Goldman Sachs says “green capex” will be “the dominant driver of global infrastructure over the next decade.” The firm shared its ideas on how to play the trend. Green capex — capital expenditures that are geared toward sustainability goals such as decarbonization, infrastructure and clean water — will surge amid a public- and private-sector boom in investment, according to Goldman. In a Tuesday note, Goldman said that it believes “an all-in approach across sectors is required, providing opportunities across the Green Capex supply chain to participate in achieving these goals. To stimulate additional investment we believe three C’s will be required: Collaboration, Comprehensive focus and Corporate returns.” The firm estimates $6 trillion of annual green capex through this decade, with an incremental average of $2.8 trillion per year to support net zero, infrastructure and clean water goals. The firm screened for buy-rated companies exposed to the green capex goals of decarbonization, infrastructure and clean water that also met the following criteria: Have favorable corporate financial returns versus peers Have estimated revenue exposure of at least 25% to green capex-related United Nations’ “Sustainable Development Goals” Are not in the bottom 20th percentile for the firm’s GS Sustain operational “Environmental & Social” score Here are 10 of the names Goldman underscored as potential winners from green capex: Tech companies Check Point , Fortinet , Microsoft and Palo Alto Networks are new additions to the firm’s list. Cybersecurity solutions company Fortinet’s shares have popped 37% year to date. ESG funds are underweight on the stock, according to analyst Gabriela Borges. About 70% of analysts covering Fortinet rate it a buy or strong buy, according to Refinitiv data. The consensus analyst price target implies shares could rally almost 10%. Goldman also highlighted Palo Alto Networks. More than 80% of analysts covering the stock give it a buy or strong buy rating. Shares are up 41% in 2023. Electric vehicle maker Tesla also made Goldman’s list. Shares have had a strong year, rallying more than 37%. Analysts see further upside of about 7% from current levels, according to Refinitiv data. Finally, the firm called out cell tower operator IHS Holding . Shares have gained 47% in 2023. However, the stock is down almost 10% over a 12-month period. —CNBC’s Michael Bloom contributed to this report.
