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  
 
Sprott Gold ETFs  
Shareholder Letter 1
Sprott Gold Miners ETF 2
Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF 4
   
Sprott Energy Transition ETFs  
Shareholder Letter 6
Sprott Energy Transition Materials ETF 7
Sprott Lithium Miners ETF 9
Sprott Uranium Miners ETF 11
Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF 13
Sprott Junior Copper Miners ETF 15
Sprott Nickel Miners ETF 17
   
Disclosure of Fund Expenses 19
   
Financial Statements  
   
Schedule of Investments  
Sprott Gold Miners ETF 20
Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF 22
Sprott Energy Transition Materials ETF 24
Sprott Lithium Miners ETF 27
Sprott Uranium Miners ETF 29
Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF 31
Sprott Junior Copper Miners ETF 33
Sprott Nickel Miners ETF 35
   
Statements of Assets and Liabilities 36
   
Statements of Operations 39
   
Statements of Changes in Net Assets 42
   
Financial Highlights 46
   
Notes to Financial Statements 54
   
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 67
   
Additional Information 69
   
Trustees & Officers 72
   
Board Approval of Investment Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements 74

 

 

 

Sprott Gold ETFs 

Performance Overview  December 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Dear Shareholders, 

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)

 

Sprott Gold Miners ETF (SGDM)

 

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

 

Sprott Energy Transition ETFs 

Performance Overview  December 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Dear Shareholders, 

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

 

Sprott ETFs

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

 

Sprott ETFs

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

 

 

Sprott ETFs  

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

 

  

Sprott ETFs  

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
(excess of value over
tax cost)

 

Gross depreciation

(excess of tax cost
over value)

 

Net appreciation
(depreciation) of
foreign currency

 

Net unrealized
appreciation
(depreciation)

 

Cost of investments
for income tax
purposes

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

 

 

Sprott ETFs  

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

 

 

Sprott ETFs  

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

 

 

Sprott ETFs  

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

 

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