FRMO Corp. Announces Fiscal 2025 Second Quarter Results, Conference Call, and New Board Appointment

Rhea-AI Summary

FRMO Corp reported significant financial growth in Q2 FY2025. Total book value reached $821.4 million ($18.66 per diluted share) as of November 30, 2024, including $407.8 million in non-controlling interests. Net income attributable to the Company surged to $136.9 million ($3.11 per diluted share) compared to $4.7 million ($0.11 per diluted share) year-over-year.

Current assets increased to $626.1 million, primarily consisting of cash, equivalents, and equity securities. The company's significant net income increase was attributed to a specific equity security investment. FRMO appointed Melinda J. Newman to its Board of Directors, bringing the total to nine members, with five being independent.

Positive

• Net income soared to $136.9M ($3.11/share) from $4.7M ($0.11/share) YoY
• Total book value increased to $821.4M from $403.3M in six months
• Current assets grew substantially to $626.1M from $276.1M
• Equity securities at fair value increased to $564.4M from $221.7M

Negative

• Equity losses from partnerships of $1.47M in Q2 compared to gains of $1.57M previous year
• Total liabilities increased to $81.0M from $35.9M
• Deferred tax liability grew to $78.7M from $33.7M

Insights

Financial Analyst

The Q2 2025 results showcase remarkable financial performance with net income surging to $136.9 million ($3.11 per share) from $4.7 million ($0.11 per share) year-over-year. The company's total book value reached $821.4 million ($18.66 per share), with current assets primarily in cash and equity securities totaling $626.1 million.

A significant portion of this growth stems from unrealized gains from equity securities, which contributed $254.4 million in Q2. The core operations, excluding unrealized gains, generated $63.6 million in net income, showing robust fundamental performance. The balance sheet strengthened considerably with a 126.8% increase in current assets since May 2024.

The company's strategic investment in digital assets and equity securities positions it well for future growth, though investors should note the substantial portion of book value ($407.8 million) attributed to non-controlling interests.

Investment Portfolio Manager

The standout performance is driven by "Investment A" mentioned in Note 4, which catalyzed the exceptional earnings growth. The investment portfolio shows strategic diversification across equity securities ($564.4 million), digital assets ($15.7 million) and partnerships ($241 million).

The company's increased stake in digital asset mining operations and its strategic holding in Horizon Kinetics Holding (4.42%) demonstrate a forward-thinking investment approach. The substantial increase in deferred tax liability to $78.7 million from $33.7 million indicates significant unrealized gains in the portfolio, suggesting strong underlying asset performance.

Corporate Governance Expert

The appointment of Melinda Newman strengthens the board's composition, bringing valuable expertise in credit markets and asset management. Her experience managing $15 billion in corporate bonds and loans, coupled with her current role at RENN Fund and NACD certification, enhances the board's oversight capabilities. The board now comprises nine members with five independents, demonstrating strong corporate governance practices.

The consolidation of Horizon Kinetics Hard Assets (HKHA) within financial statements, despite only 21.88% ownership, reflects proper governance and transparency in related-party transactions. This structure allows shareholders to benefit from the full economic impact of these strategic relationships.

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- FRMO Corp. (the “Company” or “FRMO”) (OTC Pink: FRMO) today reported its financial results for the 2025 second quarter ended November 30, 2024.

Financial Highlights

FRMO’s total book value as of November 30, 2024 was $821.4 million ($18.66 per share on a fully diluted basis), including $407.8 million of non-controlling interests. Excluding the non-controlling interests, book value was $413.6 million ($9.39 per share). This compares with total book value at the prior fiscal year end on May 31, 2024 of $403.3 million ($9.16 per share), including $161.1 million of non-controlling interests. Excluding the non-controlling interests, book value was $242.1 million ($5.50 per share).

Current assets, comprised primarily of cash and equivalents and equity securities, amounted to $626.1 million as of November, 2024, and $276.1 million as of May 31, 2024. Total liabilities were $81.0 million as of November 30, 2024, and $35.9 million as of May 31, 2024, comprised primarily of securities sold, not yet purchased, and deferred taxes.

FRMO’s net income attributable to the Company for the quarter ended November, 2024 rose to $136,922,774 ($3.11 per diluted share) compared to $4,702,229 ($0.11 per diluted share) a year earlier. The equity security investment that accounts for the significant net income increase is identified as Investment A in Note 4 of the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements under Investment Concentration.

For the six months ended November 30, 2024, FRMO’s net income attributable to the Company was $171,409,525 ($3.89 per diluted share), compared to $37,032,214 million ($0.84 per diluted share) a year earlier.

Net income attributable to the Company excluding the effect of unrealized gain (loss) from equity securities and digital assets net of taxes for the three months ended November 30, 2024 was $63,639,441 ($1.45 per diluted share) compared to $7,587,540 ($0.17 per diluted share) for the three months ended November 30, 2023. The six-month figures, as of the same end dates, are $75,219,407 ($1.71 per diluted share) and $21,827,222 ($0.50 per diluted share).

Net income attributable to the Company excluding the effect of unrealized gain (loss) from equity securities and digital assets net of taxes is a measure not based on GAAP and is defined and reconciled to the most directly comparable GAAP measures in “Information Regarding Non-GAAP Measures” at the end of this release.

Valuation of securities and digital assets are subject to change after November 30, 2024. The market value of several securities and digital assets might have changed substantially since that date. We look forward to finding new ways to expand our digital assets mining operations.

The interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of FRMO Corporation and its controlled subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the "Company"). As of November 30, 2024 and May 31, 2024, the Company held a 21.88% and 21.84% equity interest in Horizon Kinetics Hard Assets LLC (“HKHA”), a company formed by Horizon Kinetics LLC (“Horizon”) and certain officers, principal stockholders and directors of the Company. Through July 31, 2024, the Company held a 4.95% interest in Horizon, and on August 1, 2024, Horizon completed its previously announced merger with Scott’s Liquid Gold Inc., which was renamed Horizon Kinetics Holding Corporation (“HKHC”). The Company now owns 4.42% of HKHC and earns substantially all of its advisory fees from HKHC and through July 31, 2024 from Horizon (see Note 4 – Investments, Investments under the Equity Method of Accounting). Due to the common control and ownership between HKHA and the Company’s principal stockholders and directors, HKHA has been consolidated within the Company’s financial statements. The noncontrolling interest of 78.12 % and 78.20% in HKHA has been eliminated from results of operations for the periods ended November 30, 2024 and 2023.

Further details are available in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the three months and six months ended November 30, 2024 and 2023. These statements have been filed on the OTC Markets Group Disclosure and News Services, which may be accessed at www.otcmarkets.com/stock/FRMO/filings. These documents are also available on the FRMO website at www.frmocorp.com.

Conference Call

Murray Stahl, Chairman and CEO, and Steven Bregman, President and CFO, will host a conference call on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 4:15 p.m. Eastern Time. Only questions submitted to info@frmocorp.com before 1:00 p.m. on the day of the call will be considered. You may register for the conference call by clicking on the following link:

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1450862112474343007

An audio replay link will be available for 30 days from January 22 through February 21, 2025 on the FRMO website (https://frmocorp.com/q_transcripts.html) until the summary transcript is posted.

FRMO Corp. Appoints Melinda J. Newman to Board of Directors

FRMO announced that it appointed Melinda J. Newman to the Board of Directors (“Board”), effective January 9, 2025.

With the appointment of Ms. Newman, the Company has nine individuals on its Board, of which five are independent.

“I am delighted to welcome Melinda Newman to the Board and believe her diverse background and set of experiences will serve FRMO and its shareholders well as the Company continues to grow,” stated Murray Stahl, FRMO’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

Newman commented, “I’m delighted to join the FRMO board, and look forward to working with management and my fellow directors to bolster shareholder value.”

Ms. Newman has over 20 years of experience in the senior echelons of the asset management industry. An accomplished credit investor, she was the highest ranked woman investor at two leading Los Angeles investment management firms, serving as both portfolio manager and credit research team leader. In her most recent operating role at TCW Group, Melinda oversaw a team managing $15 billion of corporate bonds and loans. She currently serves as an independent director for the RENN Fund, (NYSE MKT: RCG), where she sits on the Audit, Nominating and Corporate Governance, and Pricing committees, and is designated as an audit committee financial expert. Melinda also serves on the board of Wharton Alumni for Boards. She is recognized by the National Association of Corporate Directors as NACD Directorship Certified. Melinda holds an MBA with Honors from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where she was named as a Palmer Scholar, and a Bachelor of Arts with Honors from Wesleyan University.

Ms. Newman will also serve as a member of FRMO’s Audit Committee and Nominating and Governance Committee.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands)
	November 30,			May 31,
	2024			2024
	(Unaudited)
Assets
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	41,540		$	39,190
Equity securities, at fair value		564,445			221,682
Digital assets, at fair value		15,698			10,979
Other current assets		4,446			4,252
Total Current Assets		626,130			276,102
Investment in limited partnerships and other equity investments, at fair value		241,031			127,579
Investments in securities exchanges		7,345			6,463
Other assets		1,511			1,609
Investment in Horizon Kinetics Holding Corporation (formerly Horizon Kinetics LLC at May 31, 2024)		16,212			17,205
Participation in Horizon Kinetics Holding Corporation (formerly Horizon Kinetics LLC at May 31, 2024) revenue stream		10,200			10,200
Total Assets	$	902,430		$	439,159
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current Liabilities:
Securities sold, not yet purchased	$	1,090		$	951
Other current liabilities		637			1,258
Total Current Liabilities		1,727			2,209
Deferred Tax Liability		78,660			33,668
Mortgage payable		635			-
Total Liabilities		81,023			35,877
Stockholders' Equity:
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to the Company		413,602			242,137
Noncontrolling interests		407,805			161,145
Total Stockholders' Equity		821,407			403,282
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$	902,430		$	439,159
(Components may not sum to totals due to rounding)

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(amounts in thousands, except share data)
	Three Months Ended								Six Months Ended
	November 30,				November 30,				November 30,			November 30,
	2024				2023				2024			2023
	(Unaudited)								(Unaudited)
Revenue:
Fees	$	880			$	682			$	1,617		$	1,384
Equity (losses) earnings from limited partnerships and limited liability companies		(1,467	)			1,574				1,089			2,343
Unrealized gains from investments		93,995				6,053				110,394			25,260
Other		965				801				5,422			2,154
Total revenue before unrealized gains (losses) from equity securities and digital assets		94,372				9,110				118,522			31,140
Unrealized gains (losses) from equity securities		254,394				(21,431	)			342,829			45,881
Unrealized gains from digital assets		6,088				1,786				4,666			1,569
Total Revenue		354,854				(10,535	)			466,017			78,590
Total Expenses		393				399				811			762
Income (Loss) from Operations before Provision for Income Taxes		354,461				(10,935	)			465,206			77,828
Provision for Income Taxes		36,403				1,642				46,892			9,935
Net Income (Loss)		318,058				(12,576	)			418,313			67,893
Less net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		181,135				(17,279	)			246,904			30,861
Net Income Attributable to FRMO Corporation	$	136,923			$	4,702			$	171,410		$	37,032
Diluted Net Income per Common Share	$	3.11			$	0.11			$	3.89		$	0.84
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding
Basic		44,022,781				44,022,781				44,022,781			44,022,781
Diluted		44,022,781				44,022,781				44,028,540			44,027,069
(Components may not sum to totals due to rounding)

About FRMO Corp.
FRMO Corp. invests in and receives revenues based upon consulting and advisory fee interests in the asset management sector.

FRMO had 44,022,781 shares of common stock outstanding as of November 30, 2024.

For more information, visit our website at www.frmocorp.com.

Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 – With the exception of historical information, the matters discussed in this press release are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Words like “believe,” “expect” and “anticipate” mean that these are our best estimates as of this writing, but that there can be no assurances that expected or anticipated results or events will actually take place, so our actual future results could differ significantly from those statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to: our ability to maintain our competitive advantages, the general economics of the financial industry, our ability to finance growth, our ability to identify and close acquisitions on terms favorable to the Company, and a sustainable market.

Further information on our risk factors is contained in our quarterly and annual reports as filed on our website www.frmocorp.com and on www.otcmarkets.com/stock/FRMO/filings.

Information Regarding Non-GAAP Measures

Net income attributable to the Company excluding the effect of unrealized gain (loss) from equity securities and digital assets is net income attributable to the Company exclusive of unrealized gains (losses) from equity securities and digital assets, net of tax. Net income attributable to the Company is the GAAP measure most closely comparable to net income attributable to the Company excluding the effect of unrealized gain (loss) from equity securities and digital assets.

Management uses net income attributable to the Company excluding the effect of unrealized gain (loss) from equity securities and digital assets, along with other measures, to gauge the Company’s performance and evaluate results, which can be skewed when including unrealized gain (loss) from equity securities and digital assets, which may vary significantly between periods. Net income attributable to the Company excluding the effect of unrealized gain (loss) from equity securities is provided as supplemental information, and is not a substitute for net income attributable to the Company and does not reflect the Company’s overall profitability.

The following table reconciles the net income attributable to the Company excluding the effect of unrealized gain (loss) from equity securities and digital assets to net income attributable to the Company for the periods indicated:

	Three Months Ended							Three Months Ended								Six Months Ended							Six Months Ended
	November 30, 2024							November 30, 2023								November 30, 2024							November 30, 2023
	(Unaudited)							(Unaudited)								(Unaudited)							(Unaudited)
	Amount				Diluted earnings per common share			Amount				Diluted earnings per common share				Amount				Diluted earnings per common share			Amount				Diluted earnings per common share
(000’s except per common share amounts and percentages)
Net Income Attributable to the Company Excluding the Effect of Unrealized Gain (Loss) from Equity Securities and Digital Assets, and Diluted Earnings per Common Share Reconciliation:
Net income attributable to the Company	$	136,923			$	3.11		$	4,702			$	0.11			$	171,410			$	3.89		$	37,032			$	0.84
Unrealized gain (loss) from equity securities and digital assets		260,482							(19,645	)							347,494							47,450
Unrealized gain (loss) from equity securities and digital assets attributable to noncontrolling interests		180,750							(17,605	)							243,678							30,193
Unrealized gain (loss) from equity securities and digital assets attributable to the Company		79,732							(2,040	)							103,816							17,257
Tax (provision) benefit on unrealized gain (loss) from equity securities and digital assets attributable to the company		(6,449	)						(844	)							(7,626	)						(2,052	)
Unrealized gain (loss) from equity securities and digital assets attributable to the Company, net of taxes		73,283			$	1.67			(2,885	)		$	(0.07	)			96,190			$	2.19			15,205			$	0.35
Net income attributable to the Company excluding the effect of unrealized gain (loss) gain from equity securities and digital assets	$	63,639			$	1.45		$	7,588			$	0.17			$	75,219			$	1.71		$	21,827			$	0.50
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding		44,022,781							44,022,781								44,028,540							44,027,069
	(Components may not sum to totals due to rounding)

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250114487046/en/

Thérèse Byars

Corporate Secretary

Email: tbyars@frmocorp.com

Telephone: 646-495-7337

www.frmocorp.com

Source: FRMO Corp.

FAQ

What was FRMO Corp's net income for Q2 2025?

FRMO Corp's net income for Q2 2025 was $136.9 million ($3.11 per diluted share), compared to $4.7 million ($0.11 per diluted share) in the same quarter previous year.

How much did FRMO's total book value increase in Q2 2025?

FRMO's total book value increased to $821.4 million as of November 30, 2024, from $403.3 million at the fiscal year end on May 31, 2024.

What are FRMO's current assets as of November 2024?

FRMO's current assets amounted to $626.1 million as of November 2024, primarily comprised of cash, equivalents, and equity securities.

Who is the new board member appointed to FRMO Corp in January 2025?

Melinda J. Newman was appointed to FRMO's Board of Directors, effective January 9, 2025. She brings over 20 years of experience in asset management and serves on various board committees.