Core Viewpoint - Kewaunee Scientific Corporation (KEQU) has received an upgrade to "Outperform" due to strong acquisition execution, sustained margin improvement, a record backlog providing revenue visibility, and partial insulation from macroeconomic challenges through healthcare exposure [1]. Acquisition Execution & Strategic Fit - The acquisition of Nu Aire, Inc. in November 2024 has resulted in a 30.7% year-over-year increase in domestic segment sales, reaching $179.4 million in fiscal 2025 [2]. - This acquisition has expanded KEQU's product portfolio to include higher-margin products like biological safety cabinets, CO2 incubators, and ultralow freezers, while also establishing new distribution partners in previously underpenetrated markets [3]. - Integration progress has exceeded expectations, creating early cross-selling opportunities and reinforcing KEQU's position as a full-spectrum laboratory solutions provider [3]. Gross Margin Expansion & Profitability Gains - KEQU's gross margin has expanded by 310 basis points to 28.6% in fiscal 2025 from 25.5% in fiscal 2024, driven by Nu Aire's favorable product mix, operational efficiencies, and disciplined cost control, despite incurring $6 million in one-time integration and purchase accounting expenses [4]. - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 28.4% to $26.5 million, representing 10.9% of sales, indicating the company's ability to convert top-line gains into higher operating leverage [5]. - The annuitization of the company's pension obligation in fiscal 2024 has reduced earnings volatility, providing a cleaner base for future margin expansion [5]. Record Backlog & Revenue Visibility - KEQU has a record backlog of $214.6 million at the end of fiscal 2025, up 37.9% from the previous year, providing exceptional near-term revenue visibility, with management expecting 93% of orders to convert into revenues in fiscal 2026 [6]. - The backlog includes diverse end markets such as healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and education, which helps mitigate cyclicality often seen in the broader construction and industrial sectors [6]. - The healthcare and life sciences sectors, enhanced by Nu Aire's capabilities, have shown greater resilience against macroeconomic uncertainty, providing KEQU with a degree of macro immunity [7]. Conclusion - Kewaunee's transformation following the Nu Aire acquisition, along with strong domestic performance, expanding margins, record backlog, and attractive valuation, supports an Outperform rating [10]. - The company is positioned to deliver above-market returns over the next 12 months, with key catalysts including backlog conversion and incremental synergies from the Nu Aire integration [10].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a record second quarter with adjusted EBITDA of $464 million, excluding approximately $10 million of one-time transaction-related expenses, and distributable cash flows as adjusted of $300 million [3] - The leverage at the end of the quarter was just under 4.2 times [4] - A distribution of $90.88 per common unit was declared, representing an increase of 1.25% compared to the previous quarter, resulting in a trailing twelve-month coverage ratio of 1.9 times [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Fuel Distribution segment, adjusted EBITDA was $214 million, with volumes at 2.2 billion gallons, up 5% from the previous quarter but flat compared to the same quarter last year [6][7] - The Pipeline Systems segment reported adjusted EBITDA of $177 million, with throughput at 1.2 million barrels per day, down from 1.3 million barrels per day in the first quarter [8] - The Terminals segment delivered adjusted EBITDA of $73 million, with throughput at 692,000 barrels per day, up from 620,000 barrels per day in the first quarter [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company continues to see solid demand across its system despite macro volatility, with gross profit supported by longer haul tariffs and strong agricultural demand in the Midwest [9] - The overall market for fuel distribution remains flat, but the company expects to leverage its investments for increased volume and EBITDA in the second half of the year [8][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to continue generating increasing distributable cash flow per unit, positioning itself for ongoing distribution increases and additional growth [5] - The acquisition of Parkland is expected to enhance the scale and efficiency of the company's pipeline and terminal segments, with anticipated double-digit accretion [13][14] - The company is focused on strong operational execution, expense discipline, and profit optimization while continuing to grow its asset base [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving full-year guidance, with all three business segments performing well [12] - The company anticipates a strong second half of the year, outperforming the first half, driven by organic growth and acquisitions [12][14] - Recent macro developments, such as the expiration of the federal EV tax credit, are expected to support robust refined product demand for decades [16] Other Important Information - The company spent approximately $120 million on growth capital and $40 million on maintenance capital in the second quarter [3] - The company is on track to meet its 2025 projected capital spend, which includes at least $400 million of growth capital [3] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on Parkland acquisition synergies and tax implications - Management feels confident in achieving $250 million in synergies by year three and maintaining a long-term leverage target of four times within twelve to eighteen months [21][24] - The recent budget bill is expected to minimize cash tax leakage and maintain parity dividends [25][26] Question: Expectations for fuel margins in the second half of the year - Management indicated that the fundamentals for the fuel distribution business remain healthy, with expectations for noticeable volume growth and healthy margins in the second half [31][33] Question: Capital allocation post-Parkland and Tanguid acquisitions - The top priorities post-acquisition are integrating the acquired assets and returning the balance sheet to the target leverage [44] - The company will assess market opportunities for growth after achieving integration and synergies [44][46] Question: Seasonal slowdown in fuel distribution volumes - Management confirmed expectations for a strong second half of the year, driven by organic investments and roll-up acquisitions [51][53]

Core Viewpoint - EOG Resources, Inc. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Encino Acquisition Partners for $5.6 billion, which includes Encino's net debt, with funding expected through $3.5 billion in debt and $2.1 billion in cash on hand [1][3]. Acquisition Details - The acquisition will enhance EOG's position in the Utica region, adding 675,000 net core acres to its existing holdings, resulting in a total of 1,100,000 net acres and over 2 billion barrels of oil equivalent in undeveloped net resources [2][8]. - Pro forma production is expected to reach 275,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, establishing EOG as a leading producer in the Utica shale play [8]. Financial Impact - The transaction is projected to be immediately accretive to EOG's net asset value and all per-share financial metrics, with an annualized increase in 2025 EBITDA by 10% and cash flow from operations and free cash flow by 9% [8]. - EOG anticipates generating over $150 million in synergies in the first year post-acquisition, driven by reduced capital, operating, and debt financing costs [8]. Shareholder Returns - The acquisition supports a 5% increase in dividends, with the Board declaring a dividend of $1.02 per share, payable on October 31, 2025, contributing to EOG's commitment to return cash to shareholders [8].