Company Strategy & Overview - Oshkosh's 2024 revenue reached $107 billion[65] - The company is focused on transforming into an industrial technology company, leveraging advanced technologies to extend market leadership[28, 30] - A key strategy is "Innovate Serve Advance," which involves developing safe solutions, supporting the installed base, and expanding into adjacent markets[56, 59, 62] Technology & Innovation - The company has a significant intellectual property portfolio with ~1,300 active patents, including 570+ electrification patents and applications[78] - Oshkosh is focused on electrification, autonomy and active safety, and intelligent products, powered by AI[73] - The company is targeting a vitality index increase from 13% in 2022 to 33% in 2028, driven by new product innovation[125] Segment Performance & Targets - Access segment sales target for 2028 is ~$53-58 billion with an adjusted operating margin of ~14-16%[183] - Transport segment sales target for 2028 is ~$23 billion with an adjusted operating margin of ~4%[245] - Vocational segment sales target for 2028 is ~$38 billion with an adjusted operating margin of ~16%[289]

Core Insights - Goldman Sachs highlights that undervalued utility giants in Europe focusing on electricity supply and water resources will significantly benefit from the unprecedented global AI boom and the ongoing trend of electrification [1][4] - The report indicates that European electricity demand has faced a cumulative decline of approximately 10% since 2008 due to external shocks and a slower-than-expected electrification process, but is expected to increase by 40%-50% over the next decade [1][4] Company Analysis: Centrica - Centrica has identified a potential EBITDA of £1.6 billion by FY2028, with £400 million expected from its £4 billion investment plan, of which about 50% remains uncommitted [1][2] - The investment details regarding nuclear power are anticipated to be disclosed during a spending review on June 11, 2025, with a potential £2 billion equity investment offering approximately 6% upside to current share prices and a 3% increase in EPS by 2028 [2] - Centrica's core business encompasses retail gas and electricity, upstream oil and gas, flexible peaking plants, and storage, with a focus on green assets such as nuclear, hydrogen, and carbon capture [3] Industry Trends: AI and Electricity Demand - The demand for electricity from AI data centers is expected to surge, with global data center electricity demand projected to double by 2030, reaching approximately 945 TWh, driven primarily by AI applications [4][5] - In the U.S., data centers' share of electricity consumption is forecasted to increase twofold from 126 TWh in 2022 to 390 TWh by 2030 [5] - The PJM Interconnection anticipates a summer peak electricity demand increase of nearly 58 GW (approximately 38%) by 2035, attributed to the growth in AI [6] Company Performance: Vistra Energy - Vistra Corp. is projected to be one of the best-performing stocks in the S&P 500 for 2024, with a remarkable increase of 256%, surpassing even Nvidia's 170% rise [6][7] - Vistra and Constellation Energy are experiencing significant growth due to their independent power producer status, allowing them to sell electricity at market prices [7] Water Resource Utilities: Pennon Group - Pennon Group reported a core EBITDA of £335.6 million for FY2025, with a net debt of £4.1 billion, slightly above market expectations [8][9] - The company benefits indirectly from the massive water demand of data centers, which require significant amounts of water for cooling and other operational needs [9]

Core Insights - Goldman Sachs reports that European utility giants, which are undervalued in the context of electricity supply and water resource networks, will significantly benefit from the unprecedented global AI boom and the ongoing trend of electrification [1] Group 1: Electricity Demand Trends - Over the past fifteen years, European electricity demand has faced severe external shocks, resulting in a cumulative decrease of approximately 10% since 2008 [1] - Goldman Sachs anticipates a complete reversal of this trend, projecting that the rapid expansion of data centers and the acceleration of electrification will drive European electricity demand to increase by at least 40%-50% over the next decade [1]

Core Viewpoint - The recent passing of the Trump tax reform in the U.S. House of Representatives is expected to significantly enhance the economic viability of long-term investments, particularly in data center construction, refinery capacity expansion, and the return of manufacturing across various industries [1][2]. Group 1: Tax Reform Implications - The tax reform includes a provision allowing companies to immediately deduct expenses for purchasing production equipment and domestic R&D, which is expected to boost long-term investment economics [2][6]. - UBS estimates that the tax savings could increase the internal rate of return (IRR) on long-term projects by 400 basis points, equating to approximately a 50% increase [2][7]. - The new tax incentives are anticipated to sustain or elevate the activity levels in non-residential construction, which reached a historical high of $1.3 trillion last year [7]. Group 2: Beneficiary Themes - UBS identifies "reshoring" and "electrification" as the most promising themes, highlighting potential beneficiaries in these sectors [3][6]. - Companies rated as "Buy" that may benefit from these themes include Eaton (ETN.US), Trane Technologies (TT.US), Steel Dynamics (STLD.US), Johnson Controls (JCI.US), and others [3][4]. Group 3: Investment Opportunities - The tax incentives are expected to lead to a capital expenditure wave, potentially amounting to hundreds of billions of dollars, particularly benefiting sectors like data infrastructure, chemicals/refining, and industrial reshoring [7]. - The reform is seen as a continuation of existing investment incentives from the CHIPS Act, IRA, and IIA, further facilitating U.S. project advancements [7].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a significant revenue decline of over 30% from peak to trough, yet managed to maintain operating margins above 40% during this period, demonstrating resilience in its business model [21][23][27] - Gross margins were reported in the high sixties, with expectations to improve as the company moves into future years [13][16][27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The industrial business, which constituted 53% of overall business in 2023, saw a decline to 44%, impacting overall margins [23] - The consumer business has shown strong growth, increasing by 30% over three consecutive quarters, contributing to an expected $500 million in incremental revenue for 2025 [42][43] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - China revenue is approximately 20% of total revenue, with a noted recovery in demand across various end markets, particularly in automotive [74][78] - The company reported strong demand signals with book-to-bill ratios above one in nearly all geographies and end markets, indicating a positive outlook [81] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on high-value applications and has a hybrid manufacturing strategy that allows flexibility in production, which has been crucial during downturns [3][7][18] - There is a strong emphasis on innovation and maintaining a competitive edge through R&D investment, which is currently around 17% of revenue [100][102] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed increased confidence in achieving growth targets for 2025, driven by a recovery in industrial markets and strong performance in automotive and consumer sectors [47][51] - The company is closely monitoring macroeconomic factors, including potential demand disruptions due to tariffs, but has not yet seen significant impacts [68][70] Other Important Information - The company has diversified its manufacturing footprint globally, with significant operations in the US, Ireland, and Asia, which is critical for navigating geopolitical shifts [73][75] - The company is actively investing in AI capabilities, both for internal processes and product development, to enhance its competitive position [104] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the drivers behind the company's growth targets? - The company expects growth from stable pricing, revenue synergies from acquisitions, and participation in industry tailwinds such as automation and electrification [36][37][38] Question: How does the company view the competitive environment in China? - The company acknowledges the competitive pressures in China but believes its focus on high-performance products and system value provides a buffer against pricing pressures [82][84] Question: What is the company's strategy regarding manufacturing capacity in the US? - Currently, the company does not plan to build additional fab capacity in the near term, feeling confident in its existing manufacturing footprint [95][96]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - GE Vernova has a strong balance sheet with over $8 billion in cash and no debt, positioning the company well for growth [6] - The power business is expected to maintain EBITDA margins of 13-14% this year, with a floor of 16% by 2028, excluding new pricing trends [31][32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The gas business is experiencing strong demand, with a backlog of 50 gigawatts, expected to grow to at least 60 gigawatts by the end of the year [69] - The electrification segment is the fastest-growing business, projected to surpass wind in revenue size within the next year [22] - Wind business currently has the softest market, but operational improvements are being made to enhance service offerings [18][50] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The demand for gas equipment is strong globally, particularly in Asia and the Middle East, with significant opportunities in countries like Saudi Arabia [24][64] - The European market is facing affordability challenges, impacting pricing dynamics in the grid business [44] Company Strategy and Development Direction - GE Vernova aims to leverage its unique position in the market, focusing on the electrification of the grid and the integration of various energy sources [5][20] - The company is committed to investing in R&D, with a 25% increase in the budget to support future growth [74] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management is optimistic about the growth potential in the electrification market and the role of gas and nuclear in the energy transition [12][54] - The geopolitical landscape is seen as an opportunity for GE Vernova to address trade imbalances and strengthen its market position [62] Other Important Information - The company is actively working on carbon capture technologies and low-carbon hydrogen solutions to support energy transition goals [57][59] - GE Vernova is focusing on improving operational efficiencies within its existing manufacturing footprint to meet growing demand without overextending capacity [29][72] Q&A Session Summary Question: Are GE Vernova and/or competitors requiring reservation fees for gas turbine orders? If so, how meaningful are the fees? - GE Vernova requires an average of 20% of the gas turbine contract price as a deposit for slot reservation agreements [56] Question: What are GE Vernova's key opportunities and innovations in carbon capture and low carbon hydrogen? - The company is investing in direct air capture technology and building a new gas plant in the UK with carbon capture capabilities [57][58] Question: How is GE Vernova dealing with tariff impacts? - The company is implementing cost reduction measures and negotiating contractual provisions to manage tariff risks effectively [37][40] Question: How does GE Vernova view its competitive positioning in HVDC within the grid? - The equipment backlog in the grid business has grown significantly, with a focus on HVDC projects in North America [60][61] Question: Following new deals in the GCC, is the region becoming more important for GE Vernova? - The Middle East is strategically important for data centers and chip manufacturing, with significant opportunities for GE Vernova [64][65]

Core Viewpoint - Baillie Gifford, a legendary asset management company, has successfully identified and invested in disruptive growth stocks like Tesla, Amazon, and SpaceX, positioning itself as a leader in long-term growth investment [1][2]. Group 1: Company Overview - Baillie Gifford was established in 1908 and is headquartered in Edinburgh, known for its long-term investment strategies [1]. - The flagship product, Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust (SMT), is regarded as a benchmark for ultra-long-term investments [2]. - SMT currently manages approximately £13.3 billion in assets, with a net return of about 13% over the past year, a cumulative loss of around 30% over the last three years, and an annualized return of about 12% over the past decade [2]. Group 2: Investment Strategy and Portfolio - SMT's recent key holdings include publicly traded companies such as MercadoLibre (5.9%), Amazon (5.6%), and Meta (4.7%), as well as private companies like SpaceX (valued at approximately £1.071 billion) and ByteDance (approximately £566 million) [3]. - The current management team, led by Tom Slater and Lawrence Burns, emphasizes resilience as a core virtue for long-term success in unpredictable environments [4][22]. Group 3: Market Conditions and Company Performance - The past year has seen significant challenges, including high interest rates and geopolitical volatility, yet many invested companies have shown impressive operational performance [7]. - Companies have adapted by reducing expansion rates and refocusing on core strengths, leading to improved profit margins and accelerated free cash flow [10][11]. Group 4: AI and Technological Advancements - The rise of generative AI has had a profound impact, particularly in software engineering, leading to significant productivity gains [12][13]. - Companies like Meta and Spotify have successfully integrated AI into their operations, enhancing efficiency and revenue growth [19][20]. Group 5: Global Investment Perspective - SMT has leveraged its global investment mandate, focusing on companies like MercadoLibre, which has shown strong performance despite macroeconomic challenges in Latin America [36]. - The investment in Nubank, a leading independent digital bank outside China, highlights the potential for growth in emerging markets [39]. Group 6: Future Outlook and Emerging Opportunities - Baillie Gifford is actively seeking the next generation of winners, with investments in companies like SpaceX and Aurora Innovation, which are poised to reshape their respective industries [47][50]. - The company remains committed to identifying transformative opportunities and supporting innovative firms that can deliver substantial long-term returns [57].

Core Viewpoint - China is set to become the world's first "electrostate," leading in electrification with a rate of 30%, significantly higher than the approximately 22% in the US and EU [3][4]. Electrification Progress - China's electrification rate has reached 30%, surpassing the stagnating rates of the US and EU [3][4]. - In the transportation sector, China's electric vehicle (EV) sales are projected to account for 47.9% of total passenger car sales in 2024, a significant increase from 6.3% in 2020 [4]. - The rapid expansion of China's modern railway network, with 45,000 kilometers of high-speed rail, is five times that of the EU and is expected to reach 60,000 kilometers by 2030 [4]. Economic Impact - Renewable energy's contribution to China's GDP has surpassed 10%, marking a historical high and contributing to a quarter of the country's economic growth [5]. - Electrification is viewed as a key strategy for achieving energy security and addressing climate change [5][6]. Technological Leadership - China is leading the Fourth Industrial Revolution with advancements in electrification, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, robotics, and the Internet of Things [4]. - The transition to clean energy technology is becoming a driving force for China's economic growth, similar to how oil and gas propelled the development of oil-rich Arab states [4]. Environmental Considerations - Despite a surge in coal consumption leading to record carbon emissions in the power sector, China's progress in electrification and renewable energy transition is expected to mitigate some environmental impacts [6].

Group 1 - Siemens expects annual sales growth of 3% to 7% despite increasing uncertainty [1] - Siemens reported better-than-expected Q2 performance with industrial profit rising 29% to €3.24 billion (approximately $3.63 billion), exceeding analyst forecasts [1][2] - Q2 sales increased by 7% to €19.76 billion, surpassing market expectations of €19.22 billion, with a 10% increase in orders [2] Group 2 - The majority of Siemens' business is improving, reflecting broader industrial economic conditions [3] - The digital industry segment faced a 5% revenue decline, but inventory destocking trends are expected to end [3] - The smart infrastructure segment, which combines hardware and software for building management, saw a 12% sales increase and a 61% profit increase, aided by the sale of the wiring accessories business [3][4] Group 3 - Siemens' mobility sector experienced revenue and profit growth driven by global investments in railway and transportation infrastructure [5]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2024, the company booked $44 billion in orders and generated $35 billion in revenue, with EBITDA margin expansion across all segments and over $1 billion improvement in free cash flow [13] - The backlog grew to $119 billion, with equipment backlog increasing over 50% to $43 billion, adding more than $6 billion of margin through better pricing and disciplined underwriting [13] - The cash balance nearly doubled to over $8 billion since the spin-off, driven by strong free cash flow generation and capitalizing on value creation opportunities [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focused on electrifying and decarbonizing the world, with a strong foundation built in 2024 and continued progress in early 2025 [12] - The energy transition is creating higher demand for the company's equipment and services, particularly in reliable baseload power, grid modernization, and decarbonization [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is in the early days of an investment super cycle in the electric power sector, driven by manufacturing growth, industrial electrification, EVs, and emerging data center needs [12] - Market dynamics continue to drive strong demand, leading to multi-decade growth opportunities for the company [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has framed a disciplined capital allocation strategy, including a $6 billion buyback authorization and an initial dividend of $0.25 per share [14] - The company aims to return at least one-third of cash generation to stockholders while investing in R&D and CapEx to position itself for long-term leadership in the energy transition [24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the complexity of the current environment, including tariffs and inflation, but sees these as opportunities to differentiate the company as a strong industrial player [13][26] - The company is well-positioned to support U.S. energy strategy and create jobs, with a $600 million investment plan that will generate 1,500 new jobs in the U.S. [29] Other Important Information - The company emphasizes safety as a core value, with ongoing improvements in safety culture and practices [11] - The board of directors includes members with extensive experience in the energy sector, including nuclear power, which is critical for the company's strategic direction [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: When will GE Vernova raise the dividend? - The company declared an initial $0.25 per share quarterly dividend and expects to increase it as EBITDA and free cash flow grow [23][24] Question: How is the company responding to recently imposed tariffs? - The company estimates a $300 to $400 million impact from tariffs and inflation but is taking steps to mitigate these costs through pricing actions and disciplined supply chain management [25][26] Question: How does the current administration's policies affect stockholders? - The company is aligned with the administration's focus on energy security and has announced a $600 million investment to support U.S. competitiveness and innovation [28][29] Question: Why are there no female board candidates up for election this year? - The board has nine members, three of whom are women, and the current election is for only three nominees due to the classified board structure [30][31] Question: What experience do the nominees have with nuclear power? - Several board members have extensive experience in nuclear power, including leadership roles in major electrical utility companies [32]