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    Andres Sheppard-Slinger

    Research Analyst at Cantor Fitzgerald

    Andres Juan Sheppard-Slinger is a Research Analyst at Cantor Fitzgerald, specializing in equity research within the industrial technology and new mobility sectors. He regularly covers companies such as Archer Aviation, Ouster, MicroVision, and REE Automotive, providing fundamental analysis and market insights to institutional clients. Since joining Cantor Fitzgerald, Sheppard-Slinger has earned a reputation for his analytical rigor, frequently participating in earnings calls for leading firms in autonomous vehicles, sensor technology, and electric aviation. His professional background includes prior experience in capital markets research, and he holds recognized industry credentials including FINRA registration and multiple securities licenses.

    Andres Sheppard-Slinger's questions to Archer Aviation (ACHR) leadership

    Andres Sheppard-Slinger's questions to Archer Aviation (ACHR) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Andres Sheppard-Slinger of Cantor Fitzgerald inquired about the specific vision for the UAE launch by year-end and the broader commercialization strategy for the 'Launch Edition' program with customers like Abu Dhabi Aviation and Ethiopian Airlines.

    Answer

    CEO Adam Goldstein described the UAE launch as a low-level, early commercial operation focused on demonstrating capabilities and learning. An executive, Thomas Muniz, detailed the plan: delivering an aircraft in the summer for high-temperature testing, followed by route proving and passenger flights with partner Abu Dhabi Aviation. Regarding the broader Launch Edition program, Goldstein noted strong international interest but stated Archer is balancing customer deliveries with internal testing needs, with more details to come.

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    Andres Sheppard-Slinger's questions to Eve Holding (EVEX) leadership

    Andres Sheppard-Slinger's questions to Eve Holding (EVEX) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Andres Sheppard-Slinger from Cantor Fitzgerald sought details on the manufacturing timeline for the five certification prototypes and how their costs are reflected in the current year's cash guidance. He also asked about the commercialization timeline for the maintenance and service business.

    Answer

    CEO Johann Christian Jean Bordais and CFO Eduardo Couto explained that assembly of the prototypes will begin late this year, with associated costs included in guidance, though R&D remains the primary cash use. The CEO added that the service and maintenance business is being developed in parallel to be ready for the aircraft's entry-into-service, focusing initially on a few key operators to ensure a successful launch.

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    Andres Sheppard-Slinger's questions to Eve Holding (EVEX) leadership • Q3 2024

    Question

    Andres Sheppard-Slinger asked for the most supportive elements of the FAA's new SFAR regulations and the regulatory drivers behind the 2027 certification timeline.

    Answer

    CTO Luiz Valentini highlighted that the SFAR provides crucial regulatory clarity. He pointed to the revised pilot training rules, which now allow for simulator training followed by flights with an observer rather than requiring dual-control aircraft, as a significant positive development. He added that the 2027 timeline is a realistic assessment based on the new ANAC certification basis, the SFAR, and the planned flight test program for the conforming prototype.

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    Andres Sheppard-Slinger's questions to Polestar Automotive Holding UK (PSNY) leadership

    Andres Sheppard-Slinger's questions to Polestar Automotive Holding UK (PSNY) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Andres Sheppard-Slinger sought clarification on the role of the South Carolina plant's capacity in mitigating tariff impacts and whether this signals a strategic shift away from the U.S. He also asked for an update on the company's liquidity position, expected cash burn, and future capital needs.

    Answer

    CEO Michael Lohscheller reiterated that Europe is the core market but the U.S. remains a key growth area with sufficient capacity, and the strategy is unchanged despite tariff volatility. CFO Jean-François Mady stated the prior cash burn rate is unsustainable and is being addressed through growth and cost cuts. He confirmed the company is actively working on securing new equity financing and is in discussions with potential investors.

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    Andres Sheppard-Slinger's questions to Polestar Automotive Holding UK (PSNY) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Andres Sheppard-Slinger inquired about Polestar's directional delivery guidance for 2025, its current capital needs, and its strategic approach to mitigating potential tariffs.

    Answer

    CEO Michael Lohscheller pointed to a 30-35% compound annual growth rate target for 2025-2027, supported by a 37% order intake increase in Q4 2024. Lohscheller and CFO Jean-Francois Mady confirmed funding would be needed until reaching positive free cash flow in 2027, but the primary focus is on reducing the current cash burn of $100-120 million per month. Lohscheller also outlined the company's diversified manufacturing strategy—producing in the US, Korea, and soon Europe for the Polestar 7—to manage tariffs and costs effectively.

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    Andres Sheppard-Slinger's questions to Polestar Automotive Holding UK (PSNY) leadership • Q2 2024

    Question

    Andres Sheppard-Slinger requested color on the delivery outlook for the second half of 2024, including the expected mix between Polestar 3 and 4 and the resulting impact on gross margins. He also asked for an update on the company's capital needs following a recent $300 million funding.

    Answer

    CFO Per Ansgar stated that Polestar expects volume growth to continue through the year, with a particularly strong fourth quarter driven by a mix shift towards the Polestar 3 and 4. He reaffirmed the company's ambition to achieve double-digit gross margins by year-end. On capital, Ansgar noted that with the $950 million club loan and the new $300 million facility, the company has secured funding close to its previously stated $1.3 billion need and has largely undrawn trade financing facilities, seeing no immediate capital requirement.

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    Andres Sheppard-Slinger's questions to Polestar Automotive Holding UK (PSNY) leadership • Q1 2024

    Question

    Andres Sheppard-Slinger from Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. asked for a quantification of the financial impacts from recently announced import tariffs and how the new South Carolina facility will mitigate them. He also inquired about Polestar's capital needs for the remainder of the year given its current liquidity position.

    Answer

    CEO Thomas Ingenlath stated that the long-term impact of US tariffs should be 'completely mitigated' by producing the Polestar 3 in South Carolina for North American and European markets. CFO Per Ansgar added that a 'duty drawback' mechanism provides a further hedge. Regarding capital, Per Ansgar highlighted a strong focus on improving cash flow via working capital management and noted that a €470 million financing facility remains largely undrawn, providing flexibility. He also mentioned strong support from major shareholder Geely Holding.

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    Andres Sheppard-Slinger's questions to Aurora Innovation (AUR) leadership

    Andres Sheppard-Slinger's questions to Aurora Innovation (AUR) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Andres Sheppard-Slinger asked for elaboration on the 'crawl, walk, run' approach for 2025 and for a conceptual reminder of the economic improvements expected in 2027 from the Continental partnership.

    Answer

    CEO Chris Urmson outlined the 2025 plan, which focuses on expanding the operating domain (new lanes, night and weather conditions) to increase customer value and prepare for scaling in 2026. CFO David Maday reaffirmed that the 2027 timeframe is expected to bring high gross margins, enabled by the third-generation hardware kit from Continental, line-side OEM installation, and the ability to scale to tens of thousands of trucks.

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    Andres Sheppard-Slinger's questions to Aurora Innovation (AUR) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Andres Sheppard-Slinger inquired about the specifics of the 'crawl, walk, run' commercialization strategy, the expected truck ramp-up in late 2025, and whether there were targets for loads or miles by April. He also asked for more granularity on 2025 CapEx.

    Answer

    CEO Christopher Urmson explained the phased approach is to build stakeholder confidence, starting with one truck and scaling to tens by year-end. CFO David Maday emphasized that the 2025 focus is on product validation and expanding technical capabilities (e.g., night driving) rather than mileage targets. Maday guided to a quarterly cash use of $175M-$185M, driven by modest increases in OpEx and CapEx.

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    Andres Sheppard-Slinger's questions to Rocket Lab (RKLB) leadership

    Andres Sheppard-Slinger's questions to Rocket Lab (RKLB) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Andres Sheppard-Slinger asked how growing international space budgets might benefit Rocket Lab and how the company's revenue mix might shift as the Neutron rocket launch approaches.

    Answer

    CEO Peter Beck identified Europe as the primary international growth opportunity, along with continued strength in Japan, which is Electron's second-biggest market. CFO Adam Spice explained that the future revenue mix is hard to predict and will be volatile. A single large constellation win could skew revenue heavily toward Space Systems, while booking Neutron launches at a $50-55M price point could quickly shift the balance back toward Launch.

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    Andres Sheppard-Slinger's questions to Rocket Lab (RKLB) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Andres Sheppard-Slinger of Cantor Fitzgerald asked about the confidence level for a 2025 Neutron launch, the expected revenue mix shift in 2026, and key catalysts for the Space Systems segment.

    Answer

    CEO Sir Peter Beck expressed high confidence in a 2025 Neutron launch, noting no major blocking issues. CFO Adam Spice projected that Launch's share of revenue will increase with Neutron, but the long-term target mix is roughly two-thirds Space Systems to one-third Launch. Beck added that Space Systems is pursuing significant government programs, including those related to the 'Iron Dome' initiative.

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    Andres Sheppard-Slinger's questions to Rocket Lab (RKLB) leadership • Q3 2024

    Question

    Andres Sheppard-Slinger asked for clarification on the Neutron launch timeline, questioning the gap between the mid-2025 first launch and the mid-2026 start for the new contract, and also inquired about key upcoming development milestones.

    Answer

    CEO Peter Beck explained that the planned launch cadence of 1, 3, and then 5 launches in subsequent years dictates slot availability, and the company was highly selective for its first commercial partner. CFO Adam Spice added that the timing aligns with typical 12-18 month customer integration cycles and demonstrates Rocket Lab's ability to command premium pricing from the start. Peter Beck then outlined the three key development pillars to watch: launch infrastructure, vehicle structures, and the Archimedes engine qualification campaign.

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    Andres Sheppard-Slinger's questions to Joby Aviation (JOBY) leadership

    Andres Sheppard-Slinger's questions to Joby Aviation (JOBY) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Andres Sheppard-Slinger of Cantor Fitzgerald inquired about the potential impact of tariffs on Joby's vertically integrated model and the company's outlook on commercializing in the Middle East before achieving full FAA type certification.

    Answer

    Executive Chairman Paul Sciarra responded that Joby's vertical integration provides resilience against tariffs by allowing flexibility at the component level. Founder and CEO JoeBen Bevirt reiterated that the company remains on track for its planned service launch in Dubai, with an aircraft heading there soon for testing.

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    Andres Sheppard-Slinger's questions to Joby Aviation (JOBY) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Andres Sheppard-Slinger asked for more details on Joby's near and long-term military opportunities and for the company's vision for commercialization in Dubai, including the potential ramp-up speed.

    Answer

    Founder and CEO JoeBen Bevirt and Executive Chairman Paul Sciarra detailed their extensive 8-year history with the Department of Defense, highlighting the delivery of two aircraft to Edwards Air Force Base and the training of pilots and mechanics as foundational for future growth. They also noted the strategic importance of their demonstrated hybrid-propulsion capabilities for longer-range defense missions. Regarding Dubai, JoeBen Bevirt expressed excitement about the strong government support and the plan to build out a full ecosystem, starting with in-market testing this year to build momentum for a full-scale service.

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    Andres Sheppard-Slinger's questions to PureCycle Technologies (PCT) leadership

    Andres Sheppard-Slinger's questions to PureCycle Technologies (PCT) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Andres Sheppard-Slinger asked about the strategy for the 14 million pounds of inventory and for more details on the company's future growth plans and facility scaling.

    Answer

    CEO Dustin Olson explained that the company is strategically holding inventory for higher-value branded sales in the second half of the year as customer trials are proceeding faster than expected. Regarding growth, he detailed how learnings from Ironton will enable future plants to be much larger (200-500 million pounds), which will lower both CapEx and OpEx per pound, leading to higher returns and faster growth.

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    Andres Sheppard-Slinger's questions to PureCycle Technologies (PCT) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Andres Sheppard-Slinger inquired about the company's confidence in its commercial ramp and asked for an update on its current cash position and future financing plans.

    Answer

    Executive Dustin Olson expressed high confidence, citing tangible successes in customer trials like the one with Drake Extrusion. Executive Jaime Vasquez confirmed a Q4 ending cash balance of approximately $16 million, a subsequent $33 million capital raise in February, and plans to sell the remaining $118 million in revenue bonds, which he believes is achievable given recent operational and commercial progress.

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    Andres Sheppard-Slinger's questions to PureCycle Technologies (PCT) leadership • Q3 2024

    Question

    Andres Sheppard-Slinger requested an update on the Ohio plant's current status, the timeline to reach full peak capacity of 107 million pounds, and the planned number of initial production lines for the Augusta facility.

    Answer

    CEO Dustin Olson described the Ironton plant as being in a 'great place' with the CP2 constraint resolved, allowing production to be ramped according to commercial demand. He did not provide a specific timeline for reaching the 107 million pound nameplate capacity, noting the focus is on commercialization first. He reiterated that the Augusta project is planned as a two-line, 260 million pound-per-year operation.

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    Andres Sheppard-Slinger's questions to Lucid Group (LCID) leadership

    Andres Sheppard-Slinger's questions to Lucid Group (LCID) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Andres Sheppard-Slinger of Cantor Fitzgerald asked for a breakdown of the 2025 production guidance between the Air and Gravity models to better understand average selling prices (ASPs). He also requested a reminder of the company's plan to address the 2026 convertible bonds.

    Answer

    Interim CEO Marc Winterhoff stated that while the Air is selling well, it is not expected to see a drastic sales increase, meaning the balance of the 20,000-unit guidance will come from the Gravity. CFO Taoufiq Boussaid clarified that this mix shift will cause blended ASPs to increase in the second half of the year. Regarding the convertible bonds, Winterhoff noted the company remains opportunistic and will not communicate specific timing, highlighting the success of the recent financing as a sign of confidence.

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    Andres Sheppard-Slinger's questions to Lucid Group (LCID) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Andres Sheppard of Cantor Fitzgerald asked about the outlook for blended average selling prices (ASPs) in 2025, the timeline to achieve gross margin profitability, details on the vehicle mix for the Saudi government agreement, and the potential impact of new tariffs.

    Answer

    SVP of Finance Gagan Dhingra projected significant gross margin improvement in 2025, driven by scale, cost transformation, and supplier leverage, but did not provide a specific ASP or profitability timeline. Interim CEO Marc Winterhoff confirmed the Saudi deal is weighted towards the Midsize and Gravity models but could not disclose a breakdown. Gagan Dhingra reiterated that the company is actively mitigating a potential 7-12% gross margin impact from tariffs through supply chain localization, such as a new U.S. graphite deal.

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    Andres Sheppard-Slinger's questions to Lucid Group (LCID) leadership • Q3 2024

    Question

    Andres Sheppard-Slinger asked for insight into the anticipated vehicle unit mix between the Lucid Air and the Lucid Gravity for 2025. He also sought confirmation that the Saudi Arabian government vehicle agreement would primarily consist of Gravity and Midsize models, and whether to expect a significant ramp in deliveries to Saudi Arabia next year.

    Answer

    CEO & CTO Peter Rawlinson stated that Lucid will launch the high-end Gravity Grand Touring first, anticipating that the company will be 'manufacturing constrained' rather than market constrained in 2025 due to high demand. He confirmed the Gravity is the 'perfect car' for the Middle East and that some early builds will be sent to Saudi Arabia early next year, with the overall vehicle mix for the government contract being determined by price points.

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    Andres Sheppard-Slinger's questions to EVgo (EVGO) leadership

    Andres Sheppard-Slinger's questions to EVgo (EVGO) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Andres Sheppard-Slinger asked for more detail on the guidance cadence for the remainder of 2025, specifically concerning cost of energy and average selling prices (ASPs), and also inquired about EVgo's strategy for the autonomous vehicle charging market.

    Answer

    CEO Badar Khan reiterated that the full-year guidance and stall build schedule remain unchanged, with 75% of new public stalls expected in the second half of the year. He noted that Q3 typically sees higher energy costs and expects ASPs to be stable or slightly increase. For autonomous vehicles, Khan highlighted that EVgo has a dedicated stall segment for this market, which more than doubled in 2024, and the company estimates it holds a 20% share of dedicated stalls serving this segment, viewing it as an attractive source of contracted cash flow growth.

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    Andres Sheppard-Slinger's questions to EVgo (EVGO) leadership • Q3 2024

    Question

    Andres Sheppard-Slinger of Cantor Fitzgerald asked for context on EVgo's 22% network utilization rate compared to the broader industry average and questioned the company's strategic approach to the rise of autonomous vehicles and robotaxis.

    Answer

    CEO Badar Khan explained that a reliable industry-wide utilization average is difficult to find due to a lack of transparency from peers, but he believes EVgo's rate is likely higher due to superior site selection algorithms. He noted their long-term target of 23% will need to be updated. Regarding autonomous vehicles (AVs), Khan confirmed EVgo is actively pursuing this market, building dedicated, larger hubs for AV clients, as they represent a significant growth opportunity for DC fast charging.

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    Andres Sheppard-Slinger's questions to VinFast Auto (VFS) leadership

    Andres Sheppard-Slinger's questions to VinFast Auto (VFS) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Andres Sheppard-Slinger inquired about VinFast's confidence in its 2025 delivery guidance amid current macro conditions, the expected geographic sales mix, and the strategic path to achieving positive gross margins given the focus on lower-priced models.

    Answer

    Executive Thuy Thu Le expressed confidence in doubling 2024's deliveries, noting that while Q1 is typically the slowest, a significant ramp-up is expected in the second half of the year, driven by new 'Green series' models. She projected that international markets like Indonesia, the Philippines, and India would contribute over 10% of total deliveries. CFO Anh Thi Nguyen added that the path to profitability involves scaling volume, optimizing Bill of Materials (BOM), enhancing manufacturing efficiency, and strategic capital deployment to improve margins, building on the progress made in 2024.

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    Andres Sheppard-Slinger's questions to VinFast Auto (VFS) leadership • Q3 2024

    Question

    Andres Sheppard-Slinger inquired about VinFast's liquidity, asking for details on the timing of the $3.5 billion capital injection and the resulting cash runway. He also followed up on the significant gross margin improvement, questioning if the company remains on track to achieve positive gross margin in 2025.

    Answer

    An executive explained the $3.5 billion injection will occur over two years through 2026, with funds allocated to CapEx and debt repayments. They noted Q3-end liquidity stood at approximately $1 billion. Executive Vuong Pham added that this capital ensures a runway to profitability even without external fundraising. Regarding gross margin, an executive confirmed the 2025 positive margin target is maintained, but final guidance awaits the completion of the current budget review.

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    Andres Sheppard-Slinger's questions to VinFast Auto (VFS) leadership • Q2 2024

    Question

    Andres Sheppard-Slinger inquired about the gross margin trajectory for the remainder of the year, the timeline to achieve breakeven gross margins, and the company's total liquidity position including cash, ELOC facilities, and grants.

    Answer

    CFO Anh Thi Nguyen explained that Q2 gross margin was negatively impacted by a $104 million one-off charge for inventory write-downs (NRV), and that the underlying margin trend improved from Q1. She anticipates margins will continue to improve. Executive Thuy Thu Le reiterated guidance for positive gross margin by 2025 and positive EBITDA by 2026. She also confirmed total liquidity of approximately $2 billion, comprising ~$100M in cash, an undrawn credit facility, and an additional $1 billion gift from the Chairman.

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    Andres Sheppard-Slinger's questions to Intuitive Machines (LUNR) leadership

    Andres Sheppard-Slinger's questions to Intuitive Machines (LUNR) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Andres Sheppard-Slinger from Cantor Fitzgerald requested more details on the data procured from the IM-2 mission, particularly from the Nokia payload, and asked for a summary of key near-term catalysts for investors to watch in 2025.

    Answer

    CEO Steve Altemus described the Nokia Bell Labs payload operation as a 'rousing success,' fully demonstrating its lunar cellular network technology. For 2025 catalysts, he highlighted the Nova-D and LTV design reviews, two anticipated CLPS contract awards (one in July), and the preparation of the first data relay satellite for launch on the IM-3 mission.

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    Andres Sheppard-Slinger's questions to Intuitive Machines (LUNR) leadership • Q3 2024

    Question

    Andres Sheppard-Slinger of Cantor Fitzgerald asked about key upcoming catalysts for investors to monitor regarding the IM-2 mission and the LTV contract decision, and also inquired about the company's cash runway and liquidity outlook.

    Answer

    CEO Steve Altemus identified the IM-2 mission's February launch window and a March design review for the Nova-D heavy lander as critical catalysts for the LTV down-select. He confirmed the company has a strong liquidity position for at least the next year but will opportunistically evaluate raising capital for major projects like NSNS and LTV.

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    Andres Sheppard-Slinger's questions to Ouster (OUST) leadership

    Andres Sheppard-Slinger's questions to Ouster (OUST) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Andres Sheppard-Slinger inquired about the growth drivers in the robotaxi and last-mile delivery markets, the potential impact of tariffs, and the company's capital needs.

    Answer

    CEO Angus Pacala highlighted positive momentum in the robotaxi space, citing customer successes, and framed last-mile delivery as part of the growing "physical AI" trend. Interim CFO Chen Geng added that while the tariff environment is evolving, Ouster does not expect a material impact to its business or supply chain at this time. He also confirmed the company is well-capitalized with low capital needs to fund future product development.

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    Andres Sheppard-Slinger's questions to Innoviz Technologies (INVZ) leadership

    Andres Sheppard-Slinger's questions to Innoviz Technologies (INVZ) leadership • Q3 2024

    Question

    Andres Sheppard-Slinger inquired about the new Level 4 commercial agreements, asking for details on expected volumes. He also sought more granularity on the 2024 revenue guidance, specifically the mix between NREs and product shipments, and requested an update on the BMW relationship and its expected revenue contribution in 2025.

    Answer

    Executive Omer Keilaf explained that the Level 4 platform partner has about five customers, with vehicle volumes ranging from tens of thousands to low hundreds of thousands per program, each using nine LiDARs. Executive Eldar Cegla clarified that current revenues are mostly from NRE and samples. Regarding BMW, Omer Keilaf noted that a significant ramp is not expected until the China launch next year and that R&D on future platforms continues.

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