Company to Showcase Novel Water Treatment Solutions for Potable Water CORSICANA, Texas, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Birchtech Corp. (TSX: BCHT) (OTCQB: BCHT) ("Birchtech" or the "Company"), a leader in specialty activated carbon technologies for sustainable air and water treatment, today announced management will be exhibiting at the American Water Works Association’s 2025 Annual Conference & Expo ("AWWA ACE 2025") taking place June 8-11, 2025 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Colorado. The ...

Financial Performance Highlights - Hawkins reported record full-year revenue of $9744 million in fiscal year 2025, a 6% increase compared to the prior year[75] - The company achieved a record full-year gross profit of $2255 million, representing a 16% growth over the previous year[75] - Hawkins' diluted earnings per share (EPS) reached a record $403, which is 12% higher than the prior year[75] - Adjusted EBITDA for fiscal year 2025 was a record $1675 million, a 17% increase compared to the trailing twelve-month (TTM) period[75] - The company's sales have grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13% from fiscal year 2020 to 2025[59] Segment Performance - Water Treatment segment sales reached $4465 million in fiscal year 2025[42] - Industrial segment sales were $3825 million in fiscal year 2025[42] - Health & Nutrition segment recorded sales of $1455 million in fiscal year 2025[42] Capital Allocation and Shareholder Returns - Hawkins has consistently paid out dividends since 1985[7] - The company's dividend CAGR is 105%[31] - The dividend per share has increased from $046 in fiscal year 2021 to $070 in fiscal year 2025[29] Strategic Initiatives - The company aims to grow all 51 water treatment facilities and add new locations through acquisitions or greenfield expansion[47] - Hawkins intends to grow its pharmaceutical, food, and agricultural business through new product development and investments[47] - The company focuses on growing specialty branded products with technical expertise[47]

Core Insights - Hawkins, Inc. reported record sales, gross margin, operating income, EPS, and adjusted EBITDA for fiscal year 2025, marking a continued growth trajectory with a focus on sustained performance [4][5][7]. Fourth Quarter Fiscal Year 2025 Highlights - Fourth quarter sales reached $245.3 million, a 10% increase from the same quarter last year, driven by a 21% growth in the Water Treatment segment [5][8]. - Gross profit for the fourth quarter was $52.2 million, up 15% year-over-year, contributing to an operating income of $24.6 million, a 22% increase [5][7]. - Diluted EPS for the fourth quarter was $0.78, an 18% increase compared to the prior year [5][7]. - Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter was $36.7 million, reflecting an 18% increase from the same period last year [5][16]. Full-Year Fiscal Year 2025 Highlights - Total annual sales were $974.4 million, a 6% increase from the previous fiscal year, with the Water Treatment segment achieving a 23% sales growth [5][9]. - Annual gross profit reached $225.5 million, a 16% increase year-over-year, leading to an operating income of $119.2 million, a 15% increase [5][10]. - Record diluted EPS for the year was $4.03, which is $0.44 or 12% higher than fiscal 2024 [5][7]. - Adjusted EBITDA for the full year was $167.5 million, a 17% increase from fiscal 2024 [5][16]. Executive Commentary - The CEO highlighted the company's disciplined M&A strategy, contributing to the growth of the Water Treatment segment, which is now the largest segment [4]. - The company completed four acquisitions during the fiscal year and has made a total of 13 acquisitions over the last five years [4]. - Looking ahead, the company anticipates revenue to exceed $1 billion for the first time in its history in fiscal 2026, with expectations for EPS growth, albeit at a slower rate due to increased interest and amortization expenses [4][6]. Financial Performance - The Water Treatment segment generated $446.5 million in sales for the year, a 23% increase from $363.3 million in the previous year [9]. - The Industrial segment saw a decline in sales to $382.5 million, down 7% from $409.5 million [9]. - Health and Nutrition segment sales were $145.5 million, a slight decrease of 1% from the previous year [9]. Balance Sheet and Cash Flow - At the end of fiscal 2025, the company reported net debt of $143.9 million with a leverage ratio of 0.86x adjusted EBITDA [5][18]. - Operating cash flow for the year was $111.1 million, with significant investments in acquisitions and capital expenditures [5][18]. - The company paid cash dividends of $0.70 per share, marking the 40th consecutive year of dividend payments, reflecting an 11% increase over the prior year [5][18].

Xylem Inc. (XYL) is witnessing strength in the Measurement & Control Solutions segment, driven by robust demand for advanced technology solutions like smart metering and other applications. Growth in the transport application business, driven by the increased infrastructure projects in the United States, is boosting the Water Infrastructure segment’s performance. Recovery in the Applied Water segment, supported by higher demand for building solutions applications, also holds promise for the segment.Exiting ...

Select First Quarter 2025 Highlights Revenue rose 29% to $6.4 millionGross margin expanded to 46.4%Operating loss narrowed to $1.0 millionBacklog rose 66% to $10.3 millionCash, cash equivalents and investments of $31.2 million, no long-term debt WARRENVILLE, Ill., May 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fuel Tech, Inc. (NASDAQ: FTEK), a technology company using advanced engineering processes to provide emissions control systems and water treatment technologies in utility and industrial applications, today reported ...

Core Viewpoint - The ultraviolet (UV) water treatment system is an effective method for disinfecting water without chemicals, utilizing high radiation intensity in the C band to destroy pathogens' DNA, leading to a projected global market size of $2.26 billion by 2031 with a CAGR of 7.1% from 2025 to 2031 [1][15]. Market Overview - The global UV water treatment system market is expected to reach $2.26 billion by 2031, with a CAGR of 7.1% [1]. - The leading product type in the market is the flow rate of 20-100 gallons per minute, accounting for approximately 49.7% of the market share [6][8]. - The municipal sector is the largest downstream market, representing about 34.8% of the demand [10]. Key Players - Major manufacturers in the global UV water treatment system market include Xylem, SUEZ, ProMinent GmbH, Trojan Technologies Inc, and 3M, with the top five companies holding around 35.0% of the market share in 2024 [5]. Market Drivers - Increasing demand for water quality safety due to rising living standards and health awareness is driving market growth [15]. - Enhanced environmental awareness favors UV disinfection methods, which do not produce harmful secondary pollutants [15]. - Technological advancements, such as UV-C LED technology, have improved efficiency and reduced costs, making UV systems more competitive [15]. - Expanding application areas beyond traditional uses, including swimming pool water disinfection and food and beverage processing, contribute to market growth [15]. Market Challenges - The presence of suspended solids in water can hinder UV penetration, necessitating pre-treatment and increasing system complexity and costs [16]. - High maintenance requirements for UV lamps and potential performance issues due to improper maintenance can affect disinfection efficacy [17]. - Certain resistant microorganisms may not be effectively eliminated by UV treatment alone, requiring additional disinfection methods [17]. - Intense market competition leads to variability in product quality, complicating consumer choices [17]. - Chinese UV water treatment system companies face challenges from increased export costs and supply chain restructuring due to U.S. tariff policies [17].

Core Viewpoint - FLINT Corp. reported a significant improvement in Adjusted EBITDAS, achieving $5.1 million, which is a 61% increase compared to the previous year, despite a 6.1% decline in revenues [1][4][7]. Financial Performance - Revenue for Q1 2025 was $137.9 million, down from $146.9 million in Q1 2024, reflecting a decrease of $9.0 million or 6.1% [6][7]. - Gross profit increased to $14.4 million, up 10.7% from $13.0 million in the same quarter last year, with a gross profit margin of 10.4%, compared to 8.9% in Q1 2024 [6][9]. - Adjusted EBITDAS reached $5.1 million, a 60.5% increase from $3.2 million in Q1 2024, with an Adjusted EBITDAS margin of 3.7%, up from 2.2% [6][11]. - SG&A expenses decreased to $9.4 million, down 6.9% from $10.1 million in Q1 2024, maintaining a consistent SG&A margin of 6.8% [6][10]. Liquidity and Capital Resources - As of March 31, 2025, the company's liquidity, including cash and available credit facilities, was $89.1 million, an increase from $77.0 million a year earlier [7][14]. - The company has an asset-based revolving credit facility allowing for maximum borrowings of up to $50.0 million, maturing on April 14, 2027 [13]. Operational Insights - The CEO highlighted the company's commitment to quality execution and scaling the business, noting improved operating results despite decreased revenues [3]. - New contract awards and renewals totaled approximately $78.0 million for Q1 2025, with 74% of the work expected to be completed within the year [7].

Core Points - Jacobs has been awarded a five-year contract by the West Basin Municipal Water District for operations and maintenance services at the Edward C. Little Water Recycling Facility, which is the largest water recycling operation in the U.S. [1][4] - The Edward C. Little Water Recycling Facility produces 40 million gallons of recycled water per day and offers five types of fit-for-purpose recycled water [2][3] - Jacobs will utilize its Digital OneWater suite, including Intelligent O&M, to enhance sustainability and operational efficiencies while optimizing chemical and power consumption [3][4] Company Overview - Jacobs generates approximately $12 billion in annual revenue and employs nearly 45,000 people, providing end-to-end services across various sectors including water, energy, and environmental services [5] - The company has a history of delivering and modernizing significant water infrastructure projects in California, enhancing the reliability and quality of water services [4][5] Industry Context - The West Basin Municipal Water District plays a crucial role in supplying quality recycled water as a sustainable resource to municipal, industrial, and commercial customers in coastal Los Angeles County [3][4] - The contract with Jacobs reflects West Basin's commitment to long-term performance and quality service in recycled water treatment [4]

Company Overview - Hawkins, Inc. is a leading water treatment and specialty ingredients company founded in 1938, headquartered in Roseville, Minnesota [2] - The company operates 63 facilities across 28 states and employs approximately 1,100 people [2] - In fiscal 2024, Hawkins, Inc. generated $919 million in revenue [2] Financial Results Announcement - Hawkins, Inc. is set to release its financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended March 30, 2025, after market close on May 14, 2025, at approximately 4:10 p.m. Eastern Time [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total sales grew 6.9% year over year to over $1.3 billion, with core sales growth at 7.8% driven by broad-based volume gains across both segments [25][26] - Adjusted operating profit margin expanded 50 basis points year over year to 25%, an all-time high, with adjusted earnings per share growing 13% year over year to $0.95 [11][27] - Free cash flow increased by 39% year over year to $142 million, primarily driven by growth in earnings [32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Water Quality segment sales increased 6% year over year to $794 million, with core sales growth of 7.4% driven by strong demand for water treatment solutions [28][29] - PQI segment sales grew 8.3% year over year to $538 million, with core sales growth also at 8.3%, led by volume growth of 6.7% and price increases contributing 1.6% [30][31] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales growth in Western Europe was robust at nearly 11%, with double-digit growth in both segments [13] - North America saw sales growth of approximately 8%, with high single-digit growth in both segments, particularly in water quality [16][17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is actively deploying countermeasures to mitigate changes in the global trade and tariff landscape, including strategic pricing roadmaps and shifts in manufacturing footprint [9][19] - The recent acquisition of AquaFetus for $20 million is expected to enhance the company's UV treatment portfolio and expand its ability to serve European customers [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating the dynamic macroeconomic environment, citing the essential nature of their products and the durability of their business model [8][38] - The company reaffirmed its full-year 2025 adjusted EPS guidance of $3.6 to $3.7 per share, with expectations of low to mid-single-digit core sales growth [34][36] Other Important Information - The company has a strong financial position with gross debt of $2.6 billion and cash on hand exceeding $1.2 billion, resulting in a net leverage of 1.1 times [33] - The company completed its second CEO Kaizen week, focusing on continuous improvement and operational excellence [22][23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more color on the sequencing of tariff mitigation? - Management indicated confidence in mitigating tariffs, with gross exposure estimated at 3.5% of sales, and emphasized ongoing optimization efforts [44][45] Question: Have you seen any changes in customer confidence based on demand indicators? - Management reported strong demand remains for the PQI business, with no indications of softening in order patterns [47][48] Question: Can you discuss price elasticity in relation to consumables versus equipment? - Management noted a surgical approach to pricing, with 80% of sales tied to essential goods, indicating a sticky relationship with customers [55][57] Question: How do you view the impact of tariffs on competitive positioning? - Management expressed optimism about leveraging their asset-light manufacturing model to gain market share amid market dislocations [91][92] Question: What are the implications of the recent EPA announcement regarding PFAS? - Management remains excited about opportunities in PFAS analysis and treatment, with no immediate impact on forecasts [60]