In the Know

Neil Beveridge, APAC Oil, Gas & Energy Storage Analyst joins Diana Wood on the podcast this week to discuss CATL, a global leader in new energy innovative technologies and the largest battery maker today. Here, we discuss the basics – who they are, and who their customer base is – and delve into their capacity expansion plans for the future, their biggest competitors and how they think about their supply chain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US Retailing Analyst Zhihan Ma joins host Sid Malkani this week to unpack multi-billion dollar global retailer Costco, self-described as a “membership warehouse club” and operating in 14 countries.We delve into the history of the club model, and where Costco fits into this strategy – from their unique pricing and branding strategy to the Kirkland brand as a whole. Plus, we look at Costco’s international strategy, and their runway for growth in other markets. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Senior Technology Analyst Boris Van joins Richard Moffat on the podcast this week to discuss the Chinese travel market. As Chinese consumers shift their rapidly growing disposable income towards experiential consumption, we discuss the potential growth of domestic vs. international travel, the competitive tension between travel agents, hotels and airlines, and finish with the material impact on global hotel room demand. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US Energy & Global Natural Resource Analyst Bob Brackett joins host Diana Wood to walk us through his bullish view on the natural gas market. We discuss the two demand drivers that are permanently inflecting, and the supply squeeze that we cannot ignore, as well as geopolitical factors and the evolving landscape in the US. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Diana Wood hosts US Semiconductor Analyst Stacy Rasgon for a topical episode surrounding DeepSeek, a Chinese artificial intelligence company who have had an ‘AI mic drop’ moment, causing a major stir in the markets. In this episode, Stacy provides an update on the ‘latest and greatest’ in the world of AI, plus we delve into who DeepSeek are, the initial reactions, and what this may mean for Open AI and the industry at large. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nikhil Devnani, a US Internet Analyst at Bernstein Research, dives into the evolution of Uber, illuminating its journey from a cash-draining startup to a profitable powerhouse. He discusses the competitive landscape Uber faces today, including rivals like Ola and Didi, and its shift towards profitability. The conversation shifts to autonomous vehicles, exploring their potential impact on rideshare and delivery services. Devnani also addresses regulatory challenges, trust issues, and the future of consumer acceptance in this transformative era.

Food Packaging Analyst Alexia Howard joins host Diana Wood on the podcast this week to discuss the potential implications of Make America Healthy Again on the packaged food industry. We look at Robert F. Kennedy Jr’s policies and what impact these could have on food dye, microplastics and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Plus, we consider new legislations around additives, product promotion, and how education may start to shift the way people think about ultra-processed foods. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, our Asian Autos Analyst Eunice Lee joins us from Hong Kong to discuss electric vehicles with host Richard Moffat. We discuss rising EV penetration in the Chinese market, self-driving tech, the rapid model upgrade cycle and the cost advantages that have seen the emergence of not just competitive but world-leading products. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nadine Sarwat, Bernstein’s Americas Alcoholic Beverages & Cannabis Analyst, dives into the intriguing landscape of U.S. whiskey. She offers a fascinating whiskey 101 that highlights its booming popularity and flavor innovations. The conversation shifts to the potential concerns of a whiskey glut, exploring inventory challenges and market dynamics post-COVID. Sarwat also touches on the cyclical trends of flavored whiskey, emphasizing brand integrity and the lessons learned from past beverage trends. A must-listen for spirits enthusiasts!

Senior North America Airlines and Transports Analyst David Vernon joins host Diana Wood on the podcast. In this episode, we take a step back in time and discuss the history of airlines economics and ask what could be different this time around? David discusses segmentation, loyalty programs, the shift in profits and how this sets the stage for the next cycle and impact on the industry overall. He also looks at the appetite for travel from younger consumers and how that will transform the industry in years to come. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.