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].

Core Insights - The article presents a 2026 outlook on deal-making in the Asia Pacific region, highlighting M&A momentum, opportunities in technology, energy transition, and regional growth [1] M&A Momentum - There is an anticipated increase in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity across the Asia Pacific, driven by favorable market conditions and strategic realignments [1] Opportunities in Technology - The technology sector is expected to present significant investment opportunities, particularly in areas such as digital transformation and innovation [1] Energy Transition - The energy transition is identified as a key area for investment, with a focus on sustainable practices and renewable energy sources [1] Regional Growth - Overall regional growth in Asia Pacific is projected to support deal-making activities, with various sectors poised for expansion [1]

Core Insights - Stonepeak is pursuing a stake of up to 15% in AM Green, valued at approximately $1.4 billion, marking a significant move in India's green energy sector [1][2] - The deal is expected to conclude within a month and will help AM Green repay $650 million in private credit while funding various projects [2] - Mitsui & Co. is also exploring a stake in AM Green, indicating strong interest from multiple investors in the company [3] Investment Details - AM Green plans to utilize part of the investment to repay a $650 million loan taken to acquire a 17.5% stake in Greenko Energy Holdings, which was valued at $7.5 billion [2] - The remaining funds will support AM Green's $20 billion capital expenditure strategy, focusing on bio-fuel, aluminium, and ammonia projects [2][6] - AM Green is constructing a 1 million tonnes per annum primary aluminium smelter and expanding its alumina refining and mining operations [6] Strategic Collaborations - AM Green has signed a memorandum of understanding with Mitsui for strategic collaboration on energy transition initiatives [3] - The company is also partnering with global logistics major DP World to enhance logistics and storage for green hydrogen and ammonia exports [11] Production Plans - AM Green aims to produce 5 million tonnes per annum of green ammonia, with the first project expected to be operational by 2026 [12] - The company has secured offtake agreements with major buyers, including Uniper, Yara, and Keppel, for its green ammonia production [12] Market Context - The investment landscape in India's green energy sector remains robust, with significant investments and projects underway despite challenges such as costly coal power agreements [14] - India's renewable energy sector has seen a dramatic increase in investment, totaling over $4.66 billion in the last quarter of the previous year, reflecting a 91.5% year-on-year growth [15]

Core Viewpoint - Atlas Critical Minerals Corporation has announced a public offering of 1,200,000 shares at a price of $8.00 per share, aiming to raise approximately $9.6 million for its critical minerals projects in Brazil [1][3]. Group 1: Offering Details - The company has granted underwriters a 45-day option to purchase up to 180,000 additional shares to cover over-allotments [2]. - The offering is expected to close on January 12, 2026, subject to customary closing conditions [2]. - The company received approval to list its common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker symbol "ATCX," with trading expected to commence on January 9, 2026 [2]. Group 2: Use of Proceeds - The net proceeds from the offering will be used to advance exploration and development activities across the company's critical minerals project portfolio in Brazil [3]. - Any surplus funds will be allocated for general working capital, cash reserves, or other corporate purposes at management's discretion [3]. Group 3: Company Overview - Atlas Critical Minerals Corporation controls over 218,000 hectares of critical mineral rights in Brazil, including projects in rare earths, titanium, graphite, and uranium [6]. - The company's first iron ore project began operations in November 2025, highlighting its expansion into various mineral sectors [6].

TORONTO, Jan. 08, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Consolidated Lithium Metals Inc. (TSXV: CLM | FRA: Z36 | OTCQB: JORFF) (“CLM” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that its common shares have commenced trading on the OTCQB® Venture Market, a U.S. trading platform operated by OTC Markets Group Inc. Effective January 8, 2026, CLM began trading under the symbol “JORFF.” Investors can access real-time quotes and market information at https://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/JORFF/overview. Richard Quesnel, President and ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved record sales of $426 million in the third quarter, a 5.5% increase from $403.7 million in the prior year period [7][13] - Adjusted EBITDA reached a record high of $358 million over the trailing 12 months, with third quarter adjusted EBITDA reported at $91.2 million, or 21.4% of sales [7][18] - Net income for the third quarter was $41.1 million, compared to $33.6 million for the same quarter of the prior year, while adjusted net income was $46 million, reflecting a 9.4% increase year-over-year [17][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Metal Coatings segment sales increased by 15.7% year-over-year, driven by higher volumes and strong demand from infrastructure projects, with segment EBITDA margins at 30.3% [9][13] - Precoat Metals experienced a sequential improvement but saw a 1.8% decline in sales year-over-year due to softness in construction, HVAC, and transportation markets [9][13] - Demand for food and beverage containers reached new record highs, driven by new customer acquisitions and market share gains, particularly in the shift from plastics to aluminum [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The increase in end market demand was attributed to growth in infrastructure modernization, energy transition, and industrial reshoring, along with data center construction and renewable energy projects [10] - Non-residential construction remained subdued, primarily due to interest rate and tariff-related uncertainties, while residential construction also showed weakness [22][66] - The metal roofing market is gradually taking share from asphalt roofing, with metal roofing now representing about 5% of new construction and 14% of the replacement market [59] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on strategic growth opportunities, including evaluating several tuck-in acquisitions to expand market reach in metal coatings and Precoat Metals [25][26] - The proprietary ERP platform is emphasized as a core differentiator, enhancing operational efficiencies and customer connectivity [10] - The company plans to release fiscal 2027 guidance soon, indicating a positive outlook for the upcoming year [25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the Metal Coatings segment finishing strong for the fiscal year, with good opportunities in data centers and solar projects [30][35] - The company believes the markets have stabilized and is seeing opportunities to gain market share despite challenges in the Precoat segment [33][34] - Weather-related impacts from the previous year are expected to be less severe, providing a favorable comparison for the fourth quarter [23] Other Important Information - The company maintained a cash dividend of $0.20 per share, marking 63 consecutive quarters of returning capital to shareholders [8] - The net debt position at the end of the quarter was $534.7 million, with a net leverage ratio of 1.6x, within the target range [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of government shutdown on order backlogs - Management indicated that the Metal Coatings segment does not typically have much backlog but has a positive outlook based on customer feedback, while Precoat is facing challenges but is benefiting from data center projects [29][30] Question: Outlook for Precoat segment and market conditions - Management believes the market has bottomed and is stabilizing, with opportunities arising from the ramp-up of the Washington plant and the shift from plastics to aluminum [33][34] Question: M&A opportunities and focus areas - The M&A pipeline is active, focusing on bolt-on acquisitions that align with the company's growth strategy, with expectations for future wins [38][40] Question: Sensitivity to aluminum prices - Management does not anticipate significant sensitivity to aluminum prices, as the shift to aluminum in the container market is driven by consumer preferences [41][42] Question: Weather impact on fourth quarter performance - Management noted that last year's severe weather resulted in lost production days, and current weather conditions are expected to be more favorable [47] Question: Pricing impact in the Metal Coatings segment - Management discussed the competitive nature of larger projects affecting margins but emphasized disciplined pricing strategies [53][54] Question: Regional prevalence of metal roofing - Management confirmed that metal roofing is more prevalent in southern regions, particularly Florida, Texas, and California [63] Question: Lag time for demand recovery in non-residential construction - Management indicated a typical six- to nine-month lag for demand recovery following easing credit conditions [66][67]

Core Insights - Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM) has indicated that the decline in liquids prices may negatively impact upstream earnings by approximately $800 million to $1.2 billion compared to the third quarter [1][8] - Changes in gas prices could lead to a sequential impact ranging from a negative $300 million to a positive $100 million [1][8] - The company anticipates a positive impact of nearly $300 million to $700 million from changes in industry margins for Energy Products, while Specialty Products may contribute up to $200 million in incremental earnings compared to the third quarter [2] - For Chemical Products, a negative impact of $200 million to $400 million is expected due to changes in industry margins compared to Q3 2025 [2] Financial Performance Expectations - The West Texas Intermediate crude price has significantly decreased in 2025 compared to 2024, with current prices trading below $60 per barrel, which is expected to adversely affect the upstream segment and overall fourth-quarter results [3] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate projects XOM to report earnings of $1.63 per share and revenues of $85.13 billion for the fourth quarter [3] Company Ranking and Comparisons - XOM currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [4] - Top-ranked stocks in the energy sector include Subsea7 S.A. (Rank 1), Oceaneering International (Rank 2), and FuelCell Energy (Rank 2) [4]

Core Insights - Digi Power X (DGXX) has entered into a non-binding letter of intent with Omnis Pleasants to explore a strategic partnership focused on large-scale artificial intelligence and high-performance computing infrastructure [1] Group 1: Strategic Partnership - The partnership aims to conduct a comprehensive load and interconnection study of up to 1.3 gigawatts, assessing long-term power availability and grid connectivity for energy-intensive computing applications [1] - The agreement includes a potential long-term lease of up to 200 acres of land for deploying AI and advanced computing infrastructure using Digi Power X's proprietary ARMS modular Tier III data center platform [1] Group 2: Equity and Ownership - The LOI outlines a framework for potential equity alignment, including a mutual equity exchange based on fair market valuation [1] - Digi Power X may acquire an equity ownership stake exceeding 10% in the power plant entity, contingent on definitive documentation, agreed valuation, financing structure, and regulatory approvals [1] Group 3: Additional Initiatives - Digi Power X and Pleasants will collaborate on a hydrogen-transition feasibility study for Digi Power X's New York power assets, aligning with broader decarbonization and energy-transition initiatives [1] - The load study is expected to commence within 30 days, with the target for executing definitive agreements within approximately 90 days, subject to customary conditions and approvals [1]

Core Insights - A significant copper supply deficit is projected to reach 10 million metric tons by 2040 due to a 50% increase in demand driven by electrification, AI, and defense spending [1][2][3] Demand Projections - Global copper demand is expected to rise to 42 million metric tons by 2040, a 50% increase from current levels [1] - Core economic demand will account for 23 million metric tons (53% of global demand) by 2040, while energy transition and additional demand will increase to 15.7 million metric tons [6] - Demand from AI and data centers, along with rising defense spending, is anticipated to add 4 million metric tons to the total demand by 2040 [7] Supply Challenges - Global copper production is projected to peak at 33 million metric tons in 2030, leading to a substantial shortfall by 2040 [2] - The study indicates that overcoming the supply gap will require an additional 10 million metric tons of primary supply by 2040, alongside increased recycling efforts [8] - The copper sector faces challenges such as declining ore grades, rising costs, and complex extraction conditions, with an average of 17 years needed for a new copper mine to go from discovery to production [9][10] Strategic Importance - Copper has been classified as a 'critical metal' by several countries, including the United States, due to its essential role in various sectors [4] - The future availability of copper is deemed a matter of strategic importance, linking machinery, digital intelligence, and security systems [4] Conclusion - The study emphasizes the need for multilateral cooperation and regional diversification to ensure a resilient global copper supply system, crucial for electrification and digitalization in the age of AI [11]

Summary of Bernstein Energy & Power: 2026 Outlook Industry Overview - The report focuses on the European Utilities sector, highlighting its performance and outlook for 2026 - Utilities are trading at a ~9% P/E discount to the broader market, with a projected ~7% EPS CAGR over three years compared to ~11% for the market [3][4] Key Highlights - **Performance in 2025**: Utilities were the second-best performing sector, outperforming the broader market by ~13 percentage points, driven by demand for earnings visibility amid macroeconomic uncertainties and growth prospects in grids and renewables [12] - **Investment Opportunities**: Electric networks (e.g., SSE, National Grid) are seen as offering the best risk-adjusted exposure, while renewables (e.g., EDP, Engie) also present significant opportunities [3] - **Top Picks for 2026**: - **SSE**: Target price of £2,600, with a 19.3% upside, focusing on regulated networks [6][9] - **National Grid**: Target price of £1,300, with a 13.9% upside, benefiting from US operations and RIIO-T3 price control [9] - **EDP**: Target price of €4.60, with a 17.5% upside, strong growth in renewables [9] - **Engie**: Target price of €25.10, with a 12% upside, expected earnings rebound from renewables [9] - **Severn Trent**: Target price of £3,200, with a 14.7% upside, entering a growth cycle in UK water utilities [9] - **RWE**: Target price of €50.00, with a 10.5% upside, improving capital allocation and investment discipline [9] - **Redeia**: Target price of €18.15, with a 19.6% upside, solid earnings growth expected [10] - **EDPR**: Target price of €13.50, with a 12.1% upside, high earnings growth anticipated [10] - **Terna**: Target price of €10.00, with a 10.4% upside, good earnings visibility [10] Least Preferred Stocks - Companies with significant merchant power exposure are viewed unfavorably, including Verbund, Fortum, Solaria, Centrica, and Naturgy [8][11] Market Dynamics - **Commodity Prices**: The report highlights the uncertainty surrounding commodity prices, particularly gas, which could impact power prices in 2026 [17][22] - **Gas Outlook**: European TTF gas prices are projected to decline from €29/MWh in 2026 to €27/MWh in 2029, with potential downward pressure from increased LNG supply [18][25] - **Power Price Sensitivity**: The report outlines the sensitivity of various companies to changes in power prices, indicating that top picks have limited exposure to falling prices [44][47] Regulatory and Policy Environment - The EU ETS carbon price is currently above €87 per tonne, with expectations of tightening supply in 2026 due to reduced emission caps and auction supply [39][43] - The report notes the potential for nuclear life extensions in Spain and Belgium, which could provide additional upside for certain companies [56][59] Conclusion - The European Utilities sector is positioned for defensive growth in 2026, with attractive risk-reward profiles and strong catalysts driven by the energy transition and rising demand from AI and data centers [15] - The sector remains undervalued relative to current electricity prices, with earnings expected to be supported by a stable inflation regime [15]