Core Viewpoint - Close Brothers Asset Finance has expanded its sustainability funding to include hydrogen projects, positioning itself as a leading lender in the hydrogen sector, which is crucial for decarbonisation in hard-to-electrify industries like heavy industry and transport [1][3]. Group 1: Funding and Offerings - The firm is providing funding across the hydrogen supply chain, including electrolysers, multi-element gas containers (MEGC), and Hydrogen Power Units (HPU), applicable in various sectors such as construction and film production [2]. - Close Brothers aims to support small to medium-sized enterprises and mid-size corporates, which are often underserved in the energy transition market [3]. Group 2: Strategic Insights - The decision to support hydrogen was based on extensive research into the hydrogen value chain, focusing on new-to-market assets that contribute to the emerging European green hydrogen market [3]. - The company offers multiple forms of finance from different security bases to adapt to market conditions in nascent markets, providing a comprehensive solution from production to end use [3].

French hydrogen investor Hy24 plans to join Swedish startup Stegra’s latest funding round, saying it remains confident in its efforts to build the world’s largest green steel plant https://t.co/5cgvwM6c2N ...

Core Thesis - Powell Industries, Inc. is positioned as a strong player in the custom-engineered electrical power systems market, with significant growth potential driven by diversification into renewables and grid modernization [3][6] Company Overview - Powell Industries, Inc. has been serving the industrial, utility, and energy sectors for over 75 years, specializing in integrated solutions such as switchgear and motor control centers [2] - The company operates a project-based, engineered-to-order model, allowing it to handle complex projects that competitors often avoid, leading to a strong reputation and repeat business [3] Financial Performance - For FY2024, Powell's revenues reached $1.01 billion, a 45% increase from $699 million in 2023, with net income nearly tripling to $149.8 million [4] - The company reported a gross margin of approximately 27% and an operating margin of around 17.7% [4] - In Q3 FY2025, Powell generated $286 million in revenue with a gross margin of 30.7% and a record backlog of $1.4 billion, indicating strong revenue visibility for FY2025 [4] Competitive Position - Powell maintains a strong balance sheet with zero debt, robust liquidity, and significant free cash flow, providing flexibility for investments and resilience against market volatility [4][6] - The company faces competition from major global electrical conglomerates such as ABB, Siemens, and Schneider Electric, which poses a challenge to its market position [5] Risks and Challenges - Powell's business model is cyclical and heavily reliant on capital spending in the energy and industrial sectors, leading to revenue fluctuations [5] - Structural risks include supply chain constraints and cost inflation that could impact margins on fixed-price contracts [5] - The company has a modest dividend yield of approximately 0.3–0.4%, highlighting the importance of disciplined growth execution [5]

Read about who benefits from Trump's hydrogen cuts, plus Germany's latest multi-billion EV package on today's Green Daily. Subscribe here: https://t.co/72M5MQBnVU ...

Core Insights - Baker Hughes Company (BKR) is valued at a market cap of $47.9 billion and operates in the oil and gas industry as well as emerging clean energy sectors [1] - The company is expected to report a profit of $0.62 per share for fiscal Q3 2025, reflecting a 7.5% decrease from $0.67 per share in the same quarter last year [2] - Analysts project BKR's profit for fiscal 2025 to be $2.40 per share, a 2.1% increase from $2.35 per share in fiscal 2024, with further growth expected to $2.63 per share in fiscal 2026 [3] Stock Performance - BKR shares have increased by 27.7% over the past year, outperforming the S&P 500 Index's rise of 17.4% and the Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund's decline of 2.3% [4] - The company has maintained solid growth in its traditional oilfield services while advancing technologies in carbon capture, hydrogen, and geothermal energy [5] Analyst Ratings - Wall Street analysts have a "Strong Buy" rating for BKR, with 15 out of 21 analysts recommending "Strong Buy," two suggesting "Moderate Buy," and four indicating "Hold" [6] - The mean price target for BKR is $52.25, suggesting a potential upside of 9.2% from current levels [6]

Government Policy & Funding - The Trump administration is considering canceling approximately $12 billion in energy projects [1] - Funding for hydrogen ventures backed by US oil majors is included in the potential cancellations [1]

Government Policy & Funding - The Trump administration plans to cancel billions of dollars in funding for hydrogen projects [1] - Funding cuts will affect projects in California and the Pacific Northwest [1]

This Startup Has A Way To Make Cheap, Clean Hydrogen–Without Federal Subsidies https://t.co/8EHoybXNKe https://t.co/hUnR7XHfzd ...

Core Perspective - Chevron is pursuing a dual strategy of expanding traditional fossil fuel operations while investing in low-carbon technologies to address global energy demand [1][2] Oil and Gas Operations - Chevron plans to continue growing its oil and gas business, having pumped a record 3.4 million barrels of oil per day last quarter [3] - The company emphasizes its role in meeting energy demand rather than creating it, highlighting the necessity for new investments to offset natural depletion [2] Investment in Low-Carbon Initiatives - Chevron is allocating $10 billion towards lower-carbon initiatives from 2021 to 2028, focusing on hydrogen, carbon capture and storage, lithium, and renewable fuels [4][5] Corporate Developments - The company recently completed a $53 billion acquisition of Hess, enhancing its position in Guyana's Stabroek Block, a significant new oil frontier [6] - Chevron has relocated its headquarters from California to Texas, while maintaining that its corporate culture is based on values rather than location [7] Workforce and Competitiveness - The company plans to lay off up to 20 percent of its workforce by the end of 2026 as a necessary measure to remain competitive in the commodity business [7] Political Landscape - The Trump administration's policy changes, including regular lease sales for offshore drilling in the Gulf of America, have been viewed positively for the industry [8]

Core Viewpoint - ExxonMobil's shares have declined approximately 10% from their 52-week high due to lower oil prices, but the company's robust growth strategy and potential for shareholder returns position it as a compelling long-term investment opportunity [1][11] Growth Strategy to 2030 - ExxonMobil has a plan that could generate an additional $20 billion in earnings and $30 billion in cash flow by 2030, translating to a 10% compound annual growth in earnings and 8% in cash flow over the next several years [3] - The foundation of this strategy includes an investment of about $140 billion into major capital projects and the Permian Basin development program, expected to yield returns exceeding 30% over the investment's life [4] High-Margin Energy Products - The company is investing in projects to expand high-margin energy products, including renewable diesel, thermoset resin, and graphite, with expectations that these new businesses could contribute $3 billion to annual earnings by 2030, potentially growing to $13 billion by 2040 [5] Cost Management - ExxonMobil has achieved $13.5 billion in structural cost savings since 2019, aiming for a total of $18 billion by 2030, which will enhance its earnings capacity [6] Cash Flow Generation - The company estimates it will generate a cumulative $165 billion in surplus cash by 2030, assuming oil prices average $65 per barrel, providing more cash for shareholder returns [7] Shareholder Returns - ExxonMobil returned an industry-leading $18.4 billion in cash to shareholders in the first half of the year, with plans to repurchase $20 billion in stock this year and a similar amount next year, contingent on market conditions [8] - The company has a strong track record of increasing dividends, having raised its payment for 42 consecutive years, the longest streak in the oil sector [9] Financial Strength - ExxonMobil ended the second quarter with $15.7 billion in cash and an ultra-low net leverage ratio of 8%, leading the oil industry, which provides flexibility for continued investment and shareholder returns even in declining oil price scenarios [10]