Core Insights - The drilling at the West Advocate Project has identified a second hydrogen-associated structural zone at approximately 313 meters depth, indicating a multi-zone natural hydrogen system rather than an isolated occurrence [1][2][4] Company Developments - Québec Innovative Materials Corp. (QIMC) is actively drilling at DDH-26-01, which has intersected hydrogen-bearing intervals at both 142 meters and 313 meters, supporting the geological model of a structurally controlled natural hydrogen system [1][4][5] - The ongoing drilling aims for a total depth of 650 meters, with the current hole being the first in a planned five-hole campaign for 2026 [10][12] Regulatory Environment - The introduction of the Powering the Economy Act (Bill No. 193) by the Government of Nova Scotia provides a regulatory framework for natural hydrogen, enhancing investment certainty and long-term planning for companies like QIMC [3][13] - This legislation reflects a broader recognition of the need for a dedicated regulatory framework for natural hydrogen, benefiting active exploration programs in the province [3][13] Geological Insights - Drill logging has revealed three separate brecciated shear zones within the second structural fault zone, with progressively more altered and sheared characteristics downhole, indicating a complex geological environment conducive to hydrogen generation [6][8] - The presence of elevated hydrogen concentrations and the absence of methane in the measured gases support the concept of a naturally occurring hydrogen system rather than a conventional hydrocarbon occurrence [9]

Vertical Structural Continuity Emerging in DDH-26-01Nova Scotia Introduces Purpose-Built Natural Hydrogen LegislationMontreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - February 26, 2026) - Québec Innovative Materials Corp.  (CSE: QIMC) (OTCQB: QIMCF) (FSE: 7FJ) ("QIMC" or the "Company") reports that drill hole DDH-26-01 has intersected a second hydrogen-associated structural zone at approximately 313 metres depth at its West Advocate Project, Nova Scotia. This interval from approximately 313 metres to 330 metres depth is ...

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 25, 2026) - Q Precious & Battery Metals Corp. (CSE: QMET) (OTC Pink: BTKRF) (FSE: 0NB) ("QMET" or the "Company") congratulates Quebec Innovative Materials Corp. ("QIMC") on its significant hydrogen discovery at the West Advocate Project in Nova Scotia, as disclosed yesterday.QIMC reported that its first diamond drill hole (DDH-26-01), part of a planned five-hole systematic program, intersected an approximately 40-metre-wide previously unmapped fault c ...

On February 12, 2026, Wasatch Advisors LP disclosed in an SEC filing that it reduced its position in Nova Ltd. (NASDAQ:NVMI) by 603,907 shares in the fourth quarter, an estimated $194.15 million trade based on quarterly average pricing. What happened According to a recent SEC filing, Wasatch Advisors sold 603,907 shares of Nova in the fourth quarter of 2025. The estimated transaction value was $194.15 million, based on the average closing price for the period. The quarter-end value of the NVMI position f ...

Here are three stocks with buy rank and strong momentum characteristics for investors to consider today, February 23:Constellium SE (CSTM) : This aluminum manufacturing company has a Zacks Rank #1 and witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 20.6% over the last 60 days.Constellium's shares gained 63.7% over the last three months compared with the S&P 500’s decline of 3.7%. The company possesses a Momentum Score of A.Nova Ltd. (NVMI) : This semiconductor equipment compa ...

Nova Ltd. (NASDAQ:NVMI) is among the 12 Best Tech Stocks that Beat Earnings Estimates. On February 13, 2026, Morgan Stanley raised its price target on Nova Ltd. (NASDAQ:NVMI) to $453 from $335 and maintained an Equal Weight rating following in-line earnings and wafer fab equipment guidance. Morgan Stanley said the update raises the question of whether Nova can outperform WFE, noting that historical execution suggests it could, but adding it is “not there yet.” Also on February 13, 2026, BofA raised its ...

Core Viewpoint - Nova Ltd. (NVMI) has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) due to an upward trend in earnings estimates, which is a significant factor influencing stock prices [1][3]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Price Movement - The Zacks rating system emphasizes the importance of earnings estimate revisions, which are strongly correlated with near-term stock price movements [4][6]. - Institutional investors utilize earnings estimates to determine the fair value of stocks, leading to buying or selling actions that affect stock prices [4]. Company Performance and Outlook - The upgrade for Nova Ltd. indicates a positive outlook on its earnings, suggesting that the company's underlying business is improving [5]. - For the fiscal year ending December 2026, Nova Ltd. is expected to earn $10.14 per share, with a 7.7% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate over the past three months [8]. Zacks Rank System - The Zacks Rank system classifies stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with a strong historical performance, particularly for Zacks Rank 1 stocks, which have averaged a +25% annual return since 1988 [7]. - Nova Ltd.'s upgrade to Zacks Rank 2 places it in the top 20% of Zacks-covered stocks, indicating a strong potential for market-beating returns in the near term [10].

Core Viewpoint - Québec Innovative Materials Corp. (QIMC) has commenced diamond drilling operations at its West Advocate natural clean hydrogen project in Nova Scotia, marking a significant step in its exploration strategy [1][3]. Group 1: Drilling Operations - Drilling operations began on February 17, 2026, at the West Advocate project, with Maritime Drilling Inc. mobilized on-site [1]. - The drilling represents the execution phase of QIMC's structured exploration strategy, transitioning from surface geochemical surveys to subsurface evaluation of high-priority targets [2][6]. Group 2: Strategic Importance - West Advocate is part of QIMC's expanding portfolio in the Cumberland Basin, where previous surveys have identified anomalies interpreted as structurally controlled [4]. - The integrated exploration and development work aims to create a scalable and repeatable platform for identifying structurally controlled systems [5]. Group 3: Company Overview - QIMC is focused on unlocking North America's natural resources, specializing in the exploration of natural hydrogen and high-grade silica assets across various regions, including Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and Minnesota [7]. - The company is committed to sustainable development and supporting clean energy solutions for a carbon-neutral economy [8].

Debt and Financing - The company currently has long-term debt consisting of Convertible Senior Notes, with no readily available sources of other short-term or long-term debt financing [316]. Research and Development - The company participates in research and development programs sponsored by the Israeli Innovation Authority, which can provide grants covering up to 55% of pre-approved R&D expenses [323]. - The company has previously entered into a royalty buyout arrangement with the IIA, paying approximately $12.9 million to be released from future royalty payments on certain funds [322]. - The company is involved in European consortia under the Horizon 2020 & Horizon Europe programs, which include specific obligations and potential penalties for non-compliance [319][320]. Revenue Recognition - The company recognizes revenue from sales of advanced process control systems, spare parts, labor hours, and service contracts under ASC 606 [332]. Inventory Management - Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value, with periodic evaluations to address slow-moving items and technological obsolescence [335]. Business Combinations - The company allocates purchase price in business combinations to identifiable assets and liabilities based on fair values, with excess recorded as goodwill [336][337]. Tax Compliance - The company is subject to income taxes in multiple jurisdictions, requiring significant judgment in evaluating uncertain tax positions [339]. Manufacturing Compliance - The company must comply with local manufacturing obligations under the Innovation Law, which restricts manufacturing outside of Israel without prior approval [325]. - The company faces potential penalties for non-compliance with the Innovation Law, including mandatory repayment of grants and additional royalties [327].

Core Viewpoint - Jefferies upgraded Nova Ltd. (NASDAQ: NVMI) to a "Buy" rating with a price target increase from $390 to $520, reflecting strong investor confidence in the company's growth prospects [1][6] Financial Performance - Nova reported quarterly earnings of $2.14 per share, slightly exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.13, representing a 0.71% earnings surprise and an improvement from $1.94 per share a year ago [2] - The company has consistently surpassed consensus EPS estimates over the past four quarters, indicating strong financial management [2] Revenue Growth - For the quarter ending December 2025, Nova reported revenue of $222.62 million, which, despite being 0.41% below the Zacks Consensus Estimate, shows a significant increase from $194.77 million in the same quarter the previous year [3] - Nova has exceeded consensus revenue estimates twice in the last four quarters, indicating a positive trend in revenue growth [3] Strategic Positioning - Gaby Waisman, President and CEO of Nova, noted that 2025 was a record year for the company, driven by exceptional revenue and profitability [4] - The company's ability to address manufacturing challenges and expand its metrology portfolio has been crucial for strategic growth, positioning Nova well to capitalize on the upward investment cycle in the semiconductor industry as it enters 2026 [4] Market Dynamics - Despite a recent stock price decrease of approximately 6.75%, translating to a drop of $32.13, NVMI maintains a market capitalization of about $13.16 billion and a trading volume of 385,927 shares, indicating continued investor interest [5] - The stock has experienced fluctuations between a low of $438 and a high of $474.83 during the day, reflecting its dynamic market presence [5]