Key Points – US plans tariffs up to 3,521% on solar panel imports from four Southeast Asian nations. – Domestic solar stocks surged, led by First Solar and Sunnova Energy. – The move could revive US-based solar manufacturing and reshape the industry.
Solar stocks rallied Tuesday after the US Department of Commerce unveiled plans to impose massive tariffs — as high as 3,521% — on solar panel imports from four Southeast Asian countries. The move sent shares of domestic solar manufacturers sharply higher as investors bet on a wave of renewed demand for American-made panels.
First Solar (FSLR) led the charge, soaring more than 9%, while Sunnova Energy (NOVA) jumped over 12%. Other solar-related names like SolarEdge Technologies (SEDG), Array Technologies (ARRY), and Enphase Energy (ENPH) also posted notable gains. The Invesco Solar ETF (TAN), a barometer for the sector, rose nearly 5% on the day, signaling a broad-based rally.
The proposed duties follow a yearlong investigation into claims that Chinese solar manufacturers were using proxy operations in Southeast Asia to circumvent earlier trade restrictions. The Commerce Department concluded that imports from Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam were being “dumped” into the US market — sold at artificially low prices — with the backing of Chinese state subsidies. Companies in Cambodia that failed to cooperate with the probe face the stiffest penalties.
If approved by the International Trade Commission (ITC), the tariffs could reshape the competitive landscape for solar panel manufacturing, providing a significant tailwind for US-based producers. The ITC has until June 2 to determine whether the subsidized imports harmed the domestic solar industry — a key requirement before the Commerce Department can implement the levies.
The decision is a major victory for the American Alliance for Solar Manufacturing, a coalition of US-based producers that pushed for the trade probe. The group has long argued that Chinese-headquartered firms have gamed the system by establishing operations in neighboring countries while continuing to benefit from Chinese subsidies. Advocates say the resulting price suppression has undermined domestic companies and led to job losses across the sector.
For US manufacturers, the announcement caps years of efforts to shift production closer to home — a trend first accelerated by the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act, which offered tax incentives for domestic clean energy development. Companies like Enphase and First Solar have been actively reshoring production. First Solar, for example, opened a new facility in Alabama last year and now boasts a sizable manufacturing footprint in Ohio and Louisiana.
Despite Tuesday’s rally, solar stocks have struggled in 2025. Rising interest rates have increased financing costs for consumers, putting downward pressure on demand. The sector was also rattled by political headwinds following President Trump’s return to the White House and his vocal support for traditional energy. The tariffs, however, may signal a shift — a more nuanced approach to energy independence that could favor domestic solar even under a fossil fuel-friendly administration.
While the solar ETF TAN remains down more than 13% year to date and 27% lower over the past 12 months, the tariff announcement could serve as a turning point. Investors appear to be recalibrating their expectations for the space, betting that the tariff protections will help stabilize margins and renew growth.
If finalized, the tariffs could usher in a new chapter for American solar, one where domestic innovation and manufacturing play a central role in the industry’s expansion.
Recognized Biologics Executive to Oversee Critical Expansion of U.S.-Based Development Capabilities
ATLANTA, GA, April 22, 2025 – GeoVax Labs, Inc. (Nasdaq: GOVX), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing vaccines and immunotherapies for infectious diseases and cancer, today announced the appointment of Senthil Ranganathan, Ph.D. as Vice President, Technical Development and CMC Operations. Dr. Ranganathan brings over 20 years of experience in biologics development to commercialization across vaccines, cell and gene therapies, monoclonal antibodies, and viral vector products.
This appointment comes at a pivotal time for GeoVax as it advances a comprehensive portfolio of infectious disease vaccines and cancer therapies, positioning the Company to address significant unmet medical needs, contributing to biodefense readiness, and improving vaccine and therapeutic equity through innovation and onshoring.
David Dodd, Chairman & CEO of GeoVax, stated: “We are delighted to welcome Senthil to GeoVax. His track record and expertise in a breadth of biologics development and preparation for registration and subsequent commercialization will support and enhance our progress as we proceed towards the authorization and subsequent commercialization stages for our exciting development portfolio.”
Dr. Ranganathan has held senior leadership roles across industry-leading biopharmaceutical companies, most recently serving as Head of Process Development CMC for the Boston site of National Resilience. He previously led global CMC and manufacturing operations at Athersys, Zymeworks, and Alder Biopharmaceuticals (acquired by Lundbeck Biopharmaceuticals). His career has spanned the development and validation of cell and gene therapies, vaccines, bispecific antibodies, and other biologics—from pre-IND through licensure and commercialization.
He holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Loyola University Chicago and has authored numerous regulatory submissions and publications in support of breakthrough vaccines, biologics, and therapies.
“I am honored to join GeoVax during such a critical stage of the Company’s growth and development,” said Dr. Ranganathan. “I look forward to working with the outstanding GeoVax team as we develop and execute the roadmap that will bring the GeoVax portfolio to benefit patients and communities worldwide.”
About GeoVax
GeoVax Labs, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing novel vaccines against infectious diseases and therapies for solid tumor cancers. The Company’s lead clinical program is GEO-CM04S1, a next-generation COVID-19 vaccine currently in three Phase 2 clinical trials, being evaluated as (1) a primary vaccine for immunocompromised patients such as those suffering from hematologic cancers and other patient populations for whom the current authorized COVID-19 vaccines are insufficient, (2) a booster vaccine in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and (3) a more robust, durable COVID-19 booster among healthy patients who previously received the mRNA vaccines. In oncology the lead clinical program is evaluating a novel oncolytic solid tumor gene-directed therapy, Gedeptin®, having recently completed a multicenter Phase 1/2 clinical trial for advanced head and neck cancers. The Company is also developing GEO-MVA, a vaccine targeting Mpox and smallpox. GeoVax has a strong IP portfolio in support of its technologies and product candidates, holding worldwide rights for its technologies and products. For more information about the current status of our clinical trials and other updates, visit our website: www.geovax.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements regarding GeoVax’s business plans. The words “believe,” “look forward to,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “could,” “target,” “potential,” “is likely,” “will,” “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Actual results may differ materially from those included in these statements due to a variety of factors, including whether: GeoVax is able to obtain acceptable results from ongoing or future clinical trials of its investigational products, GeoVax’s immuno-oncology products and preventative vaccines can provoke the desired responses, and those products or vaccines can be used effectively, GeoVax’s viral vector technology adequately amplifies immune responses to cancer antigens, GeoVax can develop and manufacture its immuno-oncology products and preventative vaccines with the desired characteristics in a timely manner, GeoVax’s immuno-oncology products and preventative vaccines will be safe for human use, GeoVax’s vaccines will effectively prevent targeted infections in humans, GeoVax’s immuno-oncology products and preventative vaccines will receive regulatory approvals necessary to be licensed and marketed, GeoVax raises required capital to complete development, there is development of competitive products that may be more effective or easier to use than GeoVax’s products, GeoVax will be able to enter into favorable manufacturing and distribution agreements, and other factors, over which GeoVax has no control.
Further information on our risk factors is contained in our periodic reports on Form 10-Q and Form 10-K that we have filed and will file with the SEC. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.
SAN DIEGO, April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: KTOS), a Technology Company in the Defense, National Security and Global Markets, today announced the continued expansion and operational deployment of its automated truck platooning systems in Ohio and Indiana.
Building upon the company’s March 2024 announcement of a contract to deploy its self-driving platooning technology between Ohio and Indiana along a major trucking corridor, this new milestone marks the success of Kratos’ autonomous trucks on I-70 automated driving deployment project, supported by the U.S. Department of Transportation, DriveOhio, and the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT). The initiative’s goal is to advance the adoption of truck automation technologies in the logistics industry across the Midwest.
“At Kratos, we have adapted advanced automated truck platooning technology, originally developed for the U.S. military, to address critical challenges facing commercial logistics, agriculture, energy, and mining sectors, all vital to national security,” said Maynard Factor, VP of Business Development at Kratos Defense. “This project offers a real-world opportunity to demonstrate how proven, automated-driving systems can increase safety, strengthen supply chain resilience, and ensure economic vitality. Operating along the I-70 corridor between Ohio and Indiana enables us to showcase performance in complex, all-weather conditions essential to Midwest freight operations and accelerates readiness for broad adoption. This marks a significant step forward in bringing scalable, next-generation automation to the industries that keep the nation moving.”
The deployment in Ohio and Indiana exemplifies Kratos’ long-standing strategy of leveraging dual-use technologies, originally developed for national security, into cost-effective, high-impact commercial and public infrastructure applications. These efforts multiply the value of internal research and development investments, facilities, and platforms across both sectors.
Kratos’ Leader-Follower platooning capability – where a human-driven lead truck is paired with an automated follower – has been deployed in the U.K. and across the U.S., with multiple systems deployed in states that include Colorado, California, Florida, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Ohio, Indiana, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, and Tennessee. These systems are proven adaptable to multiple national security adjacent industries from infrastructure maintenance to commercial supply chain operations increasing safety and maintaining business continuity.
Kratos’ automated platooning systems deliver transformative benefits across both the defense and commercial sectors. This proven technology addresses critical challenges to include the national truck driver shortage, a persistent bottleneck to supply chain resilience. Additionally, unlike human operators, the system does not suffer from fatigue or impairment, enhancing safety for the traveling public and offering the potential to lower insurance costs through improved predictability and reduced risk. In defense and industrial applications, these vehicles can protect lives by removing personnel from hazardous missions and maintain operational effectiveness in GPS-denied or harsh environments, critical for remote military and logistics operations.
Kratos is recognized as a national leader in unmanned systems, with a portfolio spanning tactical and target jet drones, unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) for military applications, and autonomous commercial trucks. From high-performance platforms like the XQ-58A Valkyrie to autonomous ground systems used in infrastructure maintenance and supply chain industries, Kratos brings decades of innovation and operational expertise to the unmanned domain. Each system is designed to meet the exacting standards of U.S. and allied defense requirements while enabling cross-over potential for commercial use cases—making Kratos a pioneer in delivering dual-use, high-value unmanned solutions at scale.
For more information on Kratos’ autonomous vehicle programs, visit: www.kratosdefense.com.
About Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS) is a technology, products, system and software company addressing the defense, national security, and commercial markets. Kratos makes true internally funded research, development, capital and other investments, to rapidly develop, produce and field solutions that address our customers’ mission critical needs and requirements. At Kratos, affordability is a technology, and we seek to utilize proven, leading edge approaches and technology, not unproven bleeding edge approaches or technology, with Kratos’ approach designed to reduce cost, schedule and risk, enabling us to be first to market with cost effective solutions. We believe that Kratos is known as an innovative disruptive change agent in the industry, a company that is an expert in designing products and systems up front for successful rapid, large quantity, low-cost future manufacturing which is a value add competitive differentiator for our large traditional prime system integrator partners and also to our government and commercial customers. Kratos intends to pursue program and contract opportunities as the prime or lead contractor when we believe that our probability of win (PWin) is high and any investment required by Kratos is within our capital resource comfort level. We intend to partner and team with a large, traditional system integrator when our assessment of PWin is greater or required investment is beyond Kratos’ comfort level. Kratos’ primary business areas include virtualized ground systems for satellites and space vehicles including software for command & control (C2) and telemetry, tracking and control (TT&C), jet powered unmanned aerial drone systems, advanced vehicles and rocket systems, propulsion systems for drones, missiles, loitering munitions, supersonic systems, space craft and launch systems, C5ISR and microwave electronic products for missile, radar, missile defense, space, satellite, counter UAS, directed energy, communication and other systems, and virtual & augmented reality training systems for the warfighter. For more information, visit www.KratosDefense.com.
Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are made on the basis of the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the management of Kratos and are subject to significant risks and uncertainty. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Kratos undertakes no obligation to update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Although Kratos believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, these statements involve many risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from what may be expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. For a further discussion of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to the business of Kratos in general, see the risk disclosures in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Kratos for the year ended December 29, 2024, and in subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K and other filings made with the SEC by Kratos.
NEW YORK, April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Xcel Brands (NASDAQ: XELB), an industry leading media and consumer products company specializing in building influencer-driven brands through social commerce and livestreaming, is proud to announce an exciting partnership with Latina home and lifestyle creator Jenny Martinez. Jenny is a national best selling cookbook author and creator of Happy Bellies by Jenny. Together, they will launch a food and kitchenware brand designed to bring tradition and taste to every meal.
Jenny believes food connects, inspires, and creates lasting memories. Rooted in Mexican culture, her mission is to bring joy and creativity to every kitchen with thoughtfully designed, high-quality food and kitchenware. From authentic Latino flavors to new creations, Jenny Martinez products will bring the warmth of tradition into every bite.
“I’m so excited to partner with Xcel to create a truly authentic line of food and kitchenware that speaks to the Latina customer,” said Ms Martinez. “Xcel brings products to life for my audience to see and purchase directly.”
Jenny’s deep connection with her community and joyful approach to cooking made her a natural partner for Xcel Brands, which is committed to creating powerful lifestyle brands that resonate across cultures and generations. With a devoted following across social media and her growing online platforms, Jenny’s influence continues to bring families together through food, storytelling, and cultural pride.
“We are thrilled to partner with Jenny Martinez to launch this brand. Her expertise and deep love of cooking and her influence align perfectly with Xcel’s vision of creating innovative, lifestyle-driven consumer brands,” stated Robert W. D’Loren, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Xcel Brands. “This collaboration brings us one step closer to our goal of reaching over 100 million social media followers across our brand portfolio, reinforcing our commitment to transforming how consumers engage with the brands they love.”
This partnership will provide more than just high-quality products and educational resources— it’s a celebration of family, tradition, and authenticity. The Jenny Martinez Live brand is set to launch on live shopping channels and select retailers later this year. Stay updated on this exciting journey at www.xcelbrands.com
About Xcel Brands Xcel Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: XELB) is a media and consumer products company engaged in the design, licensing, marketing, live streaming, and social commerce sales of branded apparel, footwear, accessories, fine jewelry, home goods and other consumer products, and the acquisition of dynamic consumer lifestyle brands. Xcel was founded in 2011 with a vision to reimagine shopping, entertainment, and social media as social commerce. Xcel owns the Halston, Judith Ripka, and C. Wonder brands, as well as the Tower Hill by Christie Brinkley co-branded collaboration, and holds noncontrolling interests in the Isaac Mizrahi brand and Orme Live. Xcel also owns and manages the Longaberger brand through its controlling interest in Longaberger Licensing LLC. Xcel has recently announced the launch of new pet brand, Trust-Respect-Love by Cesar Millan and bakeware and cooking brand with Gemma Stafford. Xcel is pioneering a true modern consumer products sales strategy which includes the promotion and sale of products under its brands through interactive television, digital live-stream shopping, social commerce, brick-and-mortar retail, and e-commerce channels to be everywhere its customers shop. The company’s brands have generated in excess of $5 billion in retail sales via livestreaming in interactive television and digital channels alone, growing social media presence approximately 40 million followers across their brand profile and talent, and over 20,000 hours of livestream content production time and social commerce. Headquartered in New York City, Xcel Brands is led by an executive team with significant live streaming, production, merchandising, design, marketing, retailing, and licensing experience, and a proven track record of success in elevating branded consumer products companies. www.xcelbrands.com
About Jenny Martinez Jenny Martinez is well-known across social media platforms for sharing her authentic Mexican family recipes to the delight of millions of fans on TikTok and Instagram. Jenny was born in Mexico and moved to Los Angeles at age four, yet she has never lost touch with her Mexican heritage. The traditional recipes she shares with her followers have been passed down for generations in her family. Although she later mastered her culinary arts on her own, Jenny started by learning most of her mother’s recipes at the age of thirteen. Jenny considers a well-fed family the key to a happy family and believes that dinner should be celebrated every day. Food brings people together, and Jenny’s videos and recipes convey the spirit of family and community. She lives with her family in Los Angeles, California. Jenny’s first cookbook My Mexican Mesa, Y Listo! (Simon & Schuster) debuted in Spring 2024 featuring 100 recipes ranging from breakfast, appetizers & entrees to desserts, and even cocktails! Providing family-style recipes for every occasion & beautifully photographed to capture the authentic spirit of the cuisine, the cookbook is a must-have for home cooks looking for their next delicious meal. In 2024, Jenny launched her own line of cookware and dinnerware/tabletop at over 600 department stores nationally, as well as a spice line sold in grocery stores and online.
Jenny is represented by John Frierson at The Bureau New York City and managed by Lisa Shotland at Shotlandia. Her attorney is Phil Daniels at Ginsberg Daniels Kallis LLP
Achieved Record Full-Year Sales and Profitability, Adjusted EPS of $5.20 and GAAP EPS of $1.79
FORT WORTH, Texas, April 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — AZZ Inc. (NYSE: AZZ), the leading independent provider of hot-dip galvanizing and coil coating solutions, today issued its audited consolidated financial statements contained in the Company’s Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 28, 2025.
Fiscal Year 2025 Overview (as compared to prior fiscal year 2024(1)):
Total Sales $1,577.7 million, up 2.6%
Metal Coatings sales of $665.1 million, up 1.4%
Precoat Metals sales of $912.6 million, up 3.5%
Net income of $128.8 million, up 26.8%; Net Income available to common shareholders of $52.4 million reflects the redemption premium payment on the Series A Preferred Stock of $75.2 million; Adjusted net income of $156.8 million, up 18.1%
GAAP diluted EPS of $1.79 per share, down 48.3%, which includes full redemption of Series A Preferred Stock, and Adjusted diluted EPS of $5.20, up 14.8%
Adjusted EBITDA of $347.9 million, or 22.0% of sales, up 4.3% versus prior year of $333.6 million, or 21.7% of sales
Segment Adjusted EBITDA margin of 30.9% for Metal Coatings and 19.6% for Precoat Metals
Debt reduction of $110.0 million for the year, resulting in net leverage below 2.5x
Fourth Quarter 2025 Overview (as compared to prior fiscal year fourth quarter(1)):
Total Sales of $351.9 million, down 4.0%, primarily due to inclement weather during the quarter
Metal Coatings sales of $148.4 million, down 3.9%
Precoat Metals sales of $203.5 million, down 4.1%
Net Income of $20.2 million, up 41.7%, and Adjusted net income of $29.6 million, up 7.9%
GAAP diluted EPS of $0.67 per share, up 19.6%, and Adjusted diluted EPS of $0.98, up 5.4%
Adjusted EBITDA of $71.2 million or 20.2% of sales, versus prior year of $73.9 million, or 20.2% of sales
Segment Adjusted EBITDA margins of 29.2% for Metal Coatings and 17.8% for Precoat Metals
______________________________________
(1) Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted EPS, Adjusted EBITDA and net leverage ratio are non-GAAP financial measures as defined and reconciled in the tables below.
Tom Ferguson, President, and Chief Executive Officer of AZZ, commented, “Fiscal year 2025 was a successful year for AZZ. We delivered record full year results and made significant progress on our growth initiatives throughout the year. We are pleased with full-year sales growth of 2.6%, which includes record results in both Metal Coatings and Precoat Metals, despite navigating significant weather impacts in the fourth quarter. For the year, our Metal Coatings segment delivered sales of $665.1 million, and 30.9% EBITDA margin, while Precoat Metals delivered sales of $912.6 million and 19.6% EBITDA margin.
“With sales of $1.58 billion and cash flow from operations of $250 million, we were able to substantially complete our greenfield project in Washington, Missouri while significantly paying down debt in fiscal 2025. We successfully completed a secondary public offering of common stock, and fully redeemed the Company’s Series A Preferred Stock. We are pleased with the financial condition of the Company and plan to further strengthen our balance sheet. We expect to accelerate debt paydown with proceeds from the AVAIL transaction which is expected to close in the first quarter of fiscal 2026.
“I want to sincerely thank our entire AZZ team for their exceptional performance in fiscal 2025—our 38th consecutive year of profitability from continuing operations. As we capitalize on our strong market positions to meet rising demand in our end markets, I am confident in our ability to generate significant cash flow and drive long-term value. With a focus on strategic growth initiatives, we remain committed to enhancing shareholder value and seizing future opportunities as they arise,” Ferguson concluded.
Segment Performance
Full Year 2025 Metal Coatings
Strong sales of $665.1 million, up 1.4% from prior year. Improved sales were driven by an increase in volume for hot-dip galvanizing driven by continued strength within the renewables, utility and construction markets.
Segment EBITDA of $205.4 million was up 4.4% versus the prior year. EBITDA margin of 30.9% was at the upper end of our previously stated range of 25%-30%, and increased 90 basis points due to a higher volume of steel processed and operational efficiencies.
Full Year 2025 Precoat Metals
Sales of $912.6 million, up 3.5% from prior year due to higher volume.
Segment EBITDA of $179.0 million or 19.6% of sales, was up 6.9%, on higher volume.
Fourth Quarter 2025 Metal Coatings
Sales decreased 3.9% to $148.4 million and EBITDA decreased 2.1% to $43.2 million versus the prior quarter in fiscal 2024. Sales were lower as a result of decreased volume due to unfavorable weather conditions in the quarter.
Segment EBITDA margin increased to 29.2% of sales, or 60 basis points higher than the prior year fourth quarter EBITDA margin. The increase in EBITDA margin was a result of lower operating and selling, general and administrative costs.
Fourth Quarter 2025 Precoat Metals
Sales decreased 4.1% to $203.5 million and EBITDA decreased 3.9% to $36.2 million, versus the prior quarter in fiscal 2024. Sales were seasonally lower as a result of decreased volume due to unfavorable weather conditions and lower end market demand in transportation.
Segment EBITDA margin of 17.8% of sales, was flat compared to prior year fourth quarter EBITDA margin.
Balance Sheet, Liquidity and Capital Allocation
The Company generated significant operating cash of $249.9 million for fiscal 2025 through improved earnings and disciplined working capital management. At the end of the fourth quarter, the Company’s net leverage was below 2.5x trailing twelve months EBITDA. Consistent with the capital allocation strategy, the Company paid down debt of $110.0 million and returned cash to common shareholders through cash dividend payments totaling $23.1 million. Capital expenditures were $115.9 million during the year, which included $52.8 million for the greenfield facility in Washington, Missouri. Fiscal 2026 capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $60 – $80 million. In fiscal 2026, we will continue to allocate our strong cash flow generated from operations as well as the proceeds from the AVAIL joint venture transaction, which we now estimate will be over $200 million, to support our capital allocation strategy.
Financial Outlook — Reiterating Fiscal Year 2026 Guidance
We are reiterating our fiscal year guidance, reflecting our confidence in the Company’s strategic execution, operational resilience, and market positioning. Fiscal year 2026 guidance reflects our best estimates given expected market conditions for the full year, lower interest expense, an annualized effective tax rate of 25% and excludes M&A and any federal regulatory changes that may emerge.
FY2026 Guidance(1)
Sales
$1.625 – $1.725 billion
Adjusted EBITDA
$360 – $400 million
Adjusted Diluted EPS
$5.50 – $6.10
(1)
FY2026 Guidance Assumptions:
a.
Excludes the impact of any future acquisitions.
b.
Management defines adjusted earnings per share to exclude intangible asset amortization, acquisition expenses, transaction related expenses, certain legal settlements and accruals, and certain expenses related to non-recurring events from the reported GAAP measure.
c.
Assumes EBITDA margin range of 27 – 32% for the Metal Coatings segment and 17% – 22% for the Precoat Metals segment.
Conference Call Details
AZZ Inc. will conduct a live conference call with Tom Ferguson, Chief Executive Officer, Jason Crawford, Chief Financial Officer, and David Nark, Chief Marketing, Communications and Investor Relations Officer to discuss financial results for the fourth quarter of the fiscal year 2025, Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. ET. Interested parties can access the conference call by dialing (844) 855-9499 or (412) 317-5497 (international). A webcast of the call will be available on the Company’s Investor Relations page at http://www.azz.com/investor-relations.
A replay of the call will be available at (877) 344-7529 or (412) 317-0088 (international), replay access code: 3079902 through April 29, 2025, or by visiting http://www.azz.com/investor-relations for the next 12 months.
About AZZ Inc.
AZZ Inc. is the leading independent provider of hot-dip galvanizing and coil coating solutions to a broad range of end-markets. Collectively, our business segments provide sustainable, unmatched metal coating solutions that enhance the longevity and appearance of buildings, products and infrastructure that are essential to everyday life.
Safe Harbor Statement
Certain statements herein about our expectations of future events or results constitute forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “could,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “will,” “might,” “would,” “projects,” “currently,” “intends,” “outlook,” “forecasts,” “targets,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Such forward-looking statements are based on currently available competitive, financial, and economic data and management’s views and assumptions regarding future events. Such forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and investors must recognize that actual results may differ from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and are subject to risks that could cause them to differ materially from actual results. Certain factors could affect the outcome of the matters described herein. This press release may contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, changes in customer demand for our manufactured solutions, including demand by the construction markets, the industrial markets, and the metal coatings markets. We could also experience additional increases in labor costs, components and raw materials including zinc and natural gas, which are used in our hot-dip galvanizing process, paint used in our coil coating process; supply-chain vendor delays; customer requested delays of our manufactured solutions; delays in additional acquisition opportunities; an increase in our debt leverage and/or interest rates on our debt, of which a significant portion is tied to variable interest rates; availability of experienced management and employees to implement AZZ’s growth strategy; a downturn in market conditions in any industry relating to the manufactured solutions that we provide; economic volatility, including a prolonged economic downturn or macroeconomic conditions such as inflation or changes in the political stability in the United States and other foreign markets in which we operate; tariffs, acts of war or terrorism inside the United States or abroad; and other changes in economic and financial conditions. AZZ has provided additional information regarding risks associated with the business, including in Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors, in AZZ’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2025, and other filings with the SEC, available for viewing on AZZ’s website at www.azz.com and on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
You are urged to consider these factors carefully when evaluating the forward-looking statements herein and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. These statements are based on information as of the date hereof and AZZ assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
Company Contact: David Nark, Chief Marketing, Communications and Investor Relations Officer AZZ Inc. (817) 810-0095 www.azz.com
Investor Contact: Sandy Martin / Phillip Kupper Three Part Advisors (214) 616-2207 or (817) 368-2556 www.threepa.com
CHICAGO, April 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FreightCar America, Inc. (NASDAQ: RAIL), a diversified manufacturer of railroad freight cars, today announced that it will release its first quarter 2025 financial results on Monday, May 5, 2025, after the market close and host a teleconference to discuss its first quarter 2025 results on the following day. Teleconference details are as follows:
Please note that the webcast is listen-only and webcast participants will not be able to participate in the question and answer portion of the conference call. Interested parties are asked to dial in approximately 10 to 15 minutes prior to the start time of the call.
An audio replay of the conference call will be available beginning at 3:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, until 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time) on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. To access the replay, please dial (844) 512-2921 or (412) 317-6671. The replay passcode is 13753235. An archived version of the webcast will also be available on the FreightCar America Investor Relations website.
About FreightCar America
FreightCar America, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, is a leading designer, producer and supplier of railroad freight cars, railcar parts and components. We also specialize in railcar repairs, complete railcar rebody services and railcar conversions that repurpose idled rail assets back into revenue service. Since 1901, our customers have trusted us to build quality railcars that are critical to economic growth and instrumental to the North American supply chain. To learn more about FreightCar America, visit www.freightcaramerica.com.
V2X builds innovative solutions that integrate physical and digital environments by aligning people, actions, and technology. V2X is embedded in all elements of a critical mission’s lifecycle to enhance readiness, optimize resource management, and boost security. The company provides innovation spanning national security, defense, civilian, and international markets. With a global team of approximately 16,000 professionals, V2X enables mission success by injecting AI and machine learning capabilities to meet today’s toughest challenges across all operational domains.
Joe Gomes, CFA, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Hans Baldau, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
LOGCAP Extensions. V2X has been notified by the U.S. Army that it will extend the current period of performance (PoP) for the various task orders under the LOGCAP V ID/IQ contract to support U.S. military operations worldwide. The Company’s Kuwait Task Order (TO), Iraq Task Order, and INDOPACOM Task Order are scheduled to extend through June 2030. Given the size of LOGCAP V, we view this as a significant positive for the Company.
SAM.gov. According to the filing on SAM.gov, the Army sought to increase the overall PoP for the current LOGCAP performance task orders (PTOs) to match the PoPs of the aligned Set the Theater (STT) task orders. The LOGCAP STT TOs were awarded as a base year plus nine one-year option periods.
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This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).
Joe Gomes, CFA, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Hans Baldau, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
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1Q25 New Business Wins. NN achieved 1Q25 new business wins of $16.4 million, a solid performance given the state of the economy, in our view. In the same period last year, new business wins totaled $17.2 million. NN is well on its way to meeting its 2025 goal of $65 million in new business wins.
Diversified Backlog and Pipeline. New business wins for the quarter were focused on electrical and power products, medical, non-automotive industrial products, and automotive products. Roughly half of the nearly $700 million pipeline is in these targeted areas.
Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.
This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).
*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
InPlay Oil is a junior oil and gas exploration and production company with operations in Alberta focused on light oil production. The company operates long-lived, low-decline properties with drilling development and enhanced oil recovery potential as well as undeveloped lands with exploration possibilities. The common shares of InPlay trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol IPO and the OTCQX Exchange under the symbol IPOOF.
Mark Reichman, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Hans Baldau, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
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Share consolidation. As of April 21, 2025, InPlay Oil shares are trading on a post-consolidation basis, with 27,939,437 common shares outstanding. The terms of the share consolidation were one post-consolidation common share per six pre-consolidation common shares. Fractional shares resulting from the consolidation were rounded down to the nearest whole number.
Updating estimates and price target. We are updating our 2025 estimates to reflect fewer shares outstanding and lower crude oil price estimates. For 2025, we are lowering our oil and gas revenue and earnings per share estimates to C$318.7 million and C$1.34, from C$333.5 million and C$1.46, both adjusted for the share consolidation. Moreover, we have lowered our adjusted funds flow (AFF) to C$149.5 million from C$161.6 million. We are maintaining our production estimate of 18,750 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d) post the Pembina acquisition, which averages 15,816 boe/d for the full-year 2025.
Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.
This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).
*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
Mark Reichman, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Fourth quarter and full year financial results. For fiscal year (FY) 2025, AZZ reported adjusted net income of $156.8 million or $5.20 per share compared to $132.8 million or $4.53 per share during FY 2024 and our estimate of $155.9 million or $5.17 per share. Compared to FY 2024, sales increased 2.6% to $1.578 billion. AZZ generated a 24.3% gross margin as a percentage of sales compared to 23.6% during the prior year. Adjusted EBITDA increased 4.3% to $347.9 million, representing 22.0% of sales compared to 21.7% of sales in FY 2024. Adjusted net income and EPS during the fourth quarter of FY 2025 were $29.6 million and $0.98, respectively, compared to our estimates of $28.8 million and $0.95 per share.
Debt reduction. During FY 2025, AZZ generated operating cash flow of $249.9 million and reduced debt by $110 million. Management expects to accelerate debt repayments with proceeds from the AVAIL transaction which is expected to close in the first quarter of FY 2026. We estimate FY 2026 debt repayments could approach $300 million. At the end of FY 2025, AZZ’s net leverage was below 2.5x trailing twelve months EBITDA.
Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.
This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).
*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
Key Points – Bitcoin has rallied nearly 20% in April, diverging from slumping tech stocks. – The cryptocurrency is trading more like gold amid geopolitical and economic uncertainty. – ETF inflows and technical levels suggest further upside momentum.
Bitcoin has staged a striking rally in April, jumping nearly 20% from its early-month lows and defying the broader risk-off sentiment that’s gripped traditional markets. As stocks slumped, particularly in tech, and the U.S. dollar weakened under pressure from geopolitical volatility and economic uncertainty, Bitcoin began to chart a different path — one that more closely mirrors gold than growth stocks.
The largest cryptocurrency surged to nearly $90,000 on Tuesday, its highest level since early March, in a move that’s reigniting hopes of a long-awaited decoupling from U.S. tech equities. For most of the past two years, Bitcoin has traded like a highly volatile cousin of the Nasdaq, rising and falling with investor appetite for risk. But as the market landscape shifts under the weight of aggressive tariffs, inflation worries, and political drama in Washington, Bitcoin’s narrative as a “digital store of value” is once again gaining traction.
The turning point appears to have been the fallout from President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariff moves and his pointed attacks on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. These developments rattled markets and sent investors scrambling for assets perceived to be safe havens. Gold rocketed past $3,500 an ounce — a record — while the dollar slid to a 15-month low. Meanwhile, Bitcoin’s climb has started to mirror gold’s trajectory rather than tech’s slide.
Analysts see this shift as potentially foundational for the crypto space. Augustine Fan, a partner at crypto trading platform SignalPlus, noted that after a year of being labeled a “leveraged Nasdaq proxy,” Bitcoin is finally showing signs of reclaiming its original appeal as an alternative to fiat-based monetary systems. As questions mount over U.S. financial leadership and the credibility of the Fed’s independence, some investors are once again turning to decentralized assets as a hedge against systemic instability.
Adding to the momentum, U.S.-listed Bitcoin ETFs saw $381 million in inflows on Monday — their largest single-day intake since January. That marks a meaningful vote of confidence from institutional investors, who appear to be reallocating from traditional assets into Bitcoin in response to changing macro conditions.
Technical analysts also see room for continued upside. If Bitcoin can sustain levels above $88,800, several market watchers forecast a push toward the $92,000 to $94,000 range. For now, Bitcoin is benefiting from a rare combination of macro catalysts: weaker dollar, shaky central bank leadership, and increasing demand for liquid alternatives to traditional hedges.
For investors in small and micro-cap stocks, Bitcoin’s rise amid market turmoil may offer indirect encouragement. A shift in sentiment toward alternative assets often coincides with a renewed appetite for asymmetric opportunities — and the small-cap space typically sees a resurgence when investors move beyond large-cap safety plays in search of growth. If Bitcoin’s rally proves durable, it could signal a broader re-risking in pockets of the market not tethered to mega-cap tech.
Key Points: – CMOC’s acquisition of Lumina Gold offers shareholders a 71% premium over the 20-day VWAP and a 41% premium over the April 17, 2025 closing price. – The acquisition aims to propel the development of the Cangrejos project, one of the largest primary gold deposits globally, with CMOC providing interim financing to support ongoing needs. – The deal reflects strong investor confidence in the mining sector, potentially influencing indices like the Russell 2000 and upcoming Russell reconstitution.
Lumina Gold Corp. (TSXV: LUM) has announced a definitive agreement to be acquired by CMOC Singapore Pte. Ltd., a subsidiary of CMOC Group Limited, in a strategic all-cash transaction valued at approximately C$581 million. Under the deal, CMOC will purchase all outstanding Lumina shares at C$1.27 per share — a significant premium that reflects growing interest in high-potential gold projects and underscores the strategic value of Lumina’s flagship asset, the Cangrejos project in Ecuador.
This premium amounts to a 71% increase over Lumina’s 20-day volume-weighted average price (VWAP) and a 41% premium to its closing price on April 17. The all-cash offer, which is not subject to financing conditions, offers immediate liquidity to shareholders and removes future exposure to commodity and execution risks.
Backed by over a decade of exploration and development, Lumina has transformed the Cangrejos project from an undeveloped parcel into one of the largest primary gold deposits in the world. With proven scale and a completed Pre-Feasibility Study in 2023, Cangrejos represents a cornerstone asset for CMOC’s continued expansion into Latin America’s resource-rich regions.
As part of the transaction, CMOC has also committed to interim financing of US$20 million via unsecured convertible notes to support near-term development. The notes carry a 6% annual interest rate and a conversion price of C$1.00 per share — itself an 11% premium to Lumina’s market close at the time of signing.
Lumina’s board of directors unanimously approved the transaction following a recommendation from a special committee of independent directors. Shareholders holding 52.3% of Lumina’s outstanding shares have already entered into support agreements to vote in favor of the acquisition. The board also received a fairness opinion from RBC Capital Markets, affirming that the offer is fair from a financial standpoint.
CEO Marshall Koval expressed confidence in the new ownership, noting, “The Lumina team is excited for the transition of the Cangrejos project to CMOC. We look forward to working with them and our stakeholders to ensure the project’s success.” His optimism reflects not just a major milestone for Lumina but also growing global confidence in strategic resource development.
The transaction still requires regulatory approvals, court sanctioning, and support from two-thirds of Lumina’s shareholders and option/RSU holders at a special meeting. If completed as expected in Q3 2025, Lumina will be delisted from the TSXV and will cease to be a reporting issuer under Canadian securities laws.
For the broader market — especially small-cap mining investors — the deal signals a strong vote of confidence in the long-term value of precious metals. As geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty drive interest in hard assets, acquisitions like this could draw renewed attention to junior miners with quality assets and strong development pipelines. With the Russell Reconstitution on the horizon, such transactions could also influence index inclusion for mining-focused small caps, giving them greater visibility and institutional exposure.
In the current environment, CMOC’s acquisition of Lumina is more than just a business deal — it’s a strategic alignment that underscores the future of gold exploration and the global appetite for untapped mineral wealth.
Key Points: – Stocks and the U.S. dollar dropped as markets reacted to Trump’s threat to remove Fed Chair Jerome Powell. – Concerns over Fed independence sparked a flight from U.S. assets into gold and foreign bonds. – Investors fear increased volatility, weakening confidence in the dollar and U.S. monetary policy.
On Monday, April 21, 2025, U.S. financial markets experienced significant volatility following President Donald Trump’s renewed criticism of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Trump’s public suggestion that he may attempt to remove Powell has heightened concerns about political interference in monetary policy — a cornerstone of market confidence. The S&P 500 dropped over 1%, while the Bloomberg Dollar Index fell to a 15-month low. Treasury yields jumped, pushing the 10-year above 4.4%, reflecting the market’s unease with rising inflation risk and a potentially less independent Fed.
At the same time, investors poured into safe-haven assets. Gold surged to a record above $3,400 an ounce, while the Swiss franc and Japanese yen rallied. The sharp movements signal not just a knee-jerk reaction to headlines, but deeper anxiety over the future of monetary policy. Analysts have warned that undermining the Fed’s credibility could cause long-term damage to the dollar’s global reserve status and complicate the central bank’s ability to steer the economy during periods of stress.
Markets are now on edge over the prospect of a politicized Federal Reserve. National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett confirmed that Trump is reviewing the legality of removing Powell — a move seen by many as extreme and historically unprecedented. While legal scholars argue the president lacks the authority to fire the Fed Chair without cause, the noise alone has proven enough to shake investor confidence. Fed officials have maintained a measured tone, but Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee warned over the weekend that undermining central bank independence is a dangerous path.
For small and micro-cap investors, the ripple effects are particularly pronounced. These companies typically have tighter margins, higher debt costs, and fewer international buffers than large-cap peers. In a rising rate or inflationary environment — or worse, one with erratic policy signals — smaller firms can see financing dry up and market multiples compress rapidly. Investors focused on this space should be watching both policy headlines and macroeconomic indicators closely, as volatility may linger longer than anticipated.
Adding to market pressure, geopolitical tensions have grown. Reports that Chinese investors are reducing U.S. Treasury holdings in favor of European and Japanese debt point to an early-stage shift in global capital allocation. If trust in U.S. governance continues to erode, further capital outflows could strain markets even more. At the same time, the White House’s ongoing tariff disputes are reshaping trade routes and disrupting sectors from tech to commodities. All of this contributes to an environment where capital seeks safety — and where policymaker credibility is paramount.
This shifting market sentiment could have meaningful implications for small-cap stocks, particularly those tracked by the Russell 2000. As investors rotate away from large-cap tech and U.S. dollar-denominated assets, the Russell’s reconstitution later this year may spotlight high-quality domestic companies with strong fundamentals and less exposure to geopolitical volatility. For savvy investors, this uncertainty could ultimately shine a light on overlooked small-cap opportunities poised to benefit from changing capital flows and renewed interest in U.S.-focused growth stories.
