Core Insights - Hawkins, Inc. will participate in the Raymond James & Associates' 47th Annual Institutional Investors Conference on March 3 and 4, 2026, in Orlando, Florida, with CEO Patrick Hawkins and CFO Jeff Oldenkamp attending [1][3]. Company Overview - Hawkins, Inc. is a leading water treatment and specialty ingredients company, founded in 1938, headquartered in Roseville, Minnesota, and operates 65 facilities across 28 states [4]. - The company generated $974 million in revenue for fiscal 2025 and employs approximately 1,100 people [4]. Conference Details - The Raymond James Institutional Investors Conference serves as a platform for portfolio managers to explore investment opportunities across various industries, with the 2025 conference attracting around 2,000 attendees from nearly 900 institutional investment firms [2]. - The 2026 conference will feature presentations from senior management teams of approximately 300 companies, providing insights into both the companies and their respective industry sectors [2].

Core Viewpoint - Pentair has achieved its 50th consecutive annual dividend increase, with an 8.0% raise in 2026, indicating strong growth potential despite a modest yield compared to traditional dividend aristocrats [1][2] Dividend Performance - The current quarterly dividend is $0.27 per share, translating to an annualized payout of $1.08, resulting in a yield of approximately 1.01% [1] - The 8.0% increase in 2026 follows an 8.7% increase in 2025, showcasing a significant acceleration compared to typical mid-single-digit increases from competitors like Johnson & Johnson (4.8%) and Procter & Gamble (5.0%) [1][2] Cash Flow and Payout Ratio - Pentair's payout ratio stands at 20.2%, significantly lower than Johnson & Johnson's 50.5%, indicating a conservative approach to dividend payments [1] - Operating cash flow for fiscal 2025 was $814.8 million, with only $164.3 million paid out in dividends, allowing for a coverage ratio of 4.55 times [1] Earnings and Profitability - The company reported a net income of $653.8 million in fiscal 2025, a 4.5% increase from the previous year, on revenue of $4.18 billion [1] - Operating margin improved to 20.5%, and the operating cash flow to net income ratio was 1.25x, indicating strong cash conversion [1] Total Return and Growth Potential - Over the past five years, Pentair shares have returned 103.18%, outperforming Johnson & Johnson (68.0%) and Procter & Gamble (43.58%) [1] - The stock is currently down 1.73% year-to-date, presenting potential entry opportunities for investors [1] Historical Context of Dividend Growth - Pentair's dividend growth streak spans 50 years, with total growth of 237.5% from a quarterly payment of $0.08 in 1999 to $0.27 today [1] - The company has maintained its dividend through various economic challenges, including the 2008 financial crisis and the pandemic [1] Investment Outlook - Pentair is positioned as a 'Growth Aristocrat' with a strong dividend scorecard, reflecting its low payout ratio and robust financial coverage [1] - Analysts currently rate Pentair as a 'Buy' with a target price indicating an 11.4% upside [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ecolab achieved record-breaking sales, margins, earnings per share, and free cash flow in 2025, with a 15% adjusted EPS growth in Q4 [4][5] - Organic sales grew by 3%, driven by 3% value pricing and positive volume growth, with underlying organic operating income growth of 12% [5][7] - The organic operating income margin expanded by 140 basis points to 18.5%, resulting in a full-year operating income margin of 18%, up 150 basis points from the previous year [7][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Food & Beverage sales accelerated to 5%, while Pest Elimination and Life Sciences both grew by 7% [5][6] - Institutional sales growth remained consistent, excluding the impact from lower distributor inventories, with strong double-digit growth in Global High-Tech and Ecolab Digital [6][7] - The overall underlying volume growth reached 2%, with expectations for volume growth to normalize in Q1 2026 [6][7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Global High-Tech segment is expected to grow strong double digits, driven by AI demand and the need for ultra-pure water in semiconductor manufacturing [15][34] - The water business grew 2% organically in Q4, with a 5% growth rate when excluding pulp and paper, which are currently in a down cycle [52][54] - The paper and basic industries are expected to recover, contributing positively to overall growth in 2026 [80] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Ecolab's priorities for 2026 include rapidly growing total value delivered to customers, accelerating the One Ecolab Growth Initiative, and fueling growth engines [9][10] - The company anticipates 3%-4% organic sales growth in 2026, with total reported sales expected to grow in the upper single digits [9][20] - Ecolab is focusing on leveraging technology and AI to enhance operational efficiency and customer value, aiming for a significant increase in cost savings through the One Ecolab initiative [14][70] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to deliver strong performance in 2026, with expectations for reported sales growth of 7%-9% and organic growth accelerating throughout the year [20] - The management highlighted the importance of new business wins and maintaining strong customer relationships as key drivers for growth [57][59] - There is optimism regarding the recovery of the paper and basic industries, with expectations for improved performance as the year progresses [80] Other Important Information - Ecolab's digital business has grown to $400 million in annual sales, with expectations for continued growth driven by innovative digital solutions [18][75] - The company has raised its savings target from the One Ecolab initiative to $325 million by 2027, reflecting the success of the program [14][71] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the volume cadence as you move through the year? - Management indicated that volume growth is expected to improve, with 85% of businesses performing well and a normalization of distributor inventory anticipated [24][28] Question: What are the growth opportunities in the Global High-Tech segment post-Ovivo acquisition? - The Global High-Tech segment is projected to grow strong double digits, with significant opportunities in semiconductor manufacturing and data centers [30][34] Question: Can you provide insights on the drivers for margin expansion? - Margin expansion is expected to be driven by gross margins and SG&A leverage, with a focus on value-based pricing and higher-margin business mix [37][39] Question: How is the company addressing the challenges in the basic industries and paper? - Management noted that while there are challenges, new business and innovation are strong, and there is optimism for recovery in these sectors [80] Question: What is the outlook for the One Ecolab cost savings initiative? - The savings target has been raised to $325 million, with ongoing efforts to leverage technology and improve operational efficiency [71][72]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total sales for 2025 grew 6% year-over-year to $5.5 billion, marking an all-time high [8] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) was $3.90, up 10% year-over-year, indicating the second consecutive year of double-digit EPS growth [8] - Free cash flow exceeded $1 billion, strengthening the company's financial position [9] - In Q4, total sales grew 3.8% year-over-year to nearly $1.4 billion, with core sales growing 1.6% [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Water Quality segment delivered $846 million in total sales, up 4.3% year-over-year, with core sales growth of 1.4% [24] - PQI segment total sales grew 3% year-over-year to $550 million, with core sales growth of 1.8% [25] - Both segments experienced steady underlying demand, with price increases contributing to sales growth [22][24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core sales in North America grew 5.3%, while Western Europe saw a 3.8% increase [9] - High-growth markets experienced a 5.1% increase in core sales year-over-year, led by Latin America, India, and the Middle East [12] - Core sales growth in China was modest, primarily driven by PQI [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for continued core sales growth and margin expansion, targeting mid- to high-single-digit adjusted EPS growth for 2026 [17][30] - Strategic acquisitions, such as In-Situ, are expected to enhance the company's water analytics portfolio and address freshwater challenges [18][20] - The focus remains on disciplined capital allocation and creating long-term shareholder value through M&A opportunities [29][80] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in steady demand for products and services due to the essential need for clean water and safe food [7][33] - The company anticipates another year of core sales growth in 2026, supported by a durable business model and strong secular growth drivers [33] - Management noted that underlying demand remains steady across both municipal and industrial markets, with government funding continuing to flow [41] Other Important Information - The company established a $750 million share repurchase program and announced an 18% increase in its dividend [7][29] - The acquisition of In-Situ was completed early in 2026, funded with cash on hand [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations on municipal CapEx and demand trends - Management sees steady demand across municipal and industrial markets, with strong growth in industrial sectors like data centers and government funding supporting municipal demand [40][41] Question: Impact of DRAM supply and pricing - The company's exposure to DRAM is minimal, and no material impact is expected [42] Question: Margin expansion guidance and cost considerations - Management expects 50 basis points of margin expansion, driven by pricing and the rolling off of tariff-related headwinds [50][52] Question: Data center growth potential - Data center sales are still a small part of the business but are growing double digits; however, they are not expected to be a meaningful contributor to core growth in 2026 [54] Question: PQI performance related to high protein boom - Demand in CPG markets remains stable, with opportunities arising from changes in packaged foods and dietary requirements [61] Question: Geographic performance in Western Europe - The year-over-year performance was impacted by three fewer shipping days, but overall execution was strong [62] Question: EPS growth guidance and market conditions - Management is being prudent with EPS growth guidance due to macro uncertainties, but underlying demand remains solid [70] Question: Integration plans for In-Situ acquisition - The company is excited about top-line synergies and plans to leverage complementary product portfolios to accelerate growth [82]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total sales grew 6% year-over-year to $5.5 billion, marking an all-time high [8] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) was $3.90, up 10% year-over-year, indicating the second consecutive year of double-digit EPS growth [8] - Generated over $1 billion of free cash flow, strengthening the financial position [9] - In Q4, total sales grew 3.8% year-over-year to nearly $1.4 billion, with core sales growing 1.6% [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Water Quality segment delivered $846 million in total sales, up 4.3% year-over-year, with core sales growth of 1.4% [24] - PQI segment total sales grew 3% year-over-year to $550 million, with core sales growth of 1.8% [25] - Both segments experienced steady underlying demand, with pricing increases contributing to sales growth [22][24][25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core sales in North America grew 5.3%, while Western Europe saw a growth of 3.8% [9] - High-growth markets experienced a core sales increase of 5.1% year-over-year, led by Latin America, India, and the Middle East [12] - Core sales growth in China was modest, primarily driven by PQI [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for mid- to high-single-digit adjusted EPS growth in 2026, with a focus on strategic growth and disciplined capital allocation [17][30] - Recent acquisitions, including In-Situ, are expected to enhance the water analytics portfolio and drive growth in environmental markets [18][19] - The company is committed to leveraging its Veralto Enterprise System to drive continuous improvement and support customer needs [33] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in steady demand for products and services due to the ongoing need for clean water and safe food [7][17] - The company anticipates another year of core sales growth and continued margin expansion, despite potential macroeconomic challenges [30] - Management highlighted the importance of recurring revenue, which comprises 60% of total sales, providing stability against fluctuations in capital expenditure [40] Other Important Information - The company established a $750 million share repurchase program and announced an 18% increase in its dividend [7][29] - Free cash flow conversion was reported at 115% of GAAP net income for Q4 [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations on municipal CapEx and demand trends - Management sees steady demand across municipal and industrial markets, with government funding continuing to flow [40] Question: Impact of DRAM supply on business - Management indicated minimal exposure to DRAM, expecting no material impact [42] Question: Margin expansion guidance and cost considerations - Management expects 50 basis points of margin expansion, driven by pricing and the rolling off of tariff-related headwinds [50] Question: Data center growth potential - Management noted that while data center sales are growing, they remain a small part of the overall business and not expected to be a significant contributor in 2026 [54] Question: Performance in PQI related to high protein boom - Management reported stable demand in CPG markets, with opportunities arising from changes in dietary requirements and packaging [60] Question: Geographic performance in Western Europe - Management explained that fluctuations in Western Europe were primarily due to fewer shipping days impacting year-over-year comparisons [62] Question: EPS growth guidance and market conditions - Management indicated that while top-line growth is expected, EPS growth is forecasted to be more modest due to various factors, including the In-Situ acquisition [70] Question: Integration plans for In-Situ acquisition - Management expressed excitement about the In-Situ acquisition, highlighting opportunities for top-line and cost synergies [82]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total sales for 2025 grew 6% year-over-year to $5.5 billion, marking an all-time high [6] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) was $3.90, up 10% year-over-year, indicating the second consecutive year of double-digit EPS growth [7] - Free cash flow exceeded $1 billion, strengthening the company's financial position [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Water Quality segment delivered $846 million in total sales for Q4, up 4.3% year-over-year, with core sales growth of 1.4% [22][23] - PQI segment total sales grew 3% year-over-year to $550 million in Q4, with core sales growth of 1.8% [24][25] - Both segments showed strong operating profit growth, with Water Quality's adjusted operating profit increasing 5.8% and PQI's adjusted operating profit up $13 million year-over-year [22][25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core sales in North America grew 5.3% and in Western Europe by 3.8% in 2025, with high-growth markets seeing a 5.1% increase [8][12] - Core sales growth in Water Quality was driven by strong demand in chemical processing, power generation, mining, and data centers [9] - In high-growth markets, core sales increased 5.1% year-over-year, led by Latin America, India, and the Middle East [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for continued core sales growth and margin expansion, with a focus on strategic growth and disciplined capital allocation [5][16] - Recent acquisitions, including In-Situ, are expected to enhance the company's water analytics portfolio and address freshwater challenges [17][19] - The company is committed to leveraging its Veralto Enterprise System to drive continuous improvement and support customer needs [32] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in steady demand for products and services due to the ongoing need for clean water and safe food [5][16] - The company anticipates another year of core sales growth in 2026, with adjusted EPS growth projected in the mid- to high single digits [29][30] - Management noted that underlying demand remains steady, despite some macroeconomic uncertainties [67] Other Important Information - The company established a $750 million share repurchase program and announced an 18% increase in its dividend [5][27] - The acquisition of In-Situ was completed early in 2026, funded with cash on hand, and is expected to contribute significantly to growth [26][29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations on municipal CapEx and demand trends - Management sees steady demand across both municipal and industrial markets, with strong growth in industrial sectors like data centers [39] Question: Impact of DRAM supply on business - The company's exposure to DRAM is minimal, and no material impact is expected [40] Question: Margin expansion guidance and inflation concerns - Management expects 50 basis points of margin expansion, driven by pricing and the rolling off of tariff-related headwinds [48][49] Question: Data center growth potential - Data centers represent a small but growing segment, with expectations for continued double-digit growth [52] Question: Geographic performance in Western Europe - The year-over-year performance was impacted by fewer shipping days, but overall execution remains strong [61] Question: Guidance range for sales growth - The company aims for low to mid-single-digit growth, with various factors influencing the range [101]

Core Insights - Cavitation Technologies, Inc. (CTi) has reported significant milestones in 2025, transitioning its Cavitation Non-Thermal Plasma™ (CNTP™) technology from development to pilot installations, supported by key partnerships in industrial and water treatment sectors [1][3] - The company is expanding into the immersion technology market and digital payment infrastructure through its subsidiary, XYRA Corp., which focuses on next-generation applications [1][5] Company Developments - The CNTP™ technology combines hydrodynamic cavitation with non-thermal plasma to effectively break down contaminants in water without chemicals, currently operating at 20 gallons per minute (GPM) and scalable to higher flow rates [3][4][18] - CTi is pursuing applications in various sectors including industrial water remediation, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and PFAS removal, while also enhancing its focus on produced and frac water applications through Nano-Reactor systems [4][11] XYRA Corp. Initiatives - XYRA Corp. was established to leverage CNTP™ technology for applications in immersion cooling and digital payment infrastructure, targeting advanced fluid applications and fintech solutions [5][15] - The subsidiary aims to modernize crypto-related infrastructure and create an AI-driven, quantum-secure remittance network to facilitate instant, low-cost cross-border transactions [5][9] Market Opportunities - The global remittance market is projected to exceed $1 trillion by 2030, with significant opportunities in cross-border payments, which currently incur an average fee of 6.5% and take days to settle [9][17] - XYRA's platform is designed to reduce settlement times and costs while addressing security risks associated with quantum computing, aiming to provide financial access to underserved populations [9][12] Future Outlook - Looking ahead to 2026, CTi plans to deepen strategic partnerships and explore additional opportunities aligned with the growing demand for efficient, sustainable, and chemical-free solutions [10] - The company is increasing its investment in research and development, supported by collaborations with universities, to advance CNTP™ toward commercial deployment [11]

Core Insights - Hawkins, Inc. has successfully completed a multi-year pilot test of WaterSurplus' NanoStack™ coated membranes at the Orange County Water District's Groundwater Replenishment System [1][2] Group 1: Technology and Implementation - Based on the pilot's success, OCWD will install 1,050 NanoStack™ coated membranes, which will treat approximately 5 million gallons of water per day for indirect potable reuse [2] - The NanoStack™ technology has shown significant improvements in fouling resistance, reducing clean-in-place requirements by over 50% and lowering reverse osmosis energy consumption by more than 15% [2] - The estimated payback period for the investment in NanoStack™ technology is less than two years due to the savings in energy costs, which are a major operating expense for advanced water treatment facilities [2] Group 2: Product Details - NanoStack™ is an NSF/ANSI/CAN 61-certified hydrophilic membrane surface modification that enhances the durability and performance of reverse osmosis membrane elements [3] - This advanced coating helps customers achieve more reliable long-term operation with lower lifecycle costs [3] Group 3: Company Overview - Hawkins, Inc. was founded in 1938 and specializes in water treatment and specialty ingredients, serving various sectors including Water Treatment, Food & Health Sciences, and Industrial Solutions [4] - The company is headquartered in Roseville, Minnesota, operates 65 facilities across 28 states, and generated $974 million in revenue for fiscal 2025 [4]

Core Insights - Vystar Corporation has acquired Fluid Energy Conversion Inc. (FEC), enhancing its capabilities in eco-friendly technologies and water purification [3][10] - FEC's patented Hughes Reactor technology is designed to improve water treatment and purification by converting flow energy into ultrasound and cavitation energy [4][14] - The company is in the final stages of testing a water filtration enhancement device aimed at improving dialysis efficiency, which could save approximately 1.7 billion gallons of water for a single dialysis provider [8] Company Developments - Vystar plans to integrate FEC technology into its RxAir air purification systems to enhance pathogen destruction while reducing costs and size [5][7] - The company anticipates that the proprietary nature of FEC's technology will provide a significant competitive advantage in the air purification market [5][14] - Vystar is pursuing multiple R&D initiatives with FEC technology across various sectors, which could lead to new revenue streams and diversification of eco-friendly product offerings [5][7] Technological Innovations - FEC's technology combines sono-chemistry and molecular fluid mechanics to effectively kill pathogens and improve combustion efficiency [5][9] - The Hughes Reactor can convert waste energy into usable energy, enhancing the efficiency of various applications including water purification and air processing [9][14] - Current R&D initiatives include applications in metering, energy, water purification, and medical uses, showcasing the versatility of FEC's technology [7][14]

Core Insights - Hawkins, Inc. reported record results in revenue, gross profit, operating income, and Adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter of fiscal 2026, driven by acquisition activity in the Water Treatment segment and improvements in the Industrial Solutions segment [3][5]. Financial Performance - Revenue for the third quarter reached $244.1 million, an increase of 8% from $226.2 million in the same period last year, with Water Treatment segment growth of 21% and Industrial Solutions segment growth of 10% [5][7]. - Gross profit increased by 5% to $50.8 million, maintaining a gross margin of 21% [5][11]. - Adjusted EBITDA was $34.8 million, a 3% increase from the previous year, with a trailing 12-month Adjusted EBITDA of $179 million [5][17]. Earnings and Expenses - Diluted earnings per share (EPS) were $0.69, a decrease of 4% due to increased amortization and interest expenses related to acquisitions [5][6]. - Selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses rose by 3% to $28.3 million, accounting for 12% of sales, influenced by costs from acquired businesses [15]. Segment Performance - The Water Treatment segment reported sales of $120.5 million, up 21% from $99.8 million, attributed to $19 million from acquired businesses and improved pricing [8]. - The Food & Health Sciences segment saw a decline in sales by 10% to $70.0 million, primarily due to decreased sales volumes [9]. - The Industrial Solutions segment's sales increased by 10% to $53.6 million, driven by higher sales of manufactured products [10]. Cash Flow and Debt Management - Operating cash flow for the quarter was $35 million, with $15 million used to pay down debt, resulting in a leverage ratio of 1.47x Adjusted EBITDA [5][19]. - Total debt outstanding at the end of the quarter was $264 million, reflecting a strategic focus on reducing leverage [19]. Future Outlook - The company anticipates continued pricing pressures in the Food and Health Sciences segment but expects to return to historical organic revenue growth rates in fiscal 2027 [3].