This week in manufacturing

Hitachi Energy plans to invest $479M to build a transformer insulation factory in London, Ontario, by 2028, aiming to meet rising electricity demand. The facility will be the first in Canada to produce pressboard and will create 100 jobs. Hitachi is contributing most of the funds, with government support totaling $50M. The project supports Canada's electricity strategy to double its grid by 2050.

Nomura expects GE Vernova T&D India, Hitachi Energy India, and CG Power to benefit from India's Green Energy Corridor Phase-III (GEC-III), citing higher outlay and targets. The government approved GEC-III with a total outlay of Rs 1.9 trillion, aiming to evacuate 135 GW of renewable energy and deploy 50 GWh of battery energy storage systems by FY33. Nomura maintains 'Buy' ratings on all three stocks, anticipating increased demand for transmission equipment and BESS solutions.

GE Vernova Hitachi is advancing the deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs), with the first land-based SMR outside China being installed in Ontario, Canada. The company has secured orders for its BWRX-300 SMR, based on proven boiling water reactor technology. GE Vernova Hitachi's Chief Commercial Officer discussed the company's SMR strategy at the World Nuclear Association's annual symposium.

Hitachi revised its fiscal year 2026 outlook, lowering sales guidance to $73.125 billion from $74.000 billion, a decrease of $875 million, while keeping a GAAP EPS target of $1.26. The article also cites Q1 results of $0.27 GAAP EPS versus a $0.22 estimate, with sales up to $17.002 billion.

Hitachi reported Q1 EPS of $0.27, above the $0.22 analyst estimate, while sales rose 8.83% year over year to $17.002 billion. However, EPS fell 53.45% versus $0.58 a year earlier, indicating weaker profitability despite revenue growth. The article also notes Hitachi Vantara’s Norman site was named a WEF Global Lighthouse Factory.

AbbVie (ABBV) received FDA approval for at-home Skyrizi starts in Crohn's disease, potentially boosting sales. The approval allows patients to begin treatment at home with an on-body injector. Shares closed at $285.64 on October 23. Third-quarter results are due on October 30, with revenue guidance around $17.2 billion. Analysts expect a potential total return of ~27% with a target price of ~$364.