Latest news with #Hostetler
Hindustan Times
01-07-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
From ‘Girl dinner' to viral fries, 77% of Americans are relying on social media to decide what to eat
In a world where scrolling through a phone replaces flipping cookbooks, it is no surprise that 77 per cent of Americans now decide what to eat based on trends, New York Post reported. And, leading this digital food revolution are the humble fries. A survey of 5,000 adults in the United States, conducted by Talker Research and commissioned by McCain Foods, revealed that social media is increasingly dictating dinner. An overwhelming 93 per cent encounter food posts regularly, with food-related content making up nearly 40 per cent of their feeds. 77% of Americans choose meals based on social media trends according to a recent study The constant digital exposure has inspired action, the research showed. Nearly 58 per cent of respondents, as per the study, have saved enough viral recipes to fill a cookbook. Platforms, which were once dominated by dance trends and memes, have now become hubs for culinary creativity: from late-night snacks to full-blown viral meals. A standout dish that has been capturing attention (and tastebuds) is loaded fries. Reportedly, 72 per cent of those influenced by viral food trends said they have seen it online. Millennials are especially obsessed, with 76 per cent reporting they have spotted the trend on their feeds. According to the study, other viral food and beverages gaining popularity on social media include Caesar salad and fries combo which is dubbed as 'Girl Dinner' and espresso martinis, with 30 per cent and 17 per cent of respondents engaging with them. Fries and martinis together? That's a guilty pleasure for eight per cent of the respondents. Reportedly, when it pertains to viral potential, fries have outranked everything, including chicken (67 per cent), pasts (63 per cent), and pizza (62 per cent). The research quoted Tracy Hostetler, Vice President of Marketing for North American Potato at McCain, saying fries are flexible, familiar, and loved by everyone, which makes them so viral. Fries leads the search result As per the study, beyond social feeds, food is once again bringing people together in person. About 60 per cent of Americans regularly share food with friends, while 47 per cent pass along recipes digitally. Fries are after second only to pizza (71 per cent) as America's favorite food to pass around. Chips, wings, and dips are also common crowd-pleasers. Reportedly, for six per cent who enjoy a bite with a bit of gossip, what some call 'this and yap' time, fries (72 per cent), pizza (61 per cent), and chips and dip (61 per cent) reign. According to the study, 66 per cent of people said fries are a perfect social snack because they are easy to love. Nearly 56 per cent said it is hard to argue with, and nearly 44 per cent of respondents find it nearly impossible to resist. However, even fries come with their rules. A firm 68 per cent enforce a no double-dipping policy, and 43 per cent insist on asking before grabbing the last fry. Hostetler was quoted as saying that whether people are trading bites from the same basket or sharing recipes digitally, fries connect them. They are made to be shared, remixed and loved, she added. ALSO READ: The problematic American diet: Study reveals how ultra-processed foods are taking over the plates FAQs: Q: What is the most viral food in America right now? A: According to the McCain study, fries are the most viral, followed by chicken, pasta, and pizza. Q: What is 'Girl Dinner'? A: A viral food trend that usually involves simple, mix-and-match meals like Caesar salad and fries, often enjoyed solo or casually. Q: Are fries the most shareable food? A: Fries rank second only to pizza as America's favourite food to share with others. Q: How much food content do people see on social media? A: The study found that nearly 40 per cent of people's social feeds are filled with food-related posts.
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
ARRAY Technologies to Acquire APA Solar
Advancing ARRAY's balance of systems strategy with leading engineered foundation solutions and fixed-tilt mounting systems Adds domestically manufactured engineered foundations and fixed-tilt solutions to product portfolio, expanding addressable market by nearly 40% Enables integrated tracker + foundation system to address challenging soil conditions, which does not require specialized equipment to install Expands U.S. manufacturing capabilities with new Ohio manufacturing facility Transaction enterprise value of approximately $179 million represents a multiple of 7.6x APA's trailing 12 months EBITDA excluding 45X credits Expected to be high-single-digit percentage accretive to Adjusted EPS in year one before synergies Closing expected in the third quarter of 2025, subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ARRAY Technologies (NASDAQ: ARRY) ("ARRAY" or the "Company"), a leading global provider of solar tracking technology products, software, and services for utility-scale solar energy projects, today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire APA Solar, LLC ("APA"), a leading provider of engineered foundation solutions and fixed-tilt mounting systems for solar projects. APA's products are manufactured in Ohio and are eligible for incentives tied to domestic content. APA generated approximately $129 million of revenue and $25 million of EBITDA excluding 45X credits in 2024. The acquisition of APA is expected to be accretive to ARRAY's Adjusted EPS in year one before synergies. Following the closing of the acquisition, ARRAY will begin offering an integrated tracker + foundation system, leveraging ARRAY's advanced solar tracking technology and APA's innovative foundation solutions. The integrated product offering will provide EPCs and developers a domestically manufactured, easy to install solution for the hard, mixed, and frost heave soil conditions that are increasingly prevalent in new solar projects. ARRAY will also continue to offer APA's foundation solutions for other tracker systems as well as the company's fixed-tilt racking products which are widely used in commercial and industrial solar projects in the Northeast and Midwest. "We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of APA, a strategic move that strengthens our capabilities and expands the value we deliver to our customers. Demand for engineered foundations is growing rapidly because of their ability to make projects in areas with more challenging soil conditions economically viable. APA has a proven foundation system that performs in the toughest soil conditions, and is more efficient and less costly to install than competitors' offerings,' commented Kevin G. Hostetler, Chief Executive Officer of Array. Mr. Hostetler added, 'The market has been asking for an integrated tracker plus foundation platform - with this acquisition, ARRAY will be in a position to deliver it. We have a shared vision with APA for what our combined technologies can achieve for customers and I'm incredibly excited about the new opportunities we will be able to unlock together.' Josh Von Deylen, Chief Executive Officer of APA, said "Joining forces with ARRAY is a tremendous opportunity for our team and our customers. With our shared commitment to innovation and excellence, we're excited to combine our strengths to drive even greater value for our solar industry partners. This acquisition marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our business." Joe Von Deylen, Chief Operations Officer of APA, added 'This is a pivotal moment for the APA team. With ARRAY, we gain access to expanded resources, additional expertise, and a global commercial platform to scale our business. We're confident this partnership will enhance our ability to serve customers in the utility scale segment and further drive our operational excellence.' The transaction values APA at approximately $179 million or 7.6x trailing 12 months EBITDA excluding 45X credits, comprised of $168 million of upfront cash consideration, and $42 million of deferred consideration less $31 million of net present value of tax benefits generated as a result of the transaction. The deferred consideration is payable in two equal installments on the first and second anniversary of the closing, each conditioned on the continued employment of Josh and Joe Von Deylen; and may be paid in cash or stock at ARRAY's option. The final amount of upfront cash consideration and deferred consideration will be determined at closing subject to customary purchase price adjustments. The sellers of APA are also eligible for a performance based earnout with an initial value of $40 million of ARRAY common stock based upon APA's achievement of certain EBITDA targets during the three-year period following the closing. Josh Von Deylen and Joe Von Deylen, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operations Officer of APA, respectively, as well as the rest of the company's senior management team, will remain with APA following the closing of the acquisition and lead the new 'Foundation Solutions Business' of ARRAY. APA's headquarters and principal manufacturing operations will continue to be located in Ridgeville Corners, Ohio. Transaction Approvals and Closing ConditionsThe transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025, subject to receiving any required regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. Jefferies LLC acted as exclusive financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis acted as legal advisor to ARRAY in connection with the transaction. Donelly Penman & Partners acted as exclusive financial advisor, and Rupp, Hagans & Bohmer, LLP and Eastman & Smith as legal advisors to APA. Additional information regarding the transaction will be included in a Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed by ARRAY with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the 'SEC'). Transaction Conference CallARRAY will conduct a conference call today at 8:30 a.m. EDT to discuss the transaction. A live webcast of the event will be available on the investor relations section of ARRAY's website at A replay of the webcast will be available for all stakeholders on the investor relations website following the conclusion of the event. Additional ResourcesAssociated presentation materials regarding the transaction are available on the investor relations section of ARRAY's website. About ARRAY Technologies, Technologies (NASDAQ: ARRY) is a leading global provider of solar tracking technology to utility-scale and distributed generation customers who construct, develop, and operate solar PV sites. With solutions engineered to withstand the harshest weather conditions, ARRAY's high-quality solar trackers, software platforms and field services combine to maximize energy production and deliver value to our customers for the entire lifecycle of a project. Founded and headquartered in the United States, ARRAY is rooted in manufacturing and driven by technology – relying on its domestic manufacturing, diversified global supply chain, and customer-centric approach to design, deliver, commission, train, and support solar energy deployment around the world. For more news and information on ARRAY, please visit Media Contact: Nicole Stewart505.589.8257 Investor Relations Contact:ARRAY Technologies, Relations investors@ Forward Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements that are based on our management's beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to our management. Forward-looking statements include statements that are not historical facts and can be identified by terms such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "anticipates," "intend," "may," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "seek," "should," "will," "would," "designed to" or similar expressions and the negatives of those terms. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding the proposed acquisition of APA, the anticipated benefits (including synergies) of the proposed transaction, the anticipated impact of the proposed transaction on the Company's business and future financial and operating results, the expected timing of the proposed transaction, including the expected closing date of the acquisition and the timing of expected synergies and returns from the proposed transaction, and the Company's future financial position, business strategy, revenues, earnings, free cash flow, costs, capital expenditures and debt levels of the combined company, and plans and objectives of management for future operations. Actual results and the timing of events could materially differ from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of certain risks, uncertainties and other factors, including without limitation: the ability to complete the proposed transaction on anticipated terms and timetable; ARRAY's ability to integrate APA's operations in a successful manner and in the expected time period; the Company's ability to achieve the strategic and other objectives relating to the proposed transaction; the possibility that various closing conditions for the proposed transaction may not be satisfied or waived; and risks relating to any unforeseen liabilities of APA; Forward-looking statements should be evaluated together with the risks and uncertainties that affect our business and operations, particularly those described in more detail in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent reports and other documents on file with the SEC, each of which can be found on our website, The forward-looking statements included in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future. Non-GAAP Financial Information This press release includes certain financial measures that are not presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ('GAAP'), including EBITDA. 'EBITDA' means, with reference to any historical period of APA Solar, net income (loss) to common shareholders plus interest expense, income tax expense (benefit), depreciation, and amortization. We believe that the presentation of EBITDA enhances the reader's understanding of past financial performance and future prospects. Our management team uses EBITDA in assessing performance, as well as in planning and forecasting future periods. The non-GAAP financial information is presented for supplemental informational purposes only and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial information presented in accordance with GAAP. EBITDA, as used in this press release, may be different from, and thus may not be comparable to, similarly titled non-GAAP measures used by other companies. In the case of non-GAAP financial measures presented for future periods, the Company advises that it is unable to provide reconciliations of such measures without unreasonable effort. Accordingly, such measures should be considered in light of the fact that no GAAP measure of performance or liquidity is available as a point of comparison to such non-GAAP measures.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
'We can't do it alone': Garrett hopes for help as state teams survey flood-hit areas in precursor to possible aid
GARRETT, Pa. – Don Hostetler's family bar survived Prohibition and generations of change in Garrett. On Monday, Hostetler was trying to figure out how Dub's Bar and Grill will survive four feet of floodwater from Buffalo Creek. 'I'm going to have to gut everything inside here,' Hostetler said, gesturing toward water-stained wood paneling in the bar. Hostetler and co-owner Tammy Miller were far from alone. The Garrett bar is among a half-dozen commercial businesses, in addition to dozens of homes, that have reported first-floor damage caused by last Tuesday's flooding in southern Somerset County, according to county emergency management officials. Whether the property owners get a significant amount of the help they are seeking could depend on the combined results from the 51 properties – and on property visits that were underway Monday in hard-hit areas, including Garrett's Pine Street neighborhood and Mount Davis Road in Meyersdale. PHOTO GALLERY | Flooding Cleanup | Garrett Borough | Somerset County Staff from Somerset County's and Pennsylvania's emergency management agencies and the state's Small Business Administration were walking door to door, documenting high-water marks and other signs of first-floor flooding. According to Somerset County Emergency Management Director Joel Landis, the Small Business Administration's findings will likely determine whether a broad spectrum of government support could be unlocked for disaster areas such as Meyersdale, Garrett and Elk Lick Township. That includes low-interest Small Business Administration repair loans, which are only available if disasters inflict damage to the first floors of at least 25 homes or businesses, he said. And there is a set damage threshold that must be met to qualify each residence, Landis and Deputy Director Kevin Broadwater added. 'It's not always simple. Sometimes people have a different view of 'damage' than what we do,' Broadwater added. The American Red Cross reported Monday that its disaster response team has already provided emergency recovery relief to approximately 80 people whose property damage met its own support criteria. But the goal is to provide layers of support – whether it's local, state, federal or charity groups – to give hard-hit Somerset County residents as many chances as possible at getting help, Landis said. That could be a big benefit for Hostetler, who is the second generation in his family to operate Dub's. He was still sorting out how he'll rebound from last week's devastation. He estimated that $30,000 in commercial kitchen equipment was destroyed. The losses extend far beyond the old bar itself, a onetime speakeasy that his father later bought in the 1970s. His entire inventory of food and beer had to be discarded, he said. 'If I can get at least some help with the (building), I'd absolutely be interested,' Hostetler said. There's no doubt there are many more people who need help, too, Garrett Borough Mayor Donald 'Butch' Walker said. After a Casselman River tributary spilled its banks last week, Walker said borough staffers immediately started contacting haulers to get as many dumpsters as they could find to help people begin clearing out their mud-soaked homes. But there's only so much a borough of 415 residents with a $400,000 operating budget can do, he said. 'We're doing whatever we can to get them help,' he added, 'but we can't do it alone.' Nearby, Zac Cooney and his wife, Autumn, were sitting inside a garage that just five days earlier was flooded by knee-deep water. The flood washed out their furnace, swept up tools and carried their picnic bench two blocks down to Garrett's Walker Street underpass, he said. Some of their belongings are 'probably gone for good,' Cooney said, leaning against his side-by-side utility vehicle. It's too soon to know how they'll replace it all, Cooney said. But it's all just material goods, he added. Their two sons, ages 2 and 3, were playing nearby – and unharmed by the disaster. 'They are what matters,' Cooney said.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
ARRY Q1 Earnings Call: Revenue Beats Expectations, Margin and Cash Flow Pressures Persist
Solar tracking systems manufacturer Array (NASDAQ:ARRY) reported revenue ahead of Wall Street's expectations in Q1 CY2025, with sales up 97.1% year on year to $302.4 million. The company's full-year revenue guidance of $1.1 billion at the midpoint came in 0.6% above analysts' estimates. Its non-GAAP loss of $0.01 per share was significantly below analysts' consensus estimates. Is now the time to buy ARRY? Find out in our full research report (it's free). Revenue: $302.4 million vs analyst estimates of $264.6 million (97.1% year-on-year growth, 14.3% beat) Adjusted EPS: -$0.01 vs analyst estimates of $0.09 (significant miss) Adjusted EBITDA: $20.11 million vs analyst estimates of $32 million (6.7% margin, 37.2% miss) The company reconfirmed its revenue guidance for the full year of $1.1 billion at the midpoint Management reiterated its full-year Adjusted EPS guidance of $0.65 at the midpoint EBITDA guidance for the full year is $190 million at the midpoint, above analyst estimates of $186.1 million Operating Margin: 9%, up from 5.5% in the same quarter last year Free Cash Flow was -$15.41 million, down from $45.12 million in the same quarter last year Sales Volumes rose 82.8% year on year (-42.7% in the same quarter last year) Market Capitalization: $1.17 billion Array's first quarter results were shaped by exceptional sales volume growth and a continued recovery in market share, with management crediting disciplined execution and robust customer demand as key factors. CEO Kevin Hostetler pointed to a 143% increase in shipped volumes compared to last year and emphasized the company's ability to navigate ongoing regulatory and policy uncertainty, particularly surrounding tariffs and the Inflation Reduction Act. Hostetler underscored that "our order book is resilient," highlighting Array's operational agility and product traction, especially with recently launched offerings like OmniTrack and SkyLink. Looking ahead, management is maintaining its full-year guidance, attributing their confidence to the company's strong backlog and customer commitments. Hostetler noted that approximately 75% of 2025 domestic deliveries are for projects with U.S.-manufactured panels or those already in the country, reducing near-term supply risks. CFO Keith Jennings reiterated that the company's liquidity position and extended credit facility provide flexibility amid market volatility. However, management acknowledged continued uncertainty in international markets, particularly Brazil, and the potential for project delays if policy clarity remains elusive. Array's management identified volume acceleration, product adoption, and effective supply chain planning as primary drivers of the first quarter's performance. Forward-looking commentary focused on product innovation and managing policy-related headwinds. Sales Volume Recovery: Shipped volumes grew 143% year over year, as management attributed gains to improved customer engagement and the delivery of previously delayed projects. Product Portfolio Expansion: Newer products like OmniTrack and SkyLink accounted for a growing share of revenue and bookings, with OmniTrack expected to represent roughly 30% of 2025 deliveries. Management emphasized these products' adaptability and appeal in both domestic and international markets. Tariff and Supply Chain Management: The company highlighted its high proportion of domestically sourced materials—over 93% for U.S. projects—and contractual structures that allow tariff costs to be passed to customers. This has limited the financial impact of recent trade policy changes. Order Book Stability: The order book remained at $2 billion, with over 40% of it scheduled for delivery in the rest of 2025. Management reported positive customer feedback and a solid project win rate, despite broader industry uncertainty. International Market Challenges: Management cited slowed growth in Brazil due to currency devaluation and new tariffs, while noting steady performance in Europe and early-stage opportunities in the Middle East. These dynamics are expected to persist for several quarters. Management's outlook for the coming quarters hinges on sustained demand for utility-scale solar, the ability to mitigate policy and supply chain risks, and the continued adoption of new products. Domestic Policy Clarity: Forward guidance depends heavily on the resolution of uncertainties surrounding U.S. tariffs and potential changes to the Inflation Reduction Act. Management believes clarity could accelerate customer orders and project timelines. Innovation and Product Adoption: The company expects new product offerings—particularly OmniTrack and SkyLink—to underpin growth and margin improvement, as these solutions address customer needs for installation flexibility and extreme weather resilience. International Volatility: Exposure to foreign markets, especially Brazil, represents a risk due to fluctuating currency values, shifting tariffs, and evolving regulatory conditions. Management is closely monitoring these trends and adapting strategy as needed. Mark Strouse (J.P. Morgan): Asked about customer interest in long-term value commitment agreements (VCAs) and whether new metrics would be reported. Management clarified VCAs are under discussion but no additional metrics are planned, prioritizing defined project delivery timelines in order book disclosures. Colin Rusch (Oppenheimer & Co.): Inquired about changes in order size and project lead times. CEO Hostetler responded that lead times remain competitive at 14 weeks, but customers are waiting for policy clarity before finalizing orders, although underlying demand remains robust. David Benjamin (Mizuho Securities): Asked about cash deployment and debt reduction plans. CFO Jennings noted the revolving credit facility extension and emphasized maintaining liquidity, while evaluating options for debt management and potential strategic investments. Luke Anneser (Piper Sandler): Sought clarity on whether uncertainty is driven more by tariffs or the Inflation Reduction Act. Hostetler said both factors are causing hesitation for projects beyond 2025, with customers seeking rapid responses once policies are settled. Phillip Shen (ROTH MKM): Questioned exposure to projects affected by U.S. tariffs on battery cells. Hostetler stated that most 2025 projects are shielded by having necessary components already in-country, with customers committed to current schedules. In the coming quarters, the StockStory team will monitor (1) progress on resolving U.S. policy and tariff uncertainties, as any clarity could prompt a surge in bookings; (2) adoption rates and commercial impact of new product platforms like OmniTrack and SkyLink; and (3) the company's ability to navigate challenges in international markets, particularly Brazil. Execution on supply chain flexibility and margin stabilization will also be important indicators of operational success. Array currently trades at a forward P/E ratio of 11.9×. Should you double down or take your chips? The answer lies in our free research report. 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 Strong Momentum Stocks for this week. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 176% over the last five years. 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-small-cap company Comfort Systems (+782% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
'Just blown away:' Friends, family, strangers join to support Reed Hostetler family
In the days following Reed Hostetler's funeral, his family remains overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the community. Hostetler, 31, died March 5 after the tractor he was operating overturned into a manure pit at his family's dairy farm on Fulton Road near Marshallville. His wife, Abby Hostetler, said the response from friends, family and even strangers has been 'mind-boggling.' 'We are just blown away by the way people rallied around us,' she said. 'We had people clearing the driveway, cleaning the barn, bringing food and even folding laundry. The Wayne County agricultural community showed up in ways we never expected. We had a line of tractors parked as a tribute to Reed, and that just meant so much. There were many people who showed up to help care for the farm and the animals.' More: Hostetler takes long hike before heading back to farm Following the accident, a family friend created a GoFundMe campaign to assist the Hostetlers. Abby Hostetler said there was no initial financial goal, but donations have far exceeded anything she imagined. 'My friend asked if he could set it up because people wanted to help, and I said sure,' she said. 'It has just grown exponentially. Someone told me it's a blessing to see that the way Reed lived his life is still making sure his kids are provided for, even in his death.' The funds will help support Abby Hostetler and the couple's three children, Baer, Claire and Axe. Reed Hostetler's funeral was held in the barn where he grew up, worked and later married his wife. The decision to hold services there felt natural, Abby Hostetler said, but it required extensive preparation. 'This is a working dairy farm, so a lot had to be done to accommodate people,' she said. 'We didn't even realize everything that was happening behind the scenes. Someone brought in portable restrooms, something I didn't even think of. Others handled parking, and the sheriff's department helped with traffic. It was truly a community effort.' The outpouring of support has reinforced the Hostetler family's commitment to helping others when the need arises. 'It really makes me know that in the future, when somebody else in our community needs help, I will show up,' Abby Hostetler said. While still processing their loss, the Hostetlers already are thinking about how to prevent similar tragedies. Abby Hostelter hopes their experience encourages farmers to take a closer look at safety practices. 'We can't say for sure what happened, but I do know that Reed was very safety-conscious, and still, something happened,' she said. 'I want to make sure that everyone in the farming and agricultural community takes a step back and evaluates their farm and processes to ensure they're as safe as possible.' For now, the family is taking things day by day and finding strength in the kindness of those around them. 'The amount of love and support we've received is overwhelming,' Abby Hostetler said. 'We keep saying thank you doesn't feel like enough, but it's all we have to give right now.' This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Marshallville area supports Reed Hostetler family after tragic loss
