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Ascent Industries (ACNT)
NASDAQ:ACNT
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Ascent Industries (ACNT) AI Stock Analysis

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ACNT

Ascent Industries

(NASDAQ:ACNT)

Rating:54Neutral
Price Target:
$13.00
▲(0.31%Upside)
Ascent Industries' overall score reflects significant profitability challenges and valuation concerns. However, positive operational improvements and strategic shifts provide a foundation for potential recovery.

Ascent Industries (ACNT) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Ascent Industries Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionAscent Industries Co. an industrials company, focuses on the production and distribution of industrial tubular products and specialty chemicals in the United States and internationally. It manufactures welded pipes and tubes, primarily from stainless steel, duplex, and nickel alloys; and galvanized carbon tubes, as well as related stainless pipe products. The company also manufactures ornamental stainless-steel tubes for supply to the automotive, commercial transportation, marine, food services, construction, furniture, healthcare, and other industries; provides fiberglass and steel storage tanks for the oil and gas, waste water treatment, and municipal water industries; and distributes hot finish, seamless, carbon steel pipes, and tubes for use in mechanical and high-pressure applications in the oil and gas, heavy industrial, construction equipment, and chemical and other industries. In addition, it produces defoamers, surfactants, and lubricating agents for end users, including companies that supply agrochemical paper, metal working, coatings, water treatment, paint, mining, oil and gas, and janitorial and other applications. Further, the company provides contract manufacturing services, as well as operates as a multi-purpose plant to process various difficult to handle materials, including flammable solvents, viscous liquids, and granular solids. The company was formerly known as Synalloy Corporation and changed its name to Ascent Industries Co. in August 2022. Ascent Industries Co. was founded in 1945 and is headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois.
How the Company Makes MoneyAscent Industries generates revenue primarily through the sale of its metal products to a diverse customer base across numerous industries. The company's key revenue streams include direct sales to construction companies, automotive manufacturers, and industrial equipment producers. Additionally, Ascent Industries benefits from long-term contracts and partnerships with major clients, ensuring a steady flow of income. The company also invests in research and development to innovate and improve its product offerings, which helps in maintaining competitive pricing and expanding its market share.

Ascent Industries Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:May 12, 2025
(Q1-2025)
|
% Change Since: 1.09%|
Next Earnings Date:Aug 06, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call highlighted significant improvements in adjusted EBITDA, gross margins, and strategic repositioning, with a strong focus on higher-margin opportunities and operational discipline. However, these were offset by a decline in overall revenue and continued market softness. The company's strategic decisions and financial improvements indicate a positive trajectory despite current challenges.
Q1-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Adjusted EBITDA Improvement
Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations improved from a loss of $2.7 million in Q1 2024 to a positive $843,000 in Q1 2025, marking a $3.5 million turnaround.
Gross Margin Expansion in Tubular Segment
Gross margin in the Tubular segment increased from 12.3% to 24.8%, with adjusted EBITDA rising nearly 5 times to $1.3 million.
Specialty Chemicals Segment Performance
Gross profit in Specialty Chemicals increased by 131%, from $1.6 million in Q1 2024 to $3.7 million in Q1 2025, with gross margin expanding from 7.6% to 21%.
Successful Strategic Repositioning
Company strategically exited low-margin, low-value volume streams, resulting in a 22.8% reduction in pounds shipped but a 13.5% increase in average selling prices.
Increased Market Engagement
Average daily trading volume increased to roughly 63,000 shares in Q1 2025, a 160% lift versus Q1 2024.
Strong Balance Sheet
Ended the quarter with $14.3 million in cash and no debt before the divestiture of Bristol assets for $45 million.
Negative Updates
Revenue Decline
Revenue from continuing operations was $24.7 million, a year-over-year decline of $3.2 million or 11.5% from Q1 2024.
Soft Market Conditions
CEO noted ongoing soft market conditions affecting demand, particularly in the context of tariffs and broader market softness.
Company Guidance
During Ascent Industries' Q1 2025 earnings call, several key metrics were highlighted, underscoring the company's financial and operational advancements. Net sales from continuing operations were reported at $24.7 million, marking a decline from $28 million in Q1 2024, attributed to broader market softness. Despite this, the company achieved a significant turnaround in adjusted EBITDA, improving from a $2.7 million loss in Q1 2024 to a positive $843,000 this quarter. The Tubular segment saw a gross margin increase from 12.3% to 24.8%, with adjusted EBITDA rising almost fivefold to $1.3 million. In the Specialty Chemicals segment, while revenue decreased to $17.8 million, gross profit climbed by $2.1 million, achieving a 131% improvement. The adjusted EBITDA in this segment also surged by $2.3 million, transitioning from a $0.3 million loss to a positive $2 million. Additionally, the company ended the quarter with $14.3 million in cash and no debt, prior to selling Bristol Metals for $45 million, providing substantial strategic flexibility. These metrics reflect Ascent's strategic focus on higher-margin opportunities, tighter cost controls, and improved operational efficiency.

Ascent Industries Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Ascent Industries faces significant profitability challenges with negative earnings and margins. Despite a stable balance sheet and positive cash flow, declining equity and revenue issues need addressing.
Income Statement
45
Neutral
Ascent Industries has faced recent challenges in profitability, with negative EBIT and net income in TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months) as well as the previous year. The gross profit margin has improved to 15.3% in TTM, up from 12.4% last year, indicating some operational efficiency. However, the revenue has decreased by 10.9% in TTM, reflecting a downturn in sales. The EBIT margin and net profit margin are both negative, pointing to underlying profitability issues.
Balance Sheet
60
Neutral
Ascent Industries maintains a relatively stable balance sheet with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36 in TTM, showing manageable leverage levels compared to industry standards. Stockholders' equity accounts for 59.8% of total assets, indicating a strong equity position. However, the company has seen declining equity over the years, which could pose risks if not addressed. Return on equity is currently negative, reflecting recent losses.
Cash Flow
52
Neutral
The company has shown positive free cash flow in TTM, with a growth rate of 8.2% compared to the previous year, demonstrating effective cash management despite profitability challenges. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is strong, indicating good cash conversion. However, the free cash flow to net income ratio reflects the ongoing losses, suggesting that improvements are needed in generating operating profits.
BreakdownDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue177.87M193.18M414.15M334.71M256.00M
Gross Profit22.11M1.53M56.53M60.77M22.65M
EBITDA2.78M-29.17M23.03M37.81M-18.75M
Net Income-13.60M-34.15M22.07M20.25M-27.27M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets147.25M175.92M269.04M266.00M206.98M
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments16.11M1.85M1.44M2.02M236.00K
Total Debt33.27M31.40M105.42M105.20M95.06M
Total Liabilities53.70M68.51M134.78M154.41M126.69M
Stockholders Equity93.55M107.41M134.26M111.59M80.30M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow12.79M20.19M503.00K17.56M14.23M
Operating Cash Flow14.68M23.08M5.58M19.05M17.98M
Investing Cash Flow905.00K50.50M-4.97M-32.66M994.00K
Financing Cash Flow-1.33M-73.17M-1.18M15.39M-19.36M

Ascent Industries Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price12.96
Price Trends
50DMA
12.71
Positive
100DMA
12.66
Positive
200DMA
11.66
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.09
Negative
RSI
59.32
Neutral
STOCH
85.58
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For ACNT, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 12.96 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 12.85, above the 50-day MA of 12.71, and above the 200-day MA of 11.66, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 0.09 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 59.32 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 85.58 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for ACNT.

Ascent Industries Risk Analysis

Ascent Industries disclosed 22 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Ascent Industries reported the most risks in the "Production" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 1 New Risks
1.
From time to time, we engage in acquisitions and divestitures and may encounter difficulties in integrating and separating these businesses and therefore we may not realize the anticipated benefits. Q4, 2024

Ascent Industries Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (57)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
77
Outperform
$1.60B15.1910.75%2.02%-9.83%-28.70%
57
Neutral
$365.91M24.682.95%1.86%-9.65%-61.57%
57
Neutral
£2.67B5.02-9.48%6882.78%5.31%-6.23%
55
Neutral
$847.73M-17.65%2.50%4.13%62.89%
54
Neutral
$137.57M-8.42%-6.70%61.17%
54
Neutral
$111.12M18.584.66%1.02%-13.95%-63.56%
$48.60M-5.04%
* Basic Materials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
ACNT
Ascent Industries
12.96
2.75
26.93%
FRD
Friedman Industries
15.48
-1.62
-9.47%
ZEUS
Olympic Steel
33.27
-16.55
-33.22%
RDUS
Schnitzer Steel Industries
30.00
12.26
69.11%
HLP
Hongli Group, Inc.
0.66
-0.79
-54.48%
WS
Worthington Steel, Inc.
31.62
-7.20
-18.55%

Ascent Industries Corporate Events

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and Strategy
Ascent Industries Sells American Stainless Tubing for $16M
Positive
Jul 2, 2025

On June 30, 2025, Ascent Industries Co. completed the sale of American Stainless Tubing, LLC to First Tube, LLC for $16 million, marking a significant step in its transformation into a pure-play specialty chemicals company. This strategic divestiture allows Ascent to focus on building a scalable, high-margin chemicals platform, enhancing its potential for sustainable value creation and growth opportunities.

Delistings and Listing ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
Ascent Industries Joins Russell 2000 and 3000 Indexes
Positive
Jun 30, 2025

Ascent Industries Co. announced its inclusion in the Russell 2000® and Russell 3000® Indexes, effective June 30, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the company’s transformation. This inclusion highlights the progress Ascent has made in reshaping its business over the past 18 months, enhancing its visibility with institutional investors and supporting its strategy for long-term growth.

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and Strategy
Ascent Industries Divests Subsidiary for Strategic Realignment
Positive
Jun 25, 2025

On June 23, 2025, Ascent Industries Co. announced the divestiture of its subsidiary, American Stainless Tubing, LLC (ASTI), to First Tube, LLC, a subsidiary of Triple-S Steel Holdings, Inc., for approximately $16 million in cash. This transaction, expected to close on June 30, 2025, marks the final step in Ascent’s strategic portfolio realignment, allowing the company to focus on its core specialty chemicals operations. The proceeds from the sale will be used to support growth initiatives within Ascent’s Specialty Chemicals segment and for general corporate purposes.

Executive/Board ChangesShareholder Meetings
Ascent Industries Shareholders Approve Key Proposals
Positive
Jun 25, 2025

Ascent Industries Co. held its Annual Meeting of Shareholders virtually on June 25, 2025. During the meeting, shareholders voted on several proposals, including the election of directors, approval of executive compensation for fiscal 2024, and the ratification of Baker Tilly US, LLP as the independent accounting firm for 2025. The results showed a majority support for the proposed directors and executive compensation, as well as the ratification of the accounting firm, indicating continued confidence in the company’s leadership and financial oversight.

Stock Buyback
Ascent Industries Adopts New Share Repurchase Plan
Neutral
Jun 20, 2025

On June 18, 2025, Ascent Industries Co. adopted a trading plan under Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, allowing the company to repurchase up to 350,000 shares daily based on specified price targets. This plan, effective from June 20 to August 5, 2025, enables share repurchases during blackout periods or under insider trading laws, potentially impacting the company’s stock repurchase strategy and market positioning.

Shareholder Meetings
Ascent Industries Adjourns 2025 Annual Stockholders Meeting
Neutral
Jun 11, 2025

On June 11, 2025, Ascent Industries Co. held its 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which was adjourned to solicit additional proxies for the proposals outlined in the 2025 Proxy Statement. The meeting will reconvene virtually on June 25, 2025, allowing stockholders to attend and vote using the same access information as the original meeting. The company continues to encourage stockholders to review the proxy materials available on the SEC’s website.

Stock Buyback
Ascent Industries Executes Significant Share Buyback
Neutral
May 19, 2025

On May 16, 2025, Ascent Industries Co. repurchased 499,700 shares of its common stock at $12.00 per share, which is about 5.0% of its total issued and outstanding shares. This transaction, conducted under the company’s 10b5-1 share repurchase program, leaves 9,500,994 shares remaining in circulation.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Jul 03, 2025