The Globe and Mail reports in its Tuesday, Dec. 5, edition that Eight Capital analyst Ralph Profiti has reaffirmed his "neutral" recommendation for First Quantum Minerals. The Globe's David Leeder writes in the Eye On Equities column that Mr. Profiti slashed his share target back by $15 to $16. Analysts on average target the shares at $22.44. Mr. Profiti is now expecting a restart of production at First Quantum's Cobre Panama in the first quarter of 2025, "coinciding with a six-month process after the May 2024 general elections in Panama." Mr. Profiti says, "We believe increased balance sheet concerns of an extended Cobre-Panama closure will bring forward concerns over liquidity and debt covenants as well as the debt carrying capacity of the existing operating assets (primarily Zambia)." However, Mr. Profiti says the Vancouver-based miner has "historically been very successful in international arbitration." Mr. Profiti says in a note: "Latin American risks highlight why North American-exposed copper miners should trade at a premium. Our valuation methodology places a premium on relative jurisdictional exposure, a successful track record in building operational consistency [and] strong governance practices."