Core Viewpoint - Canada's Big Banks are expected to report fourth-quarter results at the end of the month, with analysts expressing caution over stock valuations, which appear stretched compared to historical trends [1] Group 1: Earnings and Performance - The Big Six Canadian banks outperformed U.S. mega-banks and domestic life insurers last year despite a weaker economic outlook and a trade pact review [1] - Analysts at TD Cowen noted that the Big Six are trading at an 18% premium and are approaching full value territory [1] - The stocks are trading at a one-year forward earnings per share of 14.3 times based on 2026 consensus, significantly above the 25-year trend of 10 to 12 times [1] Group 2: Analyst Insights - Despite stretched valuations, TD Cowen analysts believe strong fundamentals, including net interest income, improving U.S. loan growth, and strong trading revenue, will support the sector in the near term [1] - TD Cowen raised price targets for four of the five Big Six banks, with specific adjustments for Bank of Montreal, Bank of Nova Scotia, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, National Bank of Canada, and Royal Bank of Canada [1] Group 3: Price Targets and Recommendations - Bank of Montreal's target rose from $219 to $209, Bank of Nova Scotia from $104 to $112, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from $134 to $142, National Bank of Canada was cut to $175 from $181, and Royal Bank of Canada from $246 to $260 [1] - TD's top bank picks are Bank of Montreal and Royal Bank of Canada due to their extensive U.S. capital markets operations [1]

Core Viewpoint - i-80 Gold Corp has secured a financing package of up to $500 million to support its development plan, marking a significant step in its recapitalization efforts aimed at becoming a mid-tier gold producer in Nevada [1][2]. Financing Package Details - The financing package consists of a $250 million royalty sale and a gold pre-payment facility for up to $250 million, contributing to over $800 million in total funding for the company's objectives [1][2]. - The recapitalization plan targets an overall amount of $900 million to $1 billion, which includes retiring existing convertible debentures and potentially selling a non-core asset [1][2]. Production Goals - The financing will enable the company to increase annual gold production to approximately 300,000 – 400,000 ounces from less than 50,000 ounces currently, driven by its three underground mines and one oxide open pit operation in Nevada [1][2]. - The three-phase development plan aims to boost production to over 600,000 ounces annually starting in 2032, with the Mineral Point project being a key component of this growth [2][3]. Debt Management - Proceeds from the financing package will be used to extinguish approximately $175 million in existing debt obligations, including settling a Gold Prepay Agreement and retiring convertible debentures [1][3]. - The company plans to replace existing convertible debentures with new ones on more favorable terms [1][2]. Project Development - The financing will support the advancement of five gold projects, refurbish the Lone Tree Plant, and fund resource expansion and infill drilling [1][2]. - The Gold Prepayment facility includes an initial advance of $150 million, with an accordion feature for an additional $100 million, requiring the delivery of 39,978 ounces of gold over a 30-month period starting January 2028 [2][3]. Strategic Partnerships - Franco-Nevada Corporation has committed to providing $250 million in royalty financing, with $225 million expected to be available at closing [1][2]. - National Bank of Canada and Macquarie Bank Limited are involved in the gold pre-payment facility, highlighting the credibility of the company's execution plan [2][3].

Core Viewpoint - The Atallah brothers' $78 million buyback bid for Ssense is moving forward despite objections from several creditors, allowing the company to continue operations with a cash payment of $58.5 million and the assumption of certain liabilities [1][2]. Group 1: Company Background and Financial Situation - Ssense, founded in 2003 by the Atallah brothers, specializes in luxury e-commerce, particularly designer fashion and high-end streetwear, and was valued at $5 billion in 2021 [7]. - The company entered insolvency proceedings in September 2025 due to a cash crunch, with assets of $387 million against liabilities of $371 million, including loans and employee vacation pay [3][8]. - Retail challenges intensified in 2025, particularly with the elimination of the de minimis exemption for packages under $800 USD, impacting shipping costs into the US [8]. Group 2: Legal Proceedings and Buyback Bid - A Superior Court of Québec judge ruled on February 4, 2026, dismissing lenders' requests for an asset sale and affirming the Atallah brothers' buyback bid valued at $78 million [2][6]. - The founders' initial bid of $20 million was deemed inadequate, leading to a revised bid that included plans to retain approximately 660 regular employees and 100 occasional employees [6]. - Despite opposition from secured creditors, some suppliers and unsecured creditors supported the buyback deal, highlighting a divide among stakeholders [6]. Group 3: Lender Dynamics - Ssense's main lenders include the Bank of Montreal, Royal Bank of Canada, Scotiabank, National Bank of Canada, and JPMorgan Chase, collectively owed over $113 million [4]. - The lenders sought to block the buyback, arguing it would lead to a lower economic outcome compared to liquidating the company's assets [6]. - Following a rejected refinancing plan in July 2025, lenders applied for protection under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) to force a sale [9].

Core Viewpoint - Laurentian Bank of Canada shareholders have approved the acquisition of all issued and outstanding common shares by Fairstone Bank of Canada for cash consideration of $40.50 per share, marking a significant strategic shift for the bank [4][6]. Group 1: Transaction Details - The board of Laurentian Bank, after receiving fairness opinions from J.P. Morgan and Blair Franklin Capital Partners, unanimously concluded that the transactions are in the bank's interests and fair to shareholders [1][5]. - A special committee supported the board and management in the proposed transactions, recommending that shareholders vote in favor of the Fairstone acquisition [2]. - The acquisition will allow Laurentian to exit personal banking and SME segments, focusing instead on its commercial specialization [3][6]. Group 2: Shareholder Approval and Voting - The special resolution for the acquisition was approved at a special meeting, with management-held proxies exceeding the required 66 2/3% approval threshold [5][10]. - Approximately 40.5% of shares were represented by proxies during the vote, indicating significant shareholder engagement [5][9]. - The resolution was declared adopted after the voting period closed, with detailed results to be announced in accordance with TSX policies [13]. Group 3: Management's Rationale and Future Vision - The President and CEO emphasized that the transaction provides immediate liquidity and guaranteed value for shareholders, while also allowing for growth in specialized commercial activities [7][8]. - The transaction with National Bank is expected to enhance customer access to a broader range of retail and business banking solutions, including advanced digital services [7]. - Management's priorities will focus on closing the transactions while considering the interests of customers and employees [8].

Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - February 3, 2026) - Zedcor Inc. (TSXV: ZDC) ("Zedcor" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has expanded its credit facility, by an incremental $25.0 million, to $75.0 million total committed borrowing availability with its primary lending partner, National Bank of Canada ("National Bank"). This increased access to non-dilutive capital strengthens the Company's ability to support growth investments in its fleet of MobileyeZTM towers, alongside its scaling sales for ...

MONTREAL, Feb. 2, 2026 /CNW/ - National Bank Investments Inc. (‟NBI") announced today the change to the name and the investment strategies, as well as a management and administration fees reduction for the NBI Global Diversified Equity Fund (the "Fund").Name changeEffective as of February 3, 2026, the Fund will be renamed as follows:Current NameNew NameNBI Global Diversified Equity FundNBI SmartData Global Equity FundInvestment strategies changeEffective as of February 3, 2026, the Fund's investment strateg ...

Each week, we summarize notable moves across the financial industry.Will Danoff will be retiring at the end of the year after 40 years at Fidelity Investments Canada ULC, where he currently co-manages several Fidelity funds. His co-managers, Nidhi Gupta and Matt Drukker, who both joined Fidelity in 2008, will continue to co-manage the Fidelity Insights Strategy and Fidelity Global Growth and Value Strategy funds.Hatem Zarrouk has been appointed district vice-president at Mackenzie Investments. Zarrouk was p ...

Canadians can now boost their savings for a down payment on a home with a first home savings account (FHSA). The account, also referred to as the tax-free first home savings account, creates up to $40,000 in tax-free savings room for first-time home buyers. To date, more than 300,000 Canadians have opened an FHSA. In this article, we’ll answer common questions about the account and help you find the best one for your needs.Frequently asked questions about FHSAsWhere are FHSAs currently available?On April 1, ...

Group 1 - Premium Income Corporation has completed a treasury offering of 2,633,000 preferred shares, generating gross proceeds of $42,654,600, with shares priced at $16.20 each [1] - The preferred shares will trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol PIC.PR.A [1] - The preferred shares provide fixed cumulative preferential monthly cash distributions of $0.10625, equating to $1.275 annually, representing a yield of 8.50% based on the original issue price of $15.00 [3] Group 2 - The Fund primarily invests in common shares of major Canadian banks, including Bank of Montreal, The Bank of Nova Scotia, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, National Bank of Canada, Royal Bank of Canada, and The Toronto-Dominion Bank [2] - To enhance returns beyond dividend income, the Fund selectively writes covered call and put options on some or all common shares in its portfolio [2] - Mulvihill Capital Management Inc. serves as the manager and investment manager of the Fund [2]

Core Viewpoint - Dividend 15 Split Corp. has successfully completed an overnight offering of Preferred Shares, raising total gross proceeds of $142.6 million, which will be used to invest in a high-quality portfolio of dividend-yielding Canadian companies [1][2]. Group 1: Offering Details - The Preferred Shares will trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol DFN.PR.A [1]. - The offering was led by National Bank Financial Inc. [1]. Group 2: Investment Portfolio - The portfolio consists of dividend-yielding Canadian companies, including: - Bank of Montreal - Enbridge Inc. - TC Energy - The Bank of Nova Scotia - Manulife Financial Corp. - TELUS Corporation - BCE Inc. - National Bank of Canada - Thomson Reuters Corp. - Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce - Royal Bank of Canada - The Toronto-Dominion Bank - Sun Life Financial Inc. - TransAlta Corporation [2]. Group 3: Investment Objectives - The investment objectives for the Preferred Shares include: i. Providing holders with fixed, cumulative preferential monthly cash dividends of 7.00% annually based on the original $10 issue price ii. Paying holders the original $10 issue price of those shares on or about the termination date, currently set for December 1, 2029, with potential for further extensions [4].