Cullen Capital Management, LLC, operating under the name Schafer Cullen Capital Management, Inc. (SCCM), has released its “SCCM Small Cap Value Equity Strategy” third-quarter investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. The US equity market continued the rally in the third quarter, with the Russell 2000 returning 12.4% and the Russell 2000 Value surging 12.6%. The Small Cap Value Equity strategy returned 14.4% (gross of fees) and 14.2% (net of fees) in the quarter. The small caps delivered ...

Core Insights - GrowGeneration Corp. reported a significant improvement in financial performance for Q3 2025, with a net loss of $2.4 million, a $9.0 million improvement year-over-year, and positive Adjusted EBITDA of $1.3 million, marking the strongest profitability in four years [1][3][9][10]. Financial Performance - Net sales reached $47.3 million for Q3 2025, exceeding guidance by nearly $6 million, but down from $50.0 million in Q3 2024 [4][6]. - Cultivation and Gardening net sales were $38.4 million, a decrease from $41.4 million year-over-year, attributed to fewer retail locations [4][6]. - Gross profit increased to $12.9 million, with a gross profit margin of 27.2%, up from 21.6% in the prior year [6][7]. Cost Management - Store operating expenses declined by 27.8% year-over-year to $7.2 million, while total operating expenses decreased by 31.5% to $15.7 million [8][9]. - Selling, general, and administrative expenses improved by 22.9% to $5.7 million compared to the same period in 2024 [8]. Proprietary Brands - Proprietary brand sales accounted for 31.6% of Cultivation and Gardening net sales, up from 23.8% in the previous year, indicating a successful strategic initiative [5][6]. Future Outlook - The company anticipates fourth-quarter revenue of approximately $40 million and expects continued positive revenue growth and Adjusted EBITDA in 2026 [3][13]. - Management aims for proprietary brands to represent about 40% of segment revenue in 2026, further supporting margin expansion and customer loyalty [3].

Core Insights - H.B. Fuller Company CFO John Corkrean exercised stock options and sold shares, indicating a significant transaction valued at approximately $857,800 [1][2][11] Transaction Summary - John Corkrean sold 14,222 shares for about $857,800, representing 20.65% of his direct stake prior to the transaction [2][3] - After the transaction, Corkrean holds 54,646 shares valued at approximately $3.3 million [2] Company Overview - H.B. Fuller Company is a global specialty chemicals manufacturer with a revenue of $3.50 billion and a net income of $114.88 million [7][8] - The company has experienced a one-year price change of -20.34% as of October 27, 2025 [7] Financial Performance - In the fiscal third quarter ending August 30, revenue decreased by 3% year over year to $892 million [12] - The company anticipates a sales decline of 2% to 3% for the fiscal year 2025 [12] - H.B. Fuller has a net debt of nearly $2 billion, with a net debt-to-adjusted EBITDA ratio of 3.3x [12] Market Context - The shares were sold at a weighted average price of $60.31, slightly above the market close of $60.09 on the transaction date [5] - The stock's performance has been weak, with a one-year total return of -20.34% [5][11]

Core Viewpoint - GrowGeneration Corp. will release its financial results for Q3 2025 on November 6, 2025, after market close, followed by a live earnings conference call [1] Company Overview - GrowGeneration Corp. is the largest specialty hydroponic and organic gardening retailer in the United States, offering thousands of products including nutrients, additives, growing media, lighting, and environmental control systems [3] - The company features proprietary brands such as Char Coir, Drip Hydro, Power Si, Ion lights, The Harvest Company, and Viagrow [3] - GrowGeneration operates an online superstore for cultivators and has a wholesale business for resellers, as well as a benching, racking, and storage solutions business called Mobile Media or MMI [3]

Core Insights - Avient Corporation (NYSE:AVNT) is recognized as a leading investment opportunity in the specialty chemicals sector, with KeyBanc initiating coverage with a price target of $48 and an Overweight rating [1][2] - The company is under the leadership of newly appointed CEO Ashish Khandpur, who is driving a new organic growth strategy [1][2] Strategic Initiatives - Avient aims to enhance cross-selling opportunities while concentrating on high-growth platforms and markets [2] - The company is integrating innovations and expertise from various segments to support its strategic goals [2] - KeyBanc noted that Avient has made significant hires and established a new incentive program to facilitate its expansion strategy [2] Company Overview - Avient Corporation is a specialty polymer materials manufacturer located in Avon Lake, Ohio, offering products such as thermoplastic compounds, plastic colorants, and additives [3]

Core Viewpoint - Ashland reported a significant decline in revenue and adjusted EBITDA for Q3 FY2025, falling short of analysts' expectations, with management signaling caution due to ongoing market softness and macroeconomic uncertainty [1][15][17] Financial Performance - Revenue for Q3 FY2025 was $463 million, missing consensus estimates by $13.6 million, and down 14.9% year-over-year from $544 million [2][5] - Non-GAAP EPS from continuing operations was $1.04, below the $1.20 consensus and down 30.2% from $1.49 in Q3 FY2024 [2][12] - Adjusted EBITDA was $113 million, a decrease of 18.7% from $139 million in the prior year [2][12] - Ongoing free cash flow was $108 million, down from $112 million in Q3 FY2024 [2][11] Business Overview and Strategic Focus - Ashland operates in various markets including pharmaceuticals, personal care, coatings, and industrial materials, focusing on performance-enhancing ingredients [3] - The company is engaged in portfolio optimization, emphasizing high-value specialty offerings and operational efficiency [4][17] Segment Performance - Life Sciences segment saw a 17% decline in sales, but a 4% organic increase in pharmaceutical applications [6] - Personal Care revenue declined 16%, with a 27.9% Adjusted EBITDA margin despite lower sales [7] - Specialty Additives experienced a 13% sales drop, with Adjusted EBITDA falling 32% to $26 million [8][9] - Intermediates segment reported a sales decline, with Adjusted EBITDA down 22% [10] Cost Management and Restructuring - The company completed a $30 million restructuring program, expecting an additional $7.5 million in cost savings in Q4 [13] - A $60 million manufacturing optimization effort is underway to improve margins [13] Outlook - Management revised full-year guidance, projecting sales between $1.825 billion and $1.850 billion, and adjusted EBITDA between $400 million and $410 million [15][16] - The company anticipates a stronger Q4, driven by cost savings from restructuring [15] - Key focus areas include organic volume stabilization, margin control, and inventory management [16][17]

Core Viewpoint - GrowGeneration Corp. will release its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025, on August 11, 2025, after market close, followed by a live earnings conference call [1]. Company Overview - GrowGeneration Corp. is the largest specialty retailer of hydroponic and organic gardening products in the United States [3]. - The company offers a wide range of products including nutrients, additives, growing media, lighting, environmental control systems, and proprietary brands such as Charcoir, Drip Hydro, Power Si, Ion lights, and The Harvest Company [3]. - GrowGeneration operates an online superstore for cultivators and has a wholesale business for resellers, as well as a benching, racking, and storage solutions business called Mobile Media or MMI [3]. Earnings Call Information - To participate in the earnings call, domestic participants can dial 1-(888)-699-1199 and international participants can dial 1-(416)-945-7677, using the conference code 53471 [2]. - The call will be webcast and accessible through the Investor Relations section of the GrowGeneration website, with a replay available approximately two hours after the call for about 90 days [2].

Core Insights - GrowGeneration Corp. is the largest specialty retailer of hydroponic and organic gardening products in the United States [3] Group 1: Company Participation in Events - GrowGeneration's CEO Darren Lampert, President Michael Salaman, CFO Greg Sanders, and VP of Sales Matthew Koch will participate in the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference from June 8-10, 2025, in Chicago [1] - Lampert and Koch will engage in a panel discussion titled "Can the Sun Compete with the Socket? Greenhouse vs Indoor in the Fight for Premium Pricing" on June 10, 2025, at 4:20 p.m. Central Time [2] - The company will host one-on-one meetings during the conference for interested parties [2] Group 2: Company Overview - GrowGeneration offers a wide range of products including nutrients, additives, growing media, lighting, environmental control systems, and proprietary brands such as Charcoir, Drip Hydro, and Power Si [3] - The company operates an online superstore for cultivators at growgeneration.com and has a wholesale business for resellers, as well as a benching, racking, and storage solutions business called Mobile Media or MMI [3]

Company Overview - GrowGeneration Corp. is the nation's largest specialty hydroponic and organic gardening retailer, offering thousands of products including nutrients, additives, growing media, lighting, and environmental control systems [4] - The company operates an online superstore for cultivators at growgeneration.com and has a wholesale business for resellers, as well as a benching, racking, and storage solutions business called Mobile Media or MMI [4] Upcoming Events - Management will participate in Oppenheimer's 25th Annual Consumer Growth and E-Commerce Conference, scheduled for June 9–11, 2025 [1] - Darren Lampert, the CEO and Co-Founder, will engage in a Fireside Chat on June 9, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time, with a webcast available on the Investor Relations site [2] - The company will host 1x1 meetings during the conference, with scheduling available through Oppenheimer representatives or via email [3]