Central banks are aggressively accumulating physical gold reserves while global mine output growth stalls at just 1%, creating a supply crunch that's driving institutional capital toward gold producers and reserve replacement players. Major gold companies are securing financing and advancing development projects as analysts project gold prices between $4,700-$5,400 per ounce in 2026, with deal values hitting 15-year peaks.

Orezone Gold has completed its acquisition of Hecla Quebec Inc., gaining 100% ownership of the operating Casa Berardi gold mine and Quebec exploration properties. The transaction, valued at $352M upfront and deferred consideration plus up to $241M in contingent payments, positions Orezone as a diversified multi-asset producer. The company funded the acquisition through cash on hand and a gold stream agreement with Franco-Nevada, receiving a $100M upfront deposit. Orezone plans to optimize Casa Berardi operations and conduct an 80,000-100,000 metre annual exploration program.

i-80 Gold Corp has closed its gold prepayment facility with National Bank of Canada and Macquarie Bank Limited, securing $150 million in initial funding with a $100 million accordion feature. The company has completed its recapitalization plan, raising over $1 billion in total capital to fully fund Phase 1 and Phase 2 of its development plan. The company aims to increase annual gold production to 300,000-400,000 ounces by 2031 from current levels of less than 50,000 ounces.

The article advises cautious, small allocations to Bitcoin and gold due to their limitations, but recommends precious metals streaming and royalty companies as a better alternative for long-term investors seeking growth and dividends.

Canadian General Investments (CGI) reported a NAV of $83.73 per share at January 31, 2026, with year-to-date and 12-month NAV returns of 3.8% and 20.0% respectively, outperforming the S&P/TSX Composite Index on a 12-month basis. The company's leverage decreased to 11.5% of net assets, and its portfolio is diversified across sectors with top holdings including Franco-Nevada, NVIDIA, Celestica, and Cameco.

Franco-Nevada Corporation announced a 16% increase in its quarterly dividend to US$0.44 per share, marking the 19th consecutive annual dividend increase. The company also announced leadership succession plans, with David Harquail transitioning to Chair Emeritus and Tom Albanese, the current Lead Independent Director and former CEO of Rio Tinto and Vedanta Resources, becoming the new independent non-executive Chair effective May 12, 2026.

Canadian General Investments (CGI) reported a net asset value per share of $80.66 at December 31, 2025, with an 18.1% one-year NAV return (dividends reinvested), underperforming the S&P/TSX Composite Index's 31.7% return. The company's leverage decreased to 11.9% of net assets from 13.8% year-over-year. Share price returned 19.9% annually. Top holdings include Celestica, NVIDIA, Franco-Nevada, Shopify, and First Quantum Minerals, with significant exposure to Information Technology (20.5%) and Industrials (19.6%) sectors.

While Wheaton Precious Metals has an attractive streaming business model for precious metals investment, analyst Matt DiLallo recommends Franco-Nevada as a superior alternative due to its larger, more diversified portfolio of 434 assets across multiple commodity types, lower risk profile, and stronger growth potential from recent acquisitions like the Cote Gold Mine.

Osisko Metals raised $32.48 million through a private placement with strategic investors including Hudbay Minerals, Agnico Eagle Mines, Franco-Nevada, and Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, with proceeds to be used for advancing the Gaspé Copper project.

Métaux Osisko completed a private placement of 67,666,666 common shares at $0.48 per share, raising approximately $32.5 million from strategic investors including Hudbay Minerals, Agnico Eagle, Franco-Nevada, and Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec.

Canadian General Investments reported a net asset value per share of $80.73 as of November 30, 2025, with year-to-date NAV returns of 18.2%. The investment portfolio is diversified across sectors, with top holdings including Celestica, NVIDIA, and Franco-Nevada.

G Mining Ventures Corp completed a US$80 million drawdown from its US$350 million revolving credit facility, using proceeds to repay an existing senior secured term loan and generate approximately US$1.5 million in annual interest savings.