OR Royalties (TSX:OR) - Transforming $300M Debt to Net Cash Across Precious Metal Portfolio

Jun 6, 2025

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Interview with Jason Attew, President & CEO of OR Royalties

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/osisko-gold-royalties-tsxor-new-strategy-pays-off-as-share-take-off-6881

Recording date: 4th June 2025

OR Royalties presents a compelling precious metals investment opportunity following a remarkable financial transformation under CEO Jason Attew's leadership. The company has eliminated $300 million in debt over 19 months while achieving a net cash position, positioning it to capitalize on elevated gold prices and favorable market conditions.

Financial Performance and Outlook
The company generated approximately $160 million in operating cash flow during 2024 and projects 40% growth to $220-230 million in 2025, assuming current commodity price levels. This exceptional cash generation stems from operational efficiency, with only 25 full-time employees managing a 195-asset portfolio. OR Royalties maintains a $5 billion market capitalization and completed $300 million in transactions during 2024, representing 10% of the total $3 billion royalty and streaming market.

Strategic Positioning
OR Royalties differentiates itself through geographic concentration, with 80% of assets and cash flow positioned in tier-one jurisdictions including Canada, the United States, and Australia. This focus significantly reduces geopolitical risk compared to peers with emerging market exposure. The portfolio composition aligns with current market dynamics, featuring 94% precious metals exposure comprising 67% gold and 25% silver.

Portfolio Optionality
The company's 195-asset portfolio includes only 22 currently producing assets, providing substantial embedded growth potential as higher commodity prices incentivize development of previously sub-economic projects. This optionality represents significant value that may accelerate as regulatory improvements streamline permitting processes, particularly in the United States.

Investment Strategy
Management employs disciplined capital allocation, targeting transactions between $50-500 million with assets expected to generate returns within five years. The company uses conservative consensus gold pricing of $2,400 per ounce for deal evaluation rather than spot prices, ensuring sustainable risk-adjusted returns. "We price everything off consensus and consensus long-term gold because that is our primary product right now," Attew explained, emphasizing the company's conservative approach.

Key Growth Catalysts
Recent developments include a 24.4% equity stake and 5% net smelter return royalty in Cariboo Gold's British Columbia project, expected to commence production in 2027. The Spring Valley asset in Nevada awaits environmental approval within six weeks, potentially generating 6,000-7,000 gold equivalent ounces annually for OR Royalties once operational.

Market Environment
The precious metals sector benefits from macroeconomic uncertainty, monetary policy dynamics, and structural demand drivers supporting elevated commodity prices. Regulatory improvements, especially in North America, are reducing development timelines and providing greater project certainty. "Running a royalty company in this market is just fabulous, if you've got producers in the portfolio," Attew noted, highlighting favorable current conditions.

Investment Considerations
OR Royalties offers investors leveraged exposure to precious metals appreciation without operational mining risks. The company's net cash position, strong cash flow generation, and substantial portfolio optionality position it to capitalize on continued precious metals strength while maintaining financial flexibility for accretive acquisitions. The combination of conservative deal evaluation, geographic risk mitigation, and experienced management creates a compelling investment proposition for precious metals exposure in today's market environment.

View OR Royalties' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/osisko-gold-royalties