EU Net Zero Ideas: Cable offers long term FCF & returns, Electrolysers do not

HVDC players (Nexans, Prysmian and NKT) offer improved growth, margins and ROIC as interconnection becomes a key enabling technology for net zero. The US market could triple. Barriers to entry are high and incumbents are well placed to be the main beneficiaries.

Electrolyser producers (Nel and ITM Power) face increasingly competitive industry dynamics (similar to German solar in 2008) and overcapacity / pricing pressure through 2030. Current leaders are unlikely to generate cash in the coming decade or remain independent. Both could raise capital again.

- 29 October, 2021