proceeds of $41.3 million, net of transaction costs of $9.6 million. This relates to the August 1, 2017 closing of the sale of Canadian diversified funds business.

 

(2)Primarily includes investment fund income, syndication and trailer fee income.

 

(3)Excludes royalty income of $1.2 million (December 31, 2017 - $1.7 million), which is presented net of operating, depletion and impairment charges below.

 

Other expenses

 

Consist of the following (in thousands $):

 

   For the years ended 
   Dec. 31, 2018   Dec. 31, 2017 
Costs (recoveries) related to energy assets (1)   (28)   888 
Other (2)   2,228    1,448 
Total Other expenses   2,200    2,336 

 

 

(1) Includes operating, depletion and impairment charges, net of royalty income of $1.2 million (December 31, 2017 - $1.7 million).

(2) Primarily includes non-recurring professional fees.

 

 

 51 

 

 

SPROTT INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

8       SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

Capital stock and contributed surplus

The authorized and issued share capital of the Company consists of an unlimited number of common shares, without par value.

 

   Number of shares   Stated value
 (in thousands $)
 
At Dec. 31, 2016   243,190,293    411,231 
Issuance of share capital under dividend reinvestment program   231,133    541 
Issuance of share capital on conversion of RSU   755,413    1,728 
Cancellation of repurchased shares   (5,000,000)   (11,000)
Acquired for equity incentive plan   (8,100,000)   (17,882)
Released on vesting of equity incentive plan   3,021,795    7,938 
At Dec. 31, 2017   234,098,634    392,556 
Issuance of share capital under dividend reinvestment program   338,628    1,015 
Issuance of share capital on purchase of management contracts   6,997,387    17,284 
Issuance of share capital on conversion of RSU   635,939    1,581 
Acquired for equity incentive plan   (2,402,500)   (7,161)
Released on exercise of stock option plan   558,048    1,217 
Released on vesting of equity incentive plan   2,836,201    6,446 
At Dec. 31, 2018   243,062,337    412,938 

 

Contributed surplus consists of: stock option expense; earn-out shares expense; equity incentive plans' expense; and additional purchase consideration.

 

   Stated value
(in thousands $)
 
At Dec. 31, 2016   41,802 
Expensing of Sprott Inc. stock options over the vesting period   (73)
Expensing of Stock-based compensation over the vesting period   6,765 
Issuance of share capital on conversion of RSUs   (1,667)
Release of GTU shares   675 
Expensing of EPSP as referral fees   343 
Released on vesting of common shares for equity incentive plan   (7,938)
At Dec. 31, 2017   39,907 
Expensing of Stock-based compensation over the vesting period   12,358 
Issuance of share capital on conversion of RSU   (1,219)
Released on exercise of stock option plan   (1,217)
Released on vesting of common shares for equity incentive plan   (6,446)
At Dec. 31, 2018   43,383 

 

   

 

 

 

 52 

 

 

SPROTT INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

Stock option plan

 

The Company has an option plan (the "Plan") intended to provide incentives to directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. The aggregate number of shares issuable upon the exercise of all options granted under the Plan and under all other stock-based compensation arrangements including the Trust and Equity Incentive Plan ("EIP") cannot exceed 10% of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company as at the date of grant. The options may be granted at a price that is not less than the market price of the Company's common shares at the time of grant. The options vest annually over a three-year period and may be exercised during a period not to exceed 10 years from the date of grant.

 

There were 750,000 stock options issued for the year ended ended December 31, 2018 (year ended December 31, 2017 - nil). There were 2,000,000 options exercised in the year ended December 31, 2018 (year ended December 31, 2017 - nil)

 

For valuing share option grants, the fair value method of accounting is used. The fair value of option grants is determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, which takes into account the exercise price of the option, the current share price, the risk-free interest rate, the expected volatility of the share price over the life of the option and other relevant factors. Compensation cost is recognized over the vesting period, assuming an estimated forfeiture rate, with an offset to contributed surplus. When exercised, amounts originally recorded against contributed surplus as well as any consideration paid by the option holder is credited to capital stock.

 

A summary of the changes in the Plan is as follows:

 

   Number of options
(in thousands)
   Weighted average exercise price ($) 
Options outstanding, December 31, 2016   10,900    4.16 
Options exercisable, December 31, 2016   4,100    7.10 
Options forfeited   (3,925)   2.42 
Options outstanding, December 31, 2017   6,975    5.14 
Options exercisable, December 31, 2017   5,625    5.79 
Options issued   750    2.33 
Options exercised   (2,000)   2.33 
Options expired   (2,450)   10.00 
Options outstanding, December 31, 2018   3,275    2.57 
Options exercisable, December 31, 2018   1,875    2.70 

 

Options outstanding and exercisable as at December 31, 2018 are as follows:

 

Exercise price ($)   Number of outstanding options
(in thousands)
   Weighted average remaining contractual life
(years)
   Number of options exercisable
(in thousands)
 
6.60    150    1.9    150 
2.33    3,000    7.1    1,600 
2.73    125    7.4    125 
2.33 to 6.60    3,275    6.9    1,875 

 

 

 

 53 

 

 

SPROTT INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

Equity incentive plan

 

For employees in Canada, the Trust has been established and the Company will fund the Trust with cash, which will be used by the trustee to purchase: (1) on the open market, common shares of the Company that will be held in the Trust until the awards vest and are distributed to eligible members; or (2) from treasury, common shares of the Company that will be held in the Trust until the awards vest and are distributed to eligible employees; and (3) from time-to-time, purchases from 2176423 Ontario Ltd., a company controlled by Eric Sprott, pursuant to the terms and conditions of a previously announced share transaction. For employees in the U.S. under the EIP plan, the Company will allot common shares of the Company as either: (1) restricted stock; (2) unrestricted stock; or (3) restricted stock units ("RSUs"), the resulting common shares of which will be issued from treasury.

 

There were 2,396,538 RSUs issued during the year ended December 31, 2018 (year ended December 31, 2017 - 755,413). The Trust purchased 2.4 million shares in the year ended December 31, 2018 (year ended December 31, 2017 - 8.1 million).

 

   Number of common shares 
Common shares held by the Trust, December 31, 2016   5,287,752 
Acquired   8,100,000 
Released on vesting   (3,021,795)
Unvested common shares held by the Trust, December 31, 2017   10,365,957 
Acquired   2,402,500 
Released on vesting   (2,836,201)
Unvested common shares held by the Trust, December 31, 2018   9,932,256 

 

The table below provides a breakdown of the share-based compensation expense and the corresponding increase to contributed surplus:

 

   For the years ended 
   Dec. 31, 2018   Dec. 31, 2017 
Stock option plan   424    (73)
EPSP / EIP   11,934    6,765 
    12,358    6,692 

 

 

 

 54 

 

 

SPROTT INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

Basic and diluted earnings per share

 

The following table presents the calculation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share:

 

   For the years ended 
   Dec. 31, 2018   Dec. 31, 2017 
Numerator (in thousands $):          
Net income (loss) - basic and diluted   31,379    37,532 
           
Denominator (Number of shares in thousands):        
Weighted average number of common shares   251,848    246,205 
Weighted average number of unvested shares purchased by the Trust   (11,656)   (7,143)
Weighted average number of common shares - basic   240,192    239,062 
Weighted average number of dilutive stock options   3,125     
Weighted average number of unvested shares purchased by the Trust   11,656    7,143 
Weighted average number of common shares - diluted   254,973    246,205 
Net income per common share        
Basic  $0.13   $0.16 
Diluted  $0.12   $0.15 

 

Capital management

 

The Company's objectives when managing capital are:

 

to meet regulatory requirements and other contractual obligations;

 

to safeguard the Company's ability to continue as a going concern so that it can continue to provide returns for shareholders;

 

to provide financial flexibility to fund possible acquisitions;

 

to provide adequate seed capital for the Company's new product offerings; and

 

to provide an adequate return to shareholders through growth in assets under management, growth in management fees, carried interest and performance fees and return on the Company's invested capital that will result in dividend payments to shareholders.

 

The Company's capital is comprised of equity, including capital stock, contributed surplus, retained earnings (deficit) and accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). SPW is a member of the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada ("IIROC"), SAM is a registrant of the Ontario Securities Commission ("OSC") and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), SAM US is registered with the SEC and SGRIL is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA"). As a result, all of these entities are required to maintain a minimum level of regulatory capital. To ensure compliance, management monitors regulatory and working capital on a regular basis. As at December 31, 2018 and 2017, all entities were in compliance with their respective capital requirements.

 

 

 

 55 

 

 

SPROTT INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

9       INCOME TAXES

 

The major components of income tax expense are as follows (in thousands $):

 

   For the years ended 
   Dec. 31, 2018   Dec. 31, 2017 
Current income tax expense (recovery)          
Based on taxable income of the current period   393    9,003 
Other   (137)   (1,174)
    256    7,829 
Deferred income tax expense (recovery)          
Total deferred income tax expense   1,022    (2,055)
Income tax expense reported in the statements of operations   1,278    5,774 

 

Taxes calculated on the Company's earnings differs from the theoretical amount that would arise using the weighted average tax rate applicable to earnings of the Company as follows (in thousands $):

 

   For the years ended 
   Dec. 31, 2018   Dec. 31, 2017 
Income before income taxes   32,657    43,306 
Tax calculated at domestic tax rates applicable to profits in the respective countries   8,631    11,851 
Tax effects of:          
Non-deductible stock-based compensation   153    1,815 
Non-taxable capital (gains) and losses   (559)   (5,275)
Capital losses not benefited       27 
Intangibles   (388)   130 
Adjustments in respect of previous periods   (137)   (1,356)
Other temporary differences not benefited   (279)   (1,425)
Non-capital losses not benefited previously   (6,680)   91 
Rate differences and other   537    (84)
Tax charge   1,278    5,774 

 

The weighted average statutory tax rate was 26.4% (December 31, 2017 - 27.4%). This decrease was mainly due to decreased profitability of our Global segment, which is U.S based. The Company has $6 million of non-capital tax losses and $12 million of capital tax losses from prior years that will begin to expire in 2027 and 2019, respectively. The benefit of these capital and non-capital tax losses has not been recognized.

 

 

 

 56 

 

 

SPROTT INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Deferred tax assets are recognized for tax loss carry-forwards to the extent that the realization of the related tax benefit through future taxable profits is probable. The ability to realize the tax benefits of these losses is dependent upon a number of factors, including the future profitability of operations in the jurisdictions in which the tax losses arose. The movement in significant components of the Company's deferred income tax assets and liabilities is as follows (in thousands $):

 

For the year ended December 31, 2018

 

   Dec. 31, 2017   Recognized in income   Recognized in other comprehensive income   Dec. 31, 2018 
Deferred income tax assets                    
Other stock-based compensation   2,588    1,712        4,300 
Non-capital losses   820    4,185    13    5,018 
Unrealized gains   481    (95)        386 
Other   485    28        513 
Total deferred income tax assets   4,374    5,830    13    10,217 
                     
Deferred income tax liabilities                    
Fund management contracts   431    6,886        7,317 
Proceeds receivable   279    (209)       70 
Other   (116)   175        59 
Total deferred income tax liabilities   594    6,852        7,446 
Net deferred income tax assets   3,780    (1,022)   13    2,771 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2017

 

   Dec. 31, 2016   Recognized in income   Recognized in other comprehensive income   Dec. 31, 2017 
Deferred income tax assets                    
Other stock-based compensation   4,223    (1,635)       2,588 
Non-capital losses   553    267        820 
Unrealized gains   (186)   667        481 
Other   571    (86)       485 
Total deferred income tax assets   5,161    (787)       4,374 
                     
Deferred income tax liabilities                    
Fund management contracts   2,039    (1,547)   (61)   431 
Deferred sales commissions   392    (392)        
Proceeds receivable   993    (714)       279 
Other   73    (189)       (116)
Total deferred income tax liabilities   3,497    (2,842)   (61)   594 
Net deferred income tax assets (liabilities)   1,664    2,055    61    3,780 

 

   

 

 

 

 57 

 

 

SPROTT INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

10     FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

The following tables present the Company's recurring fair value measurements within the fair value hierarchy. The Company did not have non-recurring fair value measurements as at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (in thousands $).

 

Proprietary Investments

 

Dec. 31, 2018  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Public equities and share purchase warrants   13,680    5,386        19,066 
Fixed income securities       1,796    1,000    2,796 
Private holdings           2,830    2,830 
Obligations related to securities sold short   (255)           (255)
Total net recurring fair value measurements   13,425    7,182    3,830    24,437 
                     
Dec. 31, 2017   Level 1    Level 2    Level 3    Total 
Public equities and share purchase warrants   47,417    8,161        55,578 
Fixed income securities       249        249 
Private holdings           4,269    4,269 
Obligations related to securities sold short   (24,993)           (24,993)
Total net recurring fair value measurements   22,424    8,410    4,269    35,103 

 

Long-term investments

 

Dec. 31, 2018  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Co-investments in funds       72,739        72,739 
Private holdings           29,821    29,821 
Total net recurring fair value measurements       72,739    29,821    102,560 

 

Dec. 31, 2017  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Public equities and share purchase warrants       1,639        1,639 
Co-investments in funds       35,972        35,972 
Private holdings           12,152    12,152 
Total net recurring fair value measurements       37,611    12,152    49,763 

 

 

 

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SPROTT INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

The following tables provides a summary of changes in the fair value of Level 3 financial assets (in thousands $):

 

Proprietary Investments

 

   Changes in the fair value of Level 3 measurements - Dec. 31, 2018 
   Dec. 31, 2017   Purchases and reclassifications   Settlements   Net unrealized gains (losses) included in net income   Dec. 31, 2018 
Private holdings   4,269    2,135    (3,680)   106    2,830 
Fixed income securities       1,000            1,000 
    4,269    3,135    (3,680)   106    3,830 
     
   Changes in the fair value of Level 3 measurements - Dec. 31, 2017 
   Dec. 31, 2016   Purchases and reclassifications   Settlements   Net unrealized gains (losses) included in net income   Dec. 31, 2017 
Private holdings   3,984    272    (16)   29    4,269 
Fixed income securities   1,264        (1,264)        
    5,248    272    (1,280)   29    4,269 

 

Long-term investments

 

   Changes in the fair value of Level 3 measurements - Dec. 31, 2018 
   Dec. 31, 2017   Purchases and reclassifications   Settlements   Net unrealized gains (losses) included in net income   Dec. 31, 2018 
Private holdings   12,152    13,145        4,524    29,821 
    12,152    13,145        4,524    29,821 
     
   Changes in the fair value of Level 3 measurements - Dec. 31, 2017 
   Dec. 31, 2016   Purchases and reclassifications   Settlements   Net unrealized gains (losses) included in net income   Dec. 31, 2017 
Private holdings   8,830            3,322    12,152 
    8,830            3,322    12,152 

 

During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company transferred public equities of $0.7 million (Dec. 31, 2017 - $2.9 million) from Level 2 to Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy due to the release of trading restrictions by the issuer. The Company purchased level 3 investments of $16.3 million and transferred $Nil (Dec. 31, 2017 - $3.3 million) from Level 3 to Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

 

 

 

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SPROTT INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

The following table presents the valuation techniques used by the Company in measuring fair values:

 

Type Valuation Technique
Public equities and share purchase warrants Fair values are determined using pricing models which incorporate all available market-observable inputs.
Co-investments in funds Fair values are based on the last available Net Asset Value.
Fixed income securities Fair values are based on independent market data providers or third-party broker quotes.

 

The Company’s Level 3 securities consists of private holdings and fixed income securities of private companies. The Company determines fair value using a variety of valuation techniques, including discounted cash flows, comparable recent transactions and other techniques used by market participants. The significant unobservable input used in these valuation techniques can vary considerably over time, and include grey market financing prices, discount rates and extraction recovery rates of mining projects. A significant change in any of these inputs in isolation would result in a material impact in fair value measurement. The potential impact of a 5% change in the significant unobservable inputs on profit or loss would be approximately $1.2 million (December 31, 2017 - $0.5 million)

 

Financial instruments not carried at fair value

 

For fees receivable, other assets, accounts payable and accrued liabilities and compensation payable, the carrying amount represents a reasonable approximation of fair value due to their short term maturity.

 

11     RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

The remuneration of directors and other key management personnel of the Company for employment services rendered are as follows (in thousands $):

 

   For the years ended 
   Dec. 31, 2018   Dec. 31, 2017 
Fixed salaries and benefits   3,186    4,197 
Variable incentive-based compensation   4,976    2,818 
Share-based compensation   4,344    3,268 
    12,506    10,283 

 

The deferred stock unit ("DSU") plan for independent directors of the Company vests annually over a three-year period and may only be settled in cash upon retirement. DSU's issued in lieu of directors' fees and dividends vest immediately. There were 123,660 DSUs issued during the year (December 31, 2017 - 213,727). DSU expense is included in "compensation and benefits" line in the consolidated statements of operations and is recognized over the three-year vesting period with an offset to accrued liabilities.

 

On June 29, 2017, the Company participated in the secondary offering of 2176423 Ontario Ltd., a company beneficially owned by Mr. Eric Sprott. As part of the offering, the Sprott Inc. 2011 Employee Profit Sharing Trust purchased 7,500,000 shares for a total price of $16.5 million, which included a $9.9 million note payable over four years. As at December 31, 2018, the balance of the note payable is $5.5 million.

 

 

 

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SPROTT INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

12     DIVIDENDS

 

The following dividends were declared by the Company during the year ended December 31, 2018:

 

Record date  Payment Date  Cash dividend per share ($)   Total dividend amount (in thousands $) 
March 12, 2018 - Regular Dividend Q4 - 2017  March 27, 2018   0.03    7,553 
May 21, 2018 - Regular Dividend Q1 - 2018  June 5, 2018   0.03    7,553 
August 20, 2018 - Regular Dividend Q2 - 2018  September 4, 2018   0.03    7,566 
November 19, 2018 - Regular Dividend Q3 - 2018  December 4, 2018   0.03    7,586 
Dividends (1)           30,258 

 

(1) Subsequent to the quarter-end, on February 27, 2019, a regular dividend of $0.03 per common share was declared for the quarter ended December 31, 2018. This dividend is payable on March 25, 2019 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 8, 2019.

 

 

 

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SPROTT INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

13     RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

 

The Company's exposure to market, credit, liquidity and concentration risk is described below:

 

Market risk

 

Market risk refers to the risk that a change in the level of one or more of market prices, interest rates, foreign exchange rates, indices, volatilities, correlations or other market factors, such as liquidity, will result in a change in the fair value of an asset. The Company's financial instruments are classified as HFT, designated as FVTPL, HTM, AFS, or as loans and receivables. Therefore, certain changes in fair value or permanent impairment, if any, affect reported earnings as they occur. The maximum risk resulting from financial instruments is determined by the fair value of the financial instruments. The Company manages market risk through regular monitoring of its proprietary investments and loans receivable. The Company separates market risk into three categories: price risk, interest rate risk and foreign currency risk.

 

Price risk

 

Price risk arises from the possibility that changes in the price of the Company's proprietary investments and long-term investments will result in changes in carrying value. If the market values of proprietary investments and long-term investments classified as HFT increased or decreased by 5%, with all other variables held constant, this would have resulted in an increase or decrease in net income of approximately $6.4 million for the year (December 31, 2017 - $1.7 million). For more details about the Company's proprietary investments and long-term investments, refer to Note 3.

 

The Company's revenues are also exposed to price risk since management fees, performance fees and carried interests are correlated with assets under management, which fluctuates with changes in the market values of the assets in the funds and managed accounts managed by SAM, SC, RCIC and SAM US.

 

As at December 31, 2018 and 2017 the Company did not hold any precious metal loans and was not exposed to price risk as the fair value of these loans is dependent on future gold prices.

 

Interest rate risk

 

Interest rate risk arises from the possibility that changes in interest rates will adversely affect the value of, or cash flows from, financial instrument assets. The Company’s earnings, particularly through its on balance sheet loans and co-investment in lending LPs, are exposed to volatility as a result of sudden changes in interest rates. As a mitigating factor, the Company from time-to-time sets minimum interest rates or an interest rate floor in its variable rate loans. As at December 31, 2018 the Company's loan portfolio consisted of only fixed-rate loans. The Company is also exposed to changes in the value of a loan when that loan’s interest rate is at a rate other than current market rates.

 

As at December 31, 2018, the Company's on balance sheet loan portfolio had 3 fixed-rate resource based loans and no floating-rate resource based loan (December 31, 2017 - 6 fixed-rate loans and 1 floating-rate loan) with an aggregate carrying value of $36.0 million (December 31, 2017 - $48.7 million). The Company's 3 loans range in maturity dates from 1 to 3 years.

 

Foreign currency risk

 

Foreign currency risk arises from foreign exchange rate movements that could negatively impact either the carrying value of financial assets and liabilities or the related cash flows when translating those balances into Canadian dollars. The Company's primary foreign currency is the United States dollar ("USD"). The Company may employ certain hedging strategies to mitigate foreign currency risk.

 

 

 

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SPROTT INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

The Global Companies' assets are all denominated in USD with their translation impact being reported as part of other comprehensive income in the financial statements. Excluding the impact of the Global Companies, as at December 31, 2018, approximately $103.3 million (December 31, 2017 - $59.6 million) of total Canadian assets were invested in proprietary investments priced in USD. A total of $17.3 million (December 31, 2017 - $55.5 million) of cash, $1.3 million (December 31, 2017 -$1.2 million) of accounts receivable, $34.5 million (December 31, 2017 - $42.1 million) of loans receivable and $2.6 million (December 31, 2017 - $10.9 million) of other assets were denominated in USD. As at December 31, 2018, if the exchange rate between USD and the Canadian dollar increased or decreased by 5%, with all other variables held constant, the increase or decrease in net income would have been approximately $7.9 million for the year (December 31, 2017 - $6.9 million) and there would be $Nil impact to OCI (December 31, 2017 - $Nil).

 

Credit risk

 

Credit risk is the risk that a borrower will not honour its commitments and a loss to the Company may result.

Loans receivable

 

The Company incurs credit risk primarily in the on-balance sheet loans of SRLC and through co-investments made in the lending LPs managed by SRLC. In addition to the relative default probability of SRLC borrowers (both directly via on balance sheet loans and indirectly via borrowers in the lending LPs we co-invest with), credit risk is also dependent on loss given default, which can increase credit risk if the values of the underlying assets securing the Company's loans decline to levels approaching or below the loan amounts. A decrease in commodity prices may delay the development of the underlying security or business plans of the borrower and will adversely affect the value of the Company's security against a loan. Additionally, the value of the Company's underlying security in a loan can be negatively affected if the actual amount or quality of the commodity proves to be less than that originally estimated, or the ability to extract the commodity proves to be more difficult or more costly than originally estimated. During the loan origination process, management takes into account a number of factors and is committed to several processes to ensure that this risk is appropriately mitigated. These include:

 

emphasis on first priority and/or secured financings;

 

the investigation of the creditworthiness of borrowers;

 

the employment of qualified and experienced loan professionals;

 

a review of the sufficiency of the borrower’s business plans including plans that will enhance the value of the underlying security;

 

frequent and documented status updates provided on business plans;

 

engagement of qualified independent advisors (e.g. lawyers, engineers and geologists) to protect Company interests;

 

legal reviews that are performed to ensure that all due diligence requirements are met prior to funding.

 

As at December 31, 2018, the Company’s net exposure to credit risk in the on-balance sheet loans of SRLC and through the loan portfolio of the lending LPs was $36.0 million (December 31, 2017 - $48.7 million) and the Company had no exposure to off-balance sheet credit risk (loan commitments) (December 31, 2017 - $nil). As at December 31, 2018, the largest loan in the Company’s on-balance sheet loan portfolio was a resource loan with a carrying value of $33.2 million or 92% of the Company’s loans receivable (December 31, 2017 - $26.3 million or 54% of the Company’s loans receivable). The Company will syndicate loans in certain circumstances if it wishes to reduce its exposure to a borrower or comply with loan exposure maximums. The Company reviews its policies regarding its lending limits on an ongoing basis. For precious metal loans, the Company performs the same due diligence procedures as it would for its resource loans and resource debentures.

 

 

 

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SPROTT INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

Collectability of loans

 

Besides the above noted measures we take to manage credit risk, the Company will report on credit risk in the notes to the annual financial statements and records expected credit loss to ensure the loans are recorded at their estimated recoverable amount (i.e. net of impairment risk we believe to exist as at the balance sheet date and in accordance with IFRS). Actual losses incurred in the loan portfolio could differ materially from our provisions.

 

Proprietary investments

 

The Company incurs credit risk when entering into, settling and financing various proprietary transactions. As at December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company's most significant proprietary investments counterparty was National Bank Correspondent Network Inc. ("NBCN"), the carrying broker of SPW, which also acts as a custodian for most of the Company's proprietary investments. NBCN is registered as an investment dealer subject to regulation by IIROC; as a result, it is required to maintain minimum levels of regulatory capital at all times.

 

Other

 

The majority of accounts receivable relate to management, carried interest and performance fees receivable from the Funds, managed accounts and managed companies managed by the Company. Credit risk is managed in this regard by dealing with counterparties that the Company believes to be creditworthy and by actively monitoring credit exposure and the financial health of the counterparties.

 

The Global Companies incur credit risk when entering into, settling and financing various proprietary transactions. As at December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Global Companies' most significant counterparty was RBC Capital Markets LLC ("RBCCM"), the carrying broker of SGRIL and custodian of the net assets of the Funds managed by RCIC. RBCCM is registered as a broker-dealer and registered investment advisor subject to regulation by FINRA and the SEC; as a result, it is required to maintain minimal levels of regulatory capital at all times.

 

Liquidity risk

 

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company cannot meet a demand for cash or fund its obligations as they come due.

 

The Company's exposure to liquidity risk is minimal as it maintains sufficient levels of liquid assets to meet its obligations as they come due. Additionally, the Company has access to a $90 million committed line of credit with a major Canadian Schedule I bank. As part of its cash management program, the Company primarily invests in short-term debt securities issued by the Government of Canada with maturities of less than three months. As at December 31, 2018, the Company had $47.3 million or 11% (December 31, 2017 - $156.1 million or 38%) of its total assets in cash and cash equivalents. In addition, approximately $19.1 million or 19% (December 31, 2017 - $27.3 million or 69%) of proprietary investments held by the Company are readily marketable and are recorded at their fair value.

 

The Company's exposure to liquidity risk as it relates to loans receivable and co-investments in lending LPs arises from fluctuations in cash flows from making loan advances and receiving loan repayments. The Company manages its loan commitment liquidity risk through the ongoing monitoring of scheduled loan fundings and repayments ("match funding") and through its broader treasury risk management program and enterprise capital budgeting. As at December 31, 2018, the Company had no loan funding commitments and $38.7 million in co-investment commitments from the Lending segment (December 31, 2017 - $9.9 million and $7.8 million respectively) . Financial liabilities, including accounts payable and accrued liabilities and compensation and employee bonuses payable, are short-term in nature and are generally due within a year.

 

 

 

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SPROTT INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

The Company's management team is responsible for reviewing resources to ensure funds are readily available to meet its financial obligations as they come due, as well as ensuring adequate funds exist to support business strategies and operations growth. The Company manages liquidity risk by monitoring cash balances on a daily basis. To meet any liquidity shortfalls, actions taken by the Company could include: syndicating a portion of its loans; slowing its lending activities; drawing on the line of credit; liquidating proprietary investments and/or issuing common shares.

 

Concentration risk

 

The majority of the Company's AUM, as well as its proprietary investments and loans receivables are focused on the natural resource sector, and in particular, precious metals & mining.

 

 

 

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SPROTT INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

14     SEGMENTED INFORMATION

 

For management purposes, the Company is organized into business units based on its products, services and geographical location and has six reportable segments as follows:

 

Exchange Listed Products (reportable), which provides management services to the Company's closed-end physical trusts and exchange traded funds ("ETFs"), both of which are actively traded on public securities exchanges;

 

Alternative Asset Management (reportable), which provides asset management and sub-advisory services to the Company's branded funds and managed accounts;

 

Global (reportable), which provides asset management services to the Company's branded funds and managed accounts in the U.S. and also provides securities trading services to its clients through the Company's U.S. broker-dealer;

 

Lending (reportable), which provides lending activities through limited partnership vehicles as well as through direct lending activities using the Company's balance sheet;

 

Merchant Banking and Advisory Services (reportable), which includes the activities of Sprott Capital Partners, a division of SPW. Effective this year, the results of our Canadian broker-dealer are presented separately from Corporate;

 

Corporate (reportable), which provides capital, balance sheet management and enterprise shared services to the Company's subsidiaries. Effective this year, the results of this segment are presented separately from Merchant Banking and Advisory Services;

 

All Other Segments (non-reportable), which do not meet the definition of reportable segments as per IFRS 8. Effective Q1, 2018, the Consulting segment is now part of "All Other Segments" as it no longer constitutes a reportable operating segment on its own, given its immateriality relative to the three quantitative tests of IFRS 8. Consulting is the only segment in this category as all other Company segments are reportable.

 

Management monitors the operating results of its business units separately for the purpose of making decisions about resource allocation and performance assessment. Segment performance is evaluated based on earnings before interest expense, income taxes, amortization and impairment of intangible assets and goodwill, gains and losses on proprietary investments (as if such gains and losses had not occurred), foreign exchange gains and losses, one time non-recurring expenses, non-cash and non-recurring stock-based compensation, carried interest and performance fees and carried interest and performance fee payouts (adjusted base EBITDA).

 

Adjusted base EBITDA is not a measurement in accordance with IFRS and should not be considered as an alternative to net income or any other measure of performance under IFRS.

 

Transfer pricing between operating segments is performed on an arm's length basis in a manner similar to transactions with third parties.

 

 

 

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SPROTT INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

The following tables present the operations of the Company's reportable segments (in thousands $):

 

For the year ended December 31, 2018

 

   Exchange Listed
Products
  Alternative Asset
Management
  Global  Lending  Merchant Banking &
Advisory Services
  Corporate (1)  Eliminations and All
Other Segments (2)
  Consolidated 
Total revenue   33,479   9,143   14,550   27,702   22,116   2,472   (193)  109,269 
Total expenses   9,057   7,503   16,923   7,316   15,788   14,528   5,497   76,612 
Pre-tax Income (loss)   24,422   1,640   (2,373)  20,386   6,328   (12,056)  (5,690)  32,657 
Adjusted base EBITDA   24,924   1,686   3,037   15,437   4,474   (8,982)  (64)  40,512 

 

(1)Historically, this reportable segment included losses on proprietary investments relating to the Company's investment in Sprott Resource Holdings Inc. ("SRHI"). This has been reclassified to "All Other Segments" as SRHI is a managed company of the non-reportable Consulting segment.

 

(2)Inter-segment revenues and expenses are eliminated on consolidation and reflected in the Eliminations column. Effective Q1, 2018, the former Consulting segment no longer met the definition of a reportable segment as per IFRS 8.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2017

 

   Exchange Listed
Products
  Alternative Asset
Management
  Global  Lending  Merchant Banking &
Advisory Services
  Corporate (1)  Eliminations and All
Other Segments (2)
  Consolidated 
Total revenue   17,984   72,942   20,416   11,036   21,555   (5,768)  6,046   144,211 
Total expenses   7,693   32,807   17,555   6,902   16,486   12,951   6,511   100,905 
Pre-tax Income (loss)   10,291   40,135   2,861   4,134   5,069   (18,719)  (465)  43,306 
Adjusted base EBITDA   12,255   7,614   5,655   16,962   5,699   (8,188)  167   40,164 

 

(1)Historically, this reportable segment included losses on proprietary investments relating to the Company's investment in Sprott Resource Holdings Inc. ("SRHI"). This has been reclassified to "All Other Segments" as SRHI is a managed company of the non-reportable Consulting segment.

 

(2)Inter-segment revenues and expenses are eliminated on consolidation and reflected in the Eliminations column. Effective Q1, 2018, the former Consulting segment no longer met the definition of a reportable segment as per IFRS 8.

 

For geographic reporting purposes, transactions are primarily recorded in the location that corresponds with the underlying subsidiary's country of domicile that generates the revenue. The following table presents the revenue of the Company by geographic location (in thousands $):

 

   For the years ended 
   Dec. 31, 2018   Dec. 31, 2017 
Canada   94,719    123,795 
United States   14,550    20,416 
    109,269    144,211 

 

 

 

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SPROTT INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

15     COMMITMENTS AND PROVISIONS

 

Besides the Company's long-term lease agreement, there may be commitments to provide loans arising from the Lending business or commitments to make investments in the net investments portfolio of the Company. As at December 31, 2018, the Company had no loan commitments (December 31, 2017 - $9.9 million) and $38.7 million in co-investment commitments from the Lending segment (December 31, 2017 - $7.8 million).

 

Future minimum annual rental payments under non-cancellable leases, including operating costs, are as follows ($ thousands):

 

2019   2,580 
2020   2,606 
2021   2,632 
2022   2,153 
2023   1,847 
Thereafter   1,866 
    13,684 

 

Contingent loss provisions are recorded when it is probable that the Company will incur a loss and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated.  The Company makes provisions based on current information and the probable resolution of any such proceedings and claims. As at December 31, 2018, no provisions were recognized.

 

 

 

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Corporate Information

 

Head Office

Sprott Inc.

Royal Bank Plaza, South Tower

200 Bay Street, Suite 2600

Toronto, Ontario M5J 2J1, Canada

T: 416.943.8099

1.855.943.8099

 

Directors & Officers

Jack C. Lee, Chairman

Peter Grosskopf, Chief Executive Officer and Director

Rick Rule, Director

Sharon Ranson, FCPA, FCA, Director

Rosemary Zigrossi, Director

Ronald Dewhurst, Director

Kevin Hibbert, Chief Financial Officer

Arthur Einav, Corporate Secretary

 

Transfer Agent & Registrar

TMX Equity Transfer Services

200 University Avenue, Suite 300

Toronto, Ontario M5H 4H1

Toll Free: 1.866.393.4891

www.tmxequitytransferservices.com

 

Legal Counsel

Baker & McKenzie LLP

Brookfield Place, Suite 2100

181 Bay Street, P.O. Box 874

Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5J 2T3

 

Auditors

KPMG LLP

Bay Adelaide Centre

333 Bay Street, Suite 4600

Toronto, ON M5H 2S5

 

Investor Relations

Shareholder requests may be directed to

Investor Relations by e-mail at ir@sprott.com

or via telephone at 416.943.8099

or toll free at 1.855.943.8099

 

Stock Information

Sprott Inc. common shares are traded on the

Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol ‘‘SII’’

 

Annual General Meeting

Friday, May 10, 2019 12:00 pm

Baker & Mackenzie LLP

Brookfield Place, Bay/Wellington Tower

181 Bay Street, Suite 2100

Toronto, Ontario

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

www.sprott.com