Core Insights - Comstock Inc.'s strategic investee, Bioleum Corporation, has acquired Hexas Biomass Inc. for approximately $6.5 million, which includes stock, cash payments, and convertible debt [1] - Hexas specializes in high-yield energy crops with annual yields exceeding 25 to 30 dry metric tons per acre, significantly outperforming traditional forestry species [2] - The combination of Bioleum's refining platform and Hexas' crops can produce over 100 barrels of biofuel per acre annually, compared to only 2 and 10 barrels from soy and corn respectively [3] Company Overview - Hexas Biomass Inc. focuses on producing low-cost, plant-based raw materials that replace wood and fossil fuels, promoting ecological sustainability [7] - Bioleum Corporation develops technologies to convert lignocellulosic biomass into low-carbon fuels and operates commercial facilities in Oklahoma and pilot assets in Wisconsin [8] - Comstock Inc. innovates technologies for clean energy systems by converting under-utilized natural resources into reusable metals [9] Strategic Implications - The acquisition is expected to accelerate the commercialization and global deployment of Hexas' technologies in biofuels and other biobased applications [4] - Bioleum aims to enhance its refining solutions by integrating Hexas' proprietary feedstock model, ensuring a reliable supply of biomass [4] - The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that converting underutilized land into biomass farms could significantly increase renewable fuel production while reducing variability and risk [3]

Core Insights - The article highlights the expertise of Uttam as a growth-oriented investment analyst focusing on the technology sector, particularly in semiconductors, Artificial Intelligence, and Cloud software [1] - Uttam's research extends to MedTech, Defense Tech, and Renewable Energy, indicating a broad interest in various high-growth industries [1] - The Pragmatic Optimist Newsletter, co-authored by Uttam and his wife, is recognized by major publications like the Wall Street Journal and Forbes, showcasing its influence in the investment community [1] - Prior experience in Silicon Valley with leading technology firms such as Apple and Google adds credibility to Uttam's insights and analyses [1]

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - **US-China Tech Rivalry**: The discussion focused on the ongoing technological competition between the US and China, particularly in the energy sector and its implications for industrialization and computing [1][2]. Core Insights - **China's Power Demand Management**: - China has successfully managed high power demand growth for approximately two decades, with installed capacity increasing about 7 times since 2005, from around 500 GW to 3,400 GW [3]. - Despite slower GDP growth, power demand has continued to grow at an annual rate of 5-7% [3]. - The expansion of coal capacity has been primarily for peaking purposes, while renewable energy sources have seen aggressive build-outs, with over 600 GW of solar and 200 GW of wind capacity added [3]. - **US Power Capacity Growth**: - The US has experienced significantly slower capacity growth, with only a 40% increase over the past 20 years [4]. - Recent growth has been linked to industrial policy and new manufacturing capacity, but challenges such as permitting delays and supply bottlenecks could hinder future growth [4]. - **Electrification and Renewable Energy**: - The increasing share of renewables in the power mix and rising electrification are expected to create unique opportunities in energy storage systems (ESS) [4]. - Global ESS installations are forecasted to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 27% from 2025 to 2030, with China expected to account for about 50% of all utility-scale additions by 2030 [4]. - **Power Electronics Opportunities**: - The enabling solutions across power electronics and equipment suppliers are seen as second and third order beneficiaries of industrialization and electrification trends in both the US and China [4]. - Japanese and Korean firms, such as Hyundai Electric and Hyushong Electric, are expected to gain market share in this sector [4]. Company-Specific Insights - **Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Ltd. (CATL)**: - Price target (PT) set based on 2026E EPS of RMB20.0 and a PEG of 1.0x, with an underlying EPS CAGR of 26% from 2025 to 2028 [9]. - Risks include weaker electric vehicle (EV) sales, higher production costs, and potential loss of market share [9]. - **Kehua Data Co., Ltd.**: - Valued at a PT of RMB86.07, implying a 40x 2026E P/E ratio [10]. - Risks include weaker-than-expected domestic AI capital expenditures and increased competition [10]. - **Shenzhen Senior Technology Material Co., Ltd.**: - Valuation based on a PEG of 0.75x, with an underlying EPS CAGR of 44% from 2025 to 2027 [11]. - Risks include fluctuations in EV demand and capacity expansion rates [11]. - **Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd.**: - Price target of RMB233.96 based on a 25x FY26E P/E [12]. - Risks include lower-than-expected solar installations and growth in energy storage systems [12]. - **Wuxi Lead Intelligent Equipment Co., Ltd.**: - Base-case price target of RMB76 based on a 2026E P/E of 50x [13]. - Risks include shifts in global power battery demand and geopolitical actions against Chinese battery companies [13]. Additional Important Information - The report emphasizes the importance of energy demand in driving technological leadership and innovation across various fields, including computing and manufacturing [2]. - The contrasting dynamics of the power sectors in the US and China highlight the strategic importance of energy management in the tech rivalry [2][4].

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The focus is on the **Global Battery Supply Chain**, particularly in the context of **Electric Vehicles (EVs)** and **Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)**. - The global battery installation forecast for 2030 is projected to reach **3.8 TWh** [2][8]. Core Insights and Arguments Battery Demand Forecast - The global battery demand forecast for 2025-2030 has been revised upward by **1-11%**, with BESS seeing a positive revision of **4-37%** while EV battery demand is adjusted down by **-2% to 3%** [2]. - By 2030, BESS is expected to account for **31%** of total battery demand, with an estimated **1.19 TWh** [2]. Regional Insights - **China**: The BESS installation forecast has been lifted by **2-56%**, reaching **666 GWh** by 2030, driven by national policies and local capacity compensation mechanisms [2][3]. - **U.S.**: The BESS demand forecast has been increased by **14-21%**, projecting **177 GWh** by 2030, supported by the continuation of the investment tax credit (ITC) and data center expansions [2][3]. EV Market Adjustments - Global EV sales forecasts for 2025-2030 have been reduced by **1-7%**, primarily due to anticipated changes in China and the U.S. [4]. - In China, EV sales are expected to be impacted by a **5% increase in EV purchase taxes** starting in 2026, while U.S. sales are lowered by **7-36%** due to the discontinuation of the **$7,500 federal EV tax credit** [4]. Product Mix and Market Trends - The share of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) in total EV sales is projected to rise to **73-80%** from previous forecasts, driven by higher adoption in China [4]. - The EU is expected to see moderate pricing pressure in the mass market segment, but EV sales are lifted by **3-10%** due to CO2 targets [4]. Investment Recommendations - **Top Picks**: LG Energy Solution (LGES) is highlighted as well-positioned to capture U.S. BESS market share, leading peers by **18 months** in onshore capacity expansion [5]. - For the ex-U.S. market, **Sungrow** and **CSI Solar** are preferred due to robust global BESS demand, despite current low margins for Chinese BESS manufacturers [5]. Additional Important Insights - The U.S. is experiencing electricity supply/demand imbalances, with BESS viewed as a solution due to government subsidies and short lead times [3]. - The next catalyst for the U.S. market is expected to be guidance from the U.S. Department of Treasury on material assistance cost ratio calculations by the end of 2025 [3]. - The report emphasizes the importance of converting U.S. NCM EV battery capacity to subsidy-eligible LFP BESS to meet long-term demand [3]. Financial Projections - The global battery demand is projected to grow significantly, with a year-on-year increase of **21%** in 2025, reaching **1,530 GWh** [8]. - The U.S. BESS demand forecast indicates a steady increase, with total capacity expected to reach **177.3 GWh** by 2030 [19]. Conclusion - The global battery market is poised for growth, particularly in BESS, driven by policy support and increasing demand from data centers and renewable energy integration. The EV market faces challenges but is adapting with a shift towards BEVs. Investment opportunities exist in leading manufacturers positioned to capitalize on these trends.

30 Under 30 Energy & Green Tech 2026: Meet The Founders Recharging Our Energy FutureThis year’s honorees are reinventing nuclear reactors, pioneering solar panel recycling, and even fighting global warming by cutting cow burps.https://t.co/1cCY3fszR0 #ForbesUnder30 https://t.co/cHIm1PuE34 ...

Core Viewpoint - Utility stocks are expected to deliver strong returns in 2026 due to surging electricity demand, particularly from AI data centers, with Constellation Energy, Dominion Energy, and NextEra Energy positioned to benefit significantly from this trend [1][15]. Constellation Energy - Constellation Energy's share price has increased nearly 50% this year, driven by a resurgence in nuclear energy demand [3]. - The company signed a 20-year power purchase agreement with Microsoft to restart the Three Mile Island Unit 1 facility, which will supply power for Microsoft's data centers starting in 2028 [4]. - A $26.6 billion acquisition of Calpine is expected to close in early 2026, combining Constellation's nuclear fleet with Calpine's natural gas and geothermal assets, enhancing earnings growth potential [6]. Dominion Energy - Dominion Energy has underperformed compared to peers, with a 6% increase in share price over the past year, but is well-positioned to benefit from rising power demand in Virginia, a major data center market [7][9]. - The company plans to invest $50 billion through 2029, primarily in Virginia, including the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project, which is expected to support 5% to 7% annual earnings-per-share growth [10]. NextEra Energy - NextEra Energy's share price has risen nearly 11% over the past year, benefiting from its position as Florida's largest electric utility and its clean energy infrastructure [11]. - The company is focused on building the largest utility-owned solar energy platform and has a growing backlog of renewable energy projects, positioning it for earnings growth at the high end of its 6% to 8% annual target range through 2027 [13][14]. - NextEra has signed a 25-year power deal with Google to support the restart of the Duane Arnold Energy Center, expected to be operational by early 2029 [14].

Core Viewpoint - Brookfield Renewable has experienced disappointing performance over the last five years, with a significant decline in share value despite strong operational growth and dividend increases [2][4][5]. Performance Summary - Over the past five years, Brookfield Renewable's total return, including reinvested dividends, has been -0.1%, while the S&P 500 has gained 87.1% [2]. - The company has seen a one-year return of 26.8% and a three-year return of 23%, indicating a recent recovery [2]. - The current dividend yield stands at 3.7%, with the dividend payment increasing from $1.16 to $1.49 per share, reflecting a 6% compound annual growth rate [4]. Financial Metrics - Brookfield Renewable's market capitalization is approximately $7 billion, with a current share price of $39.78 [3][4]. - The company generated $807 million in funds from operations (FFO) in 2020, projected to reach nearly $1.3 billion in the current year, indicating compound annual growth rates of 11% and 8% respectively [4]. Valuation Insights - Five years ago, Brookfield traded at around $49 per share, approximately 37 times FFO, while it currently trades at about $40 per share, or nearly 21 times FFO [5]. - The decline in valuation is attributed to slower earnings growth not justifying the previous high valuation [7]. - The company anticipates over 10% annual FFO per share growth through 2030, supporting its plans to increase dividends within a 5% to 9% yearly target range [6].

Unfortunately, the Q4 guide was underwhelming, further pressured by the departure of SentinelOne's CFO, who joined just over a year ago. The combination of aUttam is a growth-oriented investment analyst whose equity research primarily focuses on the technology sector. Semiconductors, Artificial Intelligence and Cloud software are some of the key sectors that are regularly researched and published by him. His research also focuses on other areas such as MedTech, Defense Tech, and Renewable Energy. In additio ...

Group 1: Company Overview - Fluence Energy, Inc. is a leading provider of utility-scale battery storage solutions and has grown rapidly since 2020, currently trading at $19.39 with a forward P/E of 93.46 [1][4] - The company reached profitability last year, marking an inflection point as global demand for energy storage accelerates [4] Group 2: Market Dynamics - AI data center power demand is forecasted to quadruple over the next decade, while renewable energy generation is expected to double by 2030, creating a long-term growth tailwind for energy storage companies like Fluence Energy [3] - Fluence's early move to reshore battery manufacturing to the U.S. positions it strategically as buyers seek to reduce reliance on China amid tariff and data security concerns [5] Group 3: Competitive Advantage - Fluence benefits from strong parentage with Siemens and AES Energy, providing deep manufacturing expertise and established customer relationships [4] - The company has major customers such as Amazon, Meta, and Google deploying its batteries across data centers, enhancing its market position [4] Group 4: Investment Thesis - Fluence is currently undervalued at just 1.2x sales, and based on conservative growth and margin assumptions, it could be worth roughly four times its current valuation, presenting a rare asymmetric opportunity for investors [5]

L.A. Kicks Coal As It Fires Up The World’s Largest Green Hydrogen Power Planthttps://t.co/2WjbaRuGic https://t.co/8eIuDgMHBu ...