Core Insights - The AI-driven bull run of 2023 and 2024 has continued into 2025, with significant interest in old economy stocks from sectors such as industrials, finance, auto, materials, and construction [1][2] Company Summaries Wells Fargo & Co. (WFC) - Wells Fargo has consistently surpassed earnings estimates in the last four quarters, benefiting from the Federal Reserve's removal of a $1.95 trillion asset cap, which allows for growth in deposits, loans, and fee-based services [6][7] - The bank's expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 5.4% and 11.7%, respectively, with a 0.7% improvement in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings over the last 30 days [8] MasTec Inc. (MTZ) - MasTec is positioned to benefit from a surge in infrastructure spending related to AI data centers and electrification trends, with an expected revenue growth rate of 8.4% and earnings growth rate of 28.3% for the current year [11][13] - The company operates in four segments: Communications, Power Delivery, Pipeline Infrastructure, and Clean Energy and Infrastructure, all of which are experiencing growth due to increased infrastructure spending [12][13] Curtiss-Wright Corp. (CW) - Curtiss-Wright is benefiting from the global shift towards alternative energy, particularly in nuclear power, and has an expected revenue growth rate of 6.9% and earnings growth rate of 11.6% for the current year [14][16] - The company plays a significant role in the construction of new nuclear power plants, which is expected to drive long-term growth in commercial nuclear energy [15] Leidos Holdings Inc. (LDOS) - Leidos Holdings has a solid backlog of $47.66 billion, driven by increased orders from the Pentagon and other U.S. allies, which enhances its revenue-generation prospects [17] - The expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 3.4% and 4.8%, respectively, with a slight improvement in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings over the last 30 days [19] Parker-Hannifin Corp. (PH) - Parker-Hannifin is experiencing steady demand in both commercial and military markets, with its Aerospace Systems segment revenues increasing approximately 13.3% year over year in the first quarter of fiscal 2026 [20][21] - The expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 6.1% and 10.6%, respectively, with a minor improvement in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings over the last 30 days [23]

Core Insights - LibertyStream Infrastructure Partners Inc. has achieved consistent production of lithium carbonate from its automated continuous-flow refining unit in the Permian Basin, Texas, with validation from independent third-party laboratories [1][6][8] Production and Technology - The company has successfully advanced its proprietary Generation 5 direct lithium extraction (DLE) unit, capable of processing up to 10,000 barrels of oilfield brine per day into lithium chloride eluate [5][10] - Over the past 17 months, LibertyStream has processed more than 350,000 barrels of brine and completed over 2,500 real-time validation tests, demonstrating the reliability of its technology [5][6] Milestones and Objectives - The company has completed two of its three near-term objectives: independent validation of lithium carbonate and consistent production meeting target specifications [9][10] - The third objective, customer qualification supported by certificates of analysis (COAs), is currently underway, with plans to begin delivering bulk samples to prospective buyers following customer validation [7][10] Market Strategy - LibertyStream aims to initiate offtake discussions with strategic partners upon successful customer qualification, targeting commercial volumes of lithium carbonate production to begin in 2027 [10][12] - In the interim, the company plans to sell all lithium carbonate produced into the spot market in 2026 from its Texas field site [10][12] Industry Context - Lithium is designated as a critical mineral in the United States, and establishing domestic supply chains is a strategic priority for North American industry [4]

Group 1: Bank of Nova Scotia - Bank of Nova Scotia, also known as Scotiabank, is one of the largest banks in Canada, operating under strict Canadian banking regulations that provide it with a protected market position [4] - The bank has a dividend yield of 4.2%, significantly higher than the average U.S. bank yield of 2.5%, attributed to its past investments in Central and South America which did not perform as expected [5] - Management is revamping its strategy by exiting less desirable markets and focusing on the Mexico, U.S., and Canada trading block, including a partnership and acquisition of approximately 15% of KeyCorp [6] Group 2: Brookfield Renewable Partners - Brookfield Renewable Partners is positioned as a leader in the clean energy sector, with a dividend yield of 5.3%, benefiting from the global transition from carbon-based energy to cleaner alternatives [8] - The company is expected to have significant long-term growth opportunities as the world continues to build out the necessary clean energy infrastructure [9] Group 3: Enbridge - Enbridge is identified as a North American midstream company with a dividend yield of 5.7%, contributing to a diversified investment portfolio [8]

Core Insights - MAX Power Mining Corp. has established itself as a leader in the Natural Hydrogen sector, achieving significant milestones in 2025 and positioning itself for further advancements in 2026 [2][5][12] Company Developments - The company successfully drilled Canada's first deep well specifically targeting Natural Hydrogen at Lawson, marking a transition from theoretical exploration to tangible subsurface evidence [7][8] - MAX Power has expanded its team by recruiting top talent across various sectors, enhancing its operational capabilities and strategic partnerships [2][5] - The company has secured significant investments, including a landmark partnership with Vietnam-based Bitexco, which represents the first major investment from Vietnam into Saskatchewan [11][12] Strategic Positioning - MAX Power holds approximately 1.3 million acres under permit in Saskatchewan, allowing for multiple exploration opportunities and scalable development [10] - The company is advancing a Large Earth Model Integration powered by AI for Natural Hydrogen, with plans to monetize this model in 2026 [7] - The ongoing developments at Lawson and the Genesis Trend are expected to lead to repeatable and scalable discoveries in the Natural Hydrogen sector [10][12] Future Outlook - The company anticipates that 2026 will be a pivotal year for Natural Hydrogen, moving from an academic concept to a viable energy solution [12] - MAX Power aims to leverage its geological and regulatory advantages in Saskatchewan to become a central player in the emerging clean energy sector [12][15] - The company is also advancing its U.S. subsidiary, Homeland Critical Minerals, with plans for a public listing in 2026, further diversifying its strategic focus [13]

Core Viewpoint - PowerBank Corporation has secured a revolving credit facility of up to $8 million from NY Green Bank to fund interconnection deposits for an initial portfolio of 50 MW of distributed solar power and battery energy storage projects in New York State [2][4]. Company Overview - PowerBank Corporation is a North American renewable energy developer and independent power producer, focusing on distributed solar and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects across Canada and the United States [5]. - The company has developed and constructed renewable energy projects exceeding 100 megawatts of combined capacity and maintains a robust development pipeline of over one gigawatt of potential future projects [6]. Loan Agreement Details - The loan agreement with NY Green Bank is for a revolving credit facility with an initial principal amount of up to $8 million, which may be increased to $12 million at NYGB's discretion [8]. - The funds will be used to pay interconnection deposits required by utilities for the connection of solar power and battery energy storage projects, which are refundable if the projects do not reach commercial operation [7][8]. Strategic Importance - The financing from NY Green Bank is seen as an excellent opportunity for PowerBank, reflecting its established track record in New York State and strong relationship with NYSERDA [4]. - The loan provides a key source of capital that allows PowerBank to execute its development pipeline and redeploy proceeds to additional projects as they reach commercial operation [4].

Core Insights - Centrus Energy (LEU) and NexGen Energy (NXE) are positioned to significantly contribute to the global nuclear energy supply chain [1] Company Overview - Centrus Energy, based in Bethesda, MD, has a market capitalization of $4.7 billion and supplies nuclear fuel components internationally [2] - NexGen Energy, located in Vancouver, Canada, is valued at $6.2 billion and is developing the Rook I Project, expected to be the largest low-cost uranium-producing mine globally [2] Market Conditions - Uranium prices have recently rebounded to around $80 per pound due to renewed buying from major funds and expanding nuclear ambitions [3] - The long-term outlook for uranium remains favorable, driven by rising electricity demand and the transition to clean energy [4] Centrus Energy Analysis - Centrus Energy's revenues for Q3 2025 reached $75 million, a 30% increase year-over-year, with the Low-Enriched Uranium segment contributing $44.8 million [7] - The company reported an operating loss of $16.6 million but achieved a net income of $3.9 million due to tax benefits and higher investment income [8] - Centrus has a $3.9 billion revenue backlog from long-term contracts with major utilities through 2040 [9] - The company is the only licensed U.S. producer of High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) and plans to expand its enrichment plant in Piketon, OH [10][11] NexGen Energy Analysis - NexGen Energy's Rook I Project covers approximately 35,065 hectares and aims to produce up to 30 million pounds of uranium annually at a low cost of C$13.86 [12][13] - The Arrow Deposit within the Rook I Project has measured resources of 3.75 million tons at a grade of 3.10%, containing 257 million pounds of uranium [14] - NexGen has secured contracts to supply 1 million pounds of uranium annually from 2029 to 2033, providing financial stability [15] - As a development-stage company, NexGen reported an adjusted loss of three cents per share in Q3 2025 [16] Earnings Estimates - Centrus Energy's earnings estimate for 2025 is $4.66 per share, reflecting a 4.2% year-over-year growth, while the 2026 estimate is $3.85 per share, indicating a decline of 17.2% [18] - NexGen Energy's earnings estimate for 2025 is a loss of 35 cents per share, wider than the previous year's loss, with a similar loss projected for 2026 [19] Price Performance & Valuation - Centrus Energy shares have increased by 273.8% over the past year, while NexGen Energy shares have risen by 36.4% [21] - Centrus Energy trades at a forward price-to-book multiple of 12.94X, compared to NexGen Energy's 9.24X [23] Investment Outlook - Centrus Energy is better positioned in the near to medium term due to its unique status as the only licensed HALEU producer in the U.S. and its substantial backlog [24] - NexGen Energy, while having strong margin potential, remains in the development phase and continues to incur losses [25]

Group 1: First Solar and Clean Energy - First Solar is highlighted as a top pick by Mizuo, but the stock experienced a reversal, dropping 6% after previously being up due to a deal between Alphabet and Intersect Power, a customer of First Solar [1] Group 2: Live Nation and Concert Industry - Live Nation is considered a top pick at Evercore, with the belief that interest in concerts has intensified rather than waned, indicating a strong secular trend in the industry [2][3] Group 3: Estee Lauder and Cosmetics Market - Estee Lauder is viewed positively for its potential turnaround under new leadership, with expectations of recovery in the prestige makeup market in the US and China, alongside a margin rebuild plan [4][6] - The target price for Estee Lauder has been raised to $100, reflecting cautious optimism about its future performance [4][5] Group 4: FedEx and Logistics Sector - FedEx is noted for being one of the most inexpensive stocks in its coverage, with a turnaround underway, as evidenced by solid performance numbers [9][10] - The company is expected to spin off its troubled freight division into a separate publicly traded entity, which could unlock significant shareholder value [10][11]

Core Insights - The Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) has reappointed three board members, effective January 1, 2026, to support its mission during a critical period for the U.S. clean energy transition [1][2][3] Group 1: Board Reappointments - Jeff Guldner, former CEO of Pinnacle West Capital Corporation, and Bryan Hannegan, president and CEO of Holy Cross Energy, will each serve a second consecutive three-year term after joining the Board in 2022 [1] - Paul Lau, CEO and general manager of the Sacramento Municipal Utility District, has been re-elected for an additional one-year term, extending his 11-year tenure on the Board [1] Group 2: Expertise and Contributions - The board members bring diverse expertise: Paul Lau has extensive public power leadership and grid operations experience, Jeff Guldner has guided large investor-owned utilities through growth and transformation, and Bryan Hannegan has a strong background in grid modernization and energy systems innovation [3] - Their collective insight is expected to enhance SEPA's ability to support its members and navigate the evolving energy landscape [3] Group 3: SEPA's Mission and Membership - SEPA aims to accelerate the transition to a clean, affordable, and resilient electricity system, engaging over 1,000 members, including utilities, policymakers, regulators, and technology companies [4] - The organization focuses on education, collaboration, and applied research to advance innovative solutions in the energy sector [4]

Industry Overview - Utility service providers are benefiting from increased electricity tariffs, accretive acquisitions, cost reductions, and energy-efficiency initiatives, alongside efforts to enhance electric infrastructure resilience and transition to renewable energy sources [1][3] - The maintenance and improvement of utilities' infrastructure relies heavily on capital expenditures for updating and modernizing assets to meet growing demand, particularly from data centers [2] Company Insights: Duke Energy (DUK) - Duke Energy is expanding its renewable energy footprint by promoting electric vehicle (EV) adoption and aims to electrify most of its vehicle fleet by 2030, having already reduced carbon emissions by 44% from 2005 levels [5][6] - The company plans to retire most of its coal capacity by 2030 and fully exit coal by 2035, with a long-term goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 [6] - Duke Energy anticipates capital expenditures of $190-$200 billion over the next decade, with $95-$105 billion expected during 2026-2030, and has invested $9.88 billion in the first nine months of 2025 [15] Company Insights: Exelon Corporation (EXC) - Exelon focuses on the transmission and distribution of clean energy, with a business model that provides stable earnings despite weather-related demand fluctuations, supported by decoupled distribution revenues [7][8] - The company serves over 10 million customers across seven regulatory jurisdictions and plans to invest nearly $38 billion during 2025-2028 to enhance grid reliability and customer needs [16] - Exelon's current return on equity (ROE) is 10.29%, slightly higher than Duke Energy's 9.98%, both outperforming the industry average of 9.9% [14] Financial Performance and Valuation - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Duke Energy's earnings per share (EPS) indicates a year-over-year increase of 7.12% for 2025 and 6.1% for 2026, while Exelon's EPS is expected to rise by 8% and 4.26% for the same years [10][12] - Duke Energy's shares trade at a forward Price/Earnings (P/E) ratio of 17.55X, while Exelon's P/E is 15.74X, making Exelon relatively more attractive from a valuation perspective [18] Dividend Yield - Duke Energy has a dividend yield of 3.62%, while Exelon's yield is 3.61%, both significantly higher than the S&P 500 composite average of 1.1% [17] Investment Recommendation - Both Duke Energy and Exelon are positioned for growth through strategic investments in infrastructure and renewable energy, but Exelon is favored for its better near-term earnings growth, ROE, and valuation [19][20]

My grandmother was born into poverty. Her parents could not afford for her to finish her schooling. And so at the age of 16, she was married off to a businessman, a man 10 years her senior whom she had never met who lived in a city far away.She went on to have six children, and she was determined that her children would not suffer her same fate. My aunt became a doctor and later a medical professor. My other aunt became an engineer.But for 650 million girls today, a century later, they do suffer my grandmot ...