Core Insights - Westport Fuel Systems has introduced a new compressed natural gas (CNG) solution aimed at enhancing the performance and affordability of heavy-duty natural gas trucks, expanding the addressable market for its HPDI™ technology [1][3] - The new CNG solution is expected to provide diesel-like performance at a lower total cost of ownership while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions [1][4] Company Overview - Westport Fuel Systems is a supplier of alternative fuel systems and components for the global transportation industry, focusing on innovative technologies to support cleaner energy solutions [7][8] - The company operates in over 30 countries and has powered more than 9,000 trucks worldwide with its existing liquefied natural gas (LNG) HPDI technology [2] Product Development - The proprietary CNG solution leverages advanced high-pressure storage technology, enabling faster market entry for CNG-powered HPDI applications and optimizing system design for reduced lifecycle costs [3] - Field testing for the new CNG solution is anticipated to begin in 2026, with plans for commercialization to follow [3] Market Context - The transportation industry is increasingly recognizing the economic and environmental benefits of natural gas-based solutions, with renewable natural gas usage in transportation growing by 93% over the past five years [4][5] - Westport's CNG solution is positioned to enhance the accessibility and economic advantages of natural gas as a viable alternative to diesel, particularly in North America [4][5] Strategic Partnerships and Support - The company is supported by the Canadian government's commitment to clean energy initiatives, which includes investment tax credits for clean technologies [6] - Westport aims to bring the benefits of its European customers to North America, emphasizing the need for reliable and sustainable solutions in heavy-duty transport [5]

Core Viewpoint - Village Farms International has regained compliance with Nasdaq's minimum closing bid price requirement, indicating a positive development for the company's stock listing status [1] Company Overview - Village Farms is a large-scale, vertically-integrated supplier of high-value, plant-based Consumer Packaged Goods, leveraging decades of experience in Controlled Environment Agriculture [2] - The company has established itself as a leading fresh produce supplier in the US and Canada, now focusing on high-growth cannabinoid opportunities internationally [2] Cannabis Operations - In Canada, Pure Sunfarms, a wholly owned subsidiary, is one of the largest cannabis operations globally, with 2.2 million square feet of greenhouse production and recognized as a low-cost producer [3] - Village Farms owns an additional 2.6 million square feet of greenhouse capacity in Canada for future expansion and holds an 80% stake in Rose LifeScience, a leader in cannabis product commercialization [3] International Expansion - The company is targeting legal cannabis opportunities internationally, exporting medical cannabis from its EU GMP certified facility in Canada to markets such as Germany, the UK, Israel, Australia, and New Zealand [4] - In Europe, Leli Holland, a wholly-owned subsidiary, holds one of ten licenses to grow and distribute recreational cannabis within the Dutch Coffee Shop Experiment [4] US Market Strategy - In the US, Balanced Health Botanicals, a wholly owned subsidiary, is a leading CBD and hemp-derived brand, with plans to enter the US THC market leveraging its Texas-based greenhouse assets [5] - The company has 2.2 million square feet of existing greenhouse capacity and 950 acres of owned, unoccupied land for future expansion in the US [5] Clean Energy Initiatives - Village Farms Clean Energy, in partnership with Terreva Renewables, generates renewable natural gas from landfill gas, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Vancouver [6] - This initiative is equivalent to removing over 100,000 vehicles from the road or powering 51,300 homes for a year [6] Joint Ventures - The company holds a 37.9% equity interest in Vanguard Food LP, a joint venture aimed at creating a premier branded CPG foods company through mergers and acquisitions [7] - Vanguard Food LP plans to acquire additional produce assets and operations with the support of private investment partners [7]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported consolidated revenues of $181.2 million for Q1 2025, a 10% increase compared to Q1 2024 [11] - Net loss from continuing operations was $7.8 million, an improvement from a net loss of $12.8 million in Q1 2024 [12] - Operating income for Q1 2025 was $5.9 million, slightly above the $5.7 million reported in Q1 2024 [12] - Adjusted EBITDA increased to $14.3 million from $11.3 million in the same period last year [12] - Bookings for Q1 2025 were $167 million, an 11% increase compared to the previous year [12] - Ending backlog reached $526.8 million, a 47% increase from Q1 2024, marking the largest backlog in recent company history [7][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The global parts and services business achieved the highest Q1 bookings, revenue, gross profit, and EBITDA in the past decade [4] - The increase in bookings was supported by record high bookings from the global parts and services business [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted strong global and North American demand for its technologies, with a global pipeline of identified project opportunities valued at $7.6 billion [4][7] - The Thermal segment performed well due to higher baseload generation demand in North America [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing its strategic plan and improving its balance sheet, with ongoing efforts to reduce or refinance current debt [5][15] - Recent asset sales, including the sale of a Denmark-based waste energy subsidiary for $20 million, are part of the strategy to reduce debt [6] - The company is progressing with the BrightLoop project, aiming to produce low-cost green hydrogen and exploring new renewable energy projects in the U.S. [8][9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about returning to positive cash flows in 2025, despite caution regarding tariff negotiations and their potential impact on projects [10] - The company anticipates continued industry tailwinds and generation demand throughout 2025 [10] Other Important Information - Approximately 40% of outstanding bonds were exchanged into new five-year notes, significantly reducing current debt and annual interest expense [5][14] - The company is exploring further debt refinancing options and potential asset dispositions to enhance liquidity [6][14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance for the year and impact of tariffs - Management reiterated that guidance remains unchanged, with ongoing monitoring of tariff negotiations that could impact project timing [20][21] Question: Timeline and costs for the Massillon project - The Massillon project requires an additional $40 to $50 million in financing, with hopes to complete financing in the next few months and begin construction in the fall [25][26] Question: Drivers of strong demand and bookings - Demand is driven by increased utilization of core technologies in coal and natural gas plants, with a global reach in bookings [37][39] Question: Expectations for seasonality in demand - Management expects normal seasonality in parts and services, with Q2 typically being lower and Q3 and Q4 performing better [41][42]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The first quarter of 2025 saw EBITDA of $46 million, up 2% sequentially and 18% year over year, marking the second-best first quarter EBITDA results in the company's history [8][10] - Total revenue for the first quarter was $599 million, an increase of 4.9% from the previous quarter and 6.4% year over year [10][26] - Gross margins remained resilient at 23.2%, better than expected [11][29] - Net income attributable to DNOW Inc. for the first quarter was $22 million, or $0.20 per fully diluted share [31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. revenue totaled $474 million, up $23 million or 5% sequentially, driven by increased midstream demand [17][27] - U.S. Process Solutions contributed approximately 31% of total U.S. revenue, marking the highest revenue dollar contribution yet for this segment [28] - Canadian revenue was $62 million, down $4 million sequentially, while international revenue was $63 million, up $9 million or 17% sequentially [22][28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the U.S., revenue growth was driven by a full quarter contribution from the Trojan acquisition and increased midstream demand [17] - Internationally, revenue growth was primarily due to increased project activity, with a notable $15 million project not expected to repeat in the second quarter [23][28] - The company reported that approximately 70% of products sold in U.S. operations are sourced domestically, reducing dependence on international sources [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on diversifying its market mix and investing in core markets while capturing additional revenues from energy evolution opportunities [11] - A small but strategic acquisition in Singapore was completed to enhance the McLean International brand, allowing for increased revenue synergies [12] - The company aims to balance growth with capital returns, having repurchased $16 million in shares year-to-date under a new $160 million share repurchase program [34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the dynamic tariff situation and its potential impact on margins, stating that they are passing supplier cost increases through as quickly as possible [15][37] - The company expects second quarter growth driven by increased midstream activity, despite anticipated declines in Canadian revenue due to seasonal factors [39][68] - Full year guidance for 2025 remains flat to up in the high single-digit percentage range from 2024 levels, with EBITDA potentially approaching 8% of revenue [40] Other Important Information - The company ended the first quarter with zero debt and a cash position of $219 million, providing significant liquidity for future investments [31][32] - The company is actively pursuing opportunities in adjacent markets, including water, wastewater, and data centers, which are expected to contribute to growth [55][58] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is inflation tracking in the business? - Management noted that while normal inflationary pressures are emerging, tariff impacts have not yet significantly affected gross margins [46][47] Question: Are smaller competitors staying rational in the market? - Management indicated that while competitors are cautious about inventory, there is still intense bidding on projects, maintaining a competitive environment [50][51] Question: What are the opportunities for market share gains? - The company highlighted its global buying power as an advantage over smaller competitors, allowing for better product availability and cost management [53] Question: What is the outlook for geographic growth? - Management reaffirmed expectations for U.S. growth, particularly in midstream, while anticipating flat performance in international markets [66][68] Question: How does the company plan to navigate potential declines in drilling and completion activity? - The focus is on growing the energy transition business and leveraging gains in midstream to offset potential upstream declines [80]