thyssenkrupp, Globex Mining, Super Micro Computer – Defense, critical raw materials, and the AI boom drive profits

thyssenkrupp - Between transformation and new beginnings

thyssenkrupp presents mixed but robust figures for the first quarter of 2024/25. Order intake rose by over 50% to EUR 12.5 billion, driven by major projects in the marine segment, including submarine programs and icebreaker contracts. Adjusted EBIT rose to EUR 191 million, an increase of EUR 107 million over the previous year, supported by the APEX 2.0 efficiency program. Despite a slight decline in revenue to EUR 7.8 billion, the free cash flow forecast was raised to up to EUR 300 million – a signal of improved liquidity. Marine Systems shines with a record order backlog of EUR 16.4 billion, paving the way for future growth.

While the marine segment is booming, the automotive segment is struggling with structural problems. Planned job cuts of 1,800 positions and falling demand are weighing on margins. In addition, there is the threat of trade conflicts and wage uncertainties. In the steel business, the situation is mixed. Despite revenue declines in the automotive sector, thyssenkrupp is benefiting from government electricity price compensation of around EUR 125 million. At the same time, the Company is pushing ahead with its realignment – for example, by selling the Electrical Steel division and the planned spin-off of Marine Systems via an IPO. A joint venture with EPCG should also make the steel division more competitive in Europe.

thyssenkrupp is currently scoring with attractive key figures. The stock is relatively cheap compared to the industry and shows above-average profit growth rates. However, analysts see risks from volatile commodity prices, geopolitical tensions, and the complex restructuring. Although management emphasizes progress in portfolio consolidation, skepticism remains – particularly regarding the implementation of the steel joint venture plans. For investors with a long-term orientation, however, the current price level could offer opportunities, provided that the planned spin-offs and efficiency gains sustainably generate cash flow. The share price has more than doubled since mid-February and currently stands at EUR 9.104.

Globex Mining – Commodity market in transition: Strategies for uncertain times

As investors reassess their positions in light of geopolitical tensions and structural inflation, commodities are increasingly coming into focus. Copper, lithium, and rare earths are considered key to the energy transition – but supply bottlenecks are looming. Companies that secure access to critical metals benefit from rising prices and government funding programs. Canada and the US are becoming increasingly attractive as stable locations. More and more Western countries are recognizing that the economy can only be sustained if access to the necessary raw materials is secured to build solid value chains.

Globex Mining is well-positioned in this area and has built a unique business model. The Company owns 255 resource projects, optioning these deposits to partners, thereby generating income in the form of cash, stocks, options, and royalties. More than half of the portfolio is accounted for by precious metals, with the rest being accounted for by future materials such as lithium and rare earths. A recent example of this successful strategy is Emperor Metals, which discovered spectacular gold grades of up to 301.1 g/t at the Duquesne West project, while Radisson Mining Resources reported finds of up to 56 g/t gold at the Kewagama gold project. Initial results from the Mirage lithium project indicate cost-effective extraction without the need for costly flotation.

With CAD 30 million in cash reserves, Globex remains flexible to acquire additional projects with good future prospects. Globex also stands out for its low-risk location choices and financial independence. Unlike many explorers, the Company fully owns its projects and is completely debt-free. The Company regularly invests its earnings into new projects without issuing new shares. Analysts see the Company as well positioned for an anticipated commodities supercycle. Rising demand for precious, industrial, and energy metals could increase the portfolio's value by 200-300%. Globex Mining is an interesting option for investors betting on physical resources. The stock is consolidating after a 34% increase since the beginning of the year and is currently trading at CAD 1.46.

Super Micro Computer – Currently favorably valued

Super Micro Computer (SMCI) has established itself as a major provider of AI-based infrastructures in a dynamic market. For the 2025 financial year alone, management is forecasting revenues of between USD 23.5 and 25 billion, which underscores the enormous interest in high-performance data centers. The Company has set itself apart from its competitors with its liquid cooling, which not only saves electricity but also increases the lifespan of energy-hungry AI servers. The Company expects that up to 30% of newly built data centers will rely on its technologies in the future to achieve energy efficiency and cost advantages.

To continue growing, the Company is focusing on expanding in Silicon Valley, where a huge new campus of around 279,000 square meters is to be built. This will enable the Company to increase its production capacity and thus better respond to the rapidly growing demand for AI servers. In the past financial year, revenues rose by around 110%, mainly due to larger deliveries of solutions equipped with Nvidia parts. Nevertheless, high-priced components such as GPUs put considerable pressure on margins, as a significant portion of production costs goes directly to suppliers such as Nvidia.

Although potential fines resulting from ongoing investigations are causing uncertainty, SMCI is still undervalued with a price-earnings ratio below the industry average. Investors benefit from SMCI's broad customer base and close partnerships with leading chipmakers. At the same time, regulatory risks and possible export restrictions continue to threaten the share price. Nevertheless, the Company's strong innovative capabilities, global presence, and steady growth make it a promising option for investors with a long-term horizon. The weakening Nvidia price recently dragged the stock down, and it is currently trading at USD 38.24.

thyssenkrupp proves that traditional industrial conglomerates can still generate growth by focusing on niches like marine systems and smart restructuring, despite the steel crisis and labor disputes. Globex Mining, on the other hand, is capitalizing on the commodity supercycle with its low-risk licensing model, positioning itself as an indispensable partner for high-tech industry and the energy transition. Super Micro Computer, in turn, is cleverly exploiting the AI boom by offering infrastructure solutions that guarantee efficiency and scalability. Together, they represent three facets of the modern economy: resilience, resource power, and technology leadership – offering opportunities despite volatile markets.