Summary of Akron Corporation's First Quarter Earnings and Merger Announcement Call Company and Industry - **Company**: Akron Corporation - **Industry**: Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) and Engineering Services Core Points and Arguments 1. **Merger Announcement**: Akron Corporation has signed a definitive merger agreement with NV5, which will enhance their service offerings and market reach [2][18][19]. 2. **First Quarter Performance**: Akron reported a revenue of $234 million, a 5% increase from $223 million year-over-year, with organic growth at 7.2% [13][16]. 3. **Market Conditions**: The company experienced growth despite macroeconomic volatility and tariff uncertainties, maintaining a disciplined pricing strategy [6][7][11]. 4. **Service Offerings**: Key services include run and maintain work (over 40% of business) and call out services, both of which showed strong performance [9][10]. 5. **Operational Resilience**: Akron's operational exposure to tariffs is minimal, primarily due to local labor costs and low material exposure [11]. 6. **Financial Metrics**: Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 was $25.9 million, down from $35.5 million the previous year, reflecting a decrease in adjusted EBITDA margin from 15.9% to 11% [15][16]. 7. **Full Year Guidance**: The company reaffirms its full-year revenue growth expectations in the low to mid-single-digit range, with flat adjusted EBITDA year-over-year [16]. Merger Details 1. **Transaction Structure**: Akron will acquire NV5 for approximately $1.7 billion, with NV5 shareholders receiving $23 per share, consisting of $10 in cash and $13 in common equity [20]. 2. **Market Expansion**: The merger is expected to create an industry-leading TIC and engineering platform, unlocking new geographies and end markets [18][19]. 3. **Shareholder Benefits**: The transaction is anticipated to be immediately accretive to Akron shareholders, with NV5 shareholders owning approximately 40% of the combined business [20][21]. 4. **Operational Efficiencies**: The merger is expected to yield significant operational efficiencies and a larger service platform [19][21]. Additional Insights 1. **Geospatial Services**: NV5's capabilities in geospatial data and analytics will complement Akron's services, enhancing asset management and inspection processes [28][29]. 2. **Infrastructure Focus**: Both companies see strong growth potential in infrastructure services, driven by aging assets and increased investment in essential infrastructure [26][62]. 3. **Cross-Selling Opportunities**: The merger will facilitate cross-selling of services between the two companies, particularly in new end markets such as infrastructure and industrial sectors [88][90]. 4. **M&A Strategy**: The combined entity will continue to pursue M&A opportunities, leveraging a robust pipeline and the strengths of both companies [108][110]. Conclusion The merger between Akron Corporation and NV5 is positioned to create a stronger entity in the TIC and engineering services industry, with significant growth potential and operational efficiencies. The first quarter results indicate a solid foundation for future performance, despite current economic challenges.

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated revenues increased by 5.2% year-over-year, with organic growth of 7.6% [6][15] - Adjusted EBITDA grew by 22.9% year-over-year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 22.8%, up 320 basis points [7][16] - Adjusted net income for Q1 was $80 million, a 31.1% increase from $61 million in the same quarter last year [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Industrial segment revenues rose by 8.1% organically, driven by ongoing certification services and certification testing [7][17] - Consumer segment revenues increased by 7.7% organically, with strong demand across consumer technology and retail products [7][19] - Software and Advisory segment revenues grew by 5.6% organically, with a 9.3% increase in the software service line [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Growth was observed across all geographic regions, with North America showing particular strength in both industrial and consumer segments [6][62] - The automotive electromagnetic compatibility laboratory in Japan is expected to address a growing market projected to reach $2.7 billion by 2030 [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on capacity expansions in HVAC testing facilities and developing a global fire science center to enhance market position [8][9] - Strategic M&A opportunities are being pursued to strengthen market position and drive margin and earnings improvement [26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the macroeconomic environment presents both risks and opportunities, but they reaffirmed their full-year 2025 outlook [13][25] - The company is monitoring key performance indicators closely to understand potential impacts from tariffs and macroeconomic conditions [12][13] Other Important Information - The effective tax rate for 2025 is expected to be approximately 26%, up from 16.9% in 2024 due to the implementation of OECD's Pillar Two [26] - The company generated over $100 million in free cash flow and paid down $90 million of debt [7][22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of tariffs on product redesign and manufacturing locations - Management indicated that customers have been making decisions regarding tariffs for several years, and while some adjustments are expected, no material impact has been observed currently [34] Question: M&A strategy in the current macro backdrop - The company continues to engage in conversations about various acquisition opportunities and remains active in pursuing growth through M&A [36] Question: Anticipated impact of tariffs on guidance - Management affirmed their guidance, indicating that they have accounted for increased uncertainty while maintaining confidence in their core business [41] Question: Moderation in new product launches - There has been no meaningful impact on innovation, and management remains close to customers regarding their new product development plans [42] Question: Context on margin expansion in Q1 - Strong operational execution and revenue growth contributed to significant margin improvement, particularly in the Industrial segment [46][48] Question: Growth by geography - North America, especially in industrial sectors, continues to show strong demand, with notable growth also in Asia [62]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated revenues increased by 5.2% year-over-year, with organic growth of 7.6% [7][16] - Adjusted EBITDA grew by 22.9% year-over-year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 22.8%, up 320 basis points [8][17] - Adjusted net income for Q1 was $80 million, a 31.1% increase from $61 million in the same quarter last year [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Industrial segment revenues rose by 4.4% to $308 million, or 8.1% on an organic basis, driven by ongoing certification services and certification testing [18] - Consumer segment revenues were $304 million, up 6.3% year-over-year, or 7.7% on an organic basis, with strong demand across all service offerings [19] - Software and Advisory segment revenues increased by 4.5% year-over-year to $93 million, with organic growth of 5.6% [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Growth was observed across all geographic regions, with North America showing particular strength in both industrial and consumer segments [61] - The automotive electromagnetic compatibility laboratory in Japan is expected to address a growing market projected to reach $2.7 billion by 2030 [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on capacity expansions in HVAC testing facilities and developing a global fire science center of excellence [9][10] - Strategic investments are being made to align with megatrends such as global energy transition and digitalization [6][30] - The company aims to pursue strategic M&A opportunities to enhance margins and earnings [27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management reaffirmed the full-year 2025 outlook despite increased macroeconomic uncertainties, expecting mid-single-digit organic revenue growth [25][26] - The company is monitoring key performance indicators closely to navigate potential risks and opportunities [14] Other Important Information - The effective tax rate for 2025 is expected to be approximately 26%, up from 16.9% in 2024 due to new tax regulations [27] - Free cash flow for Q1 was $103 million, up from $84 million in the prior year [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of tariffs on product redesign and manufacturing - Management noted that customers have been making decisions regarding tariffs for several years, with some already shifting manufacturing locations [34] Question: M&A strategy in uncertain macro backdrop - The company continues to engage in conversations about various acquisition opportunities globally, emphasizing the importance of CapEx as a growth accelerator [36] Question: Anticipated impact of tariffs on guidance - Management affirmed guidance, indicating confidence based on current business visibility and order book [41] Question: Moderation in new product launches - There has been no meaningful impact on innovation, with management maintaining close relationships with customers regarding their product development plans [42] Question: Margin expansion context - Strong operational execution across segments contributed to significant margin improvement, particularly in the Industrial segment [46] Question: Growth by geography - North America, especially in industrial sectors, continues to show strong demand, with notable growth also in Asia [61]

Q1 2025 Financial Highlights - Revenue grew by 5.2%, with organic revenue growth of 7.6%[8] - Adjusted Net Income increased by 31.1%[8] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 22.9%, with Adjusted EBITDA margin up by 320 bps[8] - Free Cash Flow generated was $306 million for the last twelve months ended March 31, 2025[8] Q1 2025 Revenue Breakdown - Industrial segment revenue increased by 4.4% (8.1% organic) to $308 million[20, 40] - Consumer segment revenue increased by 6.3% (7.7% organic) to $304 million[24, 40] - Software and Advisory segment revenue increased by 4.5% (5.6% organic) to $93 million[27, 40] Q1 2025 Adjusted EBITDA - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 22.9% to $161 million, with a margin of 22.8%[13] Q1 2025 Adjusted Net Income - Adjusted Net Income increased by 31.1% to $80 million, with a margin of 11.3%[16] Full-Year 2025 Outlook - The company is affirming its 2025 outlook, which includes mid-single-digit constant currency organic revenue growth[34, 36] - Adjusted EBITDA margin organic improvement to approximately 24%[36] - Capital expenditures are expected to be 7% to 8% of revenue[36]