Core Insights - Aer Soléir has achieved financial close for the Rondissone project, a 250MW battery energy storage system (BESS) in Piedmont, Italy, with an investment of approximately €180 million, making it the largest BESS project currently under construction in Italy [1][2] Group 1: Project Financing - A consortium including Bayern LB, Nord/LB, Siemens Financial Services, CIBC, and ABN AMRO is providing funding, covering up to 80% of capital expenditure with a 15-year amortization schedule [2] - This transaction is noted as the first of its kind for a BESS asset in Italy [2] Group 2: Strategic Partnerships and Agreements - Aer Soléir secured a 15-year capacity market contract with the Italian Government at €47,000/MW per year, and a seven-year fixed toll agreement with EGO Energy, a subsidiary of Shell Italia, for the BESS project [4] - EGO Energy will operate the Rondissone project as part of its renewable energy portfolio, providing Aer Soléir with fixed annual payments [4] Group 3: Future Plans and Investments - Aer Soléir plans to invest €1.5 billion in Italy over the next five years across 17 wind, solar, and battery storage projects, enhancing its position as a leading renewable energy independent power producer (IPP) [3] - The company operates as an affiliate of 547 Energy, backed by Quantum Capital Group, which manages over $32 billion in equity commitments globally [5]

Core Viewpoint - Condor Energies Inc. has reported significant operational updates regarding its activities in Uzbekistan, highlighting increased production rates and ongoing drilling efforts aimed at enhancing gas and condensate output [1][6]. Production and Performance - Average daily production rose by 5.6% to 10,534 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd) in Q4 2025 from 9,978 boepd in Q3 2025, and increased by 7.6% to 11,462 boepd in December 2025 compared to 10,654 boepd in November 2025, primarily due to successful well workover programs [2]. - Total daily production for 2025 averaged 10,484 boepd, slightly down from 10,511 boepd in 2024 [2]. Drilling Activities - The first horizontal well, known as the "First Well," features a 1007-meter lateral section, the longest ever drilled in Uzbekistan. Completion operations faced challenges accessing the entire lateral section due to equipment limitations [3]. - The First Well has been tied-in and is currently producing at a flow rate of 3.6 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscf/d) and 5.1 barrels per day of 46-degree API condensate [3]. - A second horizontal well, the "Second Well," has commenced drilling, targeting the shallower carbonate interval successfully tested in the First Well, with completion activities expected to begin in early February 2026 [4]. - A third drilling rig has started operations in an under-developed gas field, currently drilling to a planned total depth of 2400 meters, with preliminary test rates expected by mid-February 2026 [5]. Strategic Initiatives - The company is executing a two-rig multi-well drilling campaign and plans to complete up to 12 new wells in 2026, which could significantly boost production rates and cash flows [6]. - Condor is focused on increasing natural gas and condensate production from its existing fields in Uzbekistan and is also involved in constructing Central Asia's first LNG facility in Kazakhstan [7]. Financial and Operational Structure - The company recognizes 100% of production volumes and revenues related to its production enhancement contract project in Uzbekistan, allocating 49% of comprehensive income to non-controlling interest holders [8].

Core Insights - Cohen & Company Capital Markets has opened a new office in Houston, aiming to enhance its advisory services in the energy and energy transition sectors following a significant increase in deal flow, closing $44 billion in transactions in 2025 [1][4] Company Expansion - The firm appointed Rahul Jasuja as Head of Energy and Energy Transition, who brings 20 years of investment banking experience, particularly in M&A advisory and capital markets transactions [2] - The Houston office will serve as a hub for energy and energy transition advisory services, focusing on disciplined capital allocation across traditional energy and sustainable solutions [3] Strategic Focus Areas - The Houston office will concentrate on four core verticals: 1. Advising on nuclear, geothermal, and other dispatchable energy platforms to support long-term demand growth 2. Advising companies in critical minerals and technology sectors essential for energy security 3. Supporting sustainable fuels and decarbonization technologies 4. Assisting traditional energy operators with M&A and portfolio evolution strategies [7] Market Positioning - Cohen & Company Capital Markets is recognized as a leading SPAC bank, having led various SPAC IPOs in 2025, and is committed to investing in infrastructure that supports AI, defense, and energy transition [4][5] - The firm emphasizes a high-touch alternative to bulge-bracket banks, focusing on the transition from incubation to industrial scale-up in frontier technology [5] Asset Management Overview - As of September 30, 2025, Cohen & Company managed approximately $1.4 billion in assets, primarily in fixed income across various asset classes, including European bank securities and commercial real estate loans [8] Company Profile - Cohen & Company Capital Markets operates as a full-service boutique investment bank, providing strategic counsel and execution capabilities across M&A advisory, capital markets, and SPAC transactions, with a focus on middle-market and growth companies [9]

Core Viewpoint - Honeywell International Inc. is positioned to benefit from megatrends in automation, aviation, and energy transition, with a market cap of $131.7 billion [1] Financial Performance - Analysts expect Honeywell to report a profit of $2.57 per share for Q4 2025, reflecting a 4.1% increase from $2.47 per share in the same quarter last year [2] - For the full year, EPS is projected to be $9.75, a decrease of 1.4% from $9.89 in fiscal 2024, but expected to rise to $10.60 in fiscal 2026, marking an 8.7% year-over-year increase [3] Stock Performance - Honeywell's stock has underperformed the S&P 500 Index, which gained 17.7% over the past 52 weeks, with Honeywell shares down slightly during this period [4] - The underperformance is attributed to margin declines due to cost inflation, tariffs, and challenges in the Aerospace and Industrial Automation segments [5] Analyst Ratings - The consensus opinion on Honeywell stock is moderately bullish, with a "Moderate Buy" rating from analysts; 10 recommend "Strong Buy," 1 "Moderate Buy," 12 "Hold," and 1 "Moderate Sell" [6] - The average analyst price target for Honeywell is $235.04, indicating a potential upside of 13.3% from current levels [6]

Core Insights - The company achieved solid operational performance in 2025, driven by growth in Data, Digital & Energy Transition, while completing the restructuring of Sensing & Monitoring [2] - The company generated over $130 million in cash, which was allocated to debt repayment, enhancing its financial position as it enters 2026 [2] - The focus remains on delivering outstanding products and services with operational excellence to support sustainable cash generation and ongoing debt reduction [2] Financial Performance - Segment revenue is expected to exceed $1,150 million, with Geoscience revenue exceeding $440 million (a 10% year-on-year increase) and Earth Data revenue exceeding $400 million [6] - Solid cash flow generation above $130 million resulted in a Net Cash Flow for 2025 exceeding $100 million after repaying a $28 million asset-backed facility related to the Group's HPC infrastructure [6] - Bond repayments totaled $97 million, fully utilizing the 10% annual optional redemption clause included in the bond documentation [6] - Net debt (pre-IFRS 16) is expected to be around $750 million at year-end [6] Company Overview - Viridien is an advanced technology, digital, and Earth data company focused on resolving complex challenges in natural resources, digital, energy transition, and infrastructure [4] - The company employs approximately 3,200 people worldwide and is listed as VIRI on the Euronext Paris SA [4]

Performance Summary - The TCW Transform Systems ETF (PWRD) ranked in the top percentile of all funds in the large blend category in 2025, following strong performance in 2024 [1] Investment Philosophy - The financial market is viewed as efficient, with most stocks reflecting their real current value, suggesting that the best profit opportunities arise from less-followed stocks or those that do not accurately reflect market opportunities [1]

Core Viewpoint - The copper market has experienced significant growth recently, driven by expectations of increased infrastructure spending and demand related to energy transition [1] Industry Summary - Producers and miners in the copper sector have reported double-digit gains, indicating a strong market response to anticipated investments [1]

Core Insights - Eni S.p.A is expected to make a final decision on the development of the Cronos natural gas field off the coast of Cyprus, which is part of six discovered deposits in the region [1][9] - The gas from Cronos could potentially be exported to European markets by late 2027 or early 2028, contingent on the timely completion of necessary documentation [2][9] - Cronos is estimated to contain approximately 3.4 trillion cubic feet of gas, contributing to Europe's efforts to find alternatives to Russian energy supplies [3][9] Industry Context - The Cronos gas deposit is significant for Europe as it seeks to diversify its energy sources amid geopolitical tensions [3][4] - The gas from Cronos is planned to be transported via pipelines to Damietta, Egypt, for processing and liquefaction before being shipped to Europe, enhancing the region's energy security [4] - The development of Cronos marks the first field being developed from Cyprus' exclusive economic zone, expected to positively impact the country's economy [4]

Core Insights - The primary issue facing utilities is not hardware but a talent shortage, as they struggle to compete with hyperscale data centers for skilled workers [1][3] - The demand for hands-on technical skills is increasing, necessitating a shift in perception to elevate site-based work to the same prestige as traditional desk jobs [2] Group 1: Workforce Challenges - Utilities are experiencing workforce shortages that hinder routine maintenance and outage restoration, increasing the risk of cascading failures [4] - The engineering workforce is critical for the energy transition, with a growing need for skilled engineers and technicians to support new generation facilities and infrastructure [4] Group 2: Competition with Data Centers - Hyperscale data centers, operated by companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, are attracting talent with higher salaries and the opportunity to work on advanced technology [3] - As electricity demand rises across various sectors, if utilities cannot secure enough skilled workers, data centers may begin to develop their own generation capacity, further draining expertise from the grid ecosystem [3] Group 3: Future of the Energy Sector - The integration of AI and automation in engineering roles is reshaping the industry, emphasizing the need for technical expertise and digital fluency [4] - The reliability of the power grid is heavily dependent on human expertise, and a lack of skilled workers can lead to prolonged outages and stalled infrastructure projects [4]

Industry Overview - The Zacks Manufacturing - Construction and Mining industry is currently facing challenges due to a prolonged contraction in the manufacturing sector and subdued customer spending attributed to tariffs [1][4]. - The industry includes companies that manufacture and sell construction, mining, and utility equipment, supporting various sectors such as oil and gas, power generation, and infrastructure projects [3]. Current Trends - Despite ongoing weaknesses, increased infrastructure investment in the U.S. and demand from the mining sector, driven by the energy transition trend, are expected to support the industry [2][5]. - The manufacturing index has been in contraction for 10 months, with a reading of 47.9% in December, indicating a significant decline in manufacturing activity [4]. - The energy transition trend is anticipated to boost demand for mining equipment as the shift from fossil fuels to zero emissions requires more commodities [5]. Financial Performance - The Manufacturing - Construction and Mining industry has outperformed the broader market, growing 63.3% over the past year compared to the sector's 8.3% return and the S&P 500's 19.2% increase [10]. - The industry is currently trading at a trailing 12-month EV/EBITDA ratio of 17.37X, which is lower than the S&P 500's 18.87X and the Industrial Products sector's 25.7X [13]. Company Highlights - **Caterpillar Inc. (CAT)**: The company reported year-over-year revenue growth in Q3 2025, with a record-high backlog of $39.9 billion. It is expected to benefit from increased infrastructure spending and the global energy transition [17][18]. CAT shares have gained 23.8% in the past three months [17]. - **Terex Corporation (TEX)**: Recently sold its Terex Tower and Rough Terrain Cranes businesses to reduce cyclicality and drive core growth. The company is merging with REV Group, expected to create a leading specialty equipment manufacturer with $7.8 billion in combined net sales [21][23]. TEX shares have gained 16% in the past three months [23]. - **Astec Industries (ASTE)**: Completed the acquisition of CWMF, enhancing its gross margin and earnings per share. The company is focusing on cost reductions and pricing actions to offset tariff impacts [25][26]. ASTE shares have gained 7.6% in the past three months [25].