What happened
Soaring more than 79% through the first four months of 2020, shares of Enphase Energy (ENPH -2.23%) have been a bright spot in investors' portfolios during a time when clouds have hung on many other stocks. During the same period, for example, the S&P 500 had plunged 10%. And Enphase distinguished itself even more so in May -- a month in which the stock rose 24.3%, according to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence, while the S&P 500 climbed 4.5%.
Besides a strong earnings report, investors rejoiced at the company's sunny outlook for the second quarter. In addition, several votes of confidence from Wall Street motivated investors even more through the month.
Image source: Getty Images.
So what
While the global spread of COVID-19 devastated a number of businesses in the first quarter, Enphase Energy reported an impressive start to the year. On the top line, Enphase reported $205.5 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 105%. The company's success in reigning in costs, however, is where it shined even brighter. Breaking company records, Enphase reported a GAAP gross margin of 39.2% and an operating margin of 21.8%. And management seems optimistic that the company will continue to thrive in the second quarter -- a period in which it forecasts Enphase will generate a gross margin of 37% to 40%.
Shareholders found another reason to celebrate as Enphase generated $39.2 million in operational cash flow, representing a 130% increase over the $17.1 million it reported in the first quarter of 2019.
Besides the company's strong start to 2020, investors warmed up to the stock upon seeing Wall Street assume a positive outlook. Barclays, especially, seemed to be smitten with the stock. In early May, it raised its price target to $76 from $67, according to Thefly.com. Then, five days later, it raised the price target again, this time to $80. Later in the month, Enphase received positive nods from Johnson Rice, which initiated coverage on the stock and set a $68 price target, and JP Morgan, which raised its price target to $67 from $54.
Now what
A company's ability to expand its gross margin will come to the delight of any investor, but in the case of Enphase Energy, it's particularly noteworthy since many renewable energy-focused suppliers are often forced to consistently lower prices in order to remain competitive.
Additionally, management's forecast that it will sustain this level of profitability in the second quarter suggests that the company's feat in the first quarter wasn't a fluke. Will management make good on its projection? It's one of the things that I -- and I'm sure many other investors -- will be watching when the company reports second quarter earnings.
