Latest news with #BrandonMoss
Yahoo
29-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The 5 Most Interesting Analyst Questions From Shoals's Q1 Earnings Call
Shoals' first quarter results drew a significant positive response from the market, as management attributed the outperformance to strong bookings, the ramp-up of new products, and success in expanding its customer base. CEO Brandon Moss highlighted that "momentum continues with approximately $91 million in new orders," pointing to a healthy backlog and a book-to-bill ratio above 1.0. Despite a decline in revenue compared to the prior year, Shoals' leadership credited the performance to ongoing commercial initiatives, increased engagement with both new and returning customers, and meaningful traction in its battery energy storage solutions segment. Is now the time to buy SHLS? Find out in our full research report (it's free). Revenue: $80.36 million vs analyst estimates of $74.23 million (11.5% year-on-year decline, 8.3% beat) Adjusted EPS: $0.03 vs analyst estimates of $0.04 (in line) Adjusted EBITDA: $12.79 million vs analyst estimates of $12.16 million (15.9% margin, 5.2% beat) The company reconfirmed its revenue guidance for the full year of $430 million at the midpoint EBITDA guidance for the full year is $107.5 million at the midpoint, above analyst estimates of $103.8 million Operating Margin: 5.4%, down from 12.8% in the same quarter last year Backlog: $645.1 million at quarter end, up 4.9% year on year Market Capitalization: $814.1 million While we enjoy listening to the management's commentary, our favorite part of earnings calls are the analyst questions. Those are unscripted and can often highlight topics that management teams would rather avoid or topics where the answer is complicated. Here is what has caught our attention. Michael Fairbanks (JPMorgan): asked about the evolving competitive landscape amidst tariffs. CEO Brandon Moss explained that while tariffs create some market shifts, most customer conversations focus on Shoals' quality and service rather than just domestic sourcing. Brian Lee (Goldman Sachs): questioned the timeframe for margin recovery and the drivers behind returning to 40%+ gross margins. CFO Dominic Bardos detailed the mix of operational efficiency, new product contributions, and targeted commercial strategies that should support margin improvement. Colin Rusch (Oppenheimer): inquired about international expansion and supply chain cost savings. Moss highlighted longer development timelines abroad but emphasized the similarities in product requirements, and noted ongoing automation and process initiatives to improve efficiency. Philip Shen (ROTH Capital Partners): asked about bookings velocity and the impact of tariffs on battery storage projects. Moss reported strong bookings and minimal current impact from tariffs, with storage growth driven by both market expansion and Shoals' low starting market share. Derek Soderberg (Cantor Fitzgerald): probed growth drivers in commercial and industrial (C&I) markets. Moss described increased quoting and bookings activity, driven by Shoals' solutions for projects with labor and supply chain constraints. Looking ahead, StockStory analysts will be watching (1) the pace of backlog conversion into revenue as project execution ramps up, (2) progress toward improved gross margins as operational initiatives take hold, and (3) traction in international and energy storage markets, particularly following new product launches and strategic partnerships. The impact of evolving trade policy and tariffs on Shoals' competitive positioning will also be a key area to monitor. Shoals currently trades at $4.89, up from $3.77 just before the earnings. Is the company at an inflection point that warrants a buy or sell? The answer lies in our full research report (it's free). The market surged in 2024 and reached record highs after Donald Trump's presidential victory in November, but questions about new economic policies are adding much uncertainty for 2025. While the crowd speculates what might happen next, we're homing in on the companies that can succeed regardless of the political or macroeconomic environment. Put yourself in the driver's seat and build a durable portfolio by checking out our Top 5 Growth Stocks for this month. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025). Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-micro-cap company Kadant (+351% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.
Black America Web
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Black America Web
Black Teen Brandon Moss Announces Candidacy For Mayor In Alabama Town
Source: Brandon Moss Facebook / Brandon Moss Facebook In a story that sounds ripped from DC Comics, a Black teenager who recently graduated from high school has announced his candidacy for mayor in the Alabama town of Fairfield. According to ABC News, 18-year-old Brandon Moss is the youngest mayoral candidate in Fairfield history. Moss only graduated from high school two weeks ago and is currently preparing to attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham in the Fall. 'I am ready to take on this challenge. Age doesn't guarantee wisdom or innovation,' Moss told ABC News. 'I'm not going to say I'm perfect or I know it all; it will take a team of good people to be able to accomplish good things.' Brandon Moss has said that if he's elected, he would focus on the city's spending and would bring in a forensic auditor to go through the city's finances. He would also support local small businesses by setting up pop-up shops in the mall to attract new clientele. Beyond business, he also wants to improve the quality of life in Fairfield by tackling the issue of blight. Moss intends to work with the federal government to provide Fairfield with grants to clear the overgrown vegetation from abandoned homes. Considering how the federal government has been moving when it comes to funding initiatives that help everyday Americans, he might want to revise that plan. Just saying. Brandon Moss has long had an interest in the inner workings of politics. While in high school, he worked with the Alabama Youth and Government program as both a youth senator and a member of the governor's cabinet. He served on the Student Advisory Board for the superintendent of Birmingham City Schools and graduated from the Birmingham Academy of Civic Engagement. So at the very least, he's got more relevant governing experience than our current President did when he got elected the first time. His campaign manager, Marilyn Yelder, is confident in his leadership abilities and doesn't see his age as a potential hindrance. She also made it clear that he wouldn't be doing this alone, so his college education wouldn't be in conflict with his potential mayoral duties. 'He does have a team of mentors for every aspect, not just to help him get to mayor, but people that are helping with public speaking, mental health,' Yelder told ABC. 'I think he will be more than prepared, even at 18, to take on the role as mayor of Fairfield.' Brandon Moss is one of several young adults across the country who have thrown their hat into the political arena. In Arizona, 25-year-old Deja Foxx has been making waves with her campaign to represent the state's 7th Congressional District. If elected, Foxx would be the youngest serving member in Congress. 28-year-old Rep. Maxwell Frost has represented Florida's 10th congressional district since 2023. Last year saw a 170 percent increase in Gen Z lawmakers taking office. Listen, I'm not an ageist. I think you can be capable of incredible work at any age. Spike Lee is pushing 70, and early word is that his latest with Denzel might be his freshest work in years. When it comes to governance, I think it's essential to have younger people become part of the process as they simply have more skin in the game. It's amazing to see Gen Z and Gen Alpha stepping up to make the change they want to see in their communities and the country at large. So yeah, folks, I'm rooting for Brandon Moss. If the country can put an old, racist, white man in the White House, then why not a Black teen mayor? SEE ALSO: St. Louis Community Fills Relief Gaps Left by Federal Delay Post Eaton Fire, Altadena Boys Shifts Focus To Youth Mentorship SEE ALSO Black Teen Brandon Moss Announces Candidacy For Mayor In Alabama Town was originally published on Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
18-year-old runs for mayor in Alabama, says he is 'ready to take on challenge'
Two weeks after crossing the stage to receive his high school diploma, 18-year-old Brandon Moss stepped foot on another podium -- this time announcing his run for mayor of Fairfield, Alabama, he told ABC News. Fresh out of high school and beginning preparations for college this fall, Moss is the youngest mayoral candidate in the history of Fairfield, a city of about 9,500 people that is southwest of Birmingham, according to his campaign manager, Marilyn Yelder. "I am ready to take on this challenge. Age doesn't guarantee wisdom or innovation," Moss told ABC News. "I'm not going to say I'm perfect or I know it all, it will take a team of good people to be able to accomplish good things." When he launched his campaign on June 7, the Fairfield native told reporters that he is running for mayor because "I love this city, and I believe in its future." Moss, who has always been interested in the "inner workings of politics," told ABC News he decided to run for mayor after noticing a "bigger need" in the city of Fairfield, specifically regarding "businesses and a better way of living." MORE: Meet the teen who made history as the youngest Black mayor in the US Citing Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin (who has been in office since 2017) and former President Barack Obama as his political role models, Moss said he plans on bringing a "new vision and fresh perspective" to the mayoral office if elected. "The past administrations and the people that are running have done a great job in Fairfield, but I think it's time that we look for something new," Moss said. His political portfolio includes experience working in the Alabama Youth and Government program -- as a youth senator and in the governor's cabinet -- along with serving on the Student Advisory Board for the superintendent of Birmingham City Schools. He also worked as an executive intern for the superintendent's office and is a graduate of the Birmingham Academy of Civic Engagement. If elected mayor, Moss said he will focus on the city's finances by bringing in a forensic auditor to monitor the city's spending and will also highlight small businesses by creating pop-up stores in a shopping mall so that they can have "a chance to be seen," Moss said. He also plans on tackling blight, an issue where run-down or vacant homes become overgrown with vegetation. Moss said if elected, he will work with the federal government to receive grants that can help remove these homes from the community. Moss, who is attending the University of Alabama at Birmingham this fall, is prepared to juggle college classes and mayoral responsibilities, Yelder -- his campaign manager -- told ABC News. "He does have a team of mentors for every aspect, not just to help him get to mayor, but people that are helping with public speaking, mental health," Yelder said. "I think he will be more than prepared, even at 18, to take on the role as mayor of Fairfield." MORE: What to know about Cherelle Parker, Philadelphia's first female mayor Other candidates vying for the office include Councilman Herman Carnes, Councilman Cedric Norman, former Midfield Councilman and Fairfield native James Reasor and financial consultant Michael Williams, according to ABC Birmingham affiliate WBMA. If Moss isn't not elected on Aug. 26, Moss said he will plan on working in a political office. If the votes are in his favor, he said he will "do the job and see where it takes me." 18-year-old runs for mayor in Alabama, says he is 'ready to take on challenge' originally appeared on
Time of India
15-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
'Decided this right out of high school': 18-year-old Brandon Moss launches bid for Mayor of Alabama's Fairfield
Brandon Moss (Picture from Facebook) Just weeks after receiving his diploma from Ramsay High School, 18-year-old Brandon Moss is charting a bold new course—running for mayor of his hometown of Fairfield. Moss, the youngest candidate in a crowded race, is vying to succeed current mayor Eddie Penny, who is not seeking re-election. The city's municipal elections are scheduled for August 26. 'I decided to do this right out of high school because I felt like I could be the change that I want to see in my city,' Moss told speaking from outside a long-abandoned shopping center—a symbol, he said, of Fairfield's chronic neglect. — ABC (@ABC) Dressed in a suit and tie as he canvasses neighbourhoods, Moss stands out among his peers enjoying a typical summer break. But for the teenager, the work has already begun. 'Fairfield for far too long has not had an innovative thinker,' Moss said. 'We need somebody who is able to connect our next generations and our past generations.' The city of Fairfield, located just west of Birmingham, has faced major challenges in recent decades, including widespread disinvestment, vacant properties, high crime, and a declining population. Once home to thriving retail hubs, Fairfield now struggles with a shrinking tax base and relies on the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office to bolster its under-resourced police force. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo According to 2024 Census estimates, the city's population stands at around 9,500 and continues to fall. Despite the obstacles, Moss remains optimistic about Fairfield's future. His campaign will officially launch Saturday at a rally outside the same shuttered shopping center he toured earlier—located at 6550 Aaron Aronov Drive. 'I've seen the buildings fall apart,' Moss said. 'If we look through Fairfield, we see nothing but abandoned buildings where there could be something else.' Moss envisions revitalizing the city by holding property owners accountable, engaging residents in surveys to understand their needs, and actively recruiting long-term businesses. He cited the recent opening of Carver Jones Market, the city's first fresh food market in nearly a decade, as an example of what's possible. 'This is not a job about glorification,' he said. 'It's about how I can help the people.' Moss plans to attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in the fall, majoring in political science and public administration—fields he believes will complement his leadership goals. Though his age has raised eyebrows, Moss is undeterred. 'Age doesn't guarantee wisdom or innovation,' he said. His campaign manager, Marilyn Yelder, admitted she was initially skeptical but ultimately joined his team after witnessing his commitment firsthand. Other candidates in the race include Councilmen Herman Carnes and Cedric Norman, former Midfield councilman James Reasor, and financial consultant Michael Williams. If elected, Moss said his early priorities would focus on improving city infrastructure, tackling urban blight, and addressing Fairfield's financial challenges. He emphasized the importance of community engagement throughout. 'I want to talk to my citizens. I want to know what they need in their city,' he said. 'It's not about me. It's about the citizens.'
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Shoals (NASDAQ:SHLS) Surprises With Strong Q1, Stock Soars
We at StockStory place the most emphasis on long-term growth, but within industrials, a half-decade historical view may miss cycles, industry trends, or a company capitalizing on catalysts such as a new contract win or a successful product line. Shoals's recent performance shows its demand has slowed significantly as its annualized revenue growth of 3.4% over the last two years was well below its five-year trend. A company's long-term performance is an indicator of its overall quality. Any business can experience short-term success, but top-performing ones enjoy sustained growth for years. Luckily, Shoals's sales grew at an incredible 20.9% compounded annual growth rate over the last five years. Its growth beat the average industrials company and shows its offerings resonate with customers. 'We began the year with a strong start, delivering revenue above our guided range. The investment that we have made in our commercial function is paying dividends as evidenced in both the growth and quality of our order book. I'm proud of the robust backlog and awarded orders of $645 million, with approximately $500 million scheduled for the coming four quarters. The strategic initiatives that are driving increased market penetration and diversification are progressing very well, with commercial success in international, CC&I, BESS, and OEM markets,' said Brandon Moss, CEO of Shoals. EBITDA guidance for the full year is $107.5 million at the midpoint, above analyst estimates of $103.8 million The company reconfirmed its revenue guidance for the full year of $430 million at the midpoint Is now the time to buy Shoals? Find out in our full research report . Solar energy systems company Shoals (NASDAQ:SHLS) reported Q1 CY2025 results topping the market's revenue expectations , but sales fell by 11.2% year on year to $80.63 million. On top of that, next quarter's revenue guidance ($105 million at the midpoint) was surprisingly good and 10.4% above what analysts were expecting. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.03 per share was in line with analysts' consensus estimates. Story Continues Shoals Year-On-Year Revenue Growth We can better understand the company's revenue dynamics by analyzing its backlog, or the value of its outstanding orders that have not yet been executed or delivered. Shoals's backlog reached $645.1 million in the latest quarter and averaged 2.7% year-on-year growth over the last two years. Because this number is in line with its revenue growth, we can see the company effectively balanced its new order intake and fulfillment processes. Shoals Backlog This quarter, Shoals's revenue fell by 11.2% year on year to $80.63 million but beat Wall Street's estimates by 8.6%. Company management is currently guiding for a 5.8% year-on-year increase in sales next quarter. Looking further ahead, sell-side analysts expect revenue to grow 15.2% over the next 12 months, an improvement versus the last two years. This projection is eye-popping and indicates its newer products and services will catalyze better top-line performance. Unless you've been living under a rock, it should be obvious by now that generative AI is going to have a huge impact on how large corporations do business. While Nvidia and AMD are trading close to all-time highs, we prefer a lesser-known (but still profitable) stock benefiting from the rise of AI. Click here to access our free report one of our favorites growth stories. Operating Margin Shoals has been a well-oiled machine over the last five years. It demonstrated elite profitability for an industrials business, boasting an average operating margin of 16.1%. This result isn't surprising as its high gross margin gives it a favorable starting point. Looking at the trend in its profitability, Shoals's operating margin decreased by 9.6 percentage points over the last five years. This raises questions about the company's expense base because its revenue growth should have given it leverage on its fixed costs, resulting in better economies of scale and profitability. Shoals Trailing 12-Month Operating Margin (GAAP) This quarter, Shoals generated an operating profit margin of 5.3%, down 7.4 percentage points year on year. Since Shoals's operating margin decreased more than its gross margin, we can assume it was less efficient because expenses such as marketing, R&D, and administrative overhead increased. Earnings Per Share Revenue trends explain a company's historical growth, but the long-term change in earnings per share (EPS) points to the profitability of that growth – for example, a company could inflate its sales through excessive spending on advertising and promotions. Shoals's EPS grew at a weak 2.5% compounded annual growth rate over the last five years, lower than its 20.9% annualized revenue growth. This tells us the company became less profitable on a per-share basis as it expanded. Shoals Trailing 12-Month EPS (Non-GAAP) Diving into the nuances of Shoals's earnings can give us a better understanding of its performance. As we mentioned earlier, Shoals's operating margin declined by 9.6 percentage points over the last five years. This was the most relevant factor (aside from the revenue impact) behind its lower earnings; taxes and interest expenses can also affect EPS but don't tell us as much about a company's fundamentals. Like with revenue, we analyze EPS over a more recent period because it can provide insight into an emerging theme or development for the business. For Shoals, its two-year annual EPS declines of 18.7% show it's continued to underperform. These results were bad no matter how you slice the data. In Q1, Shoals reported EPS at $0.03, down from $0.07 in the same quarter last year. This print missed analysts' estimates. Over the next 12 months, Wall Street expects Shoals to perform poorly. Analysts forecast its full-year EPS of $0.30 will hit $0.43. Key Takeaways from Shoals's Q1 Results We were impressed by how significantly Shoals blew past analysts' revenue and EBITDA expectations this quarter. We were also glad its revenue guidance for next quarter and its full-year EBITDA guidance trumped Wall Street's estimates. Overall, we think this was a solid quarter with some key areas of upside. The stock traded up 5.8% to $3.99 immediately after reporting. Indeed, Shoals had a rock-solid quarterly earnings result, but is this stock a good investment here? We think that the latest quarter is just one piece of the longer-term business quality puzzle. Quality, when combined with valuation, can help determine if the stock is a buy. We cover that in our actionable full research report which you can read here, it's free.
