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Core Viewpoint - MHA, a UK member of Baker Tilly International, has agreed to acquire MS UAE for a total consideration of £7.4 million ($9.8 million) to enhance its international reach and target cross-border growth opportunities [1][4]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition of MS UAE includes both Moore Stephens and Moore Stephens Consulting, which are well-established firms providing audit, tax, and advisory services across various sectors [2][5]. - The transaction is expected to be earnings enhancing within the first full financial year post-completion, with MS UAE projected to generate revenue of £6.5 million for the year ending December 31, 2025 [3]. Group 2: Company Background - MS UAE was founded in 1999 and operates from its headquarters in Dubai, with additional offices in Abu Dhabi and other key locations, authorized to deliver services throughout major free zones in the UAE [2]. - The firm is led by managing partner Farad Lakdawala and has a workforce of 95 employees, with three partners expected to continue with MHA after the acquisition [3]. Group 3: Strategic Intent - MHA's CEO, Rakesh Shaunak, emphasized that strategic M&A is crucial for the company's growth aspirations, positioning the acquisition as a step towards building a larger organization and enhancing client service [4][5].

Riverwater Partners, an investment management company, released its “Small Cap Strategy” Q3 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. The Small Cap Core Strategy reported solid results for the quarter but did not keep pace with the sharp rally, thus lagging the benchmark. The market’s preference for lower-quality companies persisted in the quarter and contributed significantly to the benchmark’s outperformance. On the other hand, the strategy remains focused on higher-quality compa ...

Core Insights - TransAlta Corporation has entered into a definitive share purchase agreement to acquire Far North Power Corporation for $95 million, enhancing its operations in Ontario with four natural gas-fired generation facilities totaling 310 MW [2][3][4] Acquisition Details - The acquisition price is $95 million, approximately $306 per kilowatt (kW), and will be financed through cash on hand and credit facilities [2][7] - The transaction is expected to close by early first quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals [4] Financial Impact - The acquisition is projected to add approximately $30 million of average Adjusted EBITDA per year from the four facilities [4] - The assets will be immediately accretive to free cash flow and cash yield upon closing, with about 68% of the portfolio's gross margin contracted to 2031 [7] Strategic Positioning - This acquisition will enhance TransAlta's competitive position in Ontario, increasing its footprint from 990 MW to 1,300 MW [7] - The company anticipates long-term value from these assets due to their positioning for re-contracting opportunities and the optionality provided by the 167 acres of co-located land [3][4] Company Overview - TransAlta operates a diverse fleet of electrical power generation assets across Canada, the U.S., and Australia, focusing on long-term shareholder value [6] - The company is one of Canada's largest producers of wind and thermal power and has achieved a 70% reduction in GHG emissions since 2015 [6][8]

Financial Performance - Net sales were $103.9 million, a decrease of 8.5% year-over-year[11, 16] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 6.9% to $12.4 million, with a margin of 11.9%, up 170 bps year-over-year[11, 16] - Adjusted gross margin improved to 18.8%, a 350 bps increase compared to Q1 2025[11] - Adjusted operating income increased significantly by 207.7% to $4.0 million[11, 16] - Free cash flow was $9.1 million, reflecting a $20.9 million improvement over the past two years[11] Business Segments - Power Solutions net sales increased by 4.6% to $44.9 million, with adjusted EBITDA up 39.1% to $8.9 million[27] - Mobile Solutions net sales decreased by 16.4% to $59.1 million, with adjusted EBITDA down to $6.7 million[31] Strategic Initiatives - New business wins totaled $11.3 million, representing 3.9% of net sales[11] - The company is actively pursuing strategic M&A opportunities to scale and accelerate growth[9, 49] - The company is initiating discussions to refinance preferred equity to create a new capital structure for sustained M&A and common equity value accretion[9] Outlook and Guidance - The company maintains its guidance for adjusted EBITDA ($53 - $63 million), free cash flow ($14 - $16 million), and new business wins ($60 - $70 million) on slightly lower sales ($420 - $440 million)[52]

Core Viewpoint - The potential acquisition or breakup of Warner Brothers Discovery (WBD) is heavily influenced by Netflix's strategic decisions and market position, with other companies like Amazon and Comcast also being significant players in the landscape [2][3][4]. Group 1: Netflix's Position - Netflix holds a dominant position in the streaming industry, leveraging its stock as a powerful currency to capitalize on Warner's library [2]. - Despite Netflix's co-CEO stating a lack of interest in acquiring Warner Brothers, the company's history of opportunistic behavior suggests that actions may differ from stated intentions [4][5]. Group 2: Comcast and NBC Universal - Comcast is considering spinning off NBC Universal, which could create a new stock that might be used to acquire Warner Brothers Discovery [6][8]. - The valuation of NBC Universal within Comcast is significantly lower compared to Disney, indicating a potential valuation unlock opportunity for Comcast [8]. Group 3: Warner Brothers Discovery's Debt - Warner Brothers Discovery is currently restructuring its corporation and debts to maximize options for a potential auction or breakup [9]. - The debt situation at Warner is a critical factor, overshadowing the quality of its assets and influencing strategic decisions [8][9]. Group 4: Linear TV Trends - The decline of linear TV is shifting from a rapid consumer behavior change to a more age cohort-driven trend, with older demographics still inclined to retain traditional pay TV [12][14]. - The differentiation of linear TV is diminishing as sports content becomes more accessible through streaming platforms, impacting the traditional cable model [13].

Company Overview - ITT Inc. is a mid-cap industrial compounder with a diverse portfolio in essential markets such as auto brake pads, rail safety components, industrial pumps and valves, and connectivity/control devices [2] - The company is focused on operational excellence, margin expansion, and strategic mergers and acquisitions (M&A) to drive growth [2] Growth Strategy - ITT's growth strategy emphasizes productivity gains, value-based pricing, and operating leverage as volumes increase [3] - The company is shifting its revenue mix from cyclical auto original equipment (OE) to higher-margin niche industrial components, particularly in industrial flow and aerospace/defense connectors [3] - ITT aims to achieve over $11 in earnings per share (EPS) by 2030, with potential to exceed $12 EPS through planned ~$600 million in annual M&A and share repurchases [3] Financial Performance - ITT has a return on invested capital (ROIC) around 20% and free cash flow margins nearing 15% [4] - The company is positioned for a potential re-rating towards peers like Ingersoll, suggesting a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 24–25x next twelve months (NTM) [4] - This could imply total returns of 20–25% internal rate of return (IRR) even before considering M&A benefits [4] Management and Market Position - ITT is supported by a capable management team with a strong track record in operational and financial execution [4] - The disciplined M&A approach, as seen in acquisitions like kSARIA and Svanehoj, enhances both earnings and strategic positioning [4] - The company presents a compelling opportunity for investors seeking steady industrial growth with multiple avenues for margin and value expansion [4]

Regulatory Actions - Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ) faces a penalty of A$240 million from ASIC for serious misconduct, including incorrect reporting of bond trading data and overstating trading volumes by tens of billions [2][8] - This incident highlights ongoing regulatory scrutiny within the financial services industry [2] Geopolitical Developments - High-stakes trade talks between China and the United States have commenced, with Beijing seeking a visit from former President Donald Trump, indicating a desire for direct engagement [3][8] - These discussions are expected to address contentious issues such as the TikTok dispute and potential tariffs, which could significantly impact international commerce [3] Corporate Maneuvers - Rheinmetall AG (RHM) has reached an agreement to acquire the naval vessels unit NVL from the Lürssen Group, expected to close in early 2026 pending antitrust approvals, enhancing Rheinmetall's position in the German and European defense markets [4][8] - Sainsbury's (SBRY) has ended talks with JD.com regarding the sale of its Argos unit, stating that the revised terms were not in the best interests of its shareholders [5][8] - Iraq's oil ministry has signed a joint operation agreement with TotalEnergies (TTE) and QatarEnergy LNG for the operation of the Artawi oilfield, aimed at enhancing Iraq's electricity supply and recovering flared gas [5][8] Economic Indicators - New Zealand's services sector continues to contract, with the Performance of Services Index (PSI) falling to 47.5 in August from 48.9 in July, marking 18 consecutive months of contraction [6][8] - The ongoing downturn is attributed to inflation, high interest rates, and weak consumer confidence [6]

Core Viewpoint - American Securities LLC and CD&R have entered into a definitive agreement to sell Foundation Building Materials, Inc. (FBM) to Lowe's Companies, Inc. for $8.8 billion [1] Company Overview - FBM is a leading North American distributor of interior building products, including drywall, metal framing, ceiling systems, commercial doors and hardware, insulation, and complementary products, serving large residential and commercial professionals [2] - Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Santa Ana, California, FBM operates over 370 locations across the U.S. and Canada, catering to 40,000 professional customers [5] Financial Performance - Under the ownership of American Securities and CD&R, FBM has achieved 27% annual revenue growth and 31% annual EBITDA growth [3] - The growth has been driven by both organic expansion and strategic acquisitions, including the purchase of Beacon Roofing Supply's interior products business and others [3] Strategic Initiatives - FBM has launched a new e-commerce platform and digital application to enhance customer service and has invested in expanding its commercial capabilities [3] - The company has focused on strengthening its capabilities and enhancing its customer value proposition through organic growth initiatives and strategic acquisitions [4][3] Transaction Details - The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, pending customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals [4]

Core Viewpoint - H2O America is acquiring Quadvest, significantly increasing its connections in Texas and enhancing its operational scale and financial diversification, with expectations for long-term EPS growth and positioning Texas as its second-largest utility operation by 2028 [1][4][7]. Company Overview - H2O America operates a national network of local water and wastewater utilities, focusing on delivering clean, high-quality water to communities [13][15]. - Quadvest is a major water and wastewater utility in Texas, serving over 47,000 active connections and having a strong development pipeline in the Houston area [2][16]. Transaction Details - The acquisition involves TWC acquiring regulated systems from Quadvest for $483.6 million and TWOS acquiring systems for $56.4 million, totaling $540 million [7]. - The transaction will be financed through a mix of privately placed debt and equity, ensuring H2O America maintains a strong balance sheet [7]. Strategic Implications - The combination is expected to increase H2O America's customer base in Texas from approximately 17% to 26% by 2029, enhancing its presence in one of the fastest-growing regions [3]. - The merger will create the second-largest investor-owned water and wastewater utility in Texas, with a combined active pipeline of about 96,000 connections under contract [3][4]. Future Plans - H2O America plans to invest over $500 million in Texas over the next five years, increasing its consolidated five-year capital spending plan to approximately $2.1 billion, a 6% increase [3][7]. - The leadership of TWC will remain intact, with Aundrea Williams continuing as president, ensuring continuity in operations and community engagement [6][5].