Annual Report
December 31, 2023
Sprott Gold Miners ETF (NYSE Arca: SGDM)
Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF (NYSE Arca: SGDJ)
Sprott Energy Transition Materials ETF (Nasdaq: SETM)
Sprott Lithium Miners ETF (Nasdaq: LITP)
Sprott Uranium Miners ETF (NYSE Arca: URNM)
Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF (Nasdaq: URNJ)
Sprott Junior Copper Miners ETF (Nasdaq: COPJ)
Sprott Nickel Miners ETF (Nasdaq: NIKL)
Table of Contents
Performance Overview | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
This letter reviews the performance of both the Sprott Gold Miners ETF and the Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF for the 12-month period ended December 31, 2023.
The Sprott Gold Miners ETF (“SGDM”; NYSE Arca: SGDM) seeks investment results that correspond (before fees and expenses) to the performance of its underlying index, the Solactive Gold Miners Custom Factors Total Return Index (ticker symbol: SOLGMCFT, the “Underlying Gold Index”). The Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF (“SGDJ”; NYSE Arca: SGDJ) seeks investment results that correspond (before fees and expenses) to the performance of its underlying index, the Solactive Junior Gold Miners Custom Factors Total Return Index (ticker symbol: SOLJGMFT, the “Junior Underlying Index”).
Performance Overview
For the 12 months ended December 31, 2023, SGDM generated a total return of 2.68%, generally in line with the performance of senior gold mining equities, as measured by the Underlying Gold Index, which gained 3.61%. SGDJ generated a total return of 6.61% for the 12-month period, generally in line with the performance of junior gold mining equities, as measured by the Junior Underlying Index, which rose 8.03%.
Gold Markets Overview
In 2023, precious metals equities primarily followed the gold bullion price despite underperforming overall. Capital appeared reluctant to participate in gold mining stocks despite this year’s profit margin recovery with better gold prices on average. Gold stocks experienced a much different and more positive autumn than the difficult summer of 2023. Gold equities staged a rally with the gold price after the first week of October, while precious metals equity markets continued to build positive momentum through November and December, marking higher lows from the bottom seen at the end of September. By contrast, the S&P 500 Total Return Index gained 26.29% in a strong year for broader stocks, although narrowly focused on AI (Artificial Intelligence) and technology-related names.
Gold bullion prices began the year at $1,824 per ounce and ended the first half at $1,919 as of June 30, 2023, gaining 5.23%. Gold was helped in the first half by the weakness of the U.S. dollar (USD) and the March failures of Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank and the Credit Suisse/UBS merger, which forced markets to recalibrate the risks of higher interest rates on banking activity and the broader economic landscape. Higher interest rates prevailed in the first half, with the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) raising rates four times between February and July, from 4.50% to 5.50%. At its July Federal Open Market Committee Meeting, the Fed made its 11th interest rate increase and what appeared to be its final hike in this cycle, which has been aimed at curbing inflation. The Fed’s tightening efforts have helped inflation fall from 9% (in June 2022) to 3% at year-end.
The second half of 2023 was an even stronger period for gold bullion, which ended the year at $2,063, gaining 13.10% for the full year. Much of this price increase came in the fourth quarter, with gold reaching new closing highs in December, a stark contrast to the third quarter when gold retreated to $1,849 and lost 3.68%. During the third quarter, interest rate fears were a dominant theme that also took the broader financial markets lower. In October, markets were also unsettled by the start of the Gaza/Israel conflict, which heightened geopolitical concerns on top of the nearly two-year Russia-Ukraine war.
Overall, 2023 proved to be more positive for the economy and markets than had been predicted back in January; a recession was averted, inflation fell, consumers kept spending, and the unemployment rate remained low at 3.7%. Even an historic bond rout in October that pushed the U.S. 10-YR Treasury yield to 5% before retreating down to 3.9% failed to dampen the results of 2023.
1 | December 31, 2023
Sprott Gold ETFs
Performance Overview | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
For the year ended December 31, 2023, the three largest positive contributors to SGDM performance were Alamos Gold, Dundee Precious Metals and Barrick Gold. The three largest performance detractors were Franco-Nevada, SSR Mining and K92 Mining.
Performance^ (as of December 31, 2023)
Average Annual Total Returns | |||
1 Year | 5 Year | Since Inception^^ | |
Sprott Gold Miners ETF - Net Asset Value (“NAV”)1 | 2.68% | 8.39% | 0.81% |
Sprott Gold Miners ETF - Market Price2 | 2.43% | 8.43% | 0.80% |
Solactive Gold Miners Custom Factors Total Return Index3 | 3.61% | 9.47% | 1.68% |
S&P 500® Total Return Index | 26.29% | 15.69% | 11.83% |
Performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Total return figures assume reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any, and include the effect of SGDM’s recurring expenses. The table does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on SGDM distributions or the redemption of SGDM shares. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance data may be higher or lower than actual data quoted. For the most current month-end performance data please visit www.sprottetfs.com or call 888.622.1813.
^ | The Sprott Gold Miners ETF (SGDM) was reorganized on or about July 19, 2019 (“Reorganization Date”) from Sprott Gold Miners ETF (“Gold Predecessor Fund”), then a series of ALPS ETF Trust, into a series of Sprott Funds Trust. SGDM is a continuation of the Gold Predecessor Fund and, therefore, the performance information presents the performance of the Gold Predecessor Fund prior to the Reorganization Date. Returns less than one year are not annualized. |
^^ | The Gold Predecessor Fund’s Commencement date was July 15, 2014. |
1 | The return shown is based on net asset value calculated for shareholder transactions and may differ from the return shown in the Financial Highlights, which reflects adjustments made to the net asset value in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. |
2 | Market Price means the official closing price of a security or the last reported sale price. In the event there were no sales during the day or closing prices are not available, the price that is the midpoint of the bid-ask spread as of that time will be used. It does not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times. |
3 | From SGDM’s inception to July 19, 2019, SGDM’s objective was to track the Sprott Zacks Gold Miners Total Return Index (“predecessor index”) and since that date SGDM has been seeking to track the Solactive Gold Miners Custom Factors Total Return Index. The index performance presented reflects the performance of the predecessor index through July 19, 2019, and thereafter reflects the performance of the Solactive Gold Miners Custom Factors Total Return Index. |
Solactive Gold Miners Custom Factors Total Return Index was created by Solactive AG to provide a means of generally tracking the performance of gold companies whose common stocks or American Depository Receipts (“ADRs”) are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange, the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq.
S&P 500® Total Return Index is the Standard & Poor’s composite index of 500 stocks, a widely recognized, unmanaged index of common stock prices.
The indexes are reported on a total return basis, which assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period. The indexes are not actively managed and do not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. One cannot invest directly in an index. Index performance does not reflect fund performance.
ALPS Distributors, Inc., a FINRA member, is the distributor for the Sprott Gold Miners ETF.
ALPS Distributors, Inc. is not affiliated with Sprott, Solactive AG nor Zacks Index Services, a division of Zacks Investment Management.
2 | December 31, 2023
Sprott Gold ETFs
Performance Overview | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
Sprott Gold Miners ETF (SGDM)
Growth of $10,000 (as of December 31, 2023)
Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the Fund, and the Performance of the Underlying Gold Index, and S&P 500
The chart above compares historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund since inception with the performance of the Underlying Gold Index and S&P 500. Results include the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions, if any. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The graph does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Gold Fund shares.
* | From the Fund’s inception to July 19, 2019, the Fund’s objective was to track the Sprott Zacks Gold Miners Total Return Index (“predecessor index”) and since that date the Fund has been seeking to track the Solactive Gold Miners Custom Factors Total Return Index. The index performance presented reflects the performance of the predecessor index through July 19, 2019 and thereafter reflects the performance of the Solactive Gold Miners Custom Factors Total Return Index. |
Top 10 Holdings^ (as of December 31, 2023)
Newmont Corp. | 11.96% |
Barrick Gold Corp. | 11.86% |
Agnico Eagle Mines, Ltd. | 10.46% |
Franco-Nevada Corp. | 8.23% |
Osisko Gold Royalties, Ltd. | 4.14% |
Pan American Silver Corp. | 4.12% |
OceanaGold Corp. | 3.99% |
Centerra Gold, Inc. | 3.88% |
Torex Gold Resources, Inc. | 3.86% |
Orla Mining, Ltd. | 3.84% |
Total % of Top 10 Holdings | 66.34% |
Geographic Allocation^ (as of December 31, 2023)
Canada | 72.69% |
United States | 16.34% |
United Kingdom | 4.26% |
Australia | 3.99% |
South Africa | 2.72% |
Total | 100.00% |
^ % of Total Investments (excluding investments purchased with collateral from securities loaned).
Future holdings are subject to change.
3 | December 31, 2023
Sprott Gold ETFs
Performance Overview | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF (SGDJ)
For the year ended December 31, 2023, the three largest contributors to SGDJ’s performance were Sabina Gold & Silver, Emerald Resources NL and Bellevue Gold. The three largest performance detractors were NOVAGOLD Resources, Endeavour Silver and West African Resources.
Performance^ (as of December 31, 2023)
Average Annual Total Returns | |||
1 Year | 5 Year | Since Inception^^ | |
Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF - Net Asset Value (“NAV”)1 | 6.61% | 5.89% | 3.97% |
Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF - Market Price2 | 6.14% | 5.78% | 3.92% |
Solactive Junior Gold Miners Custom Factors Total Return Index3 | 8.03% | 6.72% | 4.82% |
S&P 500® Total Return Index | 26.29% | 15.69% | 11.97% |
Performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Total return figures assume reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any, and include the effect of SGDJ’s recurring expenses. The table does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on SGDJ distributions or the redemption of SGDJ shares. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance data may be higher or lower than actual data quoted. For the most current month-end performance data please visit www.sprottetfs.com or call 888.622.1813.
^ | The Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF was reorganized on or about July 19, 2019 (“Reorganization Date”) from Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF (“SGDJ”), then a series of ALPS ETF Trust, into a series of Sprott Funds Trust. SGDJ is a continuation of the Junior Predecessor Fund and, therefore, the performance information presents the performance of the Junior Predecessor Fund prior to the Reorganization Date. Returns less than one year are not annualized. |
^^ | The Junior Predecessor Fund’s Commencement date was March 31, 2015. |
1 | The return shown is based on the net asset value calculated for shareholder transactions and may differ from the return shown in the Financial Highlights, which reflects adjustments made to the net asset value in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. |
2 | Market Price means the official closing price of a security or the last reported sale price. In the event there were no sales during the day or closing prices are not available, the price that is the midpoint of the bid-ask spread as of that time will be used. It does not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times. |
3 | From the SGDJ’s inception to July 19, 2019, SGDJ’s objective was to track the Sprott Zacks Junior Gold Miners Total Return Index (“predecessor index”) and since that date SGDJ has been seeking to track the Solactive Junior Gold Miners Custom Factors Total Return Index. The index performance presented reflects the performance of the predecessor index through July 19, 2019 and thereafter reflects the performance of the Solactive Junior Gold Miners Custom Factors Total Return Index. |
Solactive Junior Gold Miners Custom Factors Total Return Index was created by Solactive AG to provide a means of generally tracking the performance of “junior” gold companies whose common stock or American Depository Receipts (“ADRs”) or Global Depository Receipts (“GDRs”) are traded on a regulated stock exchange in the form of shares tradeable for foreign investors without any restrictions. Junior companies include early stage mining companies that are in the exploration stage only or that hold properties that might not ultimately produce gold. Most of these companies are in the development and exploration phase and are on the lookout for land with a higher chance for uncovering large mineral deposits.
S&P 500® Total Return Index is the Standard & Poor’s composite index of 500 stocks, a widely recognized, unmanaged index of common stock prices.
The indexes are reported on a total return basis, which assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period. The indexes are not actively managed and do not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. One cannot invest directly in an index. Index performance does not reflect fund performance.
ALPS Distributors, Inc., a FINRA member, is the distributor for the Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF.
ALPS Distributors, Inc. is not affiliated with Sprott, Solactive AG nor Zacks Index Services, a division of Zacks Investment Management.
4 | December 31, 2023
Sprott Gold ETFs
Performance Overview | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF (SGDJ)
Growth of $10,000 (as of December 31, 2023)
Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the Fund, and the Performance of the Junior Underlying Index, and S&P 500
The chart above compares historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund since inception with the performance of the Junior Underlying Index and the S&P 500. Results include the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions, if any. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The graph does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
* | From the Fund’s inception to July 19, 2019, the Fund’s objective was to track the Sprott Zacks Junior Gold Miners Total Return Index (“predecessor index”) and since that date the Fund has been seeking to track the Solactive Junior Gold Miners Custom Factors Total Return Index. The index performance presented reflects the performance of the predecessor index through July 19, 2019 and thereafter reflects the performance of the Solactive Junior Gold Miners Custom Factors Total Return Index. |
Top 10 Holdings^ (as of December 31, 2023)
Perseus Mining, Ltd. | 5.33% |
De Grey Mining, Ltd. | 5.05% |
Centamin PLC | 4.92% |
Gold Road Resources, Ltd. | 4.91% |
Bellevue Gold, Ltd. | 4.89% |
Emerald Resources NL | 4.83% |
Bumi Resources Minerals Tbk PT | 4.70% |
Regis Resources, Ltd. | 4.68% |
OceanaGold Corp. | 4.68% |
K92 Mining, Inc. | 4.60% |
Total % of Top 10 Holdings | 48.59% |
Geographic Allocation^ (as of December 31, 2023)
Australia | 52.47% |
Canada | 36.20% |
Jersey | 4.92% |
Indonesia | 4.70% |
United States | 0.77% |
United Kingdom | 0.63% |
Peru | 0.32% |
Total | 100.00% |
^ | % of Total Investments (excluding investments purchased with collateral from securities loaned). |
Future holdings are subject to change.
5 | December 31, 2023
Performance Overview | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
We are pleased to present the first annual report for our suite of Sprott Energy Transition ETFs, covering six funds. In the first quarter of 2023, we launched Sprott Energy Transition Materials ETF (Nasdaq: SETM), Sprott Lithium Miners ETF (Nasdaq: LITP), Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF (Nasdaq: URNJ), Sprott Junior Copper Miners ETF (Nasdaq: COPJ) and Sprott Nickel Miners ETF (Nasdaq: NIKL). These funds joined Sprott Uranium Miners ETF (NYSE Arca: URNM) to establish the suite. Depending on the inception date, this letter briefly covers each Fund’s performance for the period ended December 31, 2023.
Following a very positive January, 2023 was challenging for many critical minerals and related mining companies. However, uranium remained a notable exception, with a boom that raised prices to levels not seen in over 16 years. Over the long term, we see strong and positive fundamentals for the sector as the global energy transition gathers momentum. In our view, several macroeconomic and geopolitical factors are providing a positive backdrop for energy transition-related investments, including those that follow:
The Deglobalization Trend Continues
Since 2020, deglobalization accelerated starting with the COVID-19 pandemic, disrupting supply chains and fostering protectionism. The Russia-Ukraine war heightened geopolitical tensions, revealing Europe’s energy dependence and prompting sanctions. The U.S.-China trade war, starting in 2018, intensified with higher tariffs and strategic sector decoupling. The push for net-zero emissions by 2050 faces challenges from geopolitical divisions and national security concerns, reshaping supply chains globally, particularly in battery technology and critical minerals sourcing. The revival of industrial policy is creating vulnerabilities to supply shocks.
Energy Security and the Energy Transition
Having available and sufficient energy at affordable prices has reemerged as a critical issue. This is in light of diversifying energy sources around the world, complex geopolitical dynamics, the rise of climate change and the need for nations to be resilient to shocks and disruptions. Such a system requires reliable energy infrastructure and the ability to manage demand effectively across energy sources. Nuclear power, along with solar and wind power (balanced with adequate storage capacity), are excellent examples of systems that meet these criteria.
The Energy Transition-Led Versus the China-Led Commodity Supercycles
The previous energy supercycle was predominantly fueled by China’s rapid industrialization and urbanization. However, the new supercycle presents a paradigm shift: A comprehensive overhaul of infrastructure, policy and market dynamics on a global scale as the world scales up solar, wind, nuclear, energy storage and the electricity grid. This effort to maximize energy flexibility and resilience is a global, multi-generational endeavor that will heavily depend on critical minerals.
Catalyzing Transformative Changes in Policy
The global commitment to combat climate change was underscored by the agreement reached at 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference, where nations pledged to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030 and transition away from fossil fuels. This landmark decision aligns with climate goals and holds significant implications for critical minerals such as lithium, copper and uranium. The trajectory set by these global agreements underscores the critical role of metals in the energy transition. However, efforts will need to accelerate to meet these aggressive climate goals, and there is an urgent need to implement policies that can catalyze transformation changes and propel the adoption rate up the S-curve.
A Mix of Left and Right Tail Catalysts
A rise in global metal consumption fueled by the burgeoning renewable energy sector and the electric vehicle (EV) market is forecast. While governmental support and international cooperation are fundamental in setting ambitious net-zero targets and providing the necessary regulatory framework, political instability, legislative inconsistencies, and the rise of populism threaten to derail progress. The global political landscape in 2024 will determine the pace of the energy transition. As we look toward 2024, the energy transition is set to continue evolving, offering immense opportunities for transformation and growth.
6 | December 31, 2023
Sprott Energy Transition ETFs
Performance Overview | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
Sprott Energy Transition Materials ETF (Nasdaq: SETM)
For the period from SETM’s inception on February 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023, SETM generated a total return of -11.60%. These results are generally in line with the performance of the miners of critical minerals, as measured by the Nasdaq Sprott Energy Transition Materials™ Index (NSETM™), which declined -10.09%.
Uranium miners benefited from rising uranium prices, which offset tumultuousness in battery metals as electric vehicle (EV) demand shifted during the year. Crucially, the EV slowdown was not an outright decline but a deceleration in strong growth. Global EV sales in 2023 are estimated to be 14 million (up 33% from 2022), and 2024 sales are forecasted at 17 million (up an additional 20%). Despite economic challenges, copper’s supply deficit worsened, and the metal demonstrated remarkable resilience compared to other commodities.
During the period, the largest contributors to SETM’s performance were Cameco Corp, Uranium Energy Corp, and NAC Kazatomprom JSC, while the largest detractors were First Quantum Minerals Ltd, Albemarle Corp, and MP Materials Corp.
Performance^ (as of December 31, 2023)
Average Annual Total Returns | |||
1 Month | 6 Months | Since Inception^^ | |
Sprott Energy Transition Materials ETF - Net Asset Value (“NAV”)1 |
8.01% |
2.34% |
-11.60% |
Sprott Energy Transition Materials ETF - Market Price2 | 8.57% | 2.28% | -11.25% |
Nasdaq Sprott Energy Transition MaterialsTM Index3 | 8.29% | 3.17% | -10.09% |
^ | Returns less than one year are not annualized. |
^^ | Inception Date: February 1, 2023. |
1 | The return shown is based on net asset value calculated for shareholder transactions and may differ from the return shown in the Financial Highlights, which reflects adjustments made to the net asset value in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. |
2 | Market Price means the official closing price of a security or the last reported sale price. In the event there were no sales during the day or closing prices are not available, the price that is the midpoint of the bid-ask spread as of that time will be used. It does not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times. |
3 | The Nasdaq Sprott Energy Transition Materials™ Index (NSETM™) was co-developed by Nasdaq® (the “Index Provider”) and Sprott Asset Management LP (the “Sponsor”). The Index Provider and Sponsor co-developed the methodology for determining the securities to be included in the Index and the Index Provider is responsible for the ongoing maintenance of the Index. The Sponsor will provide certain services in connection with the Index including contributing inputs in connection with the eligibility and process to determine the initial selection and ongoing composition of the Index constituents. |
Performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Total return figures assume reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any, and include the effect of the Sprott Energy Transition Materials ETF’s recurring expenses. The table does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on SETM’s distributions or the redemption of the Sprott Energy Transition Materials ETF shares. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance data may be higher or lower than actual data quoted. For the most current month-end performance data please visit www.sprottetfs.com or call 888.622.1813.
The Nasdaq Sprott Energy Transition MaterialsTM Index is designed to track the performance of a selection of global securities in the energy transition materials industry. These Materials are critical for the energy transition from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources and technologies, and include uranium, copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, graphite, manganese, rare earths and silver.
The index is reported on a total return basis, which assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period. The index is not actively managed and does not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. One cannot invest directly in an index. Index performance does not reflect Fund performance.
ALPS Distributors, Inc., a FINRA member, is the distributor for the Sprott Energy Transition Materials ETF.
ALPS Distributors, Inc. is not affiliated with Sprott, nor the Index Provider.
7 | December 31, 2023
Sprott Energy Transition ETFs
Performance Overview | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
Sprott Energy Transition Materials ETF (Nasdaq: SETM)
Growth of $10,000 (as of December 31, 2023)
Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the Fund, and the Performance of the Nasdaq Sprott Energy Transition Materials Index
The chart above compares historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund since inception with the performance of the Nasdaq Sprott Energy Transition MaterialsTM Index. Results include the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions, if any. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The graph does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
Top 10 Holdings^ (as of December 31, 2023)
MP Materials Corp. | 5.45% |
Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA | 5.23% |
Albemarle Corp. | 5.20% |
Freeport-McMoRan, Inc. | 4.97% |
Pilbara Minerals, Ltd. | 4.86% |
Lynas Rare Earths, Ltd. | 4.85% |
NAC Kazatomprom JSC | 4.16% |
Cameco Corp. | 4.10% |
Uranium Energy Corp. | 3.67% |
IGO, Ltd. | 3.23% |
Total % of Top 10 Holdings | 45.72% |
^ | % of Total Investments (excluding investments purchased with collateral from securities loaned). |
Future holdings are subject to change.
Geographic Allocation^ (as of December 31, 2023)
United States | 25.81% |
Canada | 24.08% |
Australia | 19.15% |
Chile | 8.27% |
Malaysia | 4.85% |
Kazakhstan | 4.16% |
Indonesia | 3.23% |
China | 2.52% |
Sweden | 1.98% |
Poland | 1.35% |
Peru | 1.25% |
France | 1.23% |
Brazil | 0.80% |
Philippines | 0.57% |
Isle Of Man | 0.36% |
Cyprus | 0.18% |
United Kingdom | 0.13% |
Hong Kong | 0.08% |
Total | 100.00% |
8 | December 31, 2023
Sprott Energy Transition ETFs
Performance Overview | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
Sprott Lithium Miners ETF (Nasdaq: LITP)
For the period from LITP’s inception on February 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023, LITP generated a total return of -35.77%. These results are generally in line with the performance of lithium miners, as measured by the Nasdaq Sprott Lithium Miners™ Index (NSLITP™), which declined -35.91%.
The lithium carbonate spot price fell sharply in 2023, ending the year down 81.95% at $6.16/lb. This contrasted with lithium miners stock prices, which saw a smaller decline of 20.15%. The lithium spot price has been extremely volatile as it descended from unsustainable highs in 2022, but by the end of 2023, it was still 2.4 times higher than its 2020 low. Inventory destocking and lower-than-expected EV sales drove down this volatile market.
During the period, the largest contributors to LITP’s performance were Allkem Ltd, Liontown Resources Ltd, and Latin Resources Ltd, while the largest detractors were Albemarle Corp, IGO Ltd, and Ganfeng Lithium Group Co., Ltd.
Performance^ (as of December 31, 2023)
Average Annual Total Returns | |||
1 Month | 6 Months | Since Inception^^ | |
Sprott Lithium Miners ETF - Net Asset Value (“NAV”)1 | 13.57% | -30.47% | -35.77% |
Sprott Lithium Miners ETF - Market Price2 | 14.01% | -30.73% | -35.46% |
Nasdaq Sprott Lithium MinersTM Index3 | 12.56% | -30.93% | -35.91% |
^ | Returns less than one year are not annualized. |
^^ | Inception Date: February 1, 2023. |
1 | The return shown is based on net asset value calculated for shareholder transactions and may differ from the return shown in the Financial Highlights, which reflects adjustments made to the net asset value in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. |
2 | Market Price means the official closing price of a security or the last reported sale price. In the event there were no sales during the day or closing prices are not available, the price that is the midpoint of the bid-ask spread as of that time will be used. It does not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times. |
3 | The Nasdaq Sprott Lithium Miners™ Index (NSLITP™) was co-developed by Nasdaq® (the “Index Provider”) and Sprott Asset Management LP (the “Sponsor”). The Index Provider and Sponsor co-developed the methodology for determining the securities to be included in the Index and the Index Provider is responsible for the ongoing maintenance of the Index. The Sponsor will provide certain services in connection with the Index including contributing inputs in connection with the eligibility and process to determine the initial selection and ongoing composition of the Index constituents. |
Performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Total return figures assume reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any, and include the effect of the Sprott Lithium Miners ETF’s recurring expenses. The table does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on LITP’s distributions or the redemption of the Sprott Lithium Miners ETF shares. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance data may be higher or lower than actual data quoted. For the most current month-end performance data please visit www.sprottetfs.com or call 888.622.1813.
The Nasdaq Sprott Lithium MinersTM Index is designed to track the performance of a selection of global securities in the lithium industry. Lithium is a raw material that is essential to the transition to a less carbon-intensive economy. This index includes major lithium producers, developers, and explorers.
The index is reported on a total return basis, which assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period. The index is not actively managed and does not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. One cannot invest directly in an index. Index performance does not reflect Fund performance.
ALPS Distributors, Inc., a FINRA member, is the distributor for the Sprott Lithium Miners ETF.
ALPS Distributors, Inc. is not affiliated with Sprott, nor the Index Provider.
9 | December 31, 2023
Sprott Energy Transition ETFs
Performance Overview | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
Sprott Lithium Miners ETF (Nasdaq: LITP)
Growth of $10,000 (as of December 31, 2023)
Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the Fund, and the Performance of the Nasdaq Sprott Lithium Miners Index
The chart above compares historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund since inception with the performance of the Nasdaq Sprott Lithium MinersTM Index. Results include the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions, if any. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The graph does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
Top 10 Holdings^ (as of December 31, 2023)
Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA | 10.31% |
Albemarle Corp. | 10.25% |
Mineral Resources, Ltd. | 10.12% |
Pilbara Minerals, Ltd. | 9.60% |
IGO, Ltd. | 9.33% |
Liontown Resources, Ltd. | 4.95% |
Ganfeng Lithium Group Co., Ltd. | 4.95% |
Livent Corp. | 4.82% |
Sigma Lithium Corp. | 4.41% |
Lithium Americas Argentina Corp. | 3.45% |
Total % of Top 10 Holdings | 72.19% |
Geographic Allocation^ (as of December 31, 2023)
Australia | 46.91% |
United States | 17.90% |
Canada | 12.20% |
Chile | 10.31% |
China | 7.55% |
Brazil | 4.41% |
United Kingdom | 0.48% |
Jersey | 0.24% |
Total | 100.00% |
^ % of Total Investments
Future holdings are subject to change.
10 | December 31, 2023
Sprott Energy Transition ETFs
Performance Overview | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
Sprott Uranium Miners ETF (NYSE Arca: URNM)
For the year ended December 31, 2023, URNM generated a total return of 56.88%. These results are generally in line with the performance of the uranium miners, as measured by the North Shore Global Uranium Mining Index (URNMX), which generated 58.47% for the period.
It was a blockbuster year for uranium and uranium miners. The U3O8 spot price gained 88.54% to end the year at $91.09/lb. Uranium demand has been primarily driven by an increase in utility contracting to replacement rate. This should provide strong support for higher price levels. The long-term fundamentals for uranium are bullish, and price momentum is likely to continue into 2024. Note that despite the recent surge, uranium is still short of its all-time high of $135 per pound. reached in 2007. Uranium miners benefited from increasing demand and improving sentiment for nuclear energy, geopolitical instability, a continued supply-demand deficit, and the end of the inventory destocking era.
For the period, the largest contributors to URNM’s performance were Cameco Corp, NAC Kazatomprom JSC, and CGN Mining Co Ltd, while the largest detractors were Global Atomic Corp, Appia Rare Earths & Uranium, and Peninsula Energy Ltd.
Performance^ (as of December 31, 2023)
Average Annual Total Returns | |||
1 Year | 3 Year | Since Inception^^ | |
Sprott Uranium Miners ETF - Net Asset Value (“NAV”)1 | 56.88% | 35.75% | 43.47% |
Sprott Uranium Miners ETF - Market Price2 | 57.47% | 35.21% | 43.58% |
North Shore Global Uranium Mining Index3 | 58.47% | 36.76% | 44.80% |
^ | The Sprott Uranium Miners ETF was reorganized on April 22, 2022 (“Reorganization Date”) from the North Shore Global Uranium Mining ETF (“Predecessor Fund”), into a series of Sprott Funds Trust. The Sprott Uranium Miners ETF is a continuation of the Predecessor Fund and, therefore, the performance information presents the performance of the Predecessor Fund prior to the Reorganization Date. Returns less than one year are not annualized. |
^^ | The Predecessor Fund’s Commencement date was December 3, 2019. |
1 | The return shown is based on the net asset value calculated for shareholder transactions and may differ from the return shown in the Financial Highlights, which reflects adjustments made to the net asset value in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. |
2 | Market Price means the official closing price of a security or the last reported sale price. In the event there were no sales during the day or closing prices are not available, the price that is the midpoint of the bid-ask spread as of that time will be used. It does not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times. |
3 | The North Shore Global Uranium Mining Index (URNMX) was created by North Shore Indices, Inc. (the “Index Provider”). The Index Provider developed the methodology for determining the securities to be included in the Index and is responsible for ongoing maintenance of the Index. The Index is calculated by Indxx, LLC, which is not affiliated with the North Shore Global Uranium Miners Fund (“Existing Fund”), ALPS Advisors, Inc. (the “Sub-Adviser”) or Sprott Asset Management LP (the “Sponsor”). |
Performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Total return figures assume reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any, and include the effect of the Sprott Uranium Miners ETF’s recurring expenses. The table does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund’s distributions or the redemption of the Sprott Uranium Miners ETF shares. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance data may be higher or lower than actual data quoted. For the most current month-end performance data please visit www.sprottetfs.com or call 888.622.1813.
North Shore Global Uranium Mining Index is designed to track the performance of companies that devote at least 50% of their assets to the uranium mining industry, which may include mining, exploration, development, and production of uranium, or holding physical uranium, owning uranium royalties, or engaging in other, non-mining activities that support the uranium mining industry. The Index is rebalanced semi-annually.
The index is reported on a total return basis, which assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period. The index is not actively managed and does not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. One cannot invest directly in an index. Index performance does not reflect Fund performance.
ALPS Distributors, Inc., a FINRA member, is the distributor for the Sprott Uranium Miners ETF.
ALPS Distributors, Inc. is not affiliated with Sprott, nor North Shore Global Uranium Mining Index Services.
The Uranium Fund was reorganized on April 22, 2022 from the North Shore Global Uranium Mining ETF, a series of an unaffiliated trust, into a series of Sprott Funds Trust.
11 | December 31, 2023
Sprott Energy Transition ETFs
Performance Overview | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
Sprott Uranium Miners ETF (NYSE Arca: URNM)
Growth of $10,000 (as of December 31, 2023)
Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the Fund, and the Performance of the North Shore Global Uranium Mining Index
The chart above compares historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund since inception with the performance of the North Shore Global Uranium Mining Index. Results include the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions, if any. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The graph does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
Top 10 Holdings^ (as of December 31, 2023)
NAC Kazatomprom JSC | 15.02% |
Sprott Physical Uranium Trust | 14.55% |
Cameco Corp. | 14.27% |
CGN Mining Co., Ltd. | 6.06% |
Uranium Energy Corp. | 4.83% |
NexGen Energy, Ltd. | 4.69% |
Paladin Energy, Ltd. | 4.51% |
Denison Mines Corp. | 4.49% |
Yellow Cake PLC | 4.39% |
Boss Energy, Ltd. | 3.78% |
Total % of Top 10 Holdings | 76.59% |
Geographic Allocation^ (as of December 31, 2023)
Canada | 53.36% |
Kazakhstan | 15.02% |
Australia | 14.76% |
United States | 6.42% |
Hong Kong | 6.06% |
United Kingdom | 4.38% |
Total | 100.00% |
^ | % of Total Investments |
Future holdings are subject to change.
12 | December 31, 2023
Sprott Energy Transition ETFs
Performance Overview | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF (Nasdaq: URNJ)
For the period from URNJ’s inception on February 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023, URNJ generated a total return of 20.05%. These results are generally in line with the performance of the junior uranium miners, as measured by the Nasdaq Sprott Junior Uranium Miners™ Index (NSURNJ™), which gained 20.74% for the period.
As previously stated, it was a blockbuster year for uranium and uranium miners. The U3O8 spot price gained 88.54% to end the year at $91.09/lb. Uranium demand has been primarily driven by an increase in utility contracting to replacement rate. This should provide strong support for higher price levels. The long-term fundamentals for uranium are bullish, and price momentum is likely to continue into 2024. Note that despite the recent surge, uranium is still short of its all-time high of $135 per pound. reached in 2007. Uranium miners benefited from increasing demand and sentiment for nuclear energy, geopolitical instability, a continued supply-demand deficit and the end of the inventory destocking era.
During the period, the largest contributors to URNJ’s performance were Uranium Energy Corp, NexGen Energy Ltd, and Boss Energy Ltd, while the largest detractors were Global Atomic Corp, NAC Kazatomprom JSC, and Peninsula Energy Ltd.
Performance^ (as of December 31, 2023)
Average Annual Total Returns | |||
1 Month | 6 Months | Since Inception^^ | |
Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF - Net Asset Value (“NAV”)1 |
-0.28% |
42.40% |
20.05% |
Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF - Market Price2 | -1.34% | 42.75% | 20.77% |
Nasdaq Sprott Junior Uranium Miners Index3 | -0.64% | 42.42% | 20.74% |
^ | Returns less than one year are not annualized. |
^^ | Inception Date: February 1, 2023. |
1 | The return shown is based on net asset value calculated for shareholder transactions and may differ from the return shown in the Financial Highlights, which reflects adjustments made to the net asset value in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. |
2 | Market Price means the official closing price of a security or the last reported sale price. In the event there were no sales during the day or closing prices are not available, the price that is the midpoint of the bid-ask spread as of that time will be used. It does not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times. |
3 | The Nasdaq Sprott Junior Uranium Miners™ Index (NSURNJ™) was co-developed by Nasdaq® (the “Index Provider”) and Sprott Asset Management LP (the “Sponsor”). The Index Provider and Sponsor co-developed the methodology for determining the securities to be included in the Index and the Index Provider is responsible for the ongoing maintenance of the Index. The Sponsor will provide certain services in connection with the Index including contributing inputs in connection with the eligibility and process to determine the initial selection and ongoing composition of the Index constituents. |
Performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Total return figures assume reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any, and include the effect of the Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF’s recurring expenses. The table does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund’s distributions or the redemption of the Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF shares. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance data may be higher or lower than actual data quoted. For the most current month-end performance data please visit www.sprottetfs.com or call 888.622.1813.
The Nasdaq Sprott Junior Uranium Miners Index is designed to track the performance of mid-and small-market capitalization securities whose issuers are in the uranium related business.
The index is reported on a total return basis, which assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period. The index is not actively managed and does not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. One cannot invest directly in an index. Index performance does not reflect Fund performance.
ALPS Distributors, Inc., a FINRA member, is the distributor for the Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF.
ALPS Distributors, Inc. is not affiliated with Sprott, nor the Index Provider.
13 | December 31, 2023
Sprott Energy Transition ETFs
Performance Overview | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF (Nasdaq: URNJ)
Growth of $10,000 (as of December 31, 2023)
Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the Fund, and the Performance of the Nasdaq Sprott Junior Uranium Miners Index
The chart above compares historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund since inception with the performance of the Nasdaq Sprott Junior Uranium Miners Index. Results include the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions, if any. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The graph does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
Top 10 Holdings^ (as of December 31, 2023)
NexGen Energy, Ltd. | 12.62% |
Paladin Energy, Ltd. | 12.29% |
Uranium Energy Corp. | 11.57% |
Denison Mines Corp. | 10.83% |
Encore Energy Corp. | 4.75% |
Boss Energy, Ltd. | 4.65% |
CGN Mining Co., Ltd. | 4.63% |
Fission Uranium Corp. | 4.58% |
Deep Yellow, Ltd. | 4.48% |
Energy Fuels, Inc. | 4.22% |
Total % of Top 10 Holdings | 74.63% |
Geographic Allocation^ (as of December 31, 2023)
Canada | 50.74% |
Australia | 29.10% |
United States | 14.95% |
Hong Kong | 4.63% |
United Kingdom | 0.58% |
Total | 100.00% |
^ % of Total Investments
Future holdings are subject to change.
14 | December 31, 2023
Sprott Energy Transition ETFs
Performance Overview | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
Sprott Junior Copper Miners ETF (Nasdaq: COPJ)
For the period from COPJ’s inception on February 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023, COPJ generated a total return of -7.18%, and the Nasdaq Sprott Junior Copper Miners™ Index (NSCOPJ™) declined by -3.37%.
Economic factors, such as China’s weaker-than-expected performance in 2023 and rising interest rates, have traditionally had significant impacts on the copper price. However, these effects have been mitigated by the growing need for copper in the energy transition sector. Demands from the electricity grid, EVs, and renewable energy deployments have become the primary growth drivers for the copper market, which has diversified copper away from solely being a barometer of the global economy and provided resilience to prices as compared to other commodities.
For the period, the largest contributors to COPJ’s performance were NGEx Minerals Ltd, Cia de Minas Buenaventura SAA, and China Gold International Resources Corp., Ltd, while the largest detractors were Solaris Resources Inc, Aeris Resources Ltd, and SolGold Plc.
Performance^ (as of December 31, 2023)
Average Annual Total Returns | |||
1 Month | 6 Months | Since Inception^^ | |
Sprott Junior Copper Miners ETF - Net Asset Value (“NAV”)1 | 10.41% | -1.87% | -7.18% |
Sprott Junior Copper Miners ETF - Market Price2 | 9.16% | -2.34% | -7.44% |
Nasdaq Sprott Junior Copper MinersTM Index3 | 13.11% | 2.38% | -3.37% |
^ | Returns less than one year are not annualized. |
^^ | Inception Date: February 1, 2023. |
1 | The return shown is based on net asset value calculated for shareholder transactions and may differ from the return shown in the Financial Highlights, which reflects adjustments made to the net asset value in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. |
2 | Market Price means the official closing price of a security or the last reported sale price. In the event there were no sales during the day or closing prices are not available, the price that is the midpoint of the bid-ask spread as of that time will be used. It does not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times. |
3 | The Nasdaq Sprott Junior Copper Miners™ Index (NSCOPJ™) was co-developed by Nasdaq® (the “Index Provider”) and Sprott Asset Management LP (the “Sponsor”). The Index Provider and Sponsor co-developed the methodology for determining the securities to be included in the Index and the Index Provider is responsible for the ongoing maintenance of the Index. The Sponsor will provide certain services in connection with the eligibility and process to determine the initial selection and ongoing composition of the Index constituents. |
Performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Total return figures assume reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any, and include the effect of the Sprott Junior Copper Miners ETF’s recurring expenses. The table does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund’s distributions or the redemption of the Sprott Junior Copper Miners ETF shares. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance data may be higher or lower than actual data quoted. For the most current month-end performance data please visit www.sprottetfs.com or call 888.622.1813.
The Nasdaq Sprott Junior Copper MinersTM Index is designed to track the performance of a selection of mid-and small-market capitalization securities in the copper industry. Copper is a raw material that is essential to the transition to a less carbon-intensive economy. Copper is critical for the energy transition from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources and technologies, and for the purpose of this, the index includes producers, developers, and explorers.
The index is reported on a total return basis, which assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period. The index is not actively managed and does not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. One cannot invest directly in an index. Index performance does not reflect Fund performance.
ALPS Distributors, Inc., a FINRA member, is the distributor for the Sprott Junior Copper Miners ETF.
ALPS Distributors, Inc. is not affiliated with Sprott, nor the Index Provider.
15 | December 31, 2023
Sprott Energy Transition ETFs
Performance Overview | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
Sprott Junior Copper Miners ETF (Nasdaq: COPJ)
Growth of $10,000 (as of December 31, 2023)
Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the Fund, and the Performance of the Nasdaq Sprott Junior Copper Miners Index
The chart above compares historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund since inception with the performance of the Nasdaq Sprott Junior Copper MinersTM Index. Results include the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions, if any. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The graph does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
Top 10 Holdings^ (as of December 31, 2023)
Cia de Minas Buenaventura SAA | 7.05% |
ERO Copper Corp. | 5.66% |
Sandfire Resources, Ltd. | 5.39% |
Hudbay Minerals, Inc. | 5.38% |
Capstone Copper Corp. | 5.26% |
Filo Corp. | 4.69% |
NGEx Minerals, Ltd. | 4.63% |
Taseko Mines, Ltd. | 4.60% |
Atalaya Mining PLC | 4.41% |
China Gold International Resources Corp., Ltd. | 4.38% |
Total % of Top 10 Holdings | 51.45% |
Geographic Allocation^ (as of December 31, 2023)
Canada | 51.60% |
Australia | 22.95% |
Peru | 7.05% |
United Kingdom | 4.61% |
Cyprus | 4.41% |
United States | 3.51% |
Hong Kong | 2.48% |
Sweden | 2.15% |
Philippines | 1.24% |
Total | 100.00% |
^ | % of Total Investments |
Future holdings are subject to change.
16 | December 31, 2023
Sprott Energy Transition ETFs
Performance Overview | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
Sprott Nickel Miners ETF (Nasdaq: NIKL)
For the period from NIKL’s inception on March 21, 2023, to December 31, 2023, NIKL generated a total return of -18.43%. These results are generally in line with the performance of the nickel miners, as measured by the Nasdaq Sprott Nickel Miners™ Index (NSNIKL™), which generated -17.93%.
China’s weaker-than-expected performance in 2023, rising interest rates, softening demand for EVs, and increasing supply from Indonesia have hurt the nickel market. These shorter-term factors have squeezed nickel producers’ margins, and we believe that a higher nickel price may be needed to incentivize greater nickel production by the end of the decade to meet the impending significant supply-demand deficit.
For the period, the largest contributors to NIKL’s performance were Azure Minerals Ltd, Merdeka Battery Materials Tbk PT, and Lifezone Metals Ltd, while the largest detractors were Horizonte Minerals Plc, Premium Nickel Resources Ltd, and Vale Indonesia Tbk PT.
Performance^ (as of December 31, 2023)
Average Annual Total Returns | |||
1 Month | 6 Months | Since Inception^^ | |
Sprott Nickel Miners ETF - Net Asset Value (“NAV”)1 | -1.94% | -21.43% | -18.43% |
Sprott Nickel Miners ETF - Market Price2 | -1.42% | -20.94% | -17.62% |
Nasdaq Sprott Nickel MinersTM Index3 | -1.83% | -21.45% | -17.93% |
^ | Returns less than one year are not annualized. |
^^ | Inception Date: March 21, 2023. |
1 | The return shown is based on net asset value calculated for shareholder transactions and may differ from the return shown in the Financial Highlights, which reflects adjustments made to the net asset value in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. |
2 | Market Price means the official closing price of a security or the last reported sale price. In the event there were no sales during the day or closing prices are not available, the price that is the midpoint of the bid-ask spread as of that time will be used. It does not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times. |
3 | The Nasdaq Sprott Nickel Miners™ Index (NSNIKL™) was co-developed by Nasdaq® (the “Index Provider”) and Sprott Asset Management LP (the “Sponsor”). The Index Provider and Sponsor co-developed the methodology for determining the securities to be included in the Index and the Index Provider is responsible for the ongoing maintenance of the Index. The Sponsor will provide certain services in connection with the Index including contributing inputs in connection with the eligibility and process to determine the initial selection and ongoing composition of the Index constituents. |
Performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Total return figures assume reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any, and include the effect of the Sprott Nickel Miners ETF’s recurring expenses. The table does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund’s distributions or the redemption of the Sprott Nickel Miners ETF shares. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance data may be higher or lower than actual data quoted. For the most current month-end performance data please visit www.sprottetfs.com or call 888.622.1813.
The Nasdaq Sprott Nickel MinersTM Index is designed to track the performance of a selection of global securities in the nickel industry. Nickel is critical for the energy transition from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources and technologies, and for the purpose of this, Index include major nickel producers, developers, and explorers.
The index is reported on a total return basis, which assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period. The index is not actively managed and does not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. One cannot invest directly in an index. Index performance does not reflect Fund performance.
ALPS Distributors, Inc., a FINRA member, is the distributor for the Sprott Nickel Miners ETF.
ALPS Distributors, Inc. is not affiliated with Sprott, nor the Index Provider.
17 | December 31, 2023
Sprott Energy Transition ETFs
Performance Overview | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
Sprott Nickel Miners ETF (Nasdaq: NIKL)
Growth of $10,000 (as of December 31, 2023)
Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the Fund, and the Performance of the Nasdaq Sprott Nickel MinersTM Index
The chart above compares historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund since inception with the performance of the Nasdaq Sprott Nickel MinersTM Index. Results include the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions, if any. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The graph does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
Top 10 Holdings^ (as of December 31, 2023)
Nickel Industries, Ltd. | 17.76% |
Merdeka Battery Materials Tbk PT | 14.81% |
Vale Indonesia Tbk PT | 8.81% |
Lifezone Metals, Ltd. | 6.43% |
Nickel Asia Corp. | 5.05% |
Trimegah Bangun Persada Tbk PT | 4.82% |
Aneka Tambang Tbk | 4.79% |
Eramet SA | 4.77% |
Centaurus Metals, Ltd. | 4.57% |
Canada Nickel Co., Inc. | 3.82% |
Total % of Top 10 Holdings | 75.63% |
Geographic Allocation^ (as of December 31, 2023)
Indonesia | 33.23% |
Australia | 29.25% |
Canada | 15.25% |
Philippines | 8.57% |
Isle Of Man | 6.43% |
France | 4.77% |
China | 2.50% |
Total | 100.00% |
^ | % of Total Investments |
Future holdings are subject to change.
18 | December 31, 2023
Sprott ETFs | |
Disclosure of Fund Expenses | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
Shareholder Expense Example: As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs which may include brokerage charges on purchases and sales of Fund shares, and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other funds. It is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six month period and held through December 31, 2023.
Actual Return: The first line of the table provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you incurred over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses attributable to your investment during this period.
Hypothetical 5% Return: The second line of the table provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on each Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare ongoing costs of investing in each Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.
The expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight ongoing Fund costs only and do not reflect any transaction costs, such as brokerage charges. Therefore, the second line is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if transaction costs were included, your costs would have been higher.
Beginning
Account Value 7/1/23 |
Ending
Account Value 12/31/23 |
Expense
Ratio(a) |
Expenses Paid During Period 7/1/23 - 12/31/23(b) | |
Sprott Gold Miners ETF | ||||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $980.00 | 0.50% | $2.50 |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | $1,000.00 | $1,022.68 | 0.50% | $2.55 |
Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF | ||||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $1,104.40 | 0.50% | $2.65 |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | $1,000.00 | $1,022.68 | 0.50% | $2.55 |
Sprott Energy Transition Materials ETF | ||||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $1,023.40 | 0.65% | $3.32 |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | $1,000.00 | $1,021.93 | 0.65% | $3.31 |
Sprott Lithium Miners ETF | ||||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $695.30 | 0.65% | $2.78 |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | $1,000.00 | $1,021.93 | 0.65% | $3.31 |
Sprott Uranium Miners ETF | ||||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $1,482.50 | 0.80% | $5.01 |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | $1,000.00 | $1,021.17 | 0.80% | $4.08 |
Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF | ||||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $1,424.00 | 0.80% | $4.89 |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | $1,000.00 | $1,021.17 | 0.80% | $4.08 |
Sprott Junior Copper Miners ETF | ||||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $981.30 | 0.75% | $3.75 |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | $1,000.00 | $1,021.42 | 0.75% | $3.82 |
Sprott Nickel Miners ETF | ||||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $785.70 | 0.75% | $3.38 |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | $1,000.00 | $1,021.42 | 0.75% | $3.82 |
(a) | Annualized, based on the applicable Fund's most recent fiscal half year expenses. |
(b) | Expenses are equal to the applicable Fund's annualized expense ratio multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half year (184), divided by 365. |
19 | December 31, 2023
Sprott Gold Miners ETF | |
Schedule of Investments | December 31, 2023 |
Security Description | Shares | Value | ||||||
COMMON STOCKS (99.91%) | ||||||||
Gold Mining (91.97%) | ||||||||
Agnico Eagle Mines, Ltd. | 443,685 | $ | 24,326,414 | |||||
Alamos Gold, Inc., Class A | 649,918 | 8,740,454 | ||||||
Anglogold Ashanti PLC | 58,544 | 1,094,187 | ||||||
B2Gold Corp. | 2,794,130 | 8,835,444 | ||||||
Barrick Gold Corp. | 1,526,569 | 27,580,893 | ||||||
Centerra Gold, Inc. | 1,510,866 | 9,019,245 | ||||||
Coeur Mining, Inc.(a) | 308,588 | 1,005,997 | ||||||
Dundee Precious Metals, Inc. | 1,164,200 | 7,450,599 | ||||||
Eldorado Gold Corp.(a),(b) | 90,291 | 1,172,035 | ||||||
Endeavour Mining PLC | 392,556 | 8,819,586 | ||||||
Equinox Gold Corp.(a),(b) | 210,241 | 1,021,812 | ||||||
Franco-Nevada Corp.(b) | 172,737 | 19,133,323 | ||||||
Gold Fields, Ltd., Sponsored ADR(b) | 359,222 | 5,194,350 | ||||||
Harmony Gold Mining Co., Ltd., Sponsored ADR | 183,885 | 1,130,893 | ||||||
IAMGOLD Corp.(a) | 425,713 | 1,073,078 | ||||||
K92 Mining, Inc.(a) | 188,954 | 928,335 | ||||||
Kinross Gold Corp. | 184,209 | 1,114,944 | ||||||
Lundin Gold, Inc. | 89,568 | 1,118,037 | ||||||
New Gold, Inc.(a) | 552,924 | 801,188 | ||||||
Newmont Corp. | 671,547 | 27,795,330 | ||||||
Novagold Resources, Inc.(a),(b) | 255,898 | 955,960 | ||||||
OceanaGold Corp. | 4,835,376 | 9,268,975 | ||||||
Orla Mining, Ltd.(a) | 2,736,521 | 8,921,754 | ||||||
Osisko Gold Royalties, Ltd.(b) | 674,438 | 9,625,012 | ||||||
Osisko Mining, Inc.(a),(b) | 304,296 | 613,162 | ||||||
Royal Gold, Inc. | 8,791 | 1,063,359 | ||||||
Seabridge Gold, Inc.(a),(b) | 67,467 | 817,720 | ||||||
SSR Mining, Inc.(b) | 720,800 | 7,735,388 | ||||||
Torex Gold Resources, Inc.(a) | 813,309 | 8,973,682 | ||||||
Wesdome Gold Mines, Ltd.(b) | 1,432,972 | 8,337,960 | ||||||
Total Gold Mining | 213,669,116 | |||||||
Silver Mining (7.94%) | ||||||||
Fortuna Silver Mines, Inc.(a) | 2,302,494 | 8,862,095 | ||||||
Pan American Silver Corp.(b) | 586,744 | 9,577,958 | ||||||
Total Silver Mining | 18,440,053 | |||||||
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS | ||||||||
(Cost $221,248,834) | 232,109,169 |
20 | December 31, 2023
Sprott Gold Miners ETF | |
Schedule of Investments | December 31, 2023 |
7 Day Yield | Shares | Value | ||||||||||
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (5.83%) | ||||||||||||
Money Market Fund (0.16%) | ||||||||||||
State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund, Premier Class | ||||||||||||
(Cost $377,873) | 5.31% | 377,873 | 377,873 | |||||||||
Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Loaned (5.67%) | ||||||||||||
State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio, 5.36% | ||||||||||||
(Cost $13,175,400) | 13,175,400 | 13,175,400 | ||||||||||
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS | ||||||||||||
(Cost $13,553,273) | $ | 13,553,273 | ||||||||||
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (105.74%) | ||||||||||||
(Cost $234,802,107) | $ | 245,662,442 | ||||||||||
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS (-5.74%) | (13,340,242) | |||||||||||
NET ASSETS (100.00%) | $ | 232,322,200 |
(a) | Non-income producing security. |
(b) | As of December 31, 2023, the security, or a portion of the security position was on loan. As of December 31, 2023, the total market value of securities on loan was $14,435,536. The loaned securities were secured with cash collateral of $13,175,400 and non-cash collateral with the value of $2,167,668. The non-cash collateral received consists of common stocks and is held for the benefit of the Fund at the Fund's custodian. The Fund cannot repledge or resell this collateral. Collateral is calculated based on prior day’s prices. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
21 | December 31, 2023
Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF | |
Schedule of Investments | December 31, 2023 |
Security Description | Shares | Value | ||||||
COMMON STOCKS (100.15%) | ||||||||
Copper Mining (0.32%) | ||||||||
SolGold PLC(a) | 2,828,345 | $ | 342,489 | |||||
Diversified Metals & Mining (4.70%) | ||||||||
Bumi Resources Minerals Tbk PT(a) | 455,241,300 | 5,026,370 | ||||||
Gold Mining (92.54%) | ||||||||
Argonaut Gold, Inc.(a),(b) | 1,064,972 | 377,749 | ||||||
Artemis Gold, Inc.(a) | 880,660 | 4,200,424 | ||||||
Bellevue Gold, Ltd.(a) | 4,588,590 | 5,237,545 | ||||||
Calibre Mining Corp.(a),(b) | 3,346,432 | 3,434,699 | ||||||
Capricorn Metals, Ltd.(a),(b) | 1,476,215 | 4,738,100 | ||||||
Centamin PLC | 4,147,133 | 5,270,279 | ||||||
Centerra Gold, Inc.(b) | 59,674 | 356,229 | ||||||
Coeur Mining, Inc.(a) | 131,028 | 427,151 | ||||||
De Grey Mining, Ltd.(a) | 6,327,468 | 5,411,372 | ||||||
Dundee Precious Metals, Inc.(b) | 45,281 | 289,787 | ||||||
Emerald Resources NL(a) | 2,519,956 | 5,168,841 | ||||||
Equinox Gold Corp.(a) | 89,864 | 436,757 | ||||||
Firefinch, Ltd.(a),(b)(c) | 6,635,363 | 542,600 | ||||||
Genesis Minerals, Ltd.(a),(b) | 336,195 | 410,089 | ||||||
Gold Road Resources, Ltd. | 3,924,199 | 5,254,693 | ||||||
Greatland Gold PLC(a),(b) | 2,508,694 | 315,294 | ||||||
Hochschild Mining PLC | 248,275 | 338,932 | ||||||
K92 Mining, Inc.(a) | 1,002,753 | 4,926,548 | ||||||
Karora Resources, Inc.(a),(b) | 1,042,341 | 3,830,950 | ||||||
McEwen Mining, Inc.(a),(b) | 43,757 | 315,488 | ||||||
New Gold, Inc.(a),(b) | 260,068 | 376,839 | ||||||
Novagold Resources, Inc.(a),(b) | 82,890 | 310,009 | ||||||
OceanaGold Corp.(b) | 2,612,293 | 5,007,527 | ||||||
Orla Mining, Ltd.(a),(b) | 1,350,834 | 4,404,062 | ||||||
Osisko Mining, Inc.(a),(b) | 168,192 | 338,910 | ||||||
Pan African Resources PLC | 1,669,476 | 358,780 | ||||||
Perseus Mining, Ltd. | 4,525,603 | 5,705,345 | ||||||
Ramelius Resources, Ltd. | 327,459 | 376,002 | ||||||
Red 5, Ltd.(a) | 16,942,338 | 3,579,058 | ||||||
Regis Resources, Ltd. | 3,374,979 | 5,013,734 | ||||||
Resolute Mining, Ltd.(a) | 13,501,334 | 4,094,213 | ||||||
Seabridge Gold, Inc.(a),(b) | 344,894 | 4,183,564 | ||||||
Silver Lake Resources, Ltd.(a) | 5,128,137 | 4,158,535 | ||||||
Skeena Resources, Ltd.(a) | 726,796 | 3,537,855 | ||||||
Tietto Minerals, Ltd.(a) | 851,823 | 354,089 | ||||||
Torex Gold Resources, Inc.(a),(b) | 390,710 | 4,310,917 | ||||||
Victoria Gold Corp.(a) | 72,770 | 382,234 | ||||||
Wesdome Gold Mines, Ltd.(b) | 59,234 | 344,662 | ||||||
West African Resources, Ltd.(a) | 628,182 | 404,530 | ||||||
Westgold Resources, Ltd.(a) | 247,596 | 367,819 | ||||||
Total Gold Mining | 98,892,211 |
22 | December 31, 2023
Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF | |
Schedule of Investments | December 31, 2023 |
Security Description | Shares | Value | ||||||
Silver Mining (2.59%) | ||||||||
Endeavour Silver Corp.(a),(b) | 1,412,559 | $ | 2,771,709 | |||||
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS | ||||||||
(Cost $100,232,628) | 107,032,779 | |||||||
RIGHTS (0.00%) | ||||||||
Basic Materials (0.00%) | ||||||||
Kinross Gold Corp. - CVR (Expiring 12/31/2049), Strike Price CAD $0.01(c) | 233,341 | – | ||||||
TOTAL RIGHTS | ||||||||
(Cost $–) | – |
7 Day Yield | Shares | Value | ||||||||||
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (5.06%) | ||||||||||||
Money Market Fund (0.02%) | ||||||||||||
State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund, Premier Class | ||||||||||||
(Cost $17,267) | 5.31% | 17,267 | 17,267 | |||||||||
Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Loaned (5.04%) | ||||||||||||
State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio, 5.36% | ||||||||||||
(Cost $5,384,048) | 5,384,048 | 5,384,048 | ||||||||||
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS | ||||||||||||
(Cost $5,401,315) | $ | 5,401,315 | ||||||||||
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (105.21%) | ||||||||||||
(Cost $105,633,943) | $ | 112,434,094 | ||||||||||
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS (-5.21%) | (5,564,627) | |||||||||||
NET ASSETS (100.00%) | $ | 106,869,467 |
(a) | Non-income producing security. |
(b) | As of December 31, 2023, the security, or a portion of the security position was on loan. As of December 31, 2023, the total market value of securities on loan was $5,807,256. The loaned securities were secured with cash collateral of $5,384,048 and non-cash collateral with the value of $1,151,999. The non-cash collateral received consists of common stocks and is held for the benefit of the Fund at the Fund's custodian. The Fund cannot repledge or resell this collateral. Collateral is calculated based on prior day’s prices. |
(c) | As a result of the use of significant unobservable inputs to determine the fair value, these investments have been classified as Level 3 assets. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
23 | December 31, 2023
Sprott Energy Transition Materials ETF | |
Schedule of Investments | December 31, 2023 |
Security Description | Shares | Value | ||||||
COMMON STOCKS (99.52%) | ||||||||
Coal & Consumable Fuels (22.58%) | ||||||||
Alligator Energy, Ltd.(a) | 439,200 | $ | 17,658 | |||||
Bannerman Energy, Ltd.(a) | 14,717 | 26,978 | ||||||
Boss Energy, Ltd.(a) | 37,690 | 103,506 | ||||||
Cameco Corp. | 12,766 | 550,215 | ||||||
CGN Mining Co., Ltd.(a) | 552,700 | 121,745 | ||||||
Deep Yellow, Ltd.(a) | 79,381 | 58,963 | ||||||
Denison Mines Corp.(a) | 95,969 | 169,865 | ||||||
Encore Energy Corp.(a) | 18,523 | 72,831 | ||||||
Energy Fuels, Inc.(a) | 17,379 | 124,955 | ||||||
Fission Uranium Corp.(a) | 73,825 | 60,172 | ||||||
NAC Kazatomprom JSC, GDR(b) | 13,647 | 558,162 | ||||||
NexGen Energy, Ltd.(a) | 55,671 | 389,697 | ||||||
Paladin Energy, Ltd.(a) | 318,899 | 214,054 | ||||||
Uranium Energy Corp.(a) | 77,103 | 493,459 | ||||||
Uranium Royalty Corp.(a) | 10,539 | 28,455 | ||||||
Ur-Energy, Inc.(a) | 28,285 | 43,559 | ||||||
Total Coal & Consumable Fuels | 3,034,274 | |||||||
Copper Mining (19.20%) | ||||||||
Amman Mineral Internasional PT(a) | 451,500 | 192,072 | ||||||
Antofagasta PLC | 19,113 | 409,166 | ||||||
Atalaya Mining PLC | 5,294 | 24,360 | ||||||
Capstone Copper Corp.(a),(c) | 26,018 | 126,649 | ||||||
Central Asia Metals PLC | 5,798 | 13,362 | ||||||
ERO Copper Corp.(a) | 3,365 | 53,203 | ||||||
First Quantum Minerals, Ltd. | 26,995 | 221,045 | ||||||
Freeport-McMoRan, Inc. | 15,691 | 667,966 | ||||||
Jinchuan Group International Resources Co., Ltd. | 110,900 | 9,232 | ||||||
KGHM Polska Miedz SA | 5,808 | 181,115 | ||||||
Lundin Mining Corp. | 30,403 | 248,722 | ||||||
Sandfire Resources, Ltd.(a) | 10,426 | 52,149 | ||||||
SolGold PLC(a) | 51,154 | 6,194 | ||||||
Southern Copper Corp. | 4,062 | 349,616 | ||||||
Taseko Mines, Ltd.(a) | 15,908 | 22,271 | ||||||
Total Copper Mining | 2,577,122 | |||||||
Diversified Metals & Mining (37.05%) | ||||||||
29Metals, Ltd. | 7,022 | 3,086 | ||||||
American Battery Technology Co.(a) | 5,400 | 25,326 | ||||||
Arafura Rare Earths, Ltd.(a) | 896,705 | 100,825 | ||||||
Argosy Minerals, Ltd.(a) | 78,898 | 7,258 | ||||||
Atlantic Lithium, Ltd.(a) | 22,352 | 6,475 | ||||||
Azure Minerals, Ltd.(a) | 8,500 | 21,432 | ||||||
Boliden AB | 8,512 | 265,418 | ||||||
Centaurus Metals, Ltd.(a) | 45,183 | 16,473 | ||||||
Core Lithium, Ltd.(a),(c) | 240,047 | 40,895 | ||||||
Critical Elements Lithium Corp.(a) | 12,231 | 8,584 | ||||||
Delta Lithium, Ltd.(a) | 24,486 | 7,842 | ||||||
E3 Lithium, Ltd.(a) | 4,200 | 7,005 | ||||||
Eramet SA(c) | 2,089 | 164,889 | ||||||
Filo Corp.(a) | 3,145 | 50,104 | ||||||
Foran Mining Corp.(a) | 5,897 | 17,357 | ||||||
Galan Lithium, Ltd.(a) | 18,828 | 8,853 | ||||||
Global Atomic Corp.(a) | 21,393 | 44,883 |
24 | December 31, 2023
Sprott Energy Transition Materials ETF | |
Schedule of Investments | December 31, 2023 |
Security Description | Shares | Value | ||||||
Diversified Metals & Mining (continued) | ||||||||
Global Lithium Resources, Ltd.(a) | 10,077 | $ | 8,275 | |||||
Hercules Silver Corp.(a) | 15,400 | 16,039 | ||||||
Hudbay Minerals, Inc. | 12,991 | 71,710 | ||||||
IGO, Ltd. | 70,379 | 434,036 | ||||||
ioneer, Ltd.(a),(c) | 94,914 | 9,702 | ||||||
Ivanhoe Electric, Inc. / US(a) | 1,807 | 18,215 | ||||||
Ivanhoe Mines, Ltd.(a) | 19,287 | 187,040 | ||||||
Kodal Minerals PLC(a) | 841,263 | 3,968 | ||||||
Lake Resources NL(a) | 79,919 | 7,080 | ||||||
Latin Resources, Ltd.(a) | 137,055 | 26,618 | ||||||
Leo Lithium, Ltd.(a) | 23,792 | 8,188 | ||||||
Lifezone Metals, Ltd.(a) | 5,300 | 47,912 | ||||||
Liontown Resources, Ltd.(a),(c) | 92,222 | 103,694 | ||||||
Lithium Americas Argentina Corp.(a) | 7,257 | 45,864 | ||||||
Lithium Ionic Corp.(a) | 5,086 | 6,717 | ||||||
Lotus Resources, Ltd.(a) | 145,100 | 28,180 | ||||||
Lynas Rare Earths, Ltd.(a) | 133,628 | 651,994 | ||||||
Merdeka Battery Materials Tbk PT(a) | 3,040,100 | 110,571 | ||||||
Meteoric Resources NL(a) | 854,400 | 151,380 | ||||||
MMG, Ltd. | 131,870 | 39,011 | ||||||
MP Materials Corp.(a),(c) | 36,893 | 732,325 | ||||||
NGEx Minerals, Ltd.(a) | 3,050 | 16,481 | ||||||
Nickel Asia Corp. | 770,700 | 76,270 | ||||||
Nickel Industries, Ltd. | 559,799 | 265,125 | ||||||
Northern Dynasty Minerals, Ltd.(a) | 14,327 | 4,632 | ||||||
Panoramic Resources, Ltd.(a),(c) | 132,202 | 3,153 | ||||||
Patriot Battery Metals, Inc.(a) | 22,025 | 16,885 | ||||||
Piedmont Lithium, Inc.(a) | 950 | 26,819 | ||||||
Pilbara Minerals, Ltd.(c) | 242,342 | 652,317 | ||||||
Renascor Resources, Ltd.(a) | 285,955 | 25,332 | ||||||
Sayona Mining, Ltd.(a),(c) | 508,763 | 24,615 | ||||||
Sigma Lithium Corp.(a) | 3,427 | 108,053 | ||||||
Solaris Resources, Inc.(a) | 2,734 | 8,522 | ||||||
South Manganese Investment, Ltd.(c) | 31,000 | 1,965 | ||||||
Standard Lithium, Ltd.(a) | 8,431 | 17,031 | ||||||
Syrah Resources, Ltd.(a) | 114,163 | 50,179 | ||||||
Talga Group, Ltd.(a),(c) | 40,665 | 21,753 | ||||||
Vale Indonesia Tbk PT | 469,900 | 131,537 | ||||||
Vulcan Energy Resources, Ltd.(a) | 7,607 | 14,774 | ||||||
Winsome Resources, Ltd.(a) | 8,686 | 6,215 | ||||||
Total Diversified Metals & Mining | 4,976,882 | |||||||
Environmental & Facilities Services (0.14%) | ||||||||
Li-Cycle Holdings Corp.(a) | 31,076 | 18,173 | ||||||
Fertilizers & Agricultural Chemicals (5.24%) | ||||||||
Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA, ADR | 11,657 | 701,986 | ||||||
Gold Mining (1.60%) | ||||||||
China Gold International Resources Corp., Ltd. | 11,000 | 46,981 | ||||||
Cia de Minas Buenaventura SAA, ADR | 10,973 | 167,229 | ||||||
Total Gold Mining | 214,210 | |||||||
Precious Metals & Minerals Mining (0.97%) | ||||||||
Atlas Lithium Corp.(a) | 350 | 10,948 |
25 | December 31, 2023
Sprott Energy Transition Materials ETF | |
Schedule of Investments | December 31, 2023 |
Security Description | Shares | Value | ||||||
Precious Metals & Minerals Mining (continued) | ||||||||
SilverCrest Metals, Inc.(a),(c) | 18,149 | $ | 118,876 | |||||
Total Precious Metals & Minerals Mining | 129,824 | |||||||
Silver Mining (3.64%) | ||||||||
Aya Gold & Silver, Inc.(a) | 24,224 | 177,514 | ||||||
Endeavour Silver Corp.(a) | 29,461 | 58,038 | ||||||
Gatos Silver, Inc.(a) | 6,711 | 43,890 | ||||||
GoGold Resources, Inc.(a),(c) | 36,743 | 37,435 | ||||||
MAG Silver Corp.(a),(c) | 10,991 | 114,416 | ||||||
Silvercorp Metals, Inc.(c) | 22,166 | 58,297 | ||||||
Total Silver Mining | 489,590 | |||||||
Specialty Chemicals (9.10%) | ||||||||
Albemarle Corp. | 4,831 | 697,982 | ||||||
Ganfeng Lithium Group Co., Ltd.(b)(d) | 39,200 | 148,095 | ||||||
Livent Corp.(a) | 17,139 | 308,159 | ||||||
Tianqi Lithium Corp. | 12,500 | 69,075 | ||||||
Total Specialty Chemicals | 1,223,311 | |||||||
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS | ||||||||
(Cost $13,392,065) | 13,365,372 | |||||||
Security Description | Shares | Value | ||||||
EXCHANGE TRADED FUND (0.49%) | ||||||||
iShares MSCI India ETF | 1,350 | $ | 65,894 | |||||
TOTAL EXCHANGE TRADED FUND | ||||||||
(Cost $58,609) | 65,894 | |||||||
Shares | Value | |||||||
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (2.63%) | ||||||||
Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Loaned (2.63%) | ||||||||
State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio, 5.36% | ||||||||
(Cost $353,092) | 353,092 | 353,092 | ||||||
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS | ||||||||
(Cost $353,092) | $ | 353,092 | ||||||
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (102.64%) | ||||||||
(Cost $13,803,766) | $ | 13,784,358 | ||||||
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS (-2.64%) | (355,184) | |||||||
NET ASSETS (100.00%) | $ | 13,429,174 |
(a) | Non-income producing security. |
(b) | Securities were purchased pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, which exempts securities offered and sold outside of the United States from registration. Such securities cannot be sold in the United States without either an effective registration statement filed pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, or pursuant to an exemption from registration. As of December 31, 2023, the market value of those securities was $706,257, representing 5.26% of net assets. |
(c) | As of December 31, 2023, the security, or a portion of the security position was on loan. As of December 31, 2023, the total market value of securities on loan was $1,488,075. The loaned securities were secured with cash collateral of $353,092 and non-cash collateral with the value of $1,246,001. The non-cash collateral received consists of common stocks and is held for the benefit of the Fund at the Fund's custodian. The Fund cannot repledge or resell this collateral. Collateral is calculated based on prior day’s prices. |
(d) | Securities exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be sold in the ordinary course of business in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. As of December 31, 2023, the aggregate market value of those securities was $148,095, representing 1.10% of net assets. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
26 | December 31, 2023
Sprott Lithium Miners ETF | |
Schedule of Investments | December 31, 2023 |
Security Description | Shares | Value | ||||||
COMMON STOCKS (99.09%) | ||||||||
Diversified Metals & Mining (65.16%) | ||||||||
American Lithium Corp.(a) | 39,780 | $ | 43,531 | |||||
Anson Resources, Ltd.(a) | 127,477 | 12,162 | ||||||
Argosy Minerals, Ltd.(a) | 273,755 | 25,184 | ||||||
Arizona Lithium, Ltd.(a) | 462,053 | 9,761 | ||||||
Atlantic Lithium, Ltd.(a) | 33,512 | 9,707 | ||||||
Azure Minerals, Ltd.(a) | 29,500 | 74,380 | ||||||
Cleantech Lithium PLC(a) | 44,549 | 11,215 | ||||||
Core Lithium, Ltd.(a),(b) | 416,544 | 70,963 | ||||||
Critical Elements Lithium Corp.(a) | 42,433 | 29,782 | ||||||
Delta Lithium, Ltd.(a) | 38,925 | 12,467 | ||||||
E3 Lithium, Ltd.(a) | 7,832 | 13,063 | ||||||
Frontier Lithium, Inc.(a) | 21,594 | 12,386 | ||||||
Galan Lithium, Ltd.(a) | 30,301 | 14,248 | ||||||
Global Lithium Resources, Ltd.(a) | 34,935 | 28,687 | ||||||
Green Technology Metals, Ltd.(a) | 55,161 | 10,713 | ||||||
IGO, Ltd. | 70,017 | 431,803 | ||||||
ioneer, Ltd.(a),(b) | 329,310 | 33,661 | ||||||
Kodal Minerals PLC(a) | 2,230,377 | 10,519 | ||||||
Lake Resources NL(a),(b) | 142,175 | 12,595 | ||||||
Latin Resources, Ltd.(a) | 475,598 | 92,367 | ||||||
Leo Lithium, Ltd.(a) | 117,442 | 40,416 | ||||||
Li-FT Power, Ltd.(a) | 7,693 | 35,706 | ||||||
Liontown Resources, Ltd.(a),(b) | 203,808 | 229,160 | ||||||
Lithium Americas Argentina Corp.(a) | 25,303 | 159,915 | ||||||
Lithium Ionic Corp.(a) | 10,899 | 14,394 | ||||||
Mineral Resources, Ltd. | 9,823 | 468,572 | ||||||
Patriot Battery Metals, Inc.(a) | 18,060 | 135,343 | ||||||
Piedmont Lithium, Inc.(a) | 3,300 | 93,159 | ||||||
Pilbara Minerals, Ltd. | 165,012 | 444,166 | ||||||
Rock Tech Lithium, Inc.(a) | 13,874 | 14,135 | ||||||
Savannah Resources PLC(a) | 440,024 | 11,778 | ||||||
Sayona Mining, Ltd.(a),(b) | 1,765,876 | 85,438 | ||||||
Sigma Lithium Corp.(a) | 6,467 | 203,905 | ||||||
Standard Lithium, Ltd.(a) | 31,004 | 62,628 | ||||||
Surge Battery Metals, Inc.(a) | 35,700 | 21,284 | ||||||
Vulcan Energy Resources, Ltd.(a) | 26,545 | 51,554 | ||||||
Winsome Resources, Ltd.(a) | 18,198 | 13,021 | ||||||
Total Diversified Metals & Mining | 3,043,768 | |||||||
Fertilizers & Agricultural Chemicals (10.22%) | ||||||||
Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA, ADR | 7,927 | 477,365 | ||||||
Gold Mining (0.48%) | ||||||||
Arbor Metals Corp.(a) | 16,257 | 12,760 | ||||||
Brunswick Exploration, Inc.(a) | 15,551 | 9,741 | ||||||
Total Gold Mining | 22,501 | |||||||
Precious Metals & Minerals (0.82%) | ||||||||
Atlas Lithium Corp.(a) | 1,218 | 38,099 | ||||||
Specialty Chemicals (22.41%) | ||||||||
Albemarle Corp. | 3,284 | 474,472 | ||||||
Ganfeng Lithium Group Co., Ltd.(c)(d) | 60,600 | 228,943 |
27 | December 31, 2023
Sprott Lithium Miners ETF | |
Schedule of Investments | December 31, 2023 |
Security Description | Shares | Value | ||||||
Specialty Chemicals (continued) | ||||||||
Livent Corp.(a) | 12,399 | $ | 222,934 | |||||
Tianqi Lithium Corp. | 21,800 | 120,467 | ||||||
Total Specialty Chemicals | 1,046,816 | |||||||
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS | ||||||||
(Cost $6,142,054) | 4,628,549 | |||||||
Shares | Value | |||||||
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (2.49%) | ||||||||
Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Loaned (2.49%) | ||||||||
State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio, 5.36% | ||||||||
(Cost $116,100) | 116,100 | 116,100 | ||||||
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS | ||||||||
(Cost $116,100) | $ | 116,100 | ||||||
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (101.58%) | ||||||||
(Cost $6,258,154) | $ | 4,744,649 | ||||||
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS (-1.58%) | (73,650) | |||||||
NET ASSETS (100.00%) | $ | 4,670,999 |
(a) | Non-income producing security. |
(b) | As of December 31, 2023, the security, or a portion of the security position was on loan. As of December 31, 2023, the total market value of securities on loan was $167,019. The loaned securities were secured with cash collateral of $116,100 and non-cash collateral with the value of $116,927. The non-cash collateral received consists of common stocks and is held for the benefit of the Fund at the Fund's custodian. The Fund cannot repledge or resell this collateral. Collateral is calculated based on prior day’s prices. |
(c) | Securities exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be sold in the ordinary course of business in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. As of December 31, 2023, the aggregate market value of those securities was $228,943, representing 4.90% of net assets. |
(d) | Securities were purchased pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, which exempts securities offered and sold outside of the United States from registration. Such securities cannot be sold in the United States without either an effective registration statement filed pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, or pursuant to an exemption from registration. As of December 31, 2023, the market value of those securities was $228,943, representing 4.90% of net assets. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
28 | December 31, 2023
Sprott Uranium Miners ETF | ||
Schedule of Investments | December 31, 2023 |
Security Description | Shares | Value | ||||||
CLOSED END FUND (14.54%) | ||||||||
Sprott Physical Uranium Trust(a)(b) | 11,440,666 | $ | 244,000,771 | |||||
TOTAL CLOSED END FUND | ||||||||
(Cost $150,765,192) | 244,000,771 |
Security Description | Shares | Value | ||||||
COMMON STOCKS (85.37%) | ||||||||
Coal & Consumable Fuels (78.28%) | ||||||||
Alligator Energy, Ltd.(a) | 218,804,851 | 8,797,164 | ||||||
Aura Energy, Ltd.(a),(c) | 40,495,271 | 7,312,804 | ||||||
Bannerman Energy, Ltd.(a),(c) | 9,870,000 | 18,092,691 | ||||||
Baselode Energy Corp.(a) | 12,938,248 | 4,052,204 | ||||||
Berkeley Energia, Ltd.(a),(c) | 27,696,704 | 4,942,499 | ||||||
Boss Energy, Ltd.(a),(c) | 23,048,583 | 63,296,982 | ||||||
Cameco Corp. | 5,552,275 | 239,303,052 | ||||||
CanAlaska Uranium, Ltd.(a) | 14,124,180 | 3,997,259 | ||||||
CGN Mining Co., Ltd.(a),(c) | 461,135,300 | 101,575,554 | ||||||
Deep Yellow, Ltd.(a) | 49,597,508 | 36,840,039 | ||||||
Denison Mines Corp.(a),(c) | 42,502,450 | 75,229,337 | ||||||
Elevate Uranium, Ltd.(a),(c) | 18,330,820 | 5,558,731 | ||||||
Encore Energy Corp.(a),(c) | 9,440,584 | 37,119,688 | ||||||
Energy Fuels, Inc.(a),(c) | 8,313,990 | 59,777,588 | ||||||
F3 Uranium Corp.(a) | 24,450,761 | 7,381,083 | ||||||
Fission Uranium Corp.(a),(c) | 47,351,140 | 38,594,190 | ||||||
Forsys Metals Corp.(a),(c) | 12,744,170 | 7,309,588 | ||||||
GoviEx Uranium, Inc.(a) | 47,259,917 | 5,349,977 | ||||||
IsoEnergy, Ltd.(a) | 10,549,289 | 29,377,666 | ||||||
Laramide Resources, Ltd.(a),(c) | 14,443,406 | 7,303,183 | ||||||
Mega Uranium, Ltd.(a),(c) | 24,595,354 | 7,610,351 | ||||||
NAC Kazatomprom JSC, GDR(d) | 6,155,587 | 251,763,507 | ||||||
NexGen Energy, Ltd.(a),(c) | 11,224,638 | 78,572,466 | ||||||
Paladin Energy, Ltd.(a) | 112,634,610 | 75,603,486 | ||||||
Peninsula Energy, Ltd.(a),(c) | 84,532,550 | 6,048,490 | ||||||
Skyharbour Resources, Ltd.(a) | 12,679,242 | 4,449,528 | ||||||
Toro Energy, Ltd.(a),(c) | 11,872,289 | 3,802,472 | ||||||
Uranium Energy Corp.(a),(c) | 12,659,924 | 81,023,513 | ||||||
Uranium Royalty Corp.(a),(c) | 4,580,556 | 12,306,539 | ||||||
Ur-Energy, Inc.(a),(c) | 17,169,214 | 26,440,590 | ||||||
Western Uranium & Vanadium Corp.(a),(c) | 3,706,708 | 4,475,856 | ||||||
Total Coal & Consumable Fuels | 1,313,308,077 | |||||||
Diversified Metals & Mining (2.68%) | ||||||||
Core Nickel Corp.(a) | 3,145,958 | 237,422 | ||||||
Global Atomic Corp.(a) | 13,224,528 | 27,745,510 | ||||||
Lotus Resources, Ltd.(a) | 88,134,006 | 17,116,781 | ||||||
Total Diversified Metals & Mining | 45,099,713 | |||||||
Electronic Equipment & Instruments (0.02%) | ||||||||
Premier American Uranium, Inc.(a) | 298,124 | 337,486 |
29 | December 31, 2023
Sprott Uranium Miners ETF | ||
Schedule of Investments | December 31, 2023 |
Security Description | Shares | Value | ||||||
Trading Companies & Distributors (4.39%) | ||||||||
Yellow Cake PLC(a)(d)(e) | 9,339,572 | $ | 73,630,394 | |||||
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS | ||||||||
(Cost $1,178,078,470) | 1,432,375,670 |
7 Day Yield | Shares | Value | ||||||||||
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (7.27%) | ||||||||||||
Money Market Fund (0.01%) | ||||||||||||
State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund, Premier Class | ||||||||||||
(Cost $157,270) | 5.31 | % | 157,270 | 157,270 | ||||||||
Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Loaned (7.26%) | ||||||||||||
State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio, 5.36% | ||||||||||||
(Cost $121,834,860) | 121,834,860 | 121,834,860 | ||||||||||
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS | ||||||||||||
(Cost $121,992,130) | $ | 121,992,130 | ||||||||||
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (107.18%) | ||||||||||||
(Cost $1,450,835,792) | $ | 1,798,368,571 | ||||||||||
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS (-7.18%) | (120,470,437 | ) | ||||||||||
NET ASSETS (100.00%) | $ | 1,677,898,134 |
(a) | Non-income producing security. |
(b) | See Affiliated Investments for details. |
(c) | As of December 31, 2023, the security, or a portion of the security position is currently on loan. As of December 31, 2023, the total market value of securities on loan was $142,334,111. The loaned securities were secured with cash collateral of $121,834,860 and non-cash collateral with the value of $26,305,786. The non-cash collateral received consists of common stocks and is held for the benefit of the Fund at the Fund's custodian. The Fund cannot repledge or resell this collateral. Collateral is calculated based on prior day’s prices. |
(d) | Securities were purchased pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, which exempts securities offered and sold outside of the United States from registration. Such securities cannot be sold in the United States without either an effective registration statement filed pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, or pursuant to an exemption from registration. As of December 31, 2023, the market value of those securities was $325,393,901, representing 19.39% of net assets. |
(e) | Securities exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be sold in the ordinary course of business in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. As of December 31, 2023, the aggregate market value of those securities was $73,630,394, representing 4.39% of net assets. |
AFFILIATED INVESTMENTS
Security Name | Market
Value as of January 1, 2023 |
Purchases | Purchases In-Kind |
Sales | Sales
In-Kind |
Change
in Unrealized Gain/(Loss) |
Realized Gain/(Loss) |
Market
Value as of December 31, 2023 |
Share
Balance as of December 31, 2023 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sprott Physical Uranium Trust | $ | 115,816,653 | $ | 4,102,329 | $ | 55,087,332 | $ | (16,477,502 | ) | $ | (11,799,741 | ) | $ | 97,750,128 | $ | (478,428 | ) | $ | 244,000,771 | 11,440,666 | ||||||||||||||||
TOTAL | $ | 115,816,653 | $ | 4,102,329 | $ | 55,087,332 | $ | (16,477,502 | ) | $ | (11,799,741 | ) | $ | 97,750,128 | $ | (478,428 | ) | $ | 244,000,771 | 11,440,666 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
30 | December 31, 2023
Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF | ||
Schedule of Investments | December 31, 2023 |
Security Description | Shares | Value | ||||||
COMMON STOCKS (99.98%) | ||||||||
Coal & Consumable Fuels (94.43%) | ||||||||
Alligator Energy, Ltd.(a) | 66,104,673 | $ | 2,657,773 | |||||
Anfield Energy, Inc.(a) | 7,533,000 | 483,231 | ||||||
Atha Energy Corp.(a) | 1,578,145 | 1,476,850 | ||||||
Aura Energy, Ltd.(a) | 7,433,152 | 1,342,309 | ||||||
Bannerman Energy, Ltd.(a) | 2,215,398 | 4,061,045 | ||||||
Baselode Energy Corp.(a) | 1,112,500 | 348,430 | ||||||
Berkeley Energia, Ltd.(a) | 6,147,206 | 1,151,978 | ||||||
Boss Energy, Ltd.(a) | 3,355,548 | 9,215,146 | ||||||
CanAlaska Uranium, Ltd.(a) | 2,206,952 | 624,585 | ||||||
CGN Mining Co., Ltd.(a),(b) | 41,630,000 | 9,169,956 | ||||||
Deep Yellow, Ltd.(a) | 11,942,188 | 8,870,419 | ||||||
Denison Mines Corp.(a) | 12,118,590 | 21,449,904 | ||||||
Elevate Uranium, Ltd.(a) | 4,871,623 | 1,477,296 | ||||||
Encore Energy Corp.(a) | 2,391,483 | 9,403,137 | ||||||
Energy Fuels, Inc.(a) | 1,161,059 | 8,348,014 | ||||||
F3 Uranium Corp.(a) | 7,128,616 | 2,151,954 | ||||||
Fission Uranium Corp.(a) | 11,116,051 | 9,060,288 | ||||||
Forsys Metals Corp.(a) | 2,137,800 | 1,226,164 | ||||||
GoviEx Uranium, Inc.(a) | 11,680,153 | 1,322,232 | ||||||
IsoEnergy, Ltd.(a) | 979,510 | 2,727,740 | ||||||
Laramide Resources, Ltd.(a) | 3,960,905 | 2,002,797 | ||||||
Mega Uranium, Ltd.(a) | 6,217,800 | 1,923,926 | ||||||
NexGen Energy, Ltd.(a),(b) | 3,569,634 | 24,987,438 | ||||||
Paladin Energy, Ltd.(a) | 36,256,357 | 24,336,275 | ||||||
Peninsula Energy, Ltd.(a),(b) | 19,805,469 | 1,417,125 | ||||||
Skyharbour Resources, Ltd.(a) | 2,917,217 | 1,023,739 | ||||||
Uranium Energy Corp.(a) | 3,580,610 | 22,915,904 | ||||||
Uranium Royalty Corp.(a) | 1,624,531 | 4,386,234 | ||||||
Ur-Energy, Inc.(a) | 4,324,602 | 6,659,887 | ||||||
Western Uranium & Vanadium Corp.(a) | 621,415 | 750,360 | ||||||
Total Coal & Consumable Fuels | 186,972,136 | |||||||
Diversified Metals & Mining (5.55%) | ||||||||
Global Atomic Corp.(a) | 3,219,270 | 6,754,138 | ||||||
Lotus Resources, Ltd.(a) | 21,841,828 | 4,241,970 | ||||||
Total Diversified Metals & Mining | 10,996,108 | |||||||
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS | ||||||||
(Cost $167,187,918) |
197,968,244 |
31 | December 31, 2023
Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF | ||
Schedule of Investments | December 31, 2023 |
7 Day Yield | Shares | Value | ||||||||||
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (0.57%) | ||||||||||||
Money Market Fund (0.01%) | ||||||||||||
State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund, Premier Class | ||||||||||||
(Cost $13,642) |
5.31 | % | 13,642 | 13,642 | ||||||||
Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Loaned (0.56%) | ||||||||||||
State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio, 5.36% |
||||||||||||
(Cost $1,107,423) | 1,107,423 | 1,107,423 | ||||||||||
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS | ||||||||||||
(Cost $1,121,065) | $ | 1,121,065 | ||||||||||
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (100.55%) | ||||||||||||
(Cost $168,308,983) | $ | 199,089,309 | ||||||||||
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS (-0.55%) | (1,084,805 | ) | ||||||||||
NET ASSETS (100.00%) | $ | 198,004,504 |
(a) | Non-income producing security. |
(b) | As of December 31, 2023, the security, or a portion of the security position was on loan. As of December 31, 2023, the total market value of securities on loan was $1,640,439. The loaned securities were secured with cash collateral of $1,107,423 and non-cash collateral with the value of $575,971. The non-cash collateral received consists of common stocks and is held for the benefit of the Fund at the Fund's custodian. The Fund cannot repledge or resell this collateral. Collateral is calculated based on prior day’s prices. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
32 | December 31, 2023
Sprott Junior Copper Miners ETF | ||
Schedule of Investments | December 31, 2023 |
Security Description | Shares | Value | ||||||
COMMON STOCKS (97.60%) | ||||||||
Copper Mining (39.77%) | ||||||||
Aeris Resources, Ltd.(a) | 174,600 | $ | 17,252 | |||||
Arizona Sonoran Copper Co., Inc.(a) | 39,077 | 51,609 | ||||||
Atalaya Mining PLC | 45,947 | 211,424 | ||||||
Austral Resources Australia, Ltd.(a) | 65,607 | 7,153 | ||||||
Capstone Copper Corp.(a) | 51,797 | 252,134 | ||||||
Central Asia Metals PLC | 90,098 | 207,637 | ||||||
ERO Copper Corp.(a),(b) | 17,150 | 271,155 | ||||||
Hot Chili, Ltd.(a) | 56,385 | 41,497 | ||||||
Jinchuan Group International Resources Co., Ltd. | 1,426,000 | 118,704 | ||||||
Metals Acquisition, Ltd.(a) | 11,533 | 142,548 | ||||||
Sandfire Resources, Ltd.(a) | 51,632 | 258,256 | ||||||
SolGold PLC(a) | 871,550 | 105,537 | ||||||
Taseko Mines, Ltd.(a) | 157,335 | 220,269 | ||||||
Total Copper Mining | 1,905,175 | |||||||
Diversified Metals & Mining (46.40%) | ||||||||
29Metals, Ltd. | 101,790 | 44,740 | ||||||
AIC Mines, Ltd.(a) | 165,527 | 38,915 | ||||||
Amerigo Resources, Ltd. | 61,505 | 64,520 | ||||||
Arc Minerals, Ltd.(a) | 327,064 | 12,924 | ||||||
Caravel Minerals, Ltd.(a) | 231,143 | 29,140 | ||||||
Carnaby Resources, Ltd.(a) | 84,422 | 45,736 | ||||||
Copperstone Resources(a) | 42,268 | 102,757 | ||||||
Encounter Resources, Ltd.(a) | 169,007 | 33,399 | ||||||
Entree Resources, Ltd.(a) | 53,868 | 48,378 | ||||||
Filo Corp.(a) | 14,110 | 224,793 | ||||||
Foran Mining Corp.(a) | 69,680 | 205,088 | ||||||
Hillgrove Resources, Ltd. | 684,182 | 43,826 | ||||||
Hudbay Minerals, Inc. | 46,647 | 257,491 | ||||||
Ivanhoe Electric, Inc. / US(a) | 17,846 | 179,888 | ||||||
Los Andes Copper, Ltd.(a) | 5,844 | 52,043 | ||||||
MMG, Ltd. | 704,000 | 208,265 | ||||||
New World Resources, Ltd.(a) | 1,032,182 | 27,432 | ||||||
NGEx Minerals, Ltd.(a) | 41,065 | 221,898 | ||||||
Northern Dynasty Minerals, Ltd.(a) | 274,826 | 88,851 | ||||||
Philex Mining Corp. | 1,024,950 | 59,415 | ||||||
Rex Minerals, Ltd.(a) | 303,929 | 41,422 | ||||||
Solaris Resources, Inc.(a) | 46,329 | 144,401 | ||||||
Trilogy Metals, Inc.(a) | 71,182 | 30,608 | ||||||
Xanadu Mines, Ltd.(a) | 349,153 | 14,038 | ||||||
Total Diversified Metals & Mining | 2,219,968 | |||||||
Gold Mining (11.43%) | ||||||||
China Gold International Resources Corp., Ltd. | 49,100 | 209,705 | ||||||
Cia de Minas Buenaventura SAA, ADR | 22,148 | 337,536 | ||||||
Total Gold Mining | 547,241 | |||||||
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS | ||||||||
(Cost $4,732,477) |
4,672,384 |
33 | December 31, 2023
Sprott Junior Copper Miners ETF | ||
Schedule of Investments | December 31, 2023 |
Security Description | Shares | Value | ||||||
EXCHANGE TRADED FUND (2.38%) | ||||||||
iShares MSCI India ETF | 2,336 | $ | 114,020 | |||||
TOTAL EXCHANGE TRADED FUND | ||||||||
(Cost $96,993) |
114,020 |
7 Day Yield | Shares | Value | ||||||||||
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (3.76%) | ||||||||||||
Money Market Fund (0.06%) | ||||||||||||
State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund, Premier Class | ||||||||||||
(Cost $2,700) | 5.31 | % | 2,700 | 2,700 | ||||||||
Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Loaned (3.70%) | ||||||||||||
State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio, 5.36% | ||||||||||||
(Cost $177,313) | 177,313 | 177,313 | ||||||||||
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS | ||||||||||||
(Cost $180,013) | $ | 180,013 | ||||||||||
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (103.74%) | ||||||||||||
(Cost $5,009,483) | $ | 4,966,417 | ||||||||||
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS (-3.74%) | (179,072 | ) | ||||||||||
NET ASSETS (100.00%) | $ | 4,787,345 |
(a) | Non-income producing security. |
(b) | As of December 31, 2023, the security, or a portion of the security position was on loan. As of December 31, 2023, the total market value of securities on loan was $166,521. The loaned securities were secured with cash collateral of $177,313 and non-cash collateral with the value of $-. The non-cash collateral received consists of common stocks and is held for the benefit of the Fund at the Fund's custodian. The Fund cannot repledge or resell this collateral. Collateral is calculated based on prior day’s prices. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
34 | December 31, 2023
Sprott Nickel Miners ETF | ||
Schedule of Investments | December 31, 2023 |
Security Description | Shares | Value | ||||||
COMMON STOCKS (99.30%) | ||||||||
Diversified Metals & Mining (94.55%) | ||||||||
Ardea Resources, Ltd.(a) | 73,519 | $ | 23,797 | |||||
Canada Nickel Co., Inc.(a) | 67,925 | 58,439 | ||||||
Centaurus Metals, Ltd.(a) | 191,732 | 69,901 | ||||||
Eramet SA | 924 | 72,933 | ||||||
Global Ferronickel Holdings, Inc. | 1,445,730 | 53,782 | ||||||
Lifezone Metals, Ltd.(a) | 10,875 | 98,310 | ||||||
Lunnon Metals, Ltd.(a) | 63,356 | 25,904 | ||||||
Magna Mining, Inc.(a) | 56,426 | 23,847 | ||||||
Merdeka Battery Materials Tbk PT(a) | 6,226,700 | 226,470 | ||||||
Nickel 28 Capital Corp.(a) | 30,740 | 19,719 | ||||||
Nickel Asia Corp. | 779,865 | 77,177 | ||||||
Nickel Industries, Ltd. | 573,297 | 271,518 | ||||||
Panoramic Resources, Ltd.(a),(b) | 437,015 | 10,423 | ||||||
Poseidon Nickel, Ltd.(a) | 1,580,361 | 12,923 | ||||||
Premium Nickel Resources, Ltd.(a) | 48,870 | 46,471 | ||||||
Raiden Resources, Ltd.(a) | 1,201,700 | 32,756 | ||||||
Sherritt International Corp.(a) | 189,895 | 42,277 | ||||||
Talon Metals Corp.(a) | 312,210 | 42,412 | ||||||
Trimegah Bangun Persada Tbk PT | 1,135,100 | 73,722 | ||||||
Vale Indonesia Tbk PT | 481,200 | 134,700 | ||||||
Xinjiang Xinxin Mining Industry Co., Ltd. | 363,700 | 38,194 | ||||||
Total Diversified Metals & Mining | 1,455,675 | |||||||
Gold Mining (4.75%) | ||||||||
Aneka Tambang Tbk | 661,095 | 73,207 | ||||||
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS | ||||||||
(Cost $1,824,893) | 1,528,882 | |||||||
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (99.30%) | ||||||||
(Cost $1,824,893) | $ | 1,528,882 | ||||||
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES (0.70%) | 10,781 | |||||||
NET ASSETS (100.00%) | $ | 1,539,663 |
(a) | Non-income producing security. |
(b) | As of December 31, 2023, the security, or a portion of the security position was on loan. As of December 31, 2023, the total market value of securities on loan was $8,040. The loaned securities were secured with cash collateral of $– and non-cash collateral with the value of $8,533. The non-cash collateral received consists of common stocks and is held for the benefit of the Fund at the Fund's custodian. The Fund cannot repledge or resell this collateral. Collateral is calculated based on prior day’s prices. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
35 | December 31, 2023
Sprott ETFs |
Statements of Assets and Liabilities | December 31, 2023 |
Sprott Gold Miners ETF |
Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF |
Sprott Energy Transition Materials ETF |
||||||||||
ASSETS: | ||||||||||||
Unaffiliated investments, at value | $ | 245,662,442 | $ | 112,434,094 | $ | 13,784,358 | ||||||
Cash | 2,695 | – | – | |||||||||
Foreign currency, at value | 1,734 | – | 5 | |||||||||
Dividends and reclaim receivable | 70,031 | 8,705 | 5,158 | |||||||||
Total assets | 245,736,902 | 112,442,799 | 13,789,521 | |||||||||
LIABILITIES: | ||||||||||||
Payable to Adviser | 106,343 | 76,776 | 7,067 | |||||||||
Payable to custodian for overdraft | – | – | 188 | |||||||||
Payable for collateral upon return of securities loaned | 13,175,400 | 5,384,048 | 353,092 | |||||||||
Administration fees payable | 17,720 | 9,839 | – | |||||||||
Professional fees payable | 32,188 | 25,002 | – | |||||||||
Transfer agent fees payable | 26,250 | 26,250 | – | |||||||||
Accrued expenses and other liabilities | 56,801 | 51,417 | – | |||||||||
Total liabilities | 13,414,702 | 5,573,332 | 360,347 | |||||||||
NET ASSETS | $ | 232,322,200 | $ | 106,869,467 | $ | 13,429,174 | ||||||
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF: | ||||||||||||
Paid-in capital | $ | 319,322,160 | $ | 177,077,226 | $ | 13,925,770 | ||||||
Total distributable earnings (accumulated loss) | (86,999,960 | ) | (70,207,759 | ) | (496,596 | ) | ||||||
NET ASSETS | $ | 232,322,200 | $ | 106,869,467 | $ | 13,429,174 | ||||||
UNAFFILIATED INVESTMENTS, AT COST | $ | 234,802,107 | $ | 105,633,943 | $ | 13,803,766 | ||||||
FOREIGN CURRENCY, AT COST | $ | 1,740 | $ | – | $ | 5 | ||||||
PRICING OF SHARES | ||||||||||||
Net Assets | $ | 232,322,200 | $ | 106,869,467 | $ | 13,429,174 | ||||||
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized, par value $0.01 per share) | 9,280,000 | 3,630,000 | 760,000 | |||||||||
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share | $ | 25.03 | $ | 29.44 | $ | 17.67 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
36 | December 31, 2023
Sprott ETFs |
Statements of Assets and Liabilities | December 31, 2023 |
Sprott Lithium Miners ETF |
Sprott Uranium Miners ETF |
Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF |
||||||||||
ASSETS: | ||||||||||||
Unaffiliated investments, at value | $ | 4,744,649 | $ | 1,554,367,800 | $ | 199,089,309 | ||||||
Affiliated investments, at value | – | 244,000,771 | – | |||||||||
Cash | – | 16,752 | 22,790 | |||||||||
Foreign currency, at value | – | 2,029 | – | |||||||||
Receivable for investments sold | 40,665 | 2,237,357 | 324,841 | |||||||||
Dividends and reclaim receivable | 6,401 | 188,421 | 21,969 | |||||||||
Total assets | 4,791,715 | 1,800,813,130 | 199,458,909 | |||||||||
LIABILITIES: | ||||||||||||
Payable for investments purchased | – | – | 217,340 | |||||||||
Payable to Adviser | 2,377 | 1,080,136 | 129,642 | |||||||||
Payable to custodian for overdraft | 2,239 | – | – | |||||||||
Payable for collateral upon return of securities loaned | 116,100 | 121,834,860 | 1,107,423 | |||||||||
Total liabilities | 120,716 | 122,914,996 | 1,454,405 | |||||||||
NET ASSETS | $ | 4,670,999 | $ | 1,677,898,134 | $ | 198,004,504 | ||||||
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF: | ||||||||||||
Paid-in capital | $ | 6,718,650 | $ | 1,463,008,134 | $ | 179,495,348 | ||||||
Total distributable earnings (accumulated loss) | (2,047,651 | ) | 214,890,000 | 18,509,156 | ||||||||
NET ASSETS | $ | 4,670,999 | $ | 1,677,898,134 | $ | 198,004,504 | ||||||
UNAFFILIATED INVESTMENTS, AT COST | $ | 6,258,154 | $ | 1,300,070,600 | $ | 168,308,983 | ||||||
AFFILIATED INVESTMENTS, AT COST | $ | – | $ | 150,765,192 | $ | – | ||||||
FOREIGN CURRENCY, AT COST | $ | – | $ | 1,984 | $ | – | ||||||
PRICING OF SHARES | ||||||||||||
Net Assets | $ | 4,670,999 | $ | 1,677,898,134 | $ | 198,004,504 | ||||||
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized, par value $0.01 per share) | 370,000 | 34,905,000 | 8,470,000 | |||||||||
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share | $ | 12.62 | $ | 48.07 | $ | 23.38 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
37 | December 31, 2023
Sprott ETFs |
Statements of Assets and Liabilities | December 31, 2023 |
Sprott Junior Copper Miners ETF |
Sprott Nickel Miners ETF |
|||||||
ASSETS: | ||||||||
Unaffiliated investments, at value | $ | 4,966,417 | $ | 1,528,882 | ||||
Cash | 563 | – | ||||||
Receivable for investments sold | – | 10,030 | ||||||
Dividends and reclaim receivable | 360 | 3,707 | ||||||
Total assets | 4,967,340 | 1,542,619 | ||||||
LIABILITIES: | ||||||||
Payable to Adviser | 2,682 | 889 | ||||||
Payable to custodian for overdraft | – | 2,067 | ||||||
Payable for collateral upon return of securities loaned | 177,313 | – | ||||||
Total liabilities | 179,995 | 2,956 | ||||||
NET ASSETS | $ | 4,787,345 | $ | 1,539,663 | ||||
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF: | ||||||||
Paid-in capital | $ | 5,023,600 | $ | 2,078,621 | ||||
Total distributable earnings (accumulated loss) | (236,255 | ) | (538,958 | ) | ||||
NET ASSETS | $ | 4,787,345 | $ | 1,539,663 | ||||
UNAFFILIATED INVESTMENTS, AT COST | $ | 5,009,483 | $ | 1,824,893 | ||||
PRICING OF SHARES | ||||||||
Net Assets | $ | 4,787,345 | $ | 1,539,663 | ||||
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized, par value $0.01 per share) | 260,000 | 110,000 | ||||||
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share | $ | 18.41 | $ | 14.00 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
38 | December 31, 2023
Sprott ETFs |
Statements of Operations | For the Year Ended December 31, 2023 |
Sprott Gold Miners ETF |
Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF |
Sprott
Energy Transition Materials ETF(a) |
||||||||||
INVESTMENT INCOME: | ||||||||||||
Dividends | $ | 4,885,375 | $ | 463,664 | $ | 146,459 | ||||||
Securities lending income - net of fees (See Note 5) | 53,084 | 37,637 | 10,869 | |||||||||
Foreign withholding tax | (558,744 | ) | (14,789 | ) | (13,811 | ) | ||||||
Total investment income | 4,379,715 | 486,512 | 143,517 | |||||||||
EXPENSES: | ||||||||||||
Investment adviser fees (See Note 6) | 853,302 | 353,869 | 49,838 | |||||||||
Administration fees | 107,104 | 39,192 | – | |||||||||
Legal fees | 38,297 | 15,490 | – | |||||||||
Trustee fees | 29,161 | 11,967 | – | |||||||||
Audit fees | 20,000 | 20,000 | – | |||||||||
Compliance fees | 10,235 | 4,432 | – | |||||||||
Transfer agent fees | 9,000 | 9,000 | – | |||||||||
Other fees and expenses | 126,905 | 82,384 | – | |||||||||
Total expenses before recoupment/(waiver)/(reimbursement) | 1,194,004 | 536,334 | 49,838 | |||||||||
Less fee recoupment/(waiver)/(reimbursement) by investment adviser (See Note 6) | 26,661 | (30,344 | ) | – | ||||||||
Net expense | 1,220,665 | 505,990 | 49,838 | |||||||||
NET INVESTMENT INCOME/(LOSS) | 3,159,050 | (19,478 | ) | 93,679 | ||||||||
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) | ||||||||||||
Net realized gain/(loss) on unaffiliated investments | 336,398 | (b) | (7,497,478 | )(b) | 68,667 | (b) | ||||||
Net realized gain/(loss) on foreign currency transactions | (8,287 | ) | (4,983 | ) | 527 | |||||||
Net realized gain/(loss) | 328,111 | (7,502,461 | ) | 69,194 | ||||||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on unaffiliated investments | 1,625,801 | 14,753,852 | (19,408 | ) | ||||||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on translation of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies | 1,008 | 89 | – | |||||||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | 1,626,809 | 14,753,941 | (19,408 | ) | ||||||||
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS | 1,954,920 | 7,251,480 | 49,786 | |||||||||
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS | $ | 5,113,970 | $ | 7,232,002 | $ | 143,465 |
(a) | The Sprott Energy Transition Materials ETF commenced operations on February 1, 2023. |
(b) | Includes realized gain or loss as a result of in-kind transactions (See Note 8). |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
39 | December 31, 2023
Sprott ETFs |
Statements of Operations | For the Year Ended December 31, 2023 |
Sprott
Lithium Miners ETF(a) |
Sprott
Uranium Miners ETF |
Sprott
Junior Uranium Miners ETF(b) |
||||||||||
INVESTMENT INCOME: | ||||||||||||
Dividends | $ | 94,104 | $ | 8,248,415 | $ | 5,584 | ||||||
Securities lending income - net of fees (See Note 5) | 18,182 | 1,077,491 | 73,885 | |||||||||
Foreign withholding tax | (12,504 | ) | (277,920 | ) | – | |||||||
Total investment income | 99,782 | 9,047,986 | 79,469 | |||||||||
EXPENSES: | ||||||||||||
Investment adviser fees (See Note 6) | 24,445 | 8,678,296 | 513,003 | |||||||||
Total expenses | 24,445 | 8,678,296 | 513,003 | |||||||||
NET INVESTMENT INCOME/(LOSS) | 75,337 | 369,690 | (433,534 | ) | ||||||||
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) | ||||||||||||
Net realized gain/(loss) on unaffiliated investments | 2,423 | (c) | 2,069,976 | (c) | (4,383,188 | ) | ||||||
Net realized gain/(loss) on affiliated investments | – | (478,428 | )(c) | – | ||||||||
Net realized gain/(loss) on foreign currency transactions | 1,291 | (62,132 | ) | (19,020 | ) | |||||||
Net realized gain/(loss) | 3,714 | 1,529,416 | (4,402,208 | ) | ||||||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on unaffiliated investments | (1,513,505 | ) | 419,391,782 | 30,780,326 | ||||||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on affiliated investments | – | 97,750,128 | – | |||||||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on translation of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies | (4 | ) | 45 | (16 | ) | |||||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | (1,513,509 | ) | 517,141,955 | 30,780,310 | ||||||||
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS | (1,509,795 | ) | 518,671,371 | 26,378,102 | ||||||||
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS | $ | (1,434,458 | ) | $ | 519,041,061 | $ | 25,944,568 |
(a) | The Sprott Lithium Miners ETF commenced operations on February 1, 2023. |
(b) | The Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF commenced operations on February 1, 2023. |
(c) | Includes realized gain or loss as a result of in-kind transactions (See Note 8). |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
40 | December 31, 2023
Sprott ETFs |
Statements of Operations | For the Year Ended December 31, 2023 |
Sprott
Junior Copper Miners ETF(a) |
Sprott
Nickel Miners ETF(b) |
|||||||
INVESTMENT INCOME: | ||||||||
Dividends | $ | 31,658 | $ | 29,671 | ||||
Securities lending income - net of fees (See Note 5) | 8,785 | 13,138 | ||||||
Foreign withholding tax | (3,583 | ) | (2,897 | ) | ||||
Total investment income | 36,860 | 39,912 | ||||||
EXPENSES: | ||||||||
Investment adviser fees (See Note 6) | 19,752 | 9,044 | ||||||
Total expenses | 19,752 | 9,044 | ||||||
NET INVESTMENT INCOME | 17,108 | 30,868 | ||||||
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) | ||||||||
Net realized gain/(loss) on unaffiliated investments | (106,583 | ) | (23,539 | ) | ||||
Net realized gain/(loss) on foreign currency transactions | 1,097 | (1,206 | ) | |||||
Net realized gain/(loss) | (105,486 | ) | (24,745 | ) | ||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on unaffiliated investments | (43,066 | ) | (296,011 | ) | ||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on translation of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies | – | 3 | ||||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | (43,066 | ) | (296,008 | ) | ||||
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS | (148,552 | ) | (320,753 | ) | ||||
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS | $ | (131,444 | ) | $ | (289,885 | ) |
(a) | The Sprott Junior Copper Miners ETF commenced operations on February 1, 2023. |
(b) | The Sprott Nickel Miners ETF commenced operations on March 21, 2023. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
41 | December 31, 2023
Sprott ETFs |
Statements of Changes in Net Assets |
Sprott Gold Miners ETF | Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF | |||||||||||||||
For the Year Ended December 31, 2023 |
For the Year Ended December 31, 2022 |
For the Year Ended December 31, 2023 |
For the Year Ended December 31, 2022 |
|||||||||||||
OPERATIONS: | ||||||||||||||||
Net investment income/(loss) | $ | 3,159,050 | $ | 3,322,817 | $ | (19,478 | ) | $ | 622,963 | |||||||
Net realized gain/(loss) | 328,111 | (8,525,252 | ) | (7,502,461 | ) | (34,052,406 | ) | |||||||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | 1,626,809 | (16,624,411 | ) | 14,753,941 | 268,060 | |||||||||||
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | 5,113,970 | (21,826,846 | ) | 7,232,002 | (33,161,383 | ) | ||||||||||
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS: | ||||||||||||||||
From distributable earnings | (3,155,482 | ) | (3,155,580 | ) | (4,642,444 | ) | (2,518,228 | ) | ||||||||
Total distributions | (3,155,482 | ) | (3,155,580 | ) | (4,642,444 | ) | (2,518,228 | ) | ||||||||
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS: | ||||||||||||||||
Proceeds from sale of shares | 33,101,718 | 35,456,531 | 8,712,381 | 13,922,116 | ||||||||||||
Cost of shares redeemed | (36,169,764 | ) | (8,956,306 | ) | (6,802,463 | ) | – | |||||||||
Net increase/(decrease) from capital share transactions | (3,068,046 | ) | 26,500,225 | 1,909,918 | 13,922,116 | |||||||||||
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets | (1,109,558 | ) | 1,517,799 | 4,499,476 | (21,757,495 | ) | ||||||||||
NET ASSETS: | ||||||||||||||||
Beginning of year | 233,431,758 | 231,913,959 | 102,369,991 | 124,127,486 | ||||||||||||
End of year | $ | 232,322,200 | $ | 233,431,758 | $ | 106,869,467 | $ | 102,369,991 | ||||||||
OTHER INFORMATION: | ||||||||||||||||
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS: | ||||||||||||||||
Beginning shares | 9,450,000 | 8,500,000 | 3,550,000 | 3,050,000 | ||||||||||||
Shares sold | 1,250,000 | 1,300,000 | 290,000 | 500,000 | ||||||||||||
Shares redeemed | (1,420,000 | ) | (350,000 | ) | (210,000 | ) | – | |||||||||
Shares outstanding, end of year | 9,280,000 | 9,450,000 | 3,630,000 | 3,550,000 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
42 | December 31, 2023
Sprott ETFs |
Statements of Changes in Net Assets |
Sprott
Energy Transition Materials ETF(a) |
Sprott
Lithium Miners ETF(b) |
|||||||
For the Period February 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023 |
For the Period February 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023 |
|||||||
OPERATIONS: | ||||||||
Net investment income/(loss) | $ | 93,679 | $ | 75,337 | ||||
Net realized gain/(loss) | 69,194 | 3,714 | ||||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | (19,408 | ) | (1,513,509 | ) | ||||
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | 143,465 | (1,434,458 | ) | |||||
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS: | ||||||||
From distributable earnings | (323,891 | ) | (126,824 | ) | ||||
Total distributions | (323,891 | ) | (126,824 | ) | ||||
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS: | ||||||||
Proceeds from sale of shares | 16,667,751 | 8,858,526 | ||||||
Cost of shares redeemed | (3,058,151 | ) | (2,626,245 | ) | ||||
Net increase/(decrease) from capital share transactions | 13,609,600 | 6,232,281 | ||||||
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets | 13,429,174 | 4,670,999 | ||||||
NET ASSETS: | ||||||||
Beginning of year | – | – | ||||||
End of year | $ | 13,429,174 | $ | 4,670,999 | ||||
OTHER INFORMATION: | ||||||||
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS: | ||||||||
Beginning shares | – | – | ||||||
Shares sold | 940,002 | 510,002 | ||||||
Shares redeemed | (180,002 | ) | (140,002 | ) | ||||
Shares outstanding, end of year | 760,000 | 370,000 |
(a) | The Sprott Energy Transition Materials ETF commenced operations on February 1, 2023. |
(b) | The Sprott Lithium Miners ETF commenced operations on February 1, 2023. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
43 | December 31, 2023
Sprott ETFs |
Statements of Changes in Net Assets |
Sprott Uranium Miners ETF | ||||||||||||
For the Year Ended December 31, 2023 |
For
the Period September 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022(a) |
For
the Year Ended August 31, 2022(b) |
||||||||||
OPERATIONS: | ||||||||||||
Net investment income/(loss) | $ | 369,690 | $ | (1,727,079 | ) | $ | 3,334,564 | |||||
Net realized gain/(loss) | 1,529,416 | (20,721,518 | ) | 83,365,189 | ||||||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | 517,141,955 | (167,885,974 | ) | (21,855,184 | ) | |||||||
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | 519,041,061 | (190,334,571 | ) | 64,844,569 | ||||||||
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS: | ||||||||||||
From distributable earnings | (58,473,309 | ) | – | (46,290,058 | ) | |||||||
Total distributions | (58,473,309 | ) | – | (46,290,058 | ) | |||||||
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS: | ||||||||||||
Proceeds from sale of shares | 478,436,405 | 21,063,643 | 1,011,484,344 | |||||||||
Cost of shares redeemed | (87,574,305 | ) | (41,844,588 | ) | (348,231,453 | )(c) | ||||||
Net increase/(decrease) from capital share transactions | 390,862,100 | (20,780,945 | ) | 663,252,891 | ||||||||
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets | 851,429,852 | (211,115,516 | ) | 681,807,402 | ||||||||
NET ASSETS: | ||||||||||||
Beginning of year | 826,468,282 | 1,037,583,798 | 355,776,396 | |||||||||
End of year | $ | 1,677,898,134 | $ | 826,468,282 | $ | 1,037,583,798 | ||||||
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS: | ||||||||||||
Beginning shares | 25,975,000 | 13,325,000 | 5,725,000 | |||||||||
Shares sold | 11,240,000 | 300,000 | 12,025,000 | |||||||||
Shares redeemed | (2,310,000 | ) | (725,000 | ) | (4,425,000 | ) | ||||||
Stock Split | – | 13,075,000 | (d) | – | ||||||||
Shares outstanding, end of year | 34,905,000 | 25,975,000 | 13,325,000 |
(a) | Effective September 6, 2022, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Fund from August 31 to December 31. |
(b) | The fund was reorganized on April 22, 2022 and became a series within the Sprott Funds Trust thereafter. |
(c) | Net of redemption fees of $78,990. |
(d) | On December 21, 2022, the Sprott Uranium Miners ETF underwent a two for stock split. See Note 1 for additional details. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
44 | December 31, 2023
Sprott ETFs |
Statements of Changes in Net Assets |
Sprott
Junior Uranium Miners ETF(a) |
Sprott
Junior Copper Miners ETF(b) |
Sprott
Nickel Miners ETF(c) |
||||||||||
For the Period February 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023 |
For the Period February 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023 |
For the Period March 21, 2023 to December 31, 2023 |
||||||||||
OPERATIONS: | ||||||||||||
Net investment income/(loss) | $ | (433,534 | ) | $ | 17,108 | $ | 30,868 | |||||
Net realized gain/(loss) | (4,402,208 | ) | (105,486 | ) | (24,745 | ) | ||||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | 30,780,310 | (43,066 | ) | (296,008 | ) | |||||||
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | 25,944,568 | (131,444 | ) | (289,885 | ) | |||||||
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS: | ||||||||||||
From distributable earnings | (7,435,412 | ) | (104,811 | ) | (249,073 | ) | ||||||
Total distributions | (7,435,412 | ) | (104,811 | ) | (249,073 | ) | ||||||
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS: | ||||||||||||
Proceeds from sale of shares | 179,495,388 | 5,023,640 | 2,078,641 | |||||||||
Cost of shares redeemed | (40 | ) | (40 | ) | (20 | ) | ||||||
Net increase/(decrease) from capital share transactions | 179,495,348 | 5,023,600 | 2,078,621 | |||||||||
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets | 198,004,504 | 4,787,345 | 1,539,663 | |||||||||
NET ASSETS: | ||||||||||||
Beginning of year | – | – | – | |||||||||
End of year | $ | 198,004,504 | $ | 4,787,345 | $ | 1,539,663 | ||||||
OTHER INFORMATION: | ||||||||||||
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS: | ||||||||||||
Beginning shares | – | – | – | |||||||||
Shares sold | 8,470,002 | 260,002 | 110,001 | |||||||||
Shares redeemed | (2 | ) | (2 | ) | (1 | ) | ||||||
Shares outstanding, end of year | 8,470,000 | 260,000 | 110,000 |
(a) | The Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF commenced operations on February 1, 2023. |
(b) | The Sprott Junior Copper Miners ETF commenced operations on February 1, 2023. |
(c) | The Sprott Nickel Miners ETF commenced operations on March 21, 2023. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
45 | December 31, 2023
Sprott Gold Miners ETF |
Financial Highlights |
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented | For the Year Ended December 31, 2023 |
For the Year Ended December 31, 2022 |
For the Year Ended December 31, 2021 |
For
the Period December 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020(a) |
For the Year Ended November 30, 2020 |
For the Year Ended November 30, 2019 |
||||||||||||||||||
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD | $ | 24.70 | $ | 27.28 | $ | 30.50 | $ | 29.57 | $ | 23.37 | $ | 15.26 | ||||||||||||
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income/(loss) (b) | 0.34 | 0.37 | 0.33 | 0.03 | 0.07 | 0.02 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) | 0.34 | (2.60 | ) | (3.19 | ) | 0.99 | 6.19 | 8.18 | ||||||||||||||||
Total from investment operations | 0.68 | (2.23 | ) | (2.86 | ) | 1.02 | 6.26 | 8.20 | ||||||||||||||||
DISTRIBUTIONS: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
From net investment income | (0.35 | ) | (0.35 | ) | (0.36 | ) | (0.09 | ) | (0.06 | ) | (0.09 | ) | ||||||||||||
Total distributions | (0.35 | ) | (0.35 | ) | (0.36 | ) | (0.09 | ) | (0.06 | ) | (0.09 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value | 0.33 | (2.58 | ) | (3.22 | ) | 0.93 | 6.20 | 8.11 | ||||||||||||||||
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD | $ | 25.03 | $ | 24.70 | $ | 27.28 | $ | 30.50 | $ | 29.57 | $ | 23.37 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL RETURN(c) | 2.72 | % | (8.18 | )% | (9.33 | )% | 3.46 | % | 26.85 | % | 53.91 | % | ||||||||||||
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net assets, end of period (000s) | $ | 232,322 | $ | 233,432 | $ | 231,914 | $ | 259,234 | $ | 251,376 | $ | 177,647 | ||||||||||||
Ratio of expenses including waiver/reimbursement/recoupment to average net assets | 0.50 | % | 0.50 | % | 0.50 | % | 0.50 | %(d) | 0.50 | % | 0.54 | %(e) | ||||||||||||
Ratio of expenses excluding waiver/reimbursement/recoupment to average net assets | 0.49 | % | 0.51 | % | 0.49 | % | 0.58 | %(d) | 0.52 | % | 0.57 | % | ||||||||||||
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets | 1.30 | % | 1.43 | % | 1.18 | % | 1.28 | %(d) | 0.24 | % | 0.09 | % | ||||||||||||
Portfolio turnover rate(f) | 58 | % | 73 | % | 66 | % | 0 | % | 95 | % | 112 | % |
(a) | With the approval of the Board effective December 31, 2020, the Fund's fiscal year end was changed from November 30 to December 31. |
(b) | Based on average shares outstanding during the period. |
(c) | Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period and redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the period and assuming all distributions are reinvested at reinvestment prices. Total return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized. |
(d) | Annualized. |
(e) | Prior to July 19, 2019, ALPS Advisors, Inc., the prior unaffiliated adviser paid certain Fund expenses via a unitary fee arrangement; no fees or expenses were waived. |
(f) | Portfolio turnover rate does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions in-kind. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
46 | December 31, 2023
Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF |
Financial Highlights |
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented | For the Year Ended December 31, 2023 |
For the Year Ended December 31, 2022 |
For the Year Ended December 31, 2021 |
For
the Period December 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020(a) |
For the Year Ended November 30, 2020 |
For the Year Ended November 30, 2019 |
||||||||||||||||||
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD | $ | 28.84 | $ | 40.70 | $ | 49.30 | $ | 45.27 | $ | 30.28 | $ | 21.63 | ||||||||||||
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income/(loss)(b) | (0.01 | ) | 0.19 | 0.42 | (0.00 | )(c) | (0.04 | ) | 0.06 | |||||||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) | 1.95 | (11.34 | ) | (8.12 | ) | 5.00 | 15.25 | 8.59 | ||||||||||||||||
Total from investment operations | 1.94 | (11.15 | ) | (7.70 | ) | 5.00 | 15.21 | 8.65 | ||||||||||||||||
DISTRIBUTIONS: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
From net investment income | (1.34 | ) | (0.71 | ) | (0.90 | ) | (0.97 | ) | (0.22 | ) | – | |||||||||||||
Total distributions | (1.34 | ) | (0.71 | ) | (0.90 | ) | (0.97 | ) | (0.22 | ) | – | |||||||||||||
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value | 0.60 | (11.86 | ) | (8.60 | ) | 4.03 | 14.99 | 8.65 | ||||||||||||||||
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD | $ | 29.44 | $ | 28.84 | $ | 40.70 | $ | 49.30 | $ | 45.27 | $ | 30.28 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL RETURN(d) | 6.69 | % | (27.40 | )% | (15.56 | )% | 11.11 | % | 50.56 | % | 39.99 | % | ||||||||||||
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net assets, end of period (000s) | $ | 106,869 | $ | 102,370 | $ | 124,127 | $ | 123,258 | $ | 106,383 | $ | 52,994 | ||||||||||||
Ratio of expenses including waiver/reimbursement/recoupment to average net assets | 0.50 | % | 0.50 | % | 0.50 | % | 0.50 | %(e) | 0.50 | % | 0.54 | %(f) | ||||||||||||
Ratio of expenses excluding waiver/reimbursement/recoupment to average net assets | 0.53 | % | 0.67 | % | 0.61 | % | 0.75 | %(e) | 0.76 | % | 0.71 | % | ||||||||||||
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets | (0.02 | )% | 0.59 | % | 0.96 | % | (0.07 | )%(e) | (0.10 | )% | 0.22 | % | ||||||||||||
Portfolio turnover rate(g) | 70 | % | 100 | % | 66 | % | 0 | % | 157 | % | 127 | % |
(a) | With the approval of the Board effective December 31, 2020, the Fund's fiscal year end was changed from November 30 to December 31. |
(b) | Based on average shares outstanding during the period. |
(c) | Less than $0.005 per share. |
(d) | Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period and redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the period and assuming all distributions are reinvested at reinvestment prices. Total return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized. |
(e) | Annualized. |
(f) | Prior to July 19, 2019, ALPS Advisors, Inc., the prior unaffiliated adviser paid certain Fund expenses via a unitary fee arrangement; no fees or expenses were waived. | |
(g) | Portfolio turnover rate does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions in-kind. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
47 | December 31, 2023
Sprott Energy Transition Materials ETF |
Financial Highlights |
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Period Presented | For
the Period February 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023(a) |
|||
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD | $ | 20.49 | ||
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS: | ||||
Net investment income/(loss) (b) | 0.19 | |||
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) | (2.57 | ) | ||
Total from investment operations | (2.38 | ) | ||
DISTRIBUTIONS: | ||||
From net investment income | (0.43 | ) | ||
From net realized gains | (0.01 | ) | ||
Total distributions | (0.44 | ) | ||
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value | (2.82 | ) | ||
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD | $ | 17.67 | ||
TOTAL RETURN(c) | (11.60 | )% | ||
Net assets, end of period (000s) | $ | 13,429 | ||
Ratio of expenses to average net assets | 0.65 | %(d) | ||
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets | 1.22 | %(d) | ||
Portfolio turnover rate(e),(f) | 33 | % |
(a) | The Sprott Energy Transition Materials ETF commenced operations on February 1, 2023. |
(b) | Based on average shares outstanding during the period. |
(c) | Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period and redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the period and assuming all distributions are reinvested at reinvestment prices. Total return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized. |
(d) | Annualized. |
(e) | Portfolio turnover rate does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions in-kind. |
(f) | Not annualized. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
48 | December 31, 2023
Sprott Lithium Miners ETF |
Financial Highlights |
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Period Presented | For
the Period February 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023(a) |
|||
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD | $ | 20.21 | ||
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS: | ||||
Net investment income/(loss) (b) | 0.28 | |||
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) | (7.52 | ) | ||
Total from investment operations | (7.24 | ) | ||
DISTRIBUTIONS: | ||||
From net investment income | (0.35 | ) | ||
Total distributions | (0.35 | ) | ||
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value | (7.59 | ) | ||
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD | $ | 12.62 | ||
TOTAL RETURN(c) | (35.77 | )% | ||
Net assets, end of period (000s) | $ | 4,671 | ||
Ratio of expenses to average net assets | 0.65 | %(d) | ||
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets | 2.00 | %(d) | ||
Portfolio turnover rate(e),(f) | 59 | % |
(a) | The Sprott Lithium Miners ETF commenced operations on February 1, 2023. |
(b) | Based on average shares outstanding during the period. |
(c) | Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period and redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the period and assuming all distributions are reinvested at reinvestment prices. Total return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized. |
(d) | Annualized. |
(e) | Portfolio turnover rate does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions in-kind. |
(f) | Not annualized. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
49 | December 31, 2023
Sprott Uranium Miners ETF |
Financial Highlights |
For
a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented |
For the Year Ended December 31, 2023 |
For the Period September 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022 (a) |
For
the Year Ended August 31, 2022 (b) |
For
the Year Ended August 31, 2021 (b)(c) |
For
the Period December 3, 2019 (Commencement of Operations) to August 31, 2020 (b)(c) |
|||||||||||||||
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD | $ | 31.82 | $ | 38.94 | $ | 31.07 | $ | 16.69 | $ | 12.50 | ||||||||||
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income/(loss)(d) | 0.01 | (0.07 | ) | 0.15 | 0.23 | 0.08 | ||||||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) | 17.99 | (7.05 | ) | 10.12 | 14.71 | 4.11 | ||||||||||||||
Total from investment operations | 18.00 | (7.12 | ) | 10.27 | 14.94 | 4.19 | ||||||||||||||
DISTRIBUTIONS: | ||||||||||||||||||||
From net investment income | (1.75 | ) | – | (2.42 | ) | (0.56 | ) | – | ||||||||||||
Total distributions | (1.75 | ) | – | (2.42 | ) | (0.56 | ) | – | ||||||||||||
Redemptions fees | – | – | 0.02 | – | – | |||||||||||||||
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value | 16.25 | (7.12 | ) | 7.87 | 14.38 | 4.19 | ||||||||||||||
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD | $ | 48.07 | $ | 31.82 | $ | 38.94 | $ | 31.07 | $ | 16.69 | ||||||||||
TOTAL RETURN(e) | 56.59 | % | (18.28 | )% | 33.42 | % | 91.13 | % | 33.48 | % | ||||||||||
Net assets, end of period (000s) | $ | 1,677,898 | $ | 826,468 | $ | 1,037,584 | $ | 355,776 | $ | 14,184 | ||||||||||
Ratio of expenses to average net assets | 0.81 | % | 0.83 | %(f) | 0.83 | % | 0.85 | % | 0.85 | %(f) | ||||||||||
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets | 0.03 | % | (0.58 | )%(f) | 0.40 | % | 0.81 | % | 0.74 | %(f) | ||||||||||
Portfolio turnover rate(g) | 10 | % | 17 | % | 19 | % | 26 | % | 28 | % |
(a) | With the approval of the Board effective September 6, 2022, the Fund's fiscal year end was changed from August 31 to December 31. |
(b) | On December 21, 2022, the Sprott Uranium Miners ETF underwent a two for stock split. The capital share activity presented here has been retroactively adjusted to reflect this stock split (See Note 1). |
(c) | These financials have been audited by the Predecessor Fund's independent registered public accounting firm. |
(d) | Based on average shares outstanding during the period. |
(e) | Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period and redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the period and assuming all distributions are reinvested at reinvestment prices. Total return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized. |
(f) | Annualized. |
(g) | Portfolio turnover rate does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions in-kind. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
50 | December 31, 2023
Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF |
Financial Highlights |
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Period Presented | For
the Period February 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023(a) |
|||
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD | $ | 20.26 | ||
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS: | ||||
Net investment income/(loss) (b) | (0.13 | ) | ||
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) | 4.20 | |||
Total from investment operations | 4.07 | |||
DISTRIBUTIONS: | ||||
From net investment income | (0.95 | ) | ||
Total distributions | (0.95 | ) | ||
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value | 3.12 | |||
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD | $ | 23.38 | ||
TOTAL RETURN(c) | 20.05 | % | ||
Net assets, end of period (000s) | $ | 198,005 | ||
Ratio of expenses to average net assets | 0.80 | %(d) | ||
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets | (0.68 | )%(d) | ||
Portfolio turnover rate(e),(f) | 62 | % |
(a) | The Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF commenced operations on February 1, 2023. |
(b) | Based on average shares outstanding during the period. |
(c) | Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period and redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the period and assuming all distributions are reinvested at reinvestment prices. Total return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized. |
(d) | Annualized. |
(e) | Portfolio turnover rate does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions in-kind. |
(f) | Not annualized. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
51 | December 31, 2023
Sprott Junior Copper Miners ETF |
Financial Highlights |
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Period Presented | For
the Period February 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023(a) |
|||
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD | $ | 20.33 | ||
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS: | ||||
Net investment income/(loss) (b) | 0.11 | |||
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) | (1.57 | ) | ||
Total from investment operations | (1.46 | ) | ||
DISTRIBUTIONS: | ||||
From net investment income | (0.46 | ) | ||
Total distributions | (0.46 | ) | ||
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value | (1.92 | ) | ||
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD | $ | 18.41 | ||
TOTAL RETURN(c) | (7.18 | )% | ||
Net assets, end of period (000s) | $ | 4,787 | ||
Ratio of expenses to average net assets | 0.75 | %(d) | ||
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets | 0.65 | %(d) | ||
Portfolio turnover rate(e),(f) | 36 | % |
(a) | The Sprott Junior Copper Miners ETF commenced operations on February 1, 2023. |
(b) | Based on average shares outstanding during the period. |
(c) | Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period and redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the period and assuming all distributions are reinvested at reinvestment prices. Total return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized. |
(d) | Annualized. |
(e) | Portfolio turnover rate does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions in-kind. |
(f) | Not annualized. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
52 | December 31, 2023
Sprott Nickel Miners ETF |
Financial Highlights |
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Period Presented | For
the Period March 21, 2023 to December 31, 2023(a) |
|||
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD | $ | 20.69 | ||
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS: | ||||
Net investment income/(loss) (b) | 0.39 | |||
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) | (4.32 | ) | ||
Total from investment operations | (3.93 | ) | ||
DISTRIBUTIONS: | ||||
From net investment income | (2.68 | ) | ||
From net realized gains | (0.08 | ) | ||
Total distributions | (2.76 | ) | ||
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value | (6.69 | ) | ||
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD | $ | 14.00 | ||
TOTAL RETURN(c) | (18.43 | )% | ||
Net assets, end of period (000s) | $ | 1,540 | ||
Ratio of expenses to average net assets | 0.75 | %(d) | ||
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets | 2.55 | %(d) | ||
Portfolio turnover rate(e),(f) | 55 | % |
(a) | The Sprott Nickel Miners ETF commenced operations on March 21, 2023. |
(b) | Based on average shares outstanding during the period. |
(c) | Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period and redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the period and assuming all distributions are reinvested at reinvestment prices. Total return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized. |
(d) | Annualized. |
(e) | Portfolio turnover rate does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions in-kind. |
(f) | Not annualized. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
53 | December 31, 2023
Sprott ETFs |
Notes to Financial Statements | December 31, 2023 |
1. ORGANIZATION
The Sprott Funds Trust (the “Trust”) was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on January 3, 2018. As of December 31, 2023, the Trust consisted of nine separate portfolios that each represents a separate series of the Trust the financial statements of eight of which are presented in this report. The Sprott Gold Miners ETF and the Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF were reorganized effective as of the close of business on July 19, 2019, from each Fund’s respective predecessor fund. Each of these predecessor funds was a separate series of another investment company. The Sprott Uranium Miners ETF was reorganized effective as of the close of business on April 22, 2022 from its predecessor fund. The other five separate portfolios are the Sprott Energy Transition Materials ETF, Sprott Lithium Miners ETF, Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF, Sprott Junior Copper Miners ETF and Sprott Nickel Miners ETF. This report pertains to the above listed funds (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”). The Funds are non-diversified, open-end management investment companies under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”).
The Board authorized a two-for-one forward share split of Sprott Uranium Miners ETF that was effective prior to the market open on December 21, 2022. The impact of the forward share split was to increase the number of shares outstanding by a factor of two, while decreasing the NAV per share outstanding by a factor of one-half, resulting in no effect to the net assets of the Fund. The financial statements of the Fund have been adjusted to reflect the forward share split.
During the reporting period, Sprott Asset Management LP was the investment adviser to each Fund from January 1, 2023 to June 30, 2023, and Sprott Asset Management USA Inc. commenced acting as investment adviser to each Fund on July 1, 2023 and continues to serve in such capacity (Sprott Asset Management LP and Sprott Asset Management USA Inc. collectively are referred to as the “Adviser”). On July 1, 2023, Sprott Asset Management LP became the sponsor of each Fund.
Pursuant to the Trust’s organizational documents, its Officers and Trustees are indemnified against certain liability arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Trust enters into contracts with service providers that contain general indemnification clauses. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Funds in the preparation of the financial statements. The accompanying financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
A. Portfolio Valuation and Methodologies
Each Fund’s NAV is determined daily, as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE, normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time, on each day the NYSE is open for trading. The NAV is computed by dividing the value of all assets of a Fund (including accrued interest and dividends), less all liabilities (including accrued expenses and dividends declared but unpaid), by the total number of shares outstanding.
Portfolio securities are valued at the most recent sale price or official closing price reported on the exchange (U.S. or foreign) or over-the-counter market on which they trade. Portfolio securities traded on more than one securities exchange are valued at the last sale price on the business day as of which such value is being determined at the close of the exchange representing the principal market for such securities. Securities for which no sales are reported are valued at the mean of the closing bid and ask price. Investments in open-end mutual funds such as money market funds are valued at the closing NAV.
The Funds’ investments generally are valued at market value. In the absence of market value, if events (e.g., market volatility, company announcement or a natural disaster) occur that are expected to materially affect the value of a Fund’s investment, in the event that it is determined that valuation results in a price for an investment that is deemed not to be representative of the market value of such investment, or if a price is not available, the investment will be valued in accordance with the Adviser’s policies and procedures as reflecting fair value (“Fair Value Policies and Procedures”). U.S. GAAP defines fair value as the price a fund would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Board has approved the designation of the Adviser of the Funds as the valuation designee for the Funds. The Adviser has formed a committee (the “Valuation Committee”) that has developed pricing policies and procedures and to oversee the pricing function for all financial instruments.
The fair valuation approaches that may be used by the Valuation Committee include market approach, income approach and cost approach. Valuation techniques such as discounted cash flow, use of market comparables and matrix pricing are types of valuation approaches and are typically used in
54 | December 31, 2023
Sprott ETFs |
Notes to Financial Statements | December 31, 2023 |
determining fair value. When determining the price for fair valued investments, the Valuation Committee seeks to determine the price that a Fund might reasonably expect to receive or pay from the current sale or purchase of that asset or liability in an arm’s-length transaction. Fair value determinations shall be based upon all available factors that the Valuation Committee deems relevant and consistent with the principles of fair value measurement.
Fair value pricing could result in a difference between the prices used to calculate a Fund’s NAV and the prices used by the Fund’s underlying index, which in turn could result in a difference between the Fund’s performance and the performance of the Fund’s underlying index.
B. Fair Value Hiearchy
Each Fund discloses the classification of its fair value measurements following a three-tier hierarchy based on the inputs used to measure fair value. Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk. Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on the best information available.
Valuation techniques used to value the Funds’ investments by major category are as follows:
Generally, if the security is traded in an active market and is valued at the last sale price, the security is categorized as a Level 1 security. When market quotations are not readily available, when the Adviser determines that the market quotation or the price provided by the pricing service does not accurately reflect the current fair value, or when restricted securities are being valued, such securities are valued as determined in good faith by the Adviser, subject to valuation procedures approved by the Board and are categorized in Level 2 or Level 3, when appropriate.
Changes in valuation techniques may result in transfers in or out of an assigned level within the disclosure hierarchy.
Various inputs are used in determining the value of each Fund’s investments as of the end of the reporting period. When inputs used fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The designated input levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with these investments.
These inputs are categorized in the following hierarchy under applicable financial accounting standards:
Level 1 – | Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments, unrestricted assets or liabilities that a Fund has the ability to access at the measurement date; |
Level 2 – | Quoted prices in markets which are not active, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable (either directly or indirectly) for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; and |
Level 3 – | Significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) where there is little or no market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date. |
55 | December 31, 2023
Sprott ETFs |
Notes to Financial Statements | December 31, 2023 |
The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Funds’ investments at December 31, 2023:
Sprott Gold Miners ETF
Investments in Securities at Value | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||
Common Stocks* | $ | 232,109,169 | $ | – | $ | – | $ | 232,109,169 | ||||||||
Short Term Investments | 13,553,273 | – | – | 13,553,273 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 245,662,442 | $ | – | $ | – | $ | 245,662,442 |
Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF
Investments in Securities at Value | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||
Common Stocks* | $ | 106,490,179 | $ | – | $ | 542,600 | $ | 107,032,779 | ||||||||
Rights* | – | – | – | – | ||||||||||||
Short Term Investments | 5,401,315 | – | – | 5,401,315 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 111,891,494 | $ | – | $ | 542,600 | $ | 112,434,094 |
Sprott Energy Transition Materials ETF
Investments in Securities at Value |
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||
Common Stocks* | $ | 13,352,066 | $ | 13,306 | $ | – | $ | 13,365,372 | ||||||||
Exchange Traded Fund* | 65,894 | – | – | 65,894 | ||||||||||||
Short Term Investments | 353,092 | – | – | 353,092 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 13,771,052 | $ | 13,306 | $ | – | $ | 13,784,358 |
Sprott Lithium Miners ETF
Investments in Securities at Value | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||
Common Stocks* | $ | 4,588,133 | $ | 40,416 | $ | – | $ | 4,628,549 | ||||||||
Short Term Investments | 116,100 | – | – | 116,100 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 4,704,233 | $ | 40,416 | $ | – | $ | 4,744,649 |
Sprott Uranium Miners ETF
Investments in Securities at Value | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||
Common Stocks* | $ | 1,432,375,670 | $ | – | $ | – | $ | 1,432,375,670 | ||||||||
Closed End Fund* | 244,000,771 | – | – | 244,000,771 | ||||||||||||
Short Term Investments | 121,992,130 | – | – | 121,992,130 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 1,798,368,571 | $ | – | $ | – | $ | 1,798,368,571 |
Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF
Investments in Securities at Value | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||
Common Stocks* | $ | 197,968,244 | $ | – | $ | – | $ | 197,968,244 | ||||||||
Short Term Investments | 1,121,065 | – | – | 1,121,065 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 199,089,309 | $ | – | $ | – | $ | 199,089,309 |
56 | December 31, 2023
Sprott ETFs |
Notes to Financial Statements | December 31, 2023 |
Sprott Junior Copper Miners ETF Investments in Securities at Value |
Level 1 |
Level 2 |
Level 3 |
Total |
||||||||||||
Common Stocks* | $ | 4,665,231 | $ | 7,153 | $ | – | $ | 4,672,384 | ||||||||
Exchange Traded Fund* | 114,020 | – | – | 114,020 | ||||||||||||
Short Term Investments | 180,013 | – | – | 180,013 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 4,959,264 | $ | 7,153 | $ | – | $ | 4,966,417 |
Sprott Nickel Miners ETF Investments in Securities at Value |
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||
Common Stocks* | $ | 1,518,459 | $ | 10,423 | $ | – | $ | 1,528,882 | ||||||||
Total | $ | 1,518,459 | $ | 10,423 | $ | – | $ | 1,528,882 |
* | For a detailed sector breakdown, see the accompanying Schedule of Investments. |
Below is a reconcilliation that details the activity of securities in Level 3 during the current fiscal year:
Common Stock | ||||
Balance as of December 31, 2022 | $ | – | ||
Realized Gain/(Loss) | – | |||
Change in Unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation) | – | |||
Purchases | – | |||
Sales | – | |||
Transfer into (out of) Level 3* | 542,600 | |||
Balance as of December 31, 2023 | $ | 542,600 |
* | The Fund has adopted a policy of recording any transfers of investment securities between the different levels in the fair value hierarchy as of the end of the year. |
The following table presents additional quantitative information about valuation methodologies and inputs used for investments that are measured at fair value and categorized within level 3 as of December 31, 2023.
Asset Category | Fair
value at December 31, 2023 |
Valuation Technique | Unobservable Input | Range
of Input (Weighted Average) |
Impact
to Valuation from an increase in Input | |||||||
Gold Mining | $542,600 | Asset Approach | Estimated
Recovery Proceeds |
$0.08 | Increase | |||||||
Total Level 3 Investments | $542,600 |
C. Securities Transactions and Investment Income
Securities transactions are recorded as of the trade date. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded with a specific identification cost method. Dividend income and capital gains distributions, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income, if any, is recorded on the accrual basis. Income received from foreign sources may result in withholding tax. Withholding taxes are accrued at the same time as the related income if the tax rate is fixed and known, unless a tax withheld is reclaimable from the local tax authorities in which case it is recorded as receivable. If the tax rate is not known or estimable, such expense or reclaim receivable is recorded when the net proceeds are received.
D. Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders
Dividends from net investment income for each Fund, if any, are declared and paid annually or as the Board may determine from time to time. Distributions of net realized capital gains earned by the Funds, if any, are distributed at least annually.
E. Foreign Currency Translation
The books and records of the Funds are maintained in U.S. dollars. Investment valuations and other assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are converted each business day into U.S. dollars based upon current exchange rates. The portion of realized and unrealized gains or losses on investments due to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates is not separately disclosed and is included in realized and unrealized gains or losses on investments in the Statement of Operations, when applicable.
57 | December 31, 2023
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Notes to Financial Statements | December 31, 2023 |
3. PRINCIPAL RISKS
A. Commodity Risk
Each Fund invests in companies primarily engaged in the mining or processing of a commodity, the stock price of which may be subject to the risks associated with that commodity. A particular commodity is subject to the special risks including: (1) the price of the commodity may be subject to wide fluctuation; (2) the market for the commodity is relatively limited; (3) the sources of the commodity are concentrated in countries that have the potential for instability; and (4) the market for the commodity is unregulated. The price of the commodity can be significantly affected by central bank operations, events relating to international political developments, the success of exploration projects, adverse environmental developments and tax and government regulations.
B. Currency Risk
Currencies and securities denominated in foreign currencies may be affected by changes in exchange rates between those currencies and the U.S. dollar. Currency exchange rates may be volatile and may fluctuate in response to interest rate changes, the general economic conditions of a country, the actions of the U.S. and foreign governments, central banks, or supranational entities such as the International Monetary Fund, the imposition of currency controls, other political or regulatory conditions in the U.S. or abroad, speculation, or other factors. A decline in the value of a foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar reduces the value in U.S. dollars of the Fund’s investments in that foreign currency and investments denominated in that foreign currency.
C. Equity Securities Risk
The price of equity securities may rise or fall because of changes in the broad market or changes in a company’s financial condition, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably. A stock or stocks selected for the Fund’s portfolio may fail to perform as expected. A value stock may decrease in price or may not increase in price as anticipated by the portfolio managers if other investors fail to recognize the company’s value or the factors that the portfolio managers believe will cause the stock price to increase do not occur.
D. Foreign Securities Risk
A foreign government may expropriate a Fund’s assets. Political, social or economic instability in a foreign country in which the Fund invests may cause the value of the Fund’s investments to decline. These risks associated with non-U.S. securities are more likely in the securities of companies located in emerging markets.
E. Energy Transition Materials Risk
Production and cost estimates of companies mining energy transition materials are dependent on many factors including but not limited to, mine commissioning, the accuracy of mineral resources, mine planning and scheduling, the accuracy of ore grades, ground conditions and mine stability, ore characteristics, the accuracy of the estimated rates and costs of mining, ore haulage, barging and shipping. Other factors that may affect production and costs include: industrial accidents; natural phenomena such as weather conditions, floods, rock slides and earthquakes; changes in fuel and power costs and potential fuel and power shortages; shortages of and cost of supplies, labor costs, shortages or strikes, civil unrest and restrictions or regulations imposed by government agencies or other changes in the regulatory environment.
F. Industry Concentration Risk
If a Fund’s assets are concentrated in an industry or group of industries, a Fund is subject to loss due to adverse occurrences that may affect that industry or group of industries.
G. Liquidity Risk
Foreign stock exchanges generally have less volume than U.S. stock exchanges. Therefore, it may be more difficult to buy or sell shares of foreign securities, which increases the volatility of share prices on such markets. Additionally, trading on foreign stock markets may involve longer settlement periods and higher transaction costs.
H. Market and Geopolitical Risk
The increasing interconnectivity between global economies and financial markets increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one region or financial market may adversely impact issuers in a different country, region or financial market. Securities in the Fund may underperform due to inflation (or expectations for inflation), interest rates, global demand for particular products or resources, natural disasters, pandemics, epidemics, terrorism, international conflicts, regulatory events and governmental or quasi-governmental actions. The occurrence of global events similar to those in recent years, such as terrorist attacks around the world, natural disasters, social and political discord or debt crises and downgrades, among others, may result in market volatility and may have long term effects on both the U.S. and global financial markets. It is difficult to predict when similar events affecting the U.S. or global financial markets may occur, the effects that such events may have and the duration of those effects. Any such event(s) could have a significant adverse impact on the value and risk profile of the Fund. The Covid 19 global pandemic and the aggressive
58 | December 31, 2023
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Notes to Financial Statements | December 31, 2023 |
responses taken by many governments, including closing borders, restricting international and domestic travel, and the imposition of prolonged quarantines or similar restrictions had negative impacts, and in many cases severe negative impacts, on markets worldwide.
I. Mining Industry Risk
Companies in the mining industry are susceptible to fluctuations in worldwide metal prices and extraction and production costs. In addition, mining companies may have significant operations in areas at risk for social and political unrest, security concerns and environmental damage. These companies may also be at risk for increased government regulation and intervention. Such risks may adversely affect the issuers to which a Fund has exposure.
J. Restricted Securities Risk
A Fund may invest in restricted securities. Restricted securities have contractual or legal restrictions on their resale. They may include private placement securities that the Fund buys directly from the issuer. Private placement and other restricted securities may not be listed on an exchange and may have no active trading market. Restricted securities may be illiquid. A Fund may be unable to sell them on short notice or may be able to sell them only at a price below current value. The Fund may get only limited information about the issuer, so it may be less able to predict a loss.
K. Small- and Mid-Capitalization Company Risk
Smaller and mid-size companies often have a more limited track record, narrower markets, less liquidity, more limited managerial and financial resources and a less diversified product offering than larger, more established companies. As a result, their performance can be more volatile, which may increase the volatility of the Fund’s portfolio.
L. Tax Risk
A Fund is subject to the risk that it could fail to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code, as amended (the “Code”) if it derives more than 10% its gross income from investment in gold bullion or other precious metals. Failure to qualify as a regulated investment company would result in consequences to a Fund and its shareholders. In order to ensure that it qualifies as a regulated investment company, the Fund may be required to make investment decisions that are less than optimal or forego the opportunity to realize gains.
M. Valuation Risk
The risk that a Fund has valued certain securities at a higher price than the price at which they can be sold. This risk may be especially pronounced for investments, such as derivatives, which may be illiquid or which may become illiquid.
4. TAXES
A. Federal Tax and Tax Basis Information
The timing and character of income and capital gain are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP. Reclassifications are made to the Funds’ capital accounts for permanent tax differences to reflect income and gains available for distribution (or available capital loss carryforwards) under income tax regulations.
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, the following reclassifications, which had no impact on results of operations or net assets, were recorded to reflect permanent tax differences resulting primarily from in-kind transactions:
Fund |
Paid-in Capital |
Total Distributable Earnings | ||||||
Sprott Gold Miners ETF | $ | 7,662,437 | $ | (7,662,437 | ) | |||
Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF | 1,047,839 | (1,047,839 | ) | |||||
Sprott Energy Transition Materials ETF* | 316,170 | (316,170 | ) | |||||
Sprott Lithium Miners ETF* | 486,369 | (486,369 | ) | |||||
Sprott Uranium Miners ETF | 19,224,084 | (19,224,084 | ) |
* | Represents period from inception to December 31, 2023 |
59 | December 31, 2023
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Notes to Financial Statements | December 31, 2023 |
The tax character of the distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 were as follows:
Ordinary Income | ||||
December 31, 2023 | ||||
Sprott Gold Miners ETF | $ | 3,155,482 | ||
Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF | 4,642,444 | |||
Sprott Energy Transition Materials ETF* | 323,891 | |||
Sprott Lithium Miners ETF* | 126,824 | |||
Sprott Uranium Miners ETF | 58,473,309 | |||
Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF* | 7,435,412 | |||
Sprott Junior Copper Miners ETF* | 104,811 | |||
Sprott Nickel Miners ETF* | 249,073 |
* Represents period from inception to December 31, 2023
Ordinary Income | ||||
December 31, 2022 | ||||
Sprott Gold Miners ETF | $ | 3,155,580 | ||
Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF | 2,518,228 |
The tax character of the distributions paid during the four months ended December 31, 2022** and the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022 were as follows:
Ordinary Income | ||||
August 31, 2022 | ||||
Sprott Uranium Miners ETF | $ | 46,290,058 |
Long-Term Capital | ||||||||||||
Ordinary Income | Gain | Return of Capital | ||||||||||
December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||
Sprott Uranium Miners ETF | $ | – | $ | – | $ | – |
** | Effective September 6, 2022, the Board approved changing the tax year-end of the Sprott Uranium Miners ETF from August 31 to December 31. |
Under current law, capital losses maintain their character as short-term or long-term and are carried forward to the next tax year without expiration. As of December 31, 2023, the following amounts are available as carry forwards to the next tax year:
Fund | Short-Term | Long-Term | ||||||
Sprott Gold Miners ETF | $ | 74,712,689 | $ | 22,499,499 | ||||
Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF | 41,502,882 | 33,405,324 | ||||||
Sprott Energy Transition Materials ETF | 252,662 | – | ||||||
Sprott Lithium Miners ETF | 442,006 | – | ||||||
Sprott Uranium Miners ETF | 21,657,225 | 23,758,900 | ||||||
Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF | 3,717,801 | – | ||||||
Sprott Junior Copper Miners ETF | 102,567 | – | ||||||
Sprott Nickel Miners ETF | 239,271 | – |
60 | December 31, 2023
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Notes to Financial Statements | December 31, 2023 |
As of December 31, 2023, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis for the Fund were as follows:
Accumulated net investment income |
Accumulated net realized loss on investments |
Other accumulated differences |
Net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments | Total | ||||||||||||||||
Sprott Gold Miners ETF | $ | 44,735 | $ | (97,212,188 | ) | $ | – | $ | 10,167,493 | $ | (86,999,960 | ) | ||||||||
Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF | 1,366,254 | (74,908,206 | ) | – | 3,334,193 | (70,207,759 | ) | |||||||||||||
Sprott Energy Transition Materials ETF | 209,738 | (252,662 | ) | – | (453,672 | ) | (496,596 | ) | ||||||||||||
Sprott Lithium Miners ETF | 46,543 | (442,006 | ) | – | (1,652,188 | ) | (2,047,651 | ) | ||||||||||||
Sprott Uranium Miners ETF | 38,160,437 | (45,416,125 | ) | – | 222,145,688 | 214,890,000 | ||||||||||||||
Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF | 9,259,048 | (3,717,801 | ) | – | 12,967,909 | 18,509,156 | ||||||||||||||
Sprott Junior Copper Miners ETF | 112,109 | (102,567 | ) | – | (245,797 | ) | (236,255 | ) | ||||||||||||
Sprott Nickel Miners ETF | 18,474 | (239,271 | ) | – | (318,161 | ) | (538,958 | ) |
As of December 31, 2023, the cost of investments for federal income tax purposes and accumulated net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments were as follows:
Gross
appreciation |
Gross depreciation (excess of tax cost |
Net appreciation |
Net unrealized |
Cost of investments | ||||||||||||||||
Sprott Gold Miners ETF | $ | 19,695,410 | $ | (9,527,802 | ) | $ | (115 | ) | $ | 10,167,493 | $ | 235,494,834 | ||||||||
Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF | 10,126,311 | (6,792,154 | ) | 36 | 3,334,193 | 109,099,937 | ||||||||||||||
Sprott Energy Transition Materials ETF | 1,286,798 | (1,740,470 | ) | – | (453,672 | ) | 14,238,030 | |||||||||||||
Sprott Lithium Miners ETF | 64,892 | (1,717,076 | ) | (4 | ) | (1,652,188 | ) | 6,396,833 | ||||||||||||
Sprott Uranium Miners ETF | 291,912,466 | (69,766,823 | ) | 45 | 222,145,688 | 1,576,222,928 | ||||||||||||||
Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF | 15,991,433 | (3,023,508 | ) | (16 | ) | 12,967,909 | 186,121,384 | |||||||||||||
Sprott Junior Copper Miners ETF | 190,060 | (435,857 | ) | – | (245,797 | ) | 5,212,214 | |||||||||||||
Sprott Nickel Miners ETF | 3,807 | (321,971 | ) | 3 | (318,161 | ) | 1,847,046 |
The differences between book-basis and tax-basis are primarily due to Passive Foreign Investment Company adjustments and the deferral of losses from wash sales.
B. Income Taxes
No provision for income taxes is included in the accompanying financial statements, as each Fund intends to distribute to shareholders all taxable investment income and realized gains and otherwise comply with Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies. Each Fund evaluates tax positions taken (or expected to be taken) in the course of preparing the Fund’s tax returns to determine whether these positions meet a “more-likely-than-not” standard that, based on the technical merits, have a more than fifty percent likelihood of being sustained by a taxing authority upon examination. A tax position that meets the “more-likely-than-not” recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements.
As of and during the year ended ended December 31, 2023, the Funds did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits. Each Fund files U.S. federal, state, and local tax returns as required. Each Fund’s tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years after the filing of the tax return, but may extend to four years in certain jurisdictions. Tax returns for open years for the Funds have incorporated no uncertain tax positions that require a provision for income taxes.
5. LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
The Funds have entered into a securities lending agreement with State Street Bank & Trust Co. (“SSB”), the Funds’ lending agent. The Funds may lend their portfolio securities only to borrowers that are approved by SSB. Each Fund limits such lending to not more than 33 1/3% of the value of its total assets. Each Fund’s securities held at SSB as custodian shall be available to be lent except those securities the Fund, the Adviser, or ALPS Advisors, Inc. (the "Sub-Adviser") specifically identifies in writing as not being available for lending. The borrower pledges and maintains with each Fund collateral consisting of cash (U.S. Dollars only), securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities, and by cash equivalents (including irrevocable bank letters of credit issued by a person other than the borrower or an affiliate of the borrower). The initial collateral received by each Fund is required to have a value of no less than 102% of the market value of the loaned securities for U.S. equity securities and a value of no less than 105% of the market value for non-U.S. equity securities. The collateral is maintained thereafter, at a market value equal to not less than 102% of the current value of the U.S. equity securities on loan and not less than 105% of the current value of the non-U.S. equity
61 | December 31, 2023
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Notes to Financial Statements | December 31, 2023 |
securities on loan. The market value of the loaned securities is determined at the close of each business day and any additional required collateral is delivered to each Fund on the next business day. During the term of the loan, each Fund is entitled to all distributions made on or in respect of the loaned securities. Loans of securities are terminable at any time and the borrower, after notice, is required to return borrowed securities within the customary time period for settlement of securities transactions.
Any cash collateral received is reinvested in a money market fund managed by SSB as disclosed in each Fund’s Schedule of Investments and is reflected in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as a payable for collateral upon return of securities loaned. Non-cash collateral, in the form of securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities, is not disclosed in a Fund’s Statements of Assets and Liabilities as it is held by the lending agent on behalf of each Fund, and each Fund does not have the ability to re-hypothecate these securities. Income, less associated fees and expenses, earned by each Fund from securities lending activity is disclosed in the Statement of Operations.
Pursuant to the current securities lending agreement, each Fund retains 80% of securities lending income (which excludes collateral investment expenses). Securities lending income is generally equal to the total of income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral (and excludes collateral investment fees), and any fees or other payments to and from borrowers of securities. State Street bears all operational costs directly related to securities lending.
The following is a summary of each Fund’s securities lending agreements and related cash and non-cash collateral received as of December 31, 2023:
Fund | Market Value of Securities on Loan |
Cash Collateral Received |
Non-Cash Collateral Received |
Total Collateral Received | ||||||||||||
Sprott Gold Miners ETF | $ | 14,435,536 | $ | 13,175,400 | $ | 2,167,668 | $ | 15,343,068 | ||||||||
Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF | 5,807,256 | 5,384,048 | 1,151,999 | 6,536,047 | ||||||||||||
Sprott Energy Transition Materials ETF | 1,488,075 | 353,092 | 1,246,001 | 1,599,093 | ||||||||||||
Sprott Lithium Miners ETF | 167,019 | 116,100 | 116,927 | 233,027 | ||||||||||||
Sprott Uranium Miners ETF | 142,334,111 | 121,834,860 | 26,305,786 | 148,140,646 | ||||||||||||
Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF | 1,640,439 | 1,107,423 | 575,971 | 1,683,394 | ||||||||||||
Sprott Junior Copper Miners ETF | 166,521 | 177,313 | – | 177,313 | ||||||||||||
Sprott Nickel Miners ETF | 8,040 | – | 8,533 | 8,533 |
The risks of securities lending include the risk that the borrower may not provide additional collateral when required or may not return the securities when due. To mitigate these risks, each Fund benefits from a borrower default indemnity provided by SSB. SSB’s indemnity allows for full replacement of securities lent wherein SSB will purchase the unreturned loaned securities on the open market by applying the proceeds of the collateral, or to the extent such proceeds are insufficient or the collateral is unavailable, SSB will purchase the unreturned loan securities at SSB’s expense. However, the Funds could suffer a loss if the value of the investments purchased with cash collateral falls below the value of the cash collateral received.
Sprott Gold Miners ETF | Remaining contractual maturity of the agreements | |||||||||||||||||
Securities Lending Transactions | Overnight & Continuous |
Up to 30 Days | 30-90 Days | Greater than 90 Days | Total | |||||||||||||
Common Stocks | $ | 13,175,400 | $ – | $ – | $ – | $ | 13,175,400 | |||||||||||
Total Borrowings | 13,175,400 | |||||||||||||||||
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending (collateral received) | 13,175,400 |
Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF | Remaining contractual maturity of the agreements | |||||||||||||||||
Securities Lending Transactions | Overnight & Continuous |
Up to 30 Days | 30-90 Days | Greater than 90 Days | Total | |||||||||||||
Common Stocks | $ | 5,384,048 | $ – | $ – | $ – | $ | 5,384,048 | |||||||||||
Total Borrowings | 5,384,048 | |||||||||||||||||
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending (collateral received) | 5,384,048 |
Sprott Energy Transition Materials ETF | Remaining contractual maturity of the agreements | |||||||||||||||||
Securities Lending Transactions | Overnight
& Continuous |
Up to 30 Days | 30-90 Days | Greater than 90 Days | Total | |||||||||||||
Common Stocks | $ | 353,092 | $ – | $ – | $ – | $ | 353,092 | |||||||||||
Total Borrowings | 353,092 | |||||||||||||||||
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending (collateral received) | 353,092 |
62 | December 31, 2023
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Notes to Financial Statements | December 31, 2023 |
Sprott Lithium Miners ETF | Remaining contractual maturity of the agreements | |||||||||||||||||
Securities Lending Transactions | Overnight
& Continuous |
Up to 30 Days | 30-90 Days | Greater than 90 Days | Total | |||||||||||||
Common Stocks | $ | 116,100 | $ – | $ – | $ – | $ | 116,100 | |||||||||||
Total Borrowings | 116,100 | |||||||||||||||||
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending (collateral received) | 116,100 |
Sprott Uranium Miners ETF | Remaining contractual maturity of the agreements | |||||||||||||||||
Securities Lending Transactions | Overnight
& Continuous |
Up to 30 Days | 30-90 Days | Greater than 90 Days | Total | |||||||||||||
Common Stocks | $ | 121,834,860 | $ – | $ – | $ – | $ | 121,834,860 | |||||||||||
Total Borrowings | 121,834,860 | |||||||||||||||||
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending (collateral received) | 121,834,860 |
Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF | Remaining contractual maturity of the agreements | |||||||||||||||||
Securities Lending Transactions | Overnight & Continuous |
Up to 30 Days | 30-90 Days | Greater than 90 Days | Total | |||||||||||||
Common Stocks | $ | 1,107,423 | $ – | $ – | $ – | $ | 1,107,423 | |||||||||||
Total Borrowings | 1,107,423 | |||||||||||||||||
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending (collateral received) | 1,107,423 |
Sprott Junior Copper Miners ETF | Remaining contractual maturity of the agreements | |||||||||||||||||
Securities Lending Transactions | Overnight & Continuous |
Up to 30 Days | 30-90 Days | Greater than 90 Days | Total | |||||||||||||
Common Stocks | $ | 177,313 | $ – | $ – | $ – | $ | 177,313 | |||||||||||
Total Borrowings | 177,313 | |||||||||||||||||
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending (collateral received) | 177,313 |
Sprott Nickel Miners ETF | Remaining contractual maturity of the agreements | |||||||||||||||||
Securities Lending Transactions | Overnight
& Continuous |
Up to 30 Days | 30-90 Days | Greater than 90 Days | Total | |||||||||||||
Common Stocks | $ – | $ – | $ – | $ – | $ – | |||||||||||||
Total Borrowings | $ – | |||||||||||||||||
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending (collateral received) | $ – |
6. INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEE AND OTHER AFFILIATED TRANSACTIONS
A. Advisory and Sub-Advisory Fees
The Adviser serves as the Funds’ investment adviser pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement with the Trust on behalf of each Fund (the “Advisory Agreement”). Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, each Fund pays the Adviser an annual management fee for the services and facilities it provides, payable on a monthly basis as a percentage of the relevant Fund’s average daily net assets as set out below.
Fund | Advisory Fee |
Sprott Gold Miners ETF | 0.35% |
Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF | 0.35% |
Sprott Energy Transition Materials ETF | 0.65% |
Sprott Lithium Miners ETF | 0.65% |
Sprott Uranium Miners ETF: | |
Up to $500 million | 0.85% |
On the next $500 million | 0.80% |
Greater than $1 billion | 0.70% |
Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF | 0.80% |
Sprott Junior Copper Miners ETF | 0.75% |
Sprott Nickel Miners ETF | 0.75% |
63 | December 31, 2023
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Notes to Financial Statements | December 31, 2023 |
The Sub-Adviser serves as each Fund’s sub-adviser pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement with the Adviser and the Trust (the ‘‘Sub-Advisory Agreement’’). Pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Adviser pays the Sub-Adviser a sub-advisory fee out of the Adviser’s advisory fee for the services it provides. The fee is payable on a monthly basis at the annual rate of the relevant Fund’s average daily net assets as set out below:
Average Assets* | Sub-Advisory Fee** |
Up to $250 million | 0.04% |
$250 million-$500 million | 0.03% |
Above $500 million | 0.02% |
* | Subject to the following annual minimums per fund sub-advised by the Sub-Adviser for Sprott: (i) first two funds: $40,000 per fund; (ii) additional funds: $30,000 per fund. |
** | Annual rate stated as a percentage of the average daily net assets of the Funds. |
B. Fee Waiver Arrangement
For the Sprott Gold Miners ETF and the Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF, the Adviser is paid a monthly management fee at an annual rate (stated as a percentage of the average daily net assets of each Fund) of 0.35%. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive the management fee, and/or reimburse expenses so that total annual operating expenses of these funds after fee waiver/expense reimbursements (not including distribution (12b-1) fees, shareholder service fees, acquired fund fees and expenses, taxes, brokerage commissions and extraordinary expenses) do not exceed a maximum of 0.50% of the Funds' average daily net assets through April 30, 2024. The Adviser will be permitted to recover expenses it has borne to the extent that the Funds expenses in later periods fall below the annual rates set forth in the expense agreement. These Funds' fee waiver/expense reimbursement arrangements with the Adviser permit the Adviser to recapture only if any such recapture payments do not cause the Funds’ expense ratio (after recapture) to exceed the lesser of (i) the expense cap in effect at the time of the waiver and (ii) the expense cap in effect at the time of the recapture. The Funds will not be obligated to pay any such deferred fees and expenses more than three years after the particular date in which the fees and expenses was deferred. This expense agreement may only be terminated by the Board of Trustees of Sprott Funds Trust.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, the fees waived and recoupment of previously waived fees were as follows:
Fees waived by | Expense
Recoupment of Previously | |||||||
Advisor | Waived Fees | |||||||
Sprott Gold Miners ETF | $ | 72,197 | $ | 98,858 | ||||
Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF | 114,455 | 84,111 |
As of December 31, 2023, the balance of recoupable expenses for the Funds were as follows:
Expires December 31, 2024 |
Expires December 31, 2025 |
Expires December 31, 2026 | ||||||||||
Sprott Gold Miners ETF | $ | – | $ | 13,263 | $ | 72,197 | ||||||
Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF | 105,620 | 210,117 | 114,455 | |||||||||
C. Unitary Fee Arrangement
Under the Investment Advisory Agreement for all of the Energy Transition ETFs, the Adviser has agreed to pay all expenses incurred by the Fund except for the advisory fee, interest, taxes, brokerage commissions and other expenses incurred in placing orders for the purchase and sale of securities and other investment instruments, acquired fund fees and expenses, accrued deferred tax liability, extraordinary expenses, and distribution fees and expenses paid by the Fund under any distribution plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act.
7. TRUSTEES OF THE TRUST
The Board consists of five Trustees, four of whom are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust (“Independent Trustees”), and one of whom is an interested person. Each current Independent Trustee is paid an annual retainer of $65,000 for his or her services as a Board member to the Trust and another trust in the fund complex, together with out-of-pocket expenses in accordance with the Board’s policy on travel and other business expenses relating to attendance at meetings.
64 | December 31, 2023
Sprott ETFs |
Notes to Financial Statements | December 31, 2023 |
8. PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES
For the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding short-term investments and in-kind transactions, were as follows:
Fund | Purchases | Sales | ||||||
Sprott Gold Miners ETF | $ | 143,173,789 | $ | 140,195,990 | ||||
Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF | 70,811,500 | 70,780,645 | ||||||
Sprott Energy Transition Materials ETF* | 3,450,504 | 2,934,757 | ||||||
Sprott Lithium Miners ETF* | 2,901,304 | 2,493,736 | ||||||
Sprott Uranium Miners ETF | 110,440,073 | 110,816,638 | ||||||
Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF* | 52,395,714 | 50,532,973 | ||||||
Sprott Junior Copper Miners ETF* | 1,948,105 | 1,099,541 | ||||||
Sprott Nickel Miners ETF* | 953,648 | 853,864 |
For the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, the cost of in-kind purchases and proceeds from in-kind sales were as follows:
Fund | Purchases | Sales | ||||||
Sprott Gold Miners ETF | $ | 30,040,757 | $ | 36,164,405 | ||||
Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF | 4,023,551 | 6,802,401 | ||||||
Sprott Energy Transition Materials ETF* | 15,920,369 | 3,054,194 | ||||||
Sprott Lithium Miners ETF* | 8,355,038 | 2,622,971 | ||||||
Sprott Uranium Miners ETF | 418,346,116 | 87,297,807 | ||||||
Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF* | 169,708,365 | – | ||||||
Sprott Junior Copper Miners ETF* | 4,087,489 | – | ||||||
Sprott Nickel Miners ETF* | 1,748,647 | – |
For the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, the net realized gains/(losses) on in-kind transactions were as follow:
Fund | Net Realized Gain/(Loss) | |||
Sprott Gold Miners ETF | $ | 8,005,710 | ||
Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF | 1,838,343 | |||
Sprott Energy Transition Materials ETF* | 323,511 | |||
Sprott Lithium Miners ETF* | 520,868 | |||
Sprott Uranium Miners ETF | 21,784,933 |
* Represents the activities since inception through December 31, 2023.
Gains on in-kind transactions are not considered taxable for federal income tax purposes and losses on in-kind transactions are also not deductible for tax purposes.
9. CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS
Shares are created and redeemed by each Fund only in Creation Unit size aggregations of 10,000 Shares. Only broker-dealers or large institutional investors with creation and redemption agreements called Authorized Participants (“AP”) are permitted to purchase or redeem Creation Units from the Funds. Such transactions are generally permitted on an in-kind basis, with a balancing cash component to equate the transaction to the NAV per unit of each Fund on the transaction date. Cash may be substituted for the equivalent value of certain securities, generally when they are not available in sufficient quantity for delivery, not eligible for trading by the AP or as a result of other market circumstances.
65 | December 31, 2023
Sprott ETFs |
Notes to Financial Statements | December 31, 2023 |
10. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Each Fund may engage in cross trades with other funds in the Trust pursuant to Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act. Cross trading is the buying or selling of portfolio securities between funds to which the Adviser serves as the investment adviser. The Board has adopted procedures that apply to transactions between the funds of the Trust pursuant to Rule 17a-7. It has been reported to the Board that these transactions related to cross trades during the period complied with the requirements set forth by Rule 17a-7 and the Trust’s procedures.
Transactions related to cross trades during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 were as follows:
Purchase Cost Paid | Sale Proceeds Received | Realized Gain/(Loss) on Sales | ||||||||||
Sprott Gold Miners ETF | $ | 1,862,969 | $ | 644,329 | $ | 139,646 | ||||||
Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF | 644,329 | 1,862,969 | (103,369 | ) | ||||||||
Sprott Energy Transition Materials ETF* | 120,404 | 222,617 | (2,420 | ) | ||||||||
Sprott Lithium Miners ETF* | 152,882 | 1,994 | 869 | |||||||||
Sprott Uranium Miners ETF | 442,132 | 250,405 | (330,954 | ) | ||||||||
Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF* | 377,097 | 557,711 | 44,052 | |||||||||
Sprott Junior Copper Miners ETF* | 1,442 | – | – | |||||||||
Sprott Nickel Miners ETF* | 2,130 | 63,361 | 11,865 |
* | Represents the Purchases and Sales since inception through December 31, 2023. |
11. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
The Funds have evaluated the need for disclosures and/or adjustments resulting from subsequent events that occurred between December 31, 2023 and the date the financial statements were issued. Based on this evaluation, no adjustments were required to the financial statements.
66 | December 31, 2023
Sprott ETFs |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |
To the
Shareholders and Board
of Trustees of Sprott Funds Trust
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of Sprott Gold Miners ETF, Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF, Sprott Energy Transition Materials ETF, Sprott Lithium Miners ETF, Sprott Uranium Miners ETF, Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF, Sprott Junior Copper Miners ETF and Sprott Nickel Miners ETF (the “Funds”), each a series of Sprott Funds Trust (the “Trust”), including the schedules of investments, as of December 31, 2023, the related statements of operations, the statements of changes in net assets and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated in the table below, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Funds as of December 31, 2023, the results of their operations, the changes in their net assets and their financial highlights for each of the periods indicated in the table below, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Individual
Funds constituting Sprott Funds Trust |
Statements
of operations |
Statements
of changes in net assets |
Financial highlights | |||
Sprott Gold Miners ETF, Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF | For the year ended December 31, 2023. | For each of the two years ended December 31, 2023. | For each of the three years ended December 31, 2023, for the period December 1 through December 31, 2020 and for the two years ended November 30, 2020. | |||
Sprott Energy Transition Materials ETF, Sprott Lithium Miners ETF, Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF, Sprott Junior Copper Miners ETF | For the period February 1, 2023 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2023. | For the period February 1, 2023 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2023. | For the period February 1, 2023 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2023. | |||
Sprott Uranium Miners ETF | For the year ended December 31, 2023. | For the year ended December 31, 2023, the period September 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022 and for the year ended August 31, 2022. | For the year ended December 31, 2023, the period September 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022 and for the year ended August 31, 2022. | |||
Sprott Nickel Miners ETF |
For the period March 21, 2023 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2023.
|
For the period March 21, 2023 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2023. | For the period March 21, 2023 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2023. |
With respect to Sprott Uranium Miners ETF, the financial highlights for the year ended August 31, 2021, and for the period from December 3, 2019 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2020, have been audited by other auditors, whose report dated October 29, 2021 expressed unqualified opinions on such statement and financial highlights.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Funds’ financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Funds in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We have served as the auditor of one or more of the funds in the Trust since 2019.
67 | December 31, 2023
Sprott ETFs |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Funds are not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Funds’ internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Funds’ internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2023 by correspondence with the custodians and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
TAIT, WELLER & BAKER LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
February 29, 2024
68 | December 31, 2023
Sprott ETFs | |
Additional Information | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
PROXY VOTING RECORDS, POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Information regarding how each Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period and a description of the Funds’ proxy voting policies and procedures used in determining how to vote for proxies are available without charge: (1) on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, (2) on the Funds’ website at sprottetfs.com, and (3) upon request, by calling (toll-free) 888.622.1813.
PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
The Trust is required to disclose, after its first and third fiscal quarters, the complete schedule of each Fund’s portfolio holdings with the SEC as an exhibit to its report on Form N-PORT. Form N-PORT reports for each Fund will be available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Each Fund’s Form N-PORT reports will be available without charge, upon request, by calling (toll-free) 888.622.1813. Additionally, each Fund makes its portfolio holdings for each business day available at sprottetfs.com.
TAX INFORMATION
Pursuant to Section 853(c) of the Internal Revenue Code, the Funds designated the following for the calendar year ended December 31, 2023:
Foreign Taxes Paid | Foreign Source Income | |||||||
Sprott Gold Miners ETF | $ | 545,208 | $ | 4,038,077 | ||||
Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF | $ | 11,483 | $ | 463,372 | ||||
Sprott Uranium Miners ETF | $ | 277,920 | $ | 8,202,171 | ||||
Sprott Energy Transitions Materials ETF | $ | 12,282 | $ | 124,451 | ||||
Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF | $ | – | $ | – | ||||
Sprott Lithium Miners ETF | $ | 10,755 | $ | 85,206 | ||||
Sprott Junior Copper Miners ETF | $ | 2,403 | $ | 31,133 | ||||
Sprott Nickel Miners ETF | $ | 2,807 | $ | 29,539 |
The Funds designate the following for federal income tax purposes for distributions made during the calendar year ended December 31, 2023:
QDI | DRD | |
Sprott Gold Miners ETF | 87.90% | 25.83% |
Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF | 5.04% | 0.00% |
Sprott Uranium Miners ETF | 13.45% | 0.00% |
Sprott Energy Transitions Materials ETF | 29.35% | 5.40% |
Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Sprott Lithium Miners ETF | 31.81% | 2.60% |
Sprott Junior Copper Miners ETF | 23.69% | 0.00% |
Sprott Nickel Miners ETF | 10.55% | 0.00% |
In early 2024, if applicable, shareholders of record received this information for the distribution paid to them by the Funds during the calendar year 2023 via Form 1099. The Funds will notify shareholders in early 2025 of amounts paid to them by the Funds, if any, during the calendar year 2024.
SECTION 19(A) NOTICES
The amounts and sources of distributions reported are estimates and are being provided pursuant to regulatory requirements and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The actual amounts and sources for tax reporting purposes will depend upon each Fund’s investment experience during the year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. Shareholders will receive a Form 1099-DIV each calendar year that will inform them how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes.
PREMIUM/DISCOUNT INFORMATION
Information on the Fund’s net asset value, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid-ask spreads can be found at sprottetfs.com.
69 | December 31, 2023
Sprott ETFs | |
Additional Information | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
ELECTRONIC DELIVERY
Shareholders can sign up for e-mail notifications announcing that the shareholder report or prospectus has been posted on the Sprott ETFs’ website at sprottetfs.com. Once you have enrolled, you will no longer receive prospectuses and shareholder reports in the mail.
To enroll in electronic delivery, please contact your broker-dealer or financial advisor.
HOUSEHOLDING
Householding is an option available to certain fund investors. Householding is a method of delivery, based on the preference of the individual investor, in which a single copy of certain shareholder documents and Rule 30e-3 notices can be delivered to investors who share the same address, even if their accounts are registered under different names. Please contact your broker-dealer if you are interested in enrolling in householding and receiving a single copy of prospectuses and other shareholder documents, or if you are currently enrolled in householding and wish to change your householding status.
LICENSING AGREEMENTS
Sprott Asset Management LP has entered into licensing agreements on behalf of: (i) the Sprott Gold Miners ETF and Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF with Solactive AG, (ii) the Sprott Uranium Miners ETF with North Shore Indices Inc.; and (iii) the Sprott Energy Transition Materials ETF, Sprott Lithium Miners ETF, Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF, Sprott Junior Copper Miners ETF and Sprott Nickel Miners ETF with Nasdaq, Inc. (Solactive AG, North Shore Indices Inc. and Nasdaq, Inc. are each a “Licensor” and, collectively, the “Licensors”). Each of the Funds’ underlying index name trademark is owned by the applicable Licensor. These trademarks have been licensed to Sprott Asset Management LP for use by the Funds. Each Fund is entitled to use its underlying index pursuant to the Trust’s sub-licensing agreement with Sprott Asset Management LP.
The Funds are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by the Licensors, and each Licensor makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in any of the Funds.
70 | December 31, 2023
Sprott ETFs | |
Additional Information | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGMENT PROGRAM
The Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, met on December 4, 2023 (the “Meeting”) to review the liquidity risk management program (the “Program”) established for the Funds. The Funds have adopted and implemented the Program as required by Rule 22e-4 (the “Liquidity Rule”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940. A committee consisting of officers of the Trust (“Sprott Liquidity Committee”) serves as the program administrator for the Fund’s Program.
At the Meeting, the Board was provided with the 2023 Liquidity Risk Management Program Annual Report (the “Report”), a report that addressed the operation of the Program and assessed its adequacy and effectiveness of implementation during the period covered by the Report (the “Program Reporting Period”). The Report stated that the Committee concluded that based on how it functions, the Program is operating as intended and is effective in implementing the requirements of the Liquidity Rule. The Report noted, among other items, that each Fund did not hold illiquid securities that in aggregate exceeded 15% of such Fund’s assets.
The Report further noted that during the Program Reporting Period, the Committee reviewed historical net redemption activity, and used this information and other factors as a component to establish each Fund’s reasonably anticipated trading size (called “RATS”). The Report additionally provided that the Program is reasonably designed to assess and manage each Fund’s liquidity risk, taking into consideration, among other factors, the Fund’s investment strategy and the liquidity of its portfolio investments during normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions; its short and long-term cash flow projections; and its cash holdings and access to other funding sources.
The Committee reviewed each Fund’s investments and determined that each such Fund held adequate levels of cash and highly liquid investments to meet shareholder redemption activities for the Fund in accordance with applicable requirements. Accordingly, the Committee concluded that (i) the Program is reasonably designed to prevent violations of the Liquidity Rule and (ii) the Program has been effectively implemented. There were no material changes to the Program during the Program Reporting Period.
71 | December 31, 2023
Sprott ETFs | |
Trustees & Officers | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES | |||||
Name,
Address1 and Birth Year |
Position(s) Held with the Trust |
Term
of Office2 and Length of Time Served |
Principal
Occupation(s) During Past Five Years |
Number
of Portfolios in the Fund Complex Overseen |
Other
Directorships Held By Trustee |
Leslie
Barrett, 1965 |
Trustee | Since April, 2022 |
Senior Software Engineer at Bloomberg LP specializing in Natural Language Processing and Machine Learning since 2012. | 10 | None |
Michael
W. Clark, 1959 |
Trustee | Since September, 2018 |
Private Investor since 2023; Partner Hourglass Vineyards since 2004; President, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Risk Officer, Head of Executive Committee, and member of Board of Directors of Chilton Investment Company from 2005 to December 2022. | 10 | None |
Peyton
T. Muldoon, 1969 |
Trustee | Since September, 2018 |
Licensed salesperson, Sotheby’s International Realty, a global real estate brokerage firm since 2011. | 10 | None |
James R.
Pierce, Jr., 1956 |
Trustee | Since September, 2018 |
Retired Since December 2022; Former Chairman of Marsh JLT Specialty Insurance Services, from September 2014 to December 2022. | 10 | None |
1. | The address for each Trustee is 320 Post Road, Suite 230, Darien, CT 06820. |
2. | Each Trustee serves until resignation, death, retirement or removal. |
72 | December 31, 2023
Sprott ETFs | |
Trustees & Officers | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
INTERESTED TRUSTEE AND OFFICERS | |||||
Name,
Address1 and Birth Year |
Position(s) Held with the Trust |
Term
of Office2 and Length of Time Served |
Principal
Occupation(s) During Past Five Years |
Number
of Portfolios in the Fund Complex Overseen |
Other
Directorships Held By Trustee |
John
Ciampaglia, 1970 |
Trustee3 | Since September, 2018 |
Senior Managing Partner of Sprott Inc. and Chief Executive Officer of Sprott Asset Management, LP. (Since 2010)
|
9 | None |
Thomas
W. Ulrich, 1963 |
President4, Secretary, Chief Compliance Officer | Since September, 2018 |
Managing Partner, Sprott Inc. group of companies since January 2018, Chief Compliance Officer of Sprott Asset Management USA Inc. (since October, 2012); Chief Compliance Officer of Sprott Global Resource Investments Ltd. (October 2012 to December 2022). |
N/A | N/A |
Varinder
Bhathal, 1971 |
Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer | Since September, 2018 |
Chief Financial Officer of Sprott Asset Management LP (since December 2018); Managing Partner, Chief Controller & Treasurer of Sprott Inc. (since October 2017); Vice President, Finance of Sprott Inc. (December 2015 to October 2017). | N/A | N/A |
1. | The address for each Trustee and officer is 320 Post Road, Suite 230, Darien, CT 06820. |
2. | Each Trustee serves until resignation, death, retirement or removal. |
3. | Determined to be an “Interested Trustee” by virtue of, among other things, his or her affiliation with the various entities under common control with the Adviser. |
4. | Effective June 9, 2023, Mr. Ulrich replaced John Ciampaglia as President of the Trust. |
The Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the Funds’ Trustees and is available free of charge at www.sprottetfs.com, or upon request by calling the Fund toll free at 1-888-622-1813.
73 | December 31, 2023
Sprott ETFs | |
Board Approval of Investment Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements |
December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
Board Approval of Investment Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements for the Sprott Copper Miners ETF
The Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of Sprott Funds Trust (the “Trust”) on behalf of its series, Sprott Copper Miners ETF (the “Fund”) met in person at a regularly scheduled meeting on December 4, 2023, in New York, New York, for purposes of, among other things, considering whether it would be in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders for the Board to approve the Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement by and between the Fund and Sprott Asset Management USA, Inc. (“SAM USA” or the “Adviser”) (the “Advisory Agreement”), and the Amended Sub-Advisory Agreement by and among the Fund, SAM USA, Inc. and ALPS Advisors, Inc. (“ALPS” or the “Sub-Adviser”) (the “Sub-Advisory Agreement” and, together with the Advisory Agreement, the “Agreements”). SAM USA together with ALPS are collectively referred to as the “Advisers.”
In connection with the Board’s review of the Agreements, the Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Funds within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) (collectively, the “Independent Trustees”) requested, and the Advisers provided the Board with, information about a variety of matters, including, without limitation, the following information:
• | Nature, extent and quality of services to be provided by the Advisers, including background information on the qualifications and experience of key professional of the Advisers’ personnel that provide services to the Fund; |
• | Fee charged to and expenses of the Fund, including comparative fee and expense information for registered investment companies similar to the Fund; |
• | Costs of the services provided, and expected profits to be realized by the Advisers, if any; and |
• | Economies of scale. |
At the December 4, 2023 meeting, the Board, including the Independent Trustees determined that the continuation of the Agreements was in the best interests of the Fund in light of the services, personnel, expenses and such other matters as the Board considered to be relevant in the exercise of its reasonable business judgment and approved them.
To reach this determination, the Board considered its duties under the 1940 Act as well as under the general principles of state law in reviewing and approving advisory contracts; the fiduciary duty of investment advisers with respect to advisory agreements and the receipt of investment advisory compensation; the standards used by courts in determining whether investment company boards have fulfilled their duties; and the factors to be considered by the Board in voting on such agreements. To assist the Board in its evaluation of each of the Agreements, the Independent Trustees received materials in advance of the Board meeting from the Advisers. The Board applied its business judgment to determine whether the arrangements by and among each Fund, SAM USA and ALPS are reasonable business arrangements from each Fund’s perspective as well as from the perspective of its respective shareholders.
Performance
Sprott Asset Management USA, Inc. and ALPS Advisors, Inc.
The Board noted that the Fund is a new Fund with no performance history.
Fees and Expenses
Sprott Asset Management USA, Inc.
The Board noted that the advisory fee for the Fund was a unitary fee, and as such, the expense ratio for the Fund is also 0.65% and the Adviser agrees to pay the operating costs of the Fund. The Board noted that the Fund’s advisory fee and expense ratio ranked towards the high end but was within the range of peers in both categories. The Board discussed the expertise required to manage a copper fund, and the sophistication of the index that the Fund would track. The Board took into consideration that the advisory fee for the Fund is a “unitary fee,” meaning that the Fund pays no expenses other than the advisory fee and certain expenses customarily excluded from unitary fee arrangements, such as brokerage commissions, taxes, and interest. The Board noted that, under the Agreement, the Adviser will be responsible for compensating the Fund’s other service providers and paying the Fund’s other expenses out of its own fee and resources. The Board further determined that the fees reflected a reasonable allocation of the advisory fee between the Adviser and Sub-Adviser, given the work to be performed by each. The Board considered information provided about the costs and expenses to be incurred by the Adviser in providing advisory services, evaluated the compensation and benefits to be received by the Adviser from its relationship with the Fund, and reviewed a profitability analysis from the Adviser with respect to the Fund. The Board considered the risks borne by the Adviser associated with providing services to the Fund, including the entrepreneurial risk associated with sponsoring new funds, as well as the enterprise risk emanating from litigation and reputational risks, operational and business risks, and other risks associated with the ongoing management of the Fund. The Board considered the fee and expense comparison information provided by the Adviser and the services to be provided to the Fund and concluded that the fees and expenses of the Fund were reasonable.
74 | December 31, 2023
Sprott ETFs | |
Board
Approval of Investment Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements |
December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
ALPS Advisors, Inc.
The Board considered the fee and expense comparison information provided by the Sub-Adviser and the services to be provided to the Fund. The Board considered that the Sub-Advisory fee would be paid by the Adviser and not the Fund. The Board noted that the Sub-Advisory fee charged by the Sub-Adviser was lower than the fees it charged to certain other funds. The Board concluded that the sub-advisory fee to be paid to the Sub-Adviser by the Adviser is reasonable for the services to be provided by the Sub-Adviser. The Board noted the high quality of portfolio management services currently provided by the Sub-Adviser to certain other funds advised by the Sub-Adviser.
Profitability
Sprott Asset Management USA, Inc.
The Board reviewed the pro forma profitability analysis provided by the Adviser and noted that the Adviser is not expected to earn a profit on the Fund in the near term, given its expected small asset size after it is launched. The Board after reviewing pro forma profitability information about the Adviser concluded that the advisory fee paid by the Fund to the Adviser was not unreasonable.
ALPS Advisors, Inc.
The Board reviewed the profitability analysis provided by the Sub-Adviser with respect to its management of the Funds. The Board noted that the Sub-Adviser is expected to earn a modest profit from the management of the Fund. The Board concluded that excessive profitability was not an issue at this time.
Economies of Scale
Sprott Asset Management USA, Inc. and ALPS Advisors, Inc.
The Board considered the existence of any economies of scale in the provisions of the services by the Advisers and whether those economies would be shared with the Fund through breakpoints in its management fees or other means, such as expense caps or fee waivers. The Board also considered the extent to which the Fund would benefit from such economies of scale and whether there should be changes in the advisory fee rate or breakpoint structure in order to enable the Funds to more fully participate in these economies of scale. The Board considered the Fund’s estimated asset level and whether the proposed fee schedule was appropriate. The Board concluded that the fee structure without breakpoints proposed for the Fund was reasonable.
Conclusion
Having requested and received such information from the adviser as the Board believed to be reasonably necessary to evaluate the terms of the advisory agreement, and as assisted by the advice of counsel, the Board concluded that the approval of the advisory agreements was in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders.
75 | December 31, 2023
This material must be preceded or accompanied by the Prospectus.
www.sprott.com
06231556 06/23_SAM_C_SETFs