Latest news with #HoustonChronicle
Forbes
8 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
Why ENPH Stock Has Crashed 70%?
HOUSTON, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 14: Solar panels on the roof of Tom Cook's home on Fri, Feb 14, 2025, in ... More Bandera, Texas. (Christopher Lee/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images) Enphase Energy (NASDAQ: ENPH), a prominent provider of residential solar energy solutions, has experienced a significant decline in its stock, falling nearly 40% this year and over 70% from its 52-week peak of around $140. What factors are contributing to this substantial drop? The company is facing a harsh mix of industry challenges and its own operational difficulties that have formed a perfect storm. The primary issue impacting Enphase has been the drop in residential solar demand. The firm's revenue has taken a hit, decreasing 42% from $2.29 billion in 2023 to just $1.33 billion in 2024. This isn't solely an Enphase issue—it's occurring throughout the entire residential solar market as customers have largely refrained from making significant solar investments. It is precisely this downside risk, compared to the relative upside trade-offs we made – at scale, in constructing the Trefis High Quality (HQ) strategy that has achieved over 91% returns since its inception and outperformed the S&P. Additionally, see – Buy, Sell, or Hold HIMS Stock? High interest rates are a significant factor, raising the costs for homeowners to finance solar installations. When faced with a solar system costing over $10,000 and skyrocketing borrowing costs, many individuals are simply saying, 'not now.' To complicate matters, the company is burdened with excess inventory. Similar to many solar companies, Enphase accumulated stock based on the expectation of stronger demand that has not materialized, adding more stress to the company's margins. As a result, Enphase's operating margin fell from 20% in 2023 to below 7% last year. The earnings situation has also been difficult. Enphase consistently falls short of Wall Street's expectations, and their guidance isn't instilling much optimism in investors. In the last quarter, they reported earnings of $0.68 per share on $356 million in revenue, failing to meet predictions of $0.71 per share on $362 million in revenue. Even more troubling, management projected just $360 million in Q2 sales at the midpoint, significantly lower than the $380 million analysts were anticipating. Moreover, there's the tariff situation. New tariffs of up to 3,500% on solar components—particularly battery cells from China and Southeast Asia—are poised to severely impact Enphase's profit margins. The company has already indicated that these tariffs will affect margins in the upcoming quarters, with an even greater negative effect expected later this year. They are attempting to move battery cell production from China to the U.S. to avoid the tariffs and secure some tax credits, but this transition requires time and resources. In the meantime, margins may suffer by several hundred basis points. The general economic landscape isn't providing any relief either. With high interest rates and growing concerns about the economy, homeowners are understandably cautious about making large purchases like solar panels. This kind of environment typically leads to reductions in discretionary spending. Enphase has attempted to address the situation by reducing costs, including laying off 500 employees and terminating some manufacturing contracts late last year. However, these actions merely underscore how challenging the circumstances have become and have not succeeded in convincing investors that brighter days lie ahead. The bottom line is that Enphase finds itself in a challenging predicament. The company needs a rebound in residential solar demand and for the tariff situation to stabilize before any improvements can be seen. Until then, the stock will likely continue to experience pressure from both the fundamental business issues and investor doubts about when—or if—the solar market will recover. In fact, the predicament of Enphase Energy illustrates the risks of heavily investing in a single stock. Establishing a diversified portfolio is essential for balancing risk and reward. For instance, the Trefis High Quality (HQ) strategy, which emphasizes risk-reward balance, has consistently outperformed the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Russell 2000 since its inception.
Fox News
5 days ago
- Business
- Fox News
Steve Sarkisian denies claims Texas spent excessively to build roster, cites 'irresponsible reporting'
The University of Texas at Austin's athletic department has long been heralded for its access to seemingly unmatched financial resources. The Texas Longhorns football program maintains arguably some of the best — if not the top — amenities in the nation. Since the advent of name, image and likeness (NIL), there has been a noticeable uptick in the amount of financial resources programs across the U.S. have allocated to football, basketball and other sports. Ohio State reportedly built one of the country's most expensive rosters en route to January's national championship. Some have asserted Texas' spending heading into the 2025 campaign was on par with or even surpassed the $20 million the Buckeyes spent. Texas coach Steve Sarkisian denied the $40 million price tag linked to the Longhorns. Sarkisian referenced a recent Houston Chronicle column that highlighted Texas' roster payroll. The column accounted for revenue sharing and Texas NIL collective payouts. According to the outlet, revenue-sharing funds totaled $20.5 million. The total spent on the football team was reported to be between $35-$40 million. Sarkisian suggested $25 million was a more accurate figure for Texas' investment. He also hinted the $40 million figure was a result of "irresponsible reporting." "There was one anonymous source that said that's what our roster was. I wish I had $40 million on our roster. We'd probably be a little bit better team than we are," the coach said during a recent appearance on SiriusXM's College Sports Radio. Sarkisian then addressed the current landscape of college football. "The idea to think that a lot of other schools aren't spending money to get players? It's the state of college football right now. It is what it is," he said. Texas has advanced to the College Football Playoff the past two seasons. The Longhorns lost 37-31 to Washington in the 2023–24 playoff semifinal. After defeating Clemson in the first round last season, Texas survived a double-overtime thriller against Arizona State in the quarterfinals. But the Longhorns could not get past Ohio State in the semifinals. "It's been a great run. I wish I had about another $15 million or so, though. We might have a better roster," Sarkisian said. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Officials lock in nearly 7,000 acres of land for future generations: 'Adds a vital new link in the state's network of preserved natural spaces'
Chron, a division of the Houston Chronicle, reported that Texas is adding 6,900 acres of protected land to the state's network of preserved natural spaces. The establishment of this protected area "presents an opportunity for the conservation and management of an ecologically unique and important habitat," said Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) executive director David Yoskowitz. The TPWD announced that the newly-protected area is called the Trinity River Wildlife Management Area, and it is the first time in nearly 20 years that the state has added a significant mass of land to its protected area. These public lands, overseen by TPWD, have a goal to protect native wildlife and habitats and create outdoor recreation opportunities for visitors. The protected status was secured through a combination of public and private funding. In total, Texas has over 50 Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) of over 700,000 acres that cover different ecological regions. Having protected land is important because these areas are critical to preserving natural habitats and biodiversity. Wildlife can thrive in their natural environments, which helps the species become better-established and can revive endangered populations. Protected lands also help communities by maintaining natural landscapes that become areas of recreation and cultural significance, ensuring the lands are conserved for future generations. Chron reports that the new WMA borders more than 11 miles of the Trinity River, bringing together a conservation corridor connecting more than 21,000 acres of protected land, including bottomland hardwood forests and wetlands. The protected area will help naturally absorb and slow floodwater, reducing erosion and improving water quality downstream, having a positive impact on human health. The land is also providing a natural, protected habitat for migratory birds, pollinators that are vital to the health of the region, and other wildlife. TPWD is set to begin restoration efforts of this newly protected area and plans to revitalize the wetlands, bottomland hardwood forests, and upland prairie. In addition to providing a secure habitat for wildlife, the plan is to provide Texans and visitors from other areas more opportunities to connect with nature. The area, according to the article, "adds a vital new link in the state's network of preserved natural spaces." Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Texas Democrats propose resolution to ban Cruz from college playoffs: ‘Well-known curse'
A pair of Texas Democrats are putting forth a resolution aimed at barring 'well-known curse' Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) from attending college playoff sporting events in the Lone Star State. Harris County Democratic Party precinct Chairs Charles Kuffner and Bill Kelly 'have come together to author a resolution prohibiting podcaster Ted Cruz from attending college playoff games in person given his record of personal failure,' according to a Wednesday news release on Kuffner's website. 'The nine scariest words for any college fan to hear are 'I'm Ted Cruz and I'm coming to your game,'' Kelly said in a statement. The Houston Chronicle's editorial board explained the so-called curse last year, writing that the lawmaker 'has been present at so many disappointing games — the Rockets loss to the Warriors in the 2018 playoffs, the Texas Tech loss to Virginia in the NCAA men's finals in 2019 and, well, the list goes on and on — that sports fans dread the 'Cruz curse.'' Citing Cruz's presence at last month's NCAA men's basketball title game that saw the University of Houston losing to the University of Florida, the tongue-in-cheek resolution said the Harris County Democratic Party 'will work with all partners to keep Ted Cruz away from attending college playoff sporting events in person.' A Cruz spokesperson appeared unamused by the resolution, saying it was a partisan stunt that wasn't worthy of news coverage. The senator, the spokesperson said on Thursday, has 'been attending Texas sports games his entire life. When they win, he's there. When they lose, he's there.' 'When Texas Democrats lose, he's almost always there,' the spokesperson added. It's not the first time that Democrats have latched on to the 'Cruz curse' in sports-related swipes at the three-term senator. During his failed bid to unseat Cruz last year, then-Rep. Colin Allred (D-Texas) released a campaign ad in which a narrator warned, 'Sports fans across Texas are suffering from the same affliction: the Ted Cruz curse.' In detailing the resolution on his website, Kuffner said, 'Silliness aside, a little mockery is a good tool to have in your belt for when it is needed.' Kelly, one of the resolution's authors, insisted in an interview with ITK that the resolution was in the process of being formally introduced. Responding to the statement from the Cruz representative, Kelly said, 'This should be something that Republicans and Democrats can agree on: Ted Cruz needs to stay away from college games.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
15-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
Texas Democrats propose resolution to ban Cruz from college playoffs: ‘Well-known curse'
A pair of Texas Democrats are putting forth a resolution aimed at barring 'well-known curse' Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) from attending college playoff sporting events in the Lone Star state. Harris County Democratic Party precinct chairs Charles Kuffner and Bill Kelly 'have come together to author a resolution prohibiting podcaster Ted Cruz from attending college playoff games in person given his record of personal failure,' according to a Wednesday news release on Kuffner's website. ' The nine scariest words for any college fan to hear are 'I'm Ted Cruz and I'm coming to your game,'' Kelly said in a statement. The Houston Chronicle's editorial board explained the so-called 'curse' last year, writing that the lawmaker 'has been present at so many disappointing games — the Rockets loss to the Warriors in the 2018 playoffs, the Texas Tech loss to Virginia in the NCAA men's finals in 2019 and, well, the list goes on and on — that sports fans dread the 'Cruz curse.'' Citing Cruz's presence at last month's NCAA men's basketball title game that saw the University of Houston losing to the University of Florida, the tongue-in-cheek resolution said the Harris County Democratic Party 'will work with all partners to keep Ted Cruz away from attending college playoff sporting events in person.' A Cruz spokesperson appeared unamused by the resolution, saying it was a partisan stunt that wasn't worthy of news coverage. The senator, the spokesperson said on Thursday, has 'been attending Texas sports games his entire life. When they win, he's there. When they lose, he's there.' 'When Texas Democrats lose, he's almost always there,' the spokesperson added. It's not the first time that Democrats have latched on to the 'Cruz curse' in sports-related swipes at the three-term senator. During his failed bid to unseat Cruz last year, then-Rep. Colin Allred (D-Texas) released a campaign ad in which a narrator warned, 'Sports fans across Texas are suffering from the same affliction: the Ted Cruz curse.' In detailing the resolution on his website, Kuffner said, 'Silliness aside, a little mockery is a good tool to have in your belt for when it is needed.' Kelly, one of the resolution's authors, insisted in an interview with ITK that the resolution was in the process of being formally introduced. Responding to the statement from the Cruz representative, Kelly said, 'This should be something that Republicans and Democrats can agree on: Ted Cruz needs to stay away from college games.'
