Shoals Technologies (SHLS) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported revenue of $80.4 million for Q1 2025, a decline of 11.5% year-over-year, driven by product mix and strategic pricing actions [23][24] - Gross profit decreased to $28.1 million, resulting in a GAAP gross profit percentage of 35%, down from 40.2% in the prior year [23][24] - Adjusted EBITDA was $12.8 million, compared to $20.5 million in the prior year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 15.9% [25][26] - Net loss was $300,000 compared to net income of $4.8 million in the prior year [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced strong bookings of approximately $91 million, resulting in a backlog of $645.1 million and a book-to-bill ratio of 1.13 [5][31] - The adjusted gross profit percentage was softer than normal at 35%, influenced by product mix and strategic pricing initiatives [6][24] - The Community, Commercial, and Industrial (C&I) business is gaining momentum, with increased quoting activity and bookings [17][116] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. utility-scale solar market is projected to add between 41 to 50 gigawatts of average annual solar installations from 2025 through 2035 [36] - The company is seeing a healthy pace of project construction and tracker installations as it enters 2025 [11] - Wood Mackenzie has increased its growth estimate for the commercial market, aligning with the company's observations [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on diversifying its customer base and expanding into new markets, including international projects in Australia and Chile [15][61] - Investments in domestic manufacturing and automation technologies are expected to enhance productivity and competitive positioning [10][29] - The company aims to achieve gross margins of 40% or more in the long run, with expectations of mid to high 30% gross margins for the remainder of 2025 [7][56] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism regarding the 2025 outlook, noting strong customer construction calendars and project momentum [102] - The geopolitical environment and tariff uncertainties are acknowledged, but management believes the company has limited direct exposure to these risks [9][50] - The company expects to deliver revenue in the range of $410 million to $450 million for the full year 2025, with adjusted EBITDA between $100 million and $115 million [32][33] Other Important Information - The company spent $9.5 million on wire insulation shrink back remediation during the first quarter, with a remaining warranty liability of $30.4 million [26][30] - The new manufacturing facility is expected to enhance operational efficiency and is set to begin operations by the end of Q3 2025 [29] Q&A Session Summary Question: How has the competitive landscape shifted due to tariff uncertainties? - Management noted an increase in customer inquiries and emphasized that discussions are centered around quality and service rather than tariffs [40][42] Question: Can you provide more details on the two significant wins in the BEST product line? - Management highlighted that the BEST market is substantial and growing, with wins across various channels, including solar EPCs and industrial markets [43][45] Question: What is the visibility on bookings for projects looking to start construction in 2026 and 2027? - Management indicated that while it is early to predict, the underlying demand environment remains strong, particularly driven by data centers and AI [68][70] Question: Can you elaborate on the hyperscaler contract and its product details? - Management confirmed that the products supplied are large DC combiners and recombiners, with a higher average selling price compared to traditional offerings [81] Question: What is driving demand in the Community and Industrial markets? - Management noted increased quote activity and bookings, driven by the understanding of the company's solutions and the need for smaller projects [116]