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Ascent Industries Co. (ACNT)
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Ascent Industries (ACNT) AI Stock Analysis

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ACNT

Ascent Industries

(NASDAQ:ACNT)

Rating:50Neutral
Price Target:
$12.00
▼(-2.36% Downside)
Ascent Industries faces significant financial challenges, with declining revenues and ongoing losses impacting its financial health. While recent corporate events and strategic initiatives show promise, the stock's technical indicators and valuation metrics remain weak, contributing to a cautious outlook.

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 through several key streams. Primarily, the company earns income from the sale of its manufacturing solutions, which includes customized equipment and production systems tailored to client specifications. Additionally, ACNT capitalizes on its technology division by offering software solutions and smart devices that enhance operational efficiency for businesses. The renewable energy sector contributes significantly to its earnings through the production and installation of solar panels and wind turbines. Moreover, Ascent Industries has established strategic partnerships with industry leaders that provide access to new markets and collaborative projects, further enhancing its revenue potential. Government contracts and grants for sustainable initiatives also serve as a vital source of funding, supporting the company's commitment to renewable energy and innovation.

Ascent Industries Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Aug 06, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Nov 11, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
Ascent Industries showed significant progress in its transformation into a specialty chemical company, marked by successful divestitures, share repurchases, and operational improvements. However, revenue decline compared to the previous year and ongoing adjusted EBITDA losses highlight challenges that remain.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Successful Restructuring and Transformation
Ascent Industries successfully completed the divestiture of Bristol Metals and American Stainless Tubing, fully exiting the Tubular segment and repositioning as a pure-play specialty chemical company.
Share Repurchase Program
The company repurchased and retired nearly 6% of its outstanding shares, demonstrating confidence in the long-term value of its platform.
Revenue and Gross Profit Growth
Revenue increased by $817,000 sequentially to $18.7 million. Gross profit rose $1.8 million from Q1 and $2.1 million year-over-year. Gross margin expanded to 26.1%, up 888 basis points sequentially and 1,298 basis points year-over-year.
Operational Improvements
Labor, overhead, and production variances improved by over $1.2 million year-over-year, with service levels hitting all-time highs.
Strong New Business Pipeline
Secured over $3.1 million of annualized new revenue at a 29% gross margin, with 88% of wins being expansions with existing accounts.
Negative Updates
Revenue Decline Compared to Prior Year
Revenue from continuing operations decreased 13% compared to Q2 of last year, primarily due to volume declines reflecting softer demand across key end markets.
Adjusted EBITDA Loss
Adjusted EBITDA increased $131,000 sequentially but remained a loss at $335,000, falling short of the prior year by $53,000.
Munhall Facility Costs
The idle tubular facility in Munhall, Pennsylvania, represents a $2.1 million annualized headwind to adjusted EBITDA, with $475,000 of related costs absorbed in Q2.
Company Guidance
During the Ascent Industries Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Call, CEO Bryan Kitchen and CFO Ryan Kavalauskas outlined several key financial metrics and strategic initiatives. The company achieved a sequential revenue increase of $817,000 to $18.7 million, although this was lower than the previous year's $21.4 million due to market softness. Gross profit rose by $1.8 million from Q1, and gross margin expanded to 26.1%, up 888 basis points sequentially. Despite a $475,000 cost related to the idle Munhall facility, adjusted EBITDA improved by $131,000 sequentially, although it was still a loss of $335,000 for the quarter. Ascent's operational improvements included a 5% yield increase on targeted products, resulting in an annualized $250,000 gross profit boost. The company also secured $3.1 million in new annualized revenue at a 29% gross margin, with significant contributions from existing clients. The strategic repositioning of SG&A and disciplined capital allocation have facilitated these improvements, while a $25 million increase in the project pipeline suggests potential for future growth. Ascent's management remains optimistic about achieving profitability and expanding its market presence while maintaining a strong balance sheet with $60.5 million in cash and no debt.

Ascent Industries Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Ascent Industries is facing significant financial challenges, with declining revenues and persistent losses impacting profitability. While the balance sheet shows a stable equity position and manageable leverage, the negative return on equity and declining cash flow growth highlight ongoing financial pressures. The company needs to address operational inefficiencies and improve revenue generation to enhance its financial health.
Income Statement
45
Neutral
Ascent Industries has faced significant challenges in recent years, with declining revenue and profitability. The TTM data shows a negative revenue growth rate of -19.9%, indicating a substantial decrease in sales. Gross profit margin improved to 18.3% in the TTM, but net profit margin remains negative at -2.5%, reflecting ongoing losses. The EBIT and EBITDA margins are also negative, highlighting operational inefficiencies. Overall, the income statement reflects a company struggling to maintain profitability and growth.
Balance Sheet
55
Neutral
The balance sheet shows a moderate debt-to-equity ratio of 0.25 in the TTM, indicating manageable leverage. However, the return on equity is negative at -3.5%, suggesting that the company is not generating sufficient returns on shareholder investments. The equity ratio stands at 73.2%, which is relatively strong, indicating a solid equity base. Despite the stable equity position, the negative ROE and ongoing losses present concerns about financial stability.
Cash Flow
50
Neutral
Cash flow analysis reveals a decline in free cash flow growth by -23.4% in the TTM, indicating reduced cash generation capabilities. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is 0.93, suggesting that operating cash flows are nearly covering net losses. The free cash flow to net income ratio is 0.87, reflecting some ability to generate cash despite net losses. While cash flow management appears adequate, the declining free cash flow growth is a concern.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue126.96M177.87M193.18M414.15M334.71M256.00M
Gross Profit23.27M22.11M1.53M56.53M60.77M22.65M
EBITDA3.34M2.78M-29.17M23.03M37.81M-18.75M
Net Income-3.19M-13.60M-34.15M22.07M20.25M-27.27M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets122.58M147.25M175.92M269.04M266.00M206.98M
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments61.28M16.11M1.85M1.44M2.02M236.00K
Total Debt22.09M33.27M31.40M105.42M105.20M95.06M
Total Liabilities32.86M53.70M68.51M134.78M154.41M126.69M
Stockholders Equity89.72M93.55M107.41M134.26M111.59M80.30M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow10.59M12.79M20.19M503.00K17.56M14.23M
Operating Cash Flow12.18M14.68M23.08M5.58M19.05M17.98M
Investing Cash Flow55.63M905.00K50.50M-4.97M-32.66M994.00K
Financing Cash Flow-8.90M-1.33M-73.17M-1.18M15.39M-19.36M

Ascent Industries Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price12.29
Price Trends
50DMA
12.61
Negative
100DMA
12.67
Negative
200DMA
12.13
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.14
Negative
RSI
49.15
Neutral
STOCH
61.26
Neutral
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 12.29 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 12.20, below the 50-day MA of 12.61, and above the 200-day MA of 12.13, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of -0.14 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 49.15 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 61.26 is Neutral, 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 0 New Risks

Ascent Industries Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (61)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
77
Outperform
$1.68B15.0710.75%2.00%-9.83%-28.70%
68
Neutral
$378.59M27.602.50%1.86%-9.21%-60.42%
64
Neutral
$153.33M17.916.34%0.71%-5.81%-29.10%
61
Neutral
$10.37B6.45-0.08%2.84%3.09%-36.03%
55
Neutral
4.13%62.89%
50
Neutral
$114.29M-10.88%-20.35%77.51%
$51.04M-5.04%
* Basic Materials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
ACNT
Ascent Industries
12.29
2.61
26.96%
FRD
Friedman Industries
22.62
8.38
58.85%
ZEUS
Olympic Steel
33.29
-1.84
-5.24%
RDUS
Schnitzer Steel Industries
30.00
15.77
110.82%
HLP
Hongli Group, Inc.
0.66
-1.31
-66.50%
WS
Worthington Steel, Inc.
31.97
0.32
1.01%

Ascent Industries Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Ascent Industries Highlights Financial Growth in Presentation
Positive
Aug 26, 2025

On August 26, 2025, Ascent Industries Co. presented an investor presentation that highlighted the use of Non-GAAP financial measures to provide a more comprehensive view of its operations. The company emphasized the value of these measures for investors in assessing shareholder value. The presentation also noted the impact of the new management team, led by CEO Bryan Kitchen and CFO Ryan Kavalauskas, who have significantly improved the company’s financial performance since early 2024, including a 125% increase in Adjusted EBITDA and a 1,349% increase in gross profit. This strategic leadership has been pivotal in transforming Ascent Industries into a more focused specialty chemical company.

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.

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: Sep 06, 2025