In this edition, US utilities are slowly regaining their luster; Germany's auto industry is slowing down; China is building up home demand; and Elekta, Auckland International Airport, and Yum China.

Mercedes-Benz Group is a premium automotive original equipment manufacturer, selling around 2 million passenger cars, including its Chinese joint venture, and just under 450,000 vans per year. The company’s financial profile improved significantly following the spinoff of Daimler Truck in 2021. Unlike most automotive OEMs, Mercedes operates under its own brand alone. In 2023, 16% of its passenger cars sold were top end (G Class, Maybach, AMG, S Class), 54% were core (C and E Class), and 30% entry (A and B Class). In volume terms, Asia is Mercedes’ largest market at 40% of 2023 vehicle sales followed by Europe at 38% and North America at 17%.

CNH Industrial is a global manufacturer of heavy machinery, with a range of products including agricultural and construction equipment. One of its most recognizable brands, Case IH, has served farmers for generations. The company's products are available through a robust dealer network, which includes over 3,600 dealer and distribution locations worldwide. CNH’s finance arm provides retail financing for equipment to its customers in addition to wholesale financing for dealers, which increases the likelihood of product sales.

Cummins is the top manufacturer of diesel engines used in commercial trucks, off-highway machinery, and railroad locomotives, in addition to standby and prime power generators. The company also sells powertrain components, which include transmissions, turbochargers, aftertreatment systems, and fuel systems. Cummins is in the unique position of competing with its primary customers, heavy-duty truck manufacturers, who make and aggressively market their own engines. Despite robust competition across all its segments and increasing government regulation of carbon emissions, Cummins has maintained its leadership position in the industry.