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Straits Times
2 hours ago
- Business
- Straits Times
‘Made for Germany': Is Chancellor Merz's industrial push a mere rhetorical reset?
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox German Chancellor Friedrich Merz addresses journalists at the launch of the 'Made for Germany' initiative planning large investments to boost the economy, at the Chancellery in Berlin, on July 21. BERLIN – When Chancellor Friedrich Merz stepped in front of the cameras on July 21 and declared 'Germany is back', the image was designed to inspire confidence. Surrounded by executives from Siemens, Deutsche Bank, BMW and other German corporate heavyweights, Mr Merz presented what he labelled as one of the country's largest investment initiatives in decades: €631 billion (S$938.6 billion) pledged through 2028, under the 'Made for Germany' banner. It was a grand show of unity between government and business at a time when the German economy, Europe's largest, has marginally contracted in each of the last three years. But the symbolism belies a more sober reality. Much of the pledged investment had already been planned. Only a fraction - a still substantial €100 billion – qualifies as new capital. And even that figure is shrouded in vagueness. While impressive on paper, Mr Merz's initiative risks becoming a rhetorical exercise detached from the structural reforms that Germany desperately needs. In that sense, 'Made for Germany' represents less of an economic breakthrough than a narrative reset. Its closest analogues – French President Emmanuel Macron's 'Choose France' summit and Chinese President Xi Jinping's 'Made in China 2025' strategy – have clear agendas. Mr Macron courted foreign capital with tax incentives and regulatory reform, while Mr Xi laid out a centralised roadmap to dominate future tech sectors. Germany's effort, by contrast, is currently still a rather vague call for private investment by its corporate giants and seems more inward-facing. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Business S'pore's Q2 total employment rises, but infocomm and professional services sectors see more job cuts Asia Japan issues tsunami warning after 8.8-magnitude earthquake strikes off Russia Singapore Migrant workers who gave kickbacks to renew work passes were conservancy workers at AMK Town Council Singapore 2026 school year to begin from Jan 2 for MOE kindergarten, primary, secondary students Singapore Singapore prepared to recognise State of Palestine in principle, says envoy at high-level UN meeting Business MAS keeps Singapore dollar policy unchanged amid US tariff risks to economy Business S'pore car-sharing firm GetGo launches ZipZap no-deposit car leasing, starting at six months Singapore Escape, discover, connect: Where new memories are made The pivot from 'Made in Germany' to 'Made for Germany' though, signals a shift in ambition. Chancellor Merz wants to move away from branding Germany as a source of globally trusted exports to renewing the industrial foundations at home to bolster its future competitiveness. Mr Merz's goal is not just growth, but a reanimation of Germany's industrial spirit – an effort to restore geopolitical relevance and economic sovereignty at a time of a seismic rejigging of the global economic order. To be sure, Germany remains a leading global manufacturing power – contributing about 26 per cent of the EU's total industrial output and far ahead of France, Italy, or the UK – but the system is showing signs of fatigue. Pressure is also building from outside the European Union (EU). Though European Commission negotiators have brokered with US President Donald Trump to almost halve tariffs on European goods to about 15 per cent, Mr Merz has warned that these tariffs 'pose a serious burden for Germany's export-oriented economy'. And then there is China, paradoxically a rival and an indispensable trade partner, and whose own industrial policy has compounded its overcapacity issues. Many have accused Beijing of exporting its overcapacity to other parts of the world, including South-east Asia and Europe. German automakers and chemical giants rely on Chinese demand, but China's push into electric vehicles, green tech and microchips has turned it into a fierce competitor. Recent talks between China and the EU have yielded little to resolve deep disagreements. Overregulated economy, high energy costs, labour shortages Mr Merz's campaign is therefore an attempt to rewrite Germany's economic story, or at least the way it is told. Many economists would argue that perception drives confidence, and confidence drives investments. The Merz government argues that private investment is the key to unlocking further growth. The economic theory is Keynesian – inject capital now, reignite demand, and rebuild momentum. But caution prevails. While short-term effects may lift the GDP in 2026, the long-term trajectory remains weighed down by unresolved structural burdens. The problem is therefore not a lack of investment promises, but the ecosystem through which those investments must flow. According to a recent report by the German Bundesbank, the country's central bank, Germany's economy could have grown 50 per cent more between 2021 and 2024 if its export industries had not been constrained by labour shortages and regulatory delays. The German economy is overregulated, grappling with high energy costs and sluggish digitalisation. The infrastructure is visibly deteriorating, and despite recent public investment packages – including a €500 billion state fund for climate and transport – progress is slow. At the same time, wage costs are rising, and social contributions are set to increase again in 2026 – all against the backdrop of an ageing population and labour market tensions. All of these structural impediments are in turn manifesting in the form of funding delays, fragmented policymaking, and lagging venture capital inflows, which continue to hinder progress and crimp innovation. Many of these issues in Germany mirror the ones identified in a 2024 report on European competitiveness anchored by Mr Mario Draghi, a former European Central Bank chief. Still, the high-tech strategy within Mr Merz's 'Made for Germany' campaign outlines bold plans: chip plants, AI gigafactories and quantum research labs. Germany even aims to derive 10 per cent of GDP from artificial intelligence by 2030. Strengthening German innovation was one of the priorities that Mr Merz identified for this campaign, but details were scarce at his launch speech. Many experts remain sceptical. A recent OECD report notes that Germany's AI investment remains modest compared to the United States and China, and the commercialisation of research is still weak. Most tellingly, one in four German tech start-ups is considering relocating abroad due to a lack of venture capital, according to a recent Bitkom survey. Bitkom is Germany's digital association, representing more than 2,200 companies in the digital economy. Conspicuous exclusion This tension between ambition and inertia is mirrored in the composition of the Chancellor's 'Made for Germany' initiative. While Mr Merz presents the campaign as a national effort, it is driven largely by major blue chips listed in Frankfurt, such as Siemens and Deutsche Bank. Absent are the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that make up over 90 per cent of German companies and form the backbone of the country's manufacturing economic base. The omission is not trivial. The most pressing structural reforms – cutting red tape, accelerating permit approvals, reducing non-wage labour costs, and upgrading digital infrastructure – would disproportionately benefit SMEs. Unlike large firms, they often lack in-house capacity to navigate Germany's rigid regulatory ecosystem. A family-run engineering business seeking to expand might wait over a year for zoning or environmental permits, all while grappling with rising payroll costs and outdated broadband infrastructure. Mr Rainer Kirchdörfer, chairman of the Foundation for Family Businesses and Politics, welcomed the initiative's intentions but criticised its skewed composition. 'Family-owned businesses provide 60 per cent of all jobs. They are essential to Germany as a business location,' he said. Yet only three family-owned companies were invited to the launch. What is needed now is not rhetorical inclusion, but policy recalibration. Integrating SMEs into the industrial renewal effort would require targeted reforms – streamlined permitting, better access to venture and growth capital, and relief from inflexible labour costs. Without this, Germany risks cementing a two-speed economy: one where flagship firms receive capital and attention, while the broader Mittelstand – the storied ecosystem of family firms and specialised manufacturers – remains underleveraged. This also points to a deeper structural issue. SMEs are rarely seen as leaders in emerging sectors like AI or quantum computing, which could then lead to a policy and funding bias towards larger firms. But empowering the Mittelstand would localise supply chains, broaden innovation beyond urban hubs and strengthen regional economies. There is no meaningful reindustrialisation without the Mittelstand – and until they are fully embedded in the plan, 'Made for Germany' remains a half-built foundation. Critics across the political spectrum have begun asking whether the new initiative is simply a polished public relations exercise orchestrated by a handful of CEOs and communications consultants. Mr Christian Dürr, head of the liberal Free Democratic Party, put it bluntly: 'This isn't just about meeting with hand-picked CEOs. The entire spectrum of the economy needs to be heard.' Still, there is potential in the initiative if backed by real reform. Germany retains deep technological expertise and a powerful industrial base. The defence sector, for example, is now awash with funds and could become a driver of innovation, especially through dual-use applications. More than just capital, this would require vision, coordination and political courage. 'Made for Germany' offers hope, but for now, little hard evidence of systemic change.
Globe and Mail
a day ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Public Safety and Security Market Advance Technology, Future Scope, Growing Trends, Outlook, Global Size, Share And Forecast -2029
"Cisco (US), Honeywell (US), Motorola Solutions (US), IBM(US), Siemens(Germany), NEC(Japan), Thales(France), Hexagon(Sweden), Ericsson(Sweden), Huawei (China), Atos (France), Idemia(France), General Dynamics(US), ESRI(US), L3harris Technologies (US), Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise(France), Bae Systems(UK), Verint Systems(US)." Public Safety and Security Market by Solution (Critical Communication, C4ISR, Biometric Security, Surveillance, Emergency and Disaster Management, Cybersecurity), Application (Homeland, Critical Infrastructure, Transportation) - Global Forecast to 2029. The global public safety and security market is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.0% from USD 520.8 billion in 2024 to USD 878.2 billion by 2029. Advanced safety measures like biometric security and video monitoring are being implemented by governments in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany in response to evolving security concerns in the form of terrorism and other crimes. Other technological forces, such as IoT, AI, and Big Data, are also updating public safety strategies by improving emergency response capabilities and surveillance. Download PDF Brochure@ By Offering, the services segment will grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The service segment is expected to be growing at the highest CAGR in the public safety and security market during the forecast period, mainly due to managed services. This segment is expected to witness substantial growth in demand with the increasing adoption of cloud-based delivery models, such as SaaS, which allows agencies to reduce upfront costs. This, in turn, demands specialized services in supporting programs for digital transformation and laying innovative cross-domain security solutions that embed detection capacities of artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and big data analytics There is an increasing demand for constant monitoring, maintenance, and management of any public safety systems, as more and more agencies turn their attention and strategic priorities to their respective mission-critical applications. That double-digit growth rate of the service segment overall, and especially in managed services, highlights this major player in allowing the penetration of advanced public safety technologies. By Services, the Professional Services segment will grow at the highest market size during the forecast period. The multiple services are offered through the professionals, specialists, and experts in supporting businesses. The professional services encompass design and consulting, training and education, support and maintenance, and installation and integration. Experts utilize advanced expertise, overall approach, and experience for meeting the organization's needs for security. The vendors of services provide individual implementation, risk assessments, and deployment of public safety and security solutions by following industry proven best practices. IBM, Huawei, and Honeywell Technologies are just a few of the leading vendors in the public safety and security market offering professional services. By region, Asia Pacific will grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Security spending in the Asia Pacific region is rising, with the growing intensity of various threats. For example, India, Japan, and Singapore have, each in their turn, established new national cyber-security policies against sophisticated threats. Increasing terrorist and cyberattacks have driven countries like India, China, Australia, Malaysia, and Singapore towards the adoption of advanced public safety and security systems. Extensive surveillance and heightened perimeter systems are the options China can turn to in the pursuit of security in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. Due to the rapid urbanization in this region, the primary technologies that will be in demand are sophisticated surveillance, crowd management, and emergency response technologies. Besides, rising crime rates and economic growth help boost law enforcement and security infrastructure spending. In addition, disasters are quite common in the APAC region, so the compulsion toward disaster preparedness solutions is increasing. The ongoing massive infrastructure projects open opportunities for further security improvements in protecting airports, ports, and critical infrastructure. Governments are investing a lot in public safety and advanced technology and training, but the challenge now is to balance it with data privacy concerns. Smart city initiatives with complex security systems and traffic management are on the evolutionary path, with a thrust on cybersecurity due to growing digital dependencies. Improved border security and revamped emergency response services raise concerns regarding mitigating security threats of varied dimensions in this region. Request Sample Pages@ Unique Features in the Public Safety and Security Market The public safety and security market is uniquely characterized by the integration of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), facial recognition, drones, and predictive analytics. These technologies enhance situational awareness, automate threat detection, and support real-time decision-making for law enforcement and emergency response teams. A distinguishing feature of this market is its focus on safeguarding critical infrastructure such as transportation systems, energy grids, and public buildings. Specialized surveillance systems, access control, and cyber-physical security measures are tailored to prevent potential attacks or disruptions. The market relies heavily on sophisticated command and control centers that integrate inputs from various security devices and sensors. These systems offer centralized monitoring and management of public safety operations, enabling seamless coordination between police, fire departments, and emergency medical services. A critical aspect of public safety operations is robust and interoperable communication networks. The market includes solutions that ensure secure, real-time communication across agencies and jurisdictions, such as LTE and 5G-based public safety networks, satellite communications, and mission-critical push-to-talk (MCPTT) systems. Major Highlights of the Public Safety and Security Market The public safety and security market is experiencing strong growth due to increasing global threats such as terrorism, cyberattacks, and civil unrest. Additionally, rapid urbanization has amplified the need for intelligent safety systems to manage larger populations and complex urban infrastructure. Governments worldwide are heavily investing in public safety infrastructure as part of smart city projects. This includes funding for surveillance networks, intelligent traffic control, emergency communication systems, and integrated command centers, boosting market demand significantly. A major highlight is the expanding use of AI, machine learning, and big data analytics for proactive threat detection, real-time monitoring, and predictive policing. These technologies are transforming traditional safety models into data-driven, responsive systems. There is a growing trend of public-private collaboration in building and operating security infrastructure. Private technology firms are increasingly working with governments to deploy and manage surveillance, cybersecurity, and emergency response solutions, expanding the market ecosystem. With increasing digitization of infrastructure, the convergence of cyber and physical security has become a focal point. Solutions that integrate cybersecurity with physical access controls and surveillance are gaining traction to address sophisticated hybrid threats. Inquire Before Buying@ Top Companies in the Public Safety and Security Market Cisco (US), Honeywell (US), Motorola Solutions (US), IBM(US), Siemens(Germany), NEC(Japan), Thales(France), Hexagon(Sweden), Ericsson(Sweden), Huawei (China), Atos (France), Idemia(France), General Dynamics(US), ESRI(US), L3harris Technologies (US), Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise(France), Bae Systems(UK), Verint Systems(US), SAAB AB(Sweden), Nice(Isreal), Teltronic(Spain), Secure Passage(Kansas), Fotokite(Switzerland), Onsolve(US), Barrier1 Systems(US), IOTAS(India), Veoci(US), Cityshob(Israel) are some of the key players operating in the global Public Safety and Security market. IBM mainly contributes to public safety and security through the full solution portfolio that targets law enforcement and emergency management agencies. IBM uses state-of-the-art technology in fusing data, analysis, and artificial intelligence to minimize intervention times and facilitate agency coordination. Public safety solutions from IBM aid agencies in overcoming affiliated hurdles, thus helping the agencies in collecting, storing, and analyzing mission-critical data. IBM optimizes solutions for the management of incidents to optimize operations and consumable resources. The underlying key technologies laid down in the baselines of tools promote AI, machine learning, and other innovative tools, which ensures system predictive analysis and automated threat detection. IBM public safety solutions generally enable maximum operational effectiveness in the building of safer communities and improve the effectiveness of public safety. Cisco plays a pivotal role in public safety and security improvement through a wide range of solutions for law enforcement, emergency management agencies, and smart city projects. Cisco is using advanced technology in data integration, analytics, and artificial intelligence to allow for better coordination among agencies and faster response times. Cisco's public safety solutions support numerous challenges through the collection, storage, and advanced analytics of video surveillance and weather information, which supports enhanced situational awareness and decision-making, automated incident detection, real-time situational awareness, secure mobile communications, and video surveillance with access control. Cisco promotes strong cybersecurity in all its products with network, cloud, endpoint security, and advanced threat protection. Honeywell Honeywell is an American multinational conglomerate headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. The company operates in four primary business areas: aerospace, building automation, industrial automation, and energy and sustainability solutions. Founded in 1906, Honeywell has evolved into a Fortune 500 company, ranking 115th in 2023. As of 2023, it employs approximately 95,000 people worldwide. In 2023, Vimal Kapur was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Darius Adamczyk, who continues as Chairman. Motorola Motorola Solutions is an American technology and communications company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Established as the legal successor to Motorola, Inc. in 2011 after the spinoff of its mobile phone division, the company focuses on mission-critical communications, command center software, video security, and access control solutions. Its product portfolio includes public safety radio systems, body-worn cameras, video surveillance systems, and two-way radios for various markets. As of 2023, Motorola Solutions employs approximately 21,000 people. Siemens Siemens is a German multinational technology conglomerate headquartered in Munich. Founded in 1847, it is Europe's largest industrial manufacturing company, focusing on industrial automation, distributed energy resources, rail transport, and health technology. Siemens operates through principal divisions such as Digital Industries, Smart Infrastructure, Mobility, and Financial Services. As of 2023, the company employs approximately 320,000 people worldwide and reported revenues of around €78 billion. Roland Busch serves as the Chief Executive Officer.
CBC
4 days ago
- Business
- CBC
Sask. tech companies look to EU for growth amid US tariffs
Federal figures suggest Canadian companies are looking to Europe in larger numbers to reduce their reliance on markets and investment in the United States. In April, 245 Canadian startups showcased their products at the Hannover Messe trade fair in Germany. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe also attended the trade show, with hopes of promoting Canadian exports. Aaron Genest, president of Sask Tech and a manager at Siemens Digital Industries, says that trade with the United States is unlikely to change much, but most new market expansion is coming from Europe. "We have a very small tech industry, but we have a lot of tech-enabled industries in Saskatchewan in mining and in agriculture, for instance," said Genest. "Those companies are seeing lots of opportunities in the EU." As for the stock market, the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) reached a record high on Friday, with technology shares leading the gains. A deadline of Aug. 1 on a Canada-US trade deal continues to loom however, and could be the cause of so many companies turning attention to overseas growth. Though outcomes are still uncertain, Trump said Friday that his country may not reach a new trade deal with Canada. Genest says that the Federal and Provincial governments are doing a lot to create buzz for Canadian exports to Europe, and it gives businesses more opportunity. "There are artificial logistics that could be put in place that would change that equation, and we're seeing that with the Trump government," said Genest. "They've been clearly making it harder to move things. At some point those artificial barriers overcome the geographical convenience." CEO and Founder of Saskatoon's River City Innovations Jeff Shirley produces industrial electronic temperature sensors for foreign and domestic markets. He says that he still does business with the US, but in the past two years, he's tripled his business in the Middle East. With his business having presence in Spain and France as well, Shirley says Canadian companies have developed a reputation of quality and reliability. "We found the local market here in Canada to be very challenging right now," said Shirley. Last week, Scott Moe called on all provinces and territories to join Canada's largest barrier-free interprovincial market through the New West Partnership Trade Agreement. Originally created in 2010, the agreement has lower procurement thresholds and fewer exemptions than the Canadian Free Trade Agreement.
Time Business News
6 days ago
- Science
- Time Business News
The Evolution and Importance of Circuit Breakers in Modern Electrical Systems
Electricity is one of the cornerstones of modern life, powering homes, industries, transport, and critical infrastructure. Yet, with its benefits comes the risk of overcurrent, short circuits, and electrical fires – dangers that must be carefully controlled. One of the most vital components for ensuring electrical safety and reliability is the circuit breaker. In this article, we explore the history of circuit breakers, why they are indispensable in today's electrical systems, and how they protect people, equipment, and essential services from harm. The need for overcurrent protection became apparent soon after electricity began to be used widely in the late 19th century. Initially, simple fuses were employed. A fuse contains a thin strip of metal that melts when too much current flows through it, thereby interrupting the circuit. Although effective, fuses have one major drawback: they need replacing once blown. The idea of a resettable protective device – what we now call a circuit breaker– was first developed in the early 20th century. In 1924, the American engineer Hugo Stotz, working for Siemens, patented the miniature circuit breaker (MCB), which combined electromagnetic and thermal protection in a compact device. This invention marked a significant advance: when overloaded or short-circuited, the breaker would trip, and once the fault was resolved, it could simply be reset without needing replacement. As electricity became more central to industry, commerce, and everyday life, the demand grew for larger and more sophisticated breakers capable of handling higher voltages, faster response times, and more complex fault scenarios. Today, a vast array of circuit breakers – from tiny devices in consumer units to massive gas-insulated breakers in substations – safeguard our electrical networks. Modern electrical systems are far more complex and carry higher loads than those of the early 20th century. The risks of overload, short circuits, arc faults, and ground faults can damage equipment, start fires, and endanger lives. Circuit breakers play a crucial role by: Interrupting dangerous currents before they cause overheating and fires. before they cause overheating and fires. Preventing equipment damage from short circuits or voltage surges. from short circuits or voltage surges. Protecting personnel from electric shock by disconnecting live circuits in fault conditions. from electric shock by disconnecting live circuits in fault conditions. Maintaining service continuity, allowing faults to be isolated quickly so unaffected circuits remain operational. Unlike fuses, breakers can be reset, are more precise, and can be integrated into automated systems for monitoring and control. Circuit breakers are now ubiquitous in all areas of electrical distribution, including: In domestic consumer units (commonly known as fuse boxes), MCBs protect individual lighting and socket circuits from overloads and short circuits. Residual Current Circuit Breakers (RCCBs) or Residual Current Devices (RCDs) add extra protection against electric shock by detecting earth leakage currents. Factories, data centres, and office buildings rely on larger breakers – such as moulded-case circuit breakers (MCCBs) – to protect high-power machinery and sensitive equipment. These breakers often include sophisticated trip settings to allow for complex load profiles. At the highest levels of the grid, high-voltage circuit breakers protect substations and transmission lines. These can interrupt fault currents of tens of thousands of amperes and operate under extreme conditions. Rail networks, airports, and ships all depend on circuit breakers to keep their critical systems running safely. In hospitals and data centres, where uninterrupted power is essential, breakers help prevent damage to life-saving equipment or servers, while allowing faults to be quickly isolated and repaired. Circuit breakers protect against a range of potentially catastrophic events: Overload Protection: When circuits are carrying more current than they are designed to handle, cables can overheat and catch fire. Breakers cut the current before this happens. Short Circuit Protection: When a live conductor touches a neutral or earth, an extremely high current flows. Breakers respond in milliseconds to break the circuit. Earth Fault Protection: Residual current breakers detect leakage to earth – which could mean a person is being shocked – and trip the circuit. Arc Fault Protection: In advanced systems, breakers can even detect arcing faults (sparks) that occur due to damaged cables or loose connections, which can lead to fires. By acting as the 'gatekeepers' of electrical energy, circuit breakers protect people from electric shock, prevent fires in buildings, and safeguard expensive equipment from damage – ensuring that critical infrastructure remains operational. From their origins as an improvement over fuses, circuit breakers have evolved into sophisticated devices that underpin the safety and reliability of our electrified world. They protect our homes, workplaces, and vital services from the dangers of electricity, while allowing us to enjoy its benefits securely. Whether you're flicking a light switch at home, running a factory, or maintaining a hospital, you can be confident that somewhere, quietly doing its job, a circuit breaker is keeping you and your equipment safe. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Globe and Mail
22-07-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Expanding Clientele Aids Snowflake's Prospects: What's the Path Ahead?
Snowflake SNOW is strengthening its position in enterprise data infrastructure, as demand accelerates for AI-led analytics, collaboration and scalable compute. The company's usage-based model enables flexible expansion across workloads, while long-term performance will likely depend on sustained customer commitments and multi-year contract momentum. Snowflake ended the first quarter with 11,578 total customers, including 606 generating over $1 million in trailing 12-month product revenue. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for customers is pegged at 634 for the second quarter, up 24% year on year, underscoring continued traction across large enterprise accounts. Remaining performance obligations (RPO) rose 34% year over year to $6.7 billion in the first quarter of fiscal 2026. RPO reflects the value of signed contracts not yet billed and is a key indicator of future revenue visibility and sustained demand. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for second-quarter RPO is pegged at $6.84 billion, up 31% from the figure reported year ago. A growing product suite and strategic integrations are expected to drive RPOs for Snowflake. The company is extending its AI-native capabilities through Cortex AISQL, SnowConvert AI, Openflow and new Agentic products in the Marketplace. The Crunchy Data acquisition strengthens its Postgres offering, and the Acxiom partnership is expected to scale AI-driven marketing use cases. Snowflake is gaining traction across large enterprise accounts like Siemens, AstraZeneca and Samsung Ads. These moves are expected to help deepen platform adoption over time. With rising RPO, expanding platform utility and strong enterprise engagement, Snowflake appears well-positioned to deliver consistent growth through fiscal 2026. SNOW Faces Stiff Competition Snowflake's AI-native platform is facing growing competition from Microsoft MSFT and ServiceNow NOW, both expanding their presence in enterprise-grade AI workflows. Microsoft is scaling Azure Synapse and Fabric to unify analytics, storage and foundation model access. With native integration of OpenAI and a broad cloud stack, Microsoft is emerging as a strong rival to Snowflake in data-driven AI deployments. ServiceNow is gaining momentum with Now Assist, embedding generative AI directly into IT, HR and customer service workflows. Now Assist delivers grounded copilots and low-code automation that mirror Cortex's enterprise use cases. As ServiceNow and Microsoft expand AI capabilities, Snowflake's ability to stand out may depend on faster product cycles and deeper in-platform integration. SNOW's Share Price Performance, Valuation and Estimates Snowflake shares have appreciated 36.9% year to date, outperforming the broader Zacks Computer & Technology sector's return of 9.5% and the Zacks Internet Software industry's increase of 15.9%. SNOW's YTD Price Performance Snowflake stock is trading at a premium, with a forward 12-month Price/Sales of 14.43X compared with the industry's 5.79X. SNOW has a Value score of F. SNOW's Valuation The Zacks Consensus Estimate for SNOW's fiscal 2026 earnings is pegged at $1.06 per share, unchanged over the past 30 days. The figure indicates a 27.71% increase year over year. Snowflake currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Zacks' Research Chief Names "Stock Most Likely to Double" Our team of experts has just released the 5 stocks with the greatest probability of gaining +100% or more in the coming months. Of those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian highlights the one stock set to climb highest. This top pick is a little-known satellite-based communications firm. Space is projected to become a trillion dollar industry, and this company's customer base is growing fast. Analysts have forecasted a major revenue breakout in 2025. Of course, all our elite picks aren't winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks' Stocks Set to Double like Hims & Hers Health, which shot up +209%. Free: See Our Top Stock And 4 Runners Up Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Microsoft Corporation (MSFT): Free Stock Analysis Report ServiceNow, Inc. (NOW): Free Stock Analysis Report Snowflake Inc. (SNOW): Free Stock Analysis Report
