Core Viewpoint - Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. (NYSE:BIP) is recognized as a strong investment opportunity, supported by favorable industry trends and growth expectations in funds from operations per share [2][4]. Group 1: Price Target and Ratings - Scotiabank has raised its price target for Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. to $44 from $41, maintaining an Outperform rating [2]. - The price target update is part of a broader review of energy infrastructure stocks under Scotiabank's coverage [2]. Group 2: Industry Trends and Growth Drivers - Strong power demand and increasing LNG exports are identified as key industry trends that create investment opportunities for Brookfield [3]. - Scotiabank anticipates an upward bias in long-term estimates for the energy infrastructure sector due to these supportive trends [3]. Group 3: Company Growth Expectations - Brookfield expects to grow funds from operations per share by over 10% annually in the long run, with potential growth closer to 14% in the medium term [4]. - Contributing factors to this growth include inflation-linked rate increases, rising volumes from global economic growth, ongoing capital projects, and acquisitions [4]. Group 4: Dividend Outlook - The current dividend yield for Brookfield is approximately 4.9%, with management projecting annual payout increases of about 5% to 9% [5]. - The anticipated earnings growth is a key factor supporting the sustainability of the dividend [5]. Group 5: Company Overview - Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. operates globally with long-life assets across utilities, transport, midstream, and data infrastructure in the U.S., Asia Pacific, and Europe [5].

Core Insights - Lithium Americas Corp. (NYSE:LAC) is recognized as one of the top lithium and battery stocks to invest in currently [1] - Scotiabank has reaffirmed its Sector Perform rating for LAC and increased the price target from $5 to $7, indicating a positive outlook despite a shortfall in EV demand projections [2] - The company has received significant support from the U.S. Administration and General Motors for large-scale lithium manufacturing, with the first DOE loan drawdown completed [3] Company Developments - LAC has capitalized $145.9 million in construction costs during the last quarter, bringing total capitalized costs to $720.0 million [3] - The engineering design of the project is over 80% complete, with the mechanical completion of the Phase 1 processing plant expected by late 2027 [3] - Key milestones include the installation of steel columns, completion of plant roads, and fabrication of pipe-rack sections, which are critical for project advancement [3] Market Position - While LAC shows potential as an investment, there are suggestions that certain AI stocks may offer greater upside potential with less downside risk [4]

Core Viewpoint - NOVAGOLD Resources Inc. has announced an increase in the size of its bought deal private placement to 30 million common shares at a price of US$10.00 per share, aiming for gross proceeds of approximately US$300 million, with a cornerstone order of US$140 million from a European institution [1][2]. Group 1: Offering Details - The offering will consist of 30 million common shares priced at US$10.00 each, resulting in gross proceeds of about US$300 million [1]. - An over-allotment option has been granted to underwriters, allowing them to purchase an additional 15% of the shares for up to approximately US$45 million, potentially raising total gross proceeds to about US$345 million [1]. - The expected closing date for the offering is on or about February 5, 2026, pending necessary regulatory approvals [3]. Group 2: Use of Proceeds - The net proceeds from the offering will be allocated for expenditures related to Donlin Gold activities, settlement of a promissory note with Barrick Mining Corporation, and general corporate purposes [2]. Group 3: Company Overview - NOVAGOLD is focused on the development of the Donlin Gold project in Alaska, which is recognized as one of the largest and highest-grade open-pit gold deposits globally, with approximately 40 million ounces of gold in the Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource categories [6]. - The Donlin Gold project is projected to produce over one million ounces of gold annually over a 27-year mine life once in production [6].

Core Viewpoint - NOVAGOLD Resources Inc. has announced a private placement offering of 20 million common shares at a price of US$10.00 per share, aiming for gross proceeds of approximately US$200 million, with a cornerstone order of US$140 million from a European institution [1][2]. Group 1: Offering Details - The offering is structured as a bought deal with underwriters BMO Capital Markets, RBC Capital Markets, and Scotiabank [1]. - An over-allotment option allows underwriters to purchase an additional 15% of the shares, potentially increasing total gross proceeds to approximately US$230 million [1]. - The expected closing date for the offering is around February 5, 2026, pending necessary regulatory approvals [3]. Group 2: Use of Proceeds - The net proceeds from the offering will be allocated to expenditures related to the Donlin Gold project, settlement of a promissory note with Barrick Mining Corporation, and general corporate purposes [2]. Group 3: Company Overview - NOVAGOLD is focused on the development of the Donlin Gold project in Alaska, which is recognized as one of the largest and highest-grade open-pit gold deposits globally, with approximately 40 million ounces of gold in Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource categories [6]. - The Donlin Gold project is projected to produce over one million ounces of gold annually over a 27-year mine life once in production [6].

Core Viewpoint - Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (NYSE:EPD) is recognized as a strong investment opportunity due to its robust cash distribution and growth potential driven by strong electricity demand and LNG exports [2][3]. Group 1: Price Target and Market Outlook - Scotiabank raised its price target for EPD to $35 from $34, maintaining a Sector Perform rating, reflecting a positive long-term outlook due to strong power demand and LNG tailwinds [2]. - The upward revision of the price target is part of a broader update across Scotiabank's Energy Infrastructure coverage, indicating a favorable market sentiment towards the sector [2]. Group 2: Cash Distribution and Buybacks - Enterprise announced a quarterly cash distribution of $0.55 per unit for Q4 2025, which annualizes to $2.20 per unit, representing a 2.8% increase from the previous year's distribution [3]. - The distribution is scheduled for payment on February 13, 2026, to unitholders on record as of January 30, 2026 [3]. - In Q4 2025, Enterprise repurchased approximately $50 million worth of common units, bringing total repurchases for 2025 to around $300 million, utilizing about 29% of its authorized $5.0 billion repurchase program [4]. Group 3: Company Overview - Enterprise Products Partners L.P. is a significant midstream energy company that provides services across natural gas, NGLs, crude oil, refined products, and petrochemicals, supporting both producers and end markets [5].

Core Viewpoint - Pomerantz Law Firm is investigating claims on behalf of investors of AST SpaceMobile, Inc. regarding potential securities fraud or unlawful business practices by the company and its officers or directors [2]. Group 1: Investigation Details - The investigation focuses on whether AST SpaceMobile and certain officers or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices [2]. - Investors are encouraged to contact Pomerantz LLP for more information regarding the investigation [1]. Group 2: Stock Performance and Analyst Actions - On January 7, 2026, Scotiabank downgraded AST SpaceMobile to a "Sell" rating, citing significant competition from SpaceX's Starlink, slow customer adoption, and delays in launching AST's satellites [4]. - Following the downgrade, AST's stock price fell by $11.76 per share, or 12.06%, closing at $85.73 per share on the same day [4].

Group 1 - Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:OXY) is recognized as one of the 12 Best American Energy Stocks to Buy Now, with a recent price target adjustment from Scotiabank from $47 to $46 while maintaining a Sector Perform rating [1] - Scotiabank anticipates straightforward quarterly earnings for Occidental due to the absence of major winter weather disruptions, and investors are expected to focus on potential changes in 2026 guidance amid recent market volatility [2] - Occidental completed the sale of its chemical business, OxyChem, to Berkshire Hathaway for $9.7 billion, which is expected to enhance its balance sheet and allow for a stronger focus on its oil and gas portfolio [3] Group 2 - Occidental Petroleum is a major American multinational energy company with significant assets in the United States, the Middle East, and North Africa, and is one of the largest oil and gas producers in the US [4]

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) is included among the 13 Best Dividend Stocks Paying Over 6%. Scotiabank Trims Verizon (VZ) Price Target as Wireless Promotions Intensify Ken Wolter / Shutterstock.com On January 7, Scotiabank cut its price target on Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) to $48 from $51 and kept a Sector Perform rating. The firm said the change was part of a broader refresh of its telecom services targets ahead of Q4 earnings. Scotiabank noted that wireless promotions were especial ...

Core Viewpoint - The recent surge in lithium prices is expected to benefit major producers like Albemarle, while smaller producers like Sigma Lithium are also experiencing significant stock price increases due to optimistic market forecasts [1][2]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - Lithium prices have more than doubled in the last three months, indicating a strong market rally [4]. - Scotiabank analyst Ben Isaacson predicts that lithium carbonate equivalent prices could reach $20,000 per metric ton by 2028, with spodumene concentrate prices at $2,150 per metric ton, driven by supply constraints [4]. - The current supply tightness suggests that even if electric vehicle sales slightly miss expectations, lithium prices will continue to rise significantly [6]. Group 2: Company Performance - Sigma Lithium's stock rose by 15.10% in a single trading session, reflecting investor optimism following positive forecasts for larger competitor Albemarle [1][2]. - Despite the stock price increase, Sigma Lithium has not yet turned a profit, raising questions about its long-term viability compared to established players like Albemarle [7]. - Albemarle's stock price target has been raised by multiple investment banks, indicating strong confidence in its market position and future growth potential [2][3].

Core Viewpoint - AT&T Inc. is considered one of the most undervalued blue-chip stocks currently available for investment [1] Group 1: Analyst Ratings and Price Target - Scotiabank analyst Maher Yaghi has reduced the price target for AT&T from $30.25 to $29.50 while maintaining a 'Sector Perform' rating ahead of Q4 results [2] - The analyst anticipates positive revenue and EBITDA growth in the sector despite increased promotional activities in the wireless market during the holiday season, indicating a stable short-term outlook for AT&T's core operations [2] Group 2: Strategic Initiatives - AT&T has announced a partnership with American Airlines to provide free in-flight Wi-Fi to loyalty program members, which will be available on nearly all flights by early spring [3] - This initiative positions AT&T strategically in the growing in-flight connectivity market, potentially creating additional revenue streams [3] Group 3: Acquisitions and Network Enhancements - The FCC has approved AT&T's acquisition of UScellular spectrum licenses for $1.02 billion, which will enhance the company's network coverage, capacity, and performance [4] - This acquisition strengthens AT&T's long-term competitive positioning and supports growth in both wireless and broadband segments [4] Group 4: Company Overview - AT&T Inc. provides a range of telecom and technology services across the U.S. and Latin America, including wireless, wireline, and broadband offerings for both consumers and businesses [5]