Renewable Energy Industry Impact - The Trump administration has halted 6 GW (Gigawatts) of offshore wind leases [1]

Renewable Energy Initiatives - Poland is set to launch its first offshore wind auction on Wednesday [1] - The auction is part of Poland's plan to increase green energy production [1] - This initiative is occurring as Poland moves towards phasing out coal [1] European Context - The move contrasts with tender cancellations in other parts of Europe [1]

Summary of Orient Cables Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Orient Cables - **Industry**: Submarine cable manufacturing and offshore wind energy - **Headquarters**: Ningbo, Zhejiang, China - **Established**: 1998 Key Takeaways Industry Outlook - **Offshore Wind Demand**: Management anticipates strong demand for offshore wind, with over 50 GW of project auctions delayed from the 14th Five-Year Plan (14-FYP) to the 15th Five-Year Plan (15-FYP), expected to be completed in 2026/27 [4][5] - **Cumulative Capacity Growth**: China's cumulative offshore wind power capacity is projected to grow at an ~18% CAGR from 2022 to 2027 [8] Competitive Landscape - **Stable Competition**: The submarine cable manufacturing sector is characterized by high entry barriers, leading to a stable competitive landscape with only 5-6 manufacturers for 220kV cables and 2-3 for 500kV cables [4] - **Market Share Expectations**: Management expects its market share for submarine cable orders to exceed 30% in the 15-FYP, with gross profit margins (GPM) for submarine cables projected to remain elevated at 30-40% [4] Capacity Expansion - **New Production Facility**: Orient Cables is constructing a new production facility in Yantai, Shandong, with a production value of RMB 3-4 billion and a construction cycle of 2-3 years [4] - **Investment in Guangxi**: An investment agreement has been signed with local authorities in Beihai, Guangxi, contingent on offshore wind demand [4] Overseas Expansion - **European Market Focus**: Management is optimistic about overseas expansion, particularly in Europe, driven by rising ESG requirements and business development efforts [4][5] - **Potential for Growth**: Despite some project delays, no cancellations have been reported, indicating potential for increased order intake and revenue from overseas markets [5] Investment Thesis - **Rating**: Overweight (OW) with a price target of RMB 68.00 by December 2026 [20][22] - **Key Factors for Investment**: 1. Rising offshore wind demand outlook 2. High entry barriers and stable competitive landscape 3. Upside potential from overseas expansions [20][21] Risks to Rating and Price Target - **Downside Risks**: - Slower-than-expected offshore wind development - Increased competition leading to submarine cable overcapacity - Lower-than-expected average selling prices (ASPs) - Higher-than-expected costs [23] Conclusion Orient Cables is positioned favorably within the offshore wind and submarine cable manufacturing sectors, with strong growth prospects driven by increasing demand and strategic capacity expansions. However, potential risks related to market dynamics and cost pressures should be monitored closely.

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company recognized a net after-tax non-recurring charge of $75 million, or $0.20 per share, related to offshore wind liability, which increased the estimated liability for future payments to GIP by approximately $285 million, offset by $210 million of tax benefits [16][17] - GAAP earnings for Q3 were $0.99 per share, compared to a loss of $0.33 per share in the same quarter last year, while non-GAAP recurring earnings were $1.19 per share, up from $1.13 per share year-over-year [17][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Electric transmission earnings increased by $0.01 per share due to higher revenues from continued investment in the transmission system [18] - Electric distribution earnings rose by $0.03 per share, reflecting distribution rate increases in New Hampshire and Massachusetts [18] - Natural gas segment earnings improved by $0.04 per share, primarily due to base distribution rate increases in Massachusetts [18] - Water distribution earnings decreased by $0.02 per share due to higher O&M and depreciation expenses [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Year-to-date weather-normalized load growth was reported at 2%, with a peak of over 12 gigawatts experienced this summer, the highest since 2013 [11] - The company is on track to invest nearly $5 billion in transmission and distribution infrastructure this year [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing key strategic initiatives to drive sustainable growth and strengthen its balance sheet [4] - There is a strong emphasis on infrastructure investments to maintain a reliable and resilient grid, accommodating new sources of generation to meet increasing electric demand [6][10] - The company is pursuing numerous transmission projects to address evolving electric demand and improve regional reliability [11][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the constructive shift in Connecticut's regulatory landscape, which is expected to facilitate collaboration on regulatory initiatives [5][7] - The company aims to deliver reliable, sustainable energy while keeping costs manageable and partnering with customers to ensure affordability [14] - The company reaffirmed its 2025 recurring earnings per share guidance to a range of $4.72-$4.80, with a longer-term EPS growth rate of 5%-7% [25] Other Important Information - The company has made significant progress on the Revolution Wind project, with Ørsted reporting that 52 of the 65 turbines are installed [67] - The company is actively working on storm cost recovery, with 98% of deferred storm costs either under review or already in rates [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on Yankee Gas and alternative resolution - Management indicated that the decision from PURA was better than the draft decision, and they will provide more information later [32][33] Question: NSTAR Gas PBR proposal denial - Management explained that the denial was due to a roll-in of GSEP and indicated plans to file a general rate case if necessary [36] Question: Regulatory updates and credit agency views - Management noted that credit agencies are in a wait-and-see mode regarding regulatory outcomes [42] Question: Land acquisition strategy - Management clarified that land acquisitions are for their own regulated business and strategic energy injection [60] Question: Timing for storm cost securitization resolution - Management expects a decision on storm cost securitization in the second or third quarter of the following year [71] Question: Tax rate expectations - Management anticipates the tax rate to be in the low 20% for the current year, moving towards a more normal level in 2026 [91] Question: Completion of Revolution Wind project - Management reported significant progress and expects to improve the project schedule [67] Question: End of the Revolution Wind project agreement with Ørsted - Management stated that the end of the agreement will be at the Commercial Operation Date (COD) [100]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted operating income was reported at $6.2 billion before tax, while net income was -$0.2 billion, affected by net impairments primarily due to a lower long-term oil price outlook [4][12] - Year-to-date cash flow from operations after tax reached $14.7 billion, with adjusted earnings per share at $0.37 [5][13] - Cash flow from operations for the quarter was $9.1 billion, with total cash and cash equivalents exceeding $22 billion [12][13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Production increased by 7% year-over-year, totaling 2,130,000 barrels per day, with a 9% growth on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS) [9][10] - Adjusted operating income from E&P Norway was $5.6 billion before tax, while E&P International results reflected lower production but also lower depreciation [10][11] - Renewables business saw operating costs decrease by around 50% compared to the same quarter last year, with expectations of a 30% annual decrease [6][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Liquids prices were lower compared to the same quarter last year, while average gas prices increased, particularly in the U.S. [10] - U.S. onshore gas production rose by 40%, while U.S. offshore production increased by 9% year-over-year [9][10] - International production outside the U.S. declined due to temporary shutdowns and divestments in Azerbaijan and Nigeria [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain production levels on the NCS through 2035, focusing on smaller discoveries and quicker developments [82] - A more active role in Ørsted is being pursued, with plans to nominate a board candidate to enhance collaboration and shareholder value [8][17] - The company is cautious about further capital commitments in offshore wind due to current industry challenges, while still developing existing projects [18][33] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management highlighted ongoing geopolitical unrest and market volatility impacting pricing and trading conditions [5] - There is an expectation of a tighter gas market this winter, with storage levels around 83%, which is 12% below last year [34] - The company remains committed to capital distribution, with a cash dividend of $0.37 per share and a share buyback program totaling up to $1.266 billion [8][13] Other Important Information - The company reported net impairments of $754 million, primarily due to lower long-term oil price assumptions [12] - A tragic fatality occurred at Munkstad, emphasizing the need for continued focus on safety [8] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the outlook for unit depreciation charge in Norway? - The unit depreciation charge is up about 13% from Q2, driven by new assets coming online, particularly Johan Castberg, and is expected to gradually reduce going forward [15][16] Question: Can you elaborate on the decision to take a board seat in Ørsted? - The company aims to take a more active role as a shareholder to improve collaboration and create shareholder value, especially during the current downturn in the offshore wind industry [17][24] Question: What factors influenced the change in MMP guidance? - The guidance was changed to around $400 million per quarter due to market conditions and the divestment of gas infrastructure assets, which had a $40 million quarterly impact [21][22][56] Question: What is the status of the Peregrino disposal? - Peregrino resumed production on October 17th, and the divestment of the 60% ownership position is expected to close in two phases, with a total transaction value of $3.5 billion [43][44] Question: What is the latest on the Rosebank approval process? - The permit was taken away due to Scope 3 emissions concerns, and the company has submitted a response that is currently under public consultation [76][78]

Industry Trend - China's offshore-wind manufacturers are positioning for global growth [1] - Western peers are struggling [1]

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - **Industry**: China's Wind Power Sector - **Current Status**: The sector has turned a corner after years of price competition, with a recovery in wind turbine prices observed year-to-date [3][6][14]. Core Insights - **Demand Resilience**: Demand for wind power is expected to remain strong through 2026-27, driven by: - Healthy growth in wind power tender volumes, which increased by 9% year-on-year to 72GW in the first half of 2025 [6][14]. - Favorable project internal rates of return (IRRs) with less impact from new electricity tariff policies, as evidenced by a bidding result of CNY0.319/kWh for wind power in Shandong Province [6][14]. - Anticipated acceleration in offshore wind installations due to supportive policies under China's 15th Five-Year Plan [6][14]. - **Installation Forecasts**: - Forecasted growth of 29% year-on-year in wind installations to 112GW in 2025, with 100GW for onshore (+23% year-on-year) and 12GW for offshore (+117%) [6][14]. - Expected annual demand of 107GW/108GW for 2026/27, primarily driven by robust offshore wind demand [6][14]. - **Market Dynamics**: - Reduced market competition is anticipated to lead to better turbine margins, supported by easing price competition and improved sales mix [7][22]. - The average bidding price for wind turbines in China has rebounded by 10% year-on-year to CNY1.6/W as of June 2025 [7][22]. Company-Specific Insights - **Ningbo Orient Wires & Cables (NBO)**: - Initiated coverage with a Buy rating, expecting a 40% earnings CAGR from 2024-27, driven by offshore wind project construction and high-end cable product penetration [4][10][37]. - Target price set at CNY83, based on a 26x FY26 EPS of CNY3.20, indicating a 19% upside [10][110]. - **Goldwind**: - Also initiated coverage with a Buy rating, forecasting a 41% earnings CAGR from 2024-27, supported by margin improvement and higher contributions from offshore and overseas projects [4][10][38]. - Target price set at HKD18, based on a 17x FY26 EPS of CNY0.97 [10][38]. Emerging Growth Drivers - **Offshore Wind Sector**: Expected to see accelerated demand growth from 2026-30, supported by local consumption and policy backing [8][84]. - **Overseas Demand**: Export sales are emerging as a growth driver, with a projected CAGR of 15% for onshore wind installations outside China from 2025-30 [9][30]. Investment Risks and Catalysts - **Risks**: - Lower-than-expected wind power demand due to policy headwinds or intensified price competition [11][46]. - Longer-than-expected project approval and construction periods [11][46]. - **Catalysts**: - New project tenders and supportive policies expected to boost visibility for demand in 2026-27 [11][46]. Additional Insights - **Market Share**: The wind turbine market in China is highly concentrated, with the top ten players accounting for 99% of new installations in 2024 [72]. - **Export Growth**: Wind turbine exports from China grew 40% year-on-year to 5.2GW in 2024, indicating strong international demand [30][77]. This summary encapsulates the key points from the conference call, highlighting the current state and future outlook of China's wind power sector, along with specific insights into the companies NBO and Goldwind.

Industry Focus - Offshore wind industry involves workers like ironworkers focusing on tasks such as turbine maintenance 15 miles out at sea [1] Project Details - Project location is off the coast of Rhode Island [1]

Government Policy & Renewable Energy Target - UK government initiated the latest offshore wind subsidy auction to achieve a carbon-free electricity grid by 2030 [1] Renewable Energy - The UK aims to secure enough offshore wind capacity to enable a carbon-free electricity grid by 2030 [1]

Renewable Energy Sector Impact - Certain projects, especially offshore wind projects, are unlikely to proceed [1] - The "Big Beautiful Bill" has an impact on America's energy sector [1]