Sign in

    Brett Castelli • Morningstar

    Brett Castelli's questions to Acuity Inc (AYI) leadership

    Brett Castelli's questions to Acuity Inc (AYI) leadership • Q3 2025

    Question

    Brett Castelli asked for a bigger-picture update on the ABL segment, specifically inquiring about the traction and contribution from new verticals the company has entered in recent years.

    Answer

    Neil Ashe, Chairman, President & CEO, highlighted three key verticals. He noted a 'really good start' in the refuel market, performance that has 'exceeded our expectations' in healthcare following the Nightingale brand launch, and future opportunities in sports lighting and infrastructure from the recent M3 acquisition. He contrasted this with the horticulture market, which has been slower than expected, illustrating a portfolio approach to growth.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Brett Castelli's questions to Acuity Inc (AYI) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Brett Castelli from Morningstar inquired about customer traction with the Design Select product portfolio and asked about capital allocation priorities for the remainder of the year, particularly regarding debt paydown.

    Answer

    Neil Ashe, Chairman, President and CEO, reported that traction for the Design Select portfolio is strong and ahead of expectations, though it remains in the early stages of a multi-year rollout. Karen Holcom, SVP and CFO, reiterated the company's capital priorities, confirming that strong cash flow allows for the paydown of acquisition-related debt over the next 12-18 months while also continuing the share repurchase program.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Brett Castelli's questions to UL Solutions Inc (ULS) leadership

    Brett Castelli's questions to UL Solutions Inc (ULS) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Brett Castelli of Morningstar inquired how potential supply chain shifts from tariffs could impact lab utilization and margins, and asked for expectations on the full-year trend for free cash flow.

    Answer

    CFO Ryan Robinson explained that the business model is adaptable, with human-based services being mobile and lab capacity being adjusted over time to match trade patterns. He noted that strong Q1 free cash flow was driven by profitability and working capital improvements, with full-year capex expected to remain consistent.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Brett Castelli's questions to Bloom Energy Corp (BE) leadership

    Brett Castelli's questions to Bloom Energy Corp (BE) leadership • Q3 2024

    Question

    Brett Castelli of Morningstar asked a broader question about Bloom's cost reduction roadmap, specifically the timeline for future product generations and their expected impact.

    Answer

    CEO K.R. Sridhar emphasized that cost reduction is in the company's DNA, targeting double-digit reductions annually. He explained the focus is now on adding value-added features like "load following" for islanded microgrids while still driving down costs. CFO Dan Berenbaum added that the teams are "maniacal" about this operational discipline.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI