GEOS January 2022 Update
As we reflect on the volatility for clean technology stocks in 2021, cumulating with the correction of late December, we view much of the market action as unwarranted, and completely out of step with strong fundamental drivers. While we do concur that valuations were stretched in some segments of the clean technology stock arena after the outsized returns of 2020, most of the global risks at hand are catalysts for our approach to investing in climate solutions-oriented companies. Most importantly:
Global energy crisis: there are huge pressures on energy commodity prices, from natural gas in Europe to increased electric utility rates across the U.S. driven by severe weather and an ancient electrical grid. Climate change is causing more severe weather, from wildfires on the west coast, to December tornados in our nation’s interior leading to long-term blackouts which further degrade our electrical grid.
GEOS solution: the power technology theme has exposures to new technologies enabling safer, more resilient, and consistent electricity for commercial and residential use. Upgrading our electrical grid as enhanced and distributed technologies are adopted, from electric vehicles (EVs) to energy storage is leading to the increased need for utilities to manage electricity as it is digitized. This is one of the most important, long term clean technology trends, and GEOS has significant exposure here.
Inflation: cost pressures, given increased input costs for the industrial sector, or labor complexities with the Great Resignation means companies must learn to do more with less – the very essence of clean technology. Companies need better controls and systems throughout their entire business models, from sourcing materials, to managing production cycles, to shipping goods and delivering services. As importantly, increased pricing pressures and higher interest rates place a premium on optimizing cost structures so not to lose competitive edges. It is high time to invest in productivity, and control commodity price risks. These risks have been made all the more concerning with the recent supply chain problems.
GEOS solutions: in the clean tech and efficiency theme, exposure to industrial robotics, vision systems and factory automation as well as workplace productivity technologies. GEOS has exposure to augmented reality technologies that enable workers to be immediately upskilled on site as they repair, for example highly specified HVAC systems without calling for process engineers, optimizing human resource time and negating the need for additional “truck rolls.” Another solution in GEOS provides stationary power storage served by solar cells to isolate a data center from electricity price variability.
Lack of continued regulatory support: market consensus continues that clean technology is solely dependent on government support, whether tax incentives, or the need for Build Back Better (BBB) to make consistent profits. As we have oft expressed, disruptive technology does not care who is in Washington. Every management team of each GEOS holding will state with emphasis, that their business goals are not dependent on any incentives. We invest GEOS in holdings that represent services that are scaling because they make great economic sense based on their fundamental business case. Period. Recent management meetings have reinforced projections for 2022 are not dependent on BBB – that would be additive if it was to pass. We have learned in managing GEOS never to hold our breath awaiting political action – the essence of GEOS is harnessing the capital markets to solve grave global environmental and social problems, for social impact and strong long-term returns.
Disclosures:
This commentary is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute investment advice and is not intended as an endorsement of any specific investment. The opinions and analyses expressed in this commentary are based on Essex Investment Management LLC’s (“Essex”) research and professional experience and are expressed as of the date of its release. Certain information expressed represents an assessment at a specific point in time and is not intended to be a forecast or guarantee of future results, nor is intended to speak to any future periods. Accordingly, such statements are inherently speculative as they are based on assumptions that may involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties.
This does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to purchase any security or investment product, nor does it constitute a recommendation to invest in any particular security. An investment in securities is speculative and involves a high degree of risk and could result in the loss of all or a substantial portion of the amount invested. There can be no assurance that the strategy described herein will meet its objectives generally or avoid losses. Essex makes no warranty or representation, expressed or implied; nor does Essex accept any liability, with respect to the information and data set forth herein, and Essex specifically disclaims any duty to update any of the information and data contained in the commentary. This information and data does not constitute legal, tax, account, investment or other professional advice. Essex being registered by the SEC does not imply a certain level of skill or training.
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