Core Insights - Ave Maria Growth Focused Fund reported a return of 6.22% in Q3 2025, underperforming the S&P 500 Index's return of 8.12% and the S&P MidCap 400® Growth Index's return of 5.59% [1] Company Overview - TIC Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:TIC), formerly known as Acuren Corporation, is a provider of asset integrity services and rebranded in October 2025 [2] - As of January 6, 2026, TIC Solutions, Inc. stock closed at $10.51 per share, with a one-month return of 5.00% and a 52-week loss of 12.32% [2] - TIC Solutions, Inc. has a market capitalization of $2.325 billion [2] Investment Position - The Fund initiated a position in TIC Solutions, Inc., which is governed by the same team overseeing the Fund's largest holding, APi Group Corporation [3] - TIC Solutions recently acquired NV5 Global, enhancing its capabilities in non-destructive testing and engineering [3] - The company is expected to experience stable revenue growth, benefiting from industry trends related to aging infrastructure and generating ample free cash flow for further acquisitions [3] Hedge Fund Interest - TIC Solutions, Inc. was held by 40 hedge fund portfolios at the end of Q3 2025, a significant increase from 15 in the previous quarter [4] - The company reported revenue of $473.9 million in Q3 2025, indicating substantial year-over-year growth [4]

Core Insights - Permian Investment Partners has significantly increased its stake in TIC Solutions, acquiring nearly 4.9 million additional shares, bringing its total holdings to approximately 14.6 million shares valued at $193.9 million as of September 30 [2][3] - TIC Solutions now constitutes about 21.9% of Permian's reportable assets under management (AUM), making it the largest position in the portfolio [3][6] - The company's revenue for the third quarter reached $473.9 million, with adjusted EBITDA increasing by 51% year over year, despite reporting a net loss of $13.9 million [6][8] Company Overview - TIC Solutions, Inc. specializes in nondestructive testing and inspection services, operating across the United States and Canada [4] - The company has a market capitalization of $2.3 billion and trailing twelve-month (TTM) revenue of $1.1 billion, with a net income loss of $121.2 million [4] - The stock price as of the latest report is $10.34, reflecting a nearly 20% decline since its NYSE listing in February [3][4] Investment Rationale - The investment in TIC Solutions reflects a belief in the company's recurring, compliance-driven revenue model, which is less susceptible to cyclical economic fluctuations [5][8] - The company is positioned in a sector where services are often mandated and repeat in nature, suggesting a stable revenue profile that can grow over time [5] - TIC's liquidity remains strong, with $282.9 million available at the end of the quarter, providing flexibility for future growth initiatives [7][8]

Core Insights - Progeny 3 increased its stake in TIC Solutions by 255,800 shares, raising its total position to 15.3 million shares valued at $203.1 million, making it the fund's second-largest holding [2][8] - TIC Solutions shares are currently priced at $9.42, reflecting a 27.5% decline over the past year, underperforming the S&P 500, which has increased by 12.5% in the same period [3][10] - The company is undergoing a significant rebranding and integration process following the Acuren-NV5 combination, with management emphasizing accelerating synergies and a larger operational platform [6][10] Company Overview - TIC Solutions, formerly known as Acuren, operates within the specialty business services segment, employing thousands and maintaining a strong presence in North America [5] - The company focuses on high-value, compliance-driven testing and engineering services, which are essential for clients' operational safety and regulatory compliance [5] - TIC Solutions is projected to achieve full-year service revenue between $1.53 billion and $1.565 billion for 2025, with adjusted EBITDA expected to be between $240 million and $250 million [9] Investment Perspective - Progeny 3's increased investment in TIC Solutions indicates confidence in the company's strategic transformation and potential for future growth [6][10] - TIC now represents 10.5% of Progeny 3's U.S. equity portfolio, highlighting its status as a high-conviction holding [8] - Despite the current stock performance, the market has not fully recognized the potential of TIC's combined platform, suggesting possible upside if management's projections for synergy capture and margin expansion are realized [10]

Core Viewpoint - Powell Industries (POWL) has shown strong performance in the industrial sector, driven by robust demand in electrical infrastructure, with a healthy order backlog and expanding margins indicating potential for further growth [2][3]. Financial Performance - As of June 30, 2025, Powell reported a backlog of $1.4 billion, with utility revenue increasing by 31% in Q3 2025, including a record order of $60 million [3]. - The company achieved a gross margin improvement of 230 basis points to 30.7%, reflecting effective project execution despite challenges in the petrochemical market [3]. - Powell's revenue growth was recorded at 14.3% LTM and an average of 30.0% over the last three years, with operating cash flow margin at approximately 16.5% and operating margin at 14.1% on average [11]. Strategic Initiatives - The acquisition of Remsdaq Ltd. enhances Powell's electrical automation capabilities, supporting its growth strategy in high-demand sectors such as grid modernization and data centers [3]. - The company is focusing on maintaining strong margins and a low-debt capital structure, which are indicative of its solid business model [4]. Market Position - Powell Industries ranks in the top 10 percentile of stocks based on a proprietary metric for "trend strength," indicating strong momentum in its stock performance [11]. - Despite positive momentum, POWL stock is currently trading 13% below its 52-week peak, suggesting potential for further appreciation [11]. Expected Returns - The average expected forward returns over the next 12 months are nearly 15%, with a 12-month win rate of around 60% for selections yielding positive returns [12].

Group 1 - The recent acquisition of Antares Vision by Crane NXT is a strategic move aimed at enhancing its position in the technology sector focused on secure, detect, and authenticate platforms across various end markets [1][2] - Antares Vision is recognized as a market leader in the life sciences and food and beverage sectors, specializing in inspection, detection, and track and trace technology, which aligns well with Crane NXT's growth strategy [2]

Core Insights - NV5 has been awarded over $20 million in contracts by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation for engineering design and construction management to improve parks and recreational facilities [1][2][3] - The company has a 20-year relationship with NYC Parks, supporting the design and construction of over 1,700 parks and recreational spaces [1][3] - The improvements aim to enhance user experience and quality of life, providing attractive and resilient amenities for various recreational programs [2][3] Company Overview - NV5 Global, Inc. is a leading provider of tech-enabled engineering, testing, inspection, and consulting solutions for the built environment [4] - The company specializes in engineering design, asset management, and geospatial data analytics to support infrastructure resilience and building systems performance [4] - NV5 operates from more than 100 offices nationwide and internationally [4]

Core Points - NV5 announced the winners of the 2025 NSBE scholarship awards, recognizing ten scholars for their academic excellence in engineering and related fields [1][2] - The NSBE scholarship program supports undergraduate and graduate students pursuing careers in civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering, geomatics, and computer science [2] - The National Society of Black Engineers, founded in 1975, is one of the largest student-governed organizations in the U.S., promoting diversity and inclusion in the engineering field [3] Company Overview - NV5 Global, Inc. is a leading provider of tech-enabled engineering, testing, inspection, and consulting solutions for the built environment, specializing in engineering design, asset management, and geospatial data analytics [6] - The company operates over 100 offices nationwide and internationally, supporting infrastructure resilience and building systems performance throughout the asset lifecycle [6] Scholarship Selection Criteria - Scholarship recipients were selected based on personal essays, academic achievements, community involvement, and professional endorsements, reflecting NSBE's values and commitment to academic excellence [5]

Core Viewpoint - NV5 Global, Inc. reported strong financial results for the first quarter of 2025, with significant increases in revenue and cash flows, positioning the company for continued growth throughout the year [2][3]. Financial Performance - Gross revenues for Q1 2025 increased by 10% to $234.0 million from $212.6 million in Q1 2024, with 5% of this growth being organic [4][2]. - Net income surged by 456% to $0.4 million compared to $0.1 million in the same quarter of 2024, with GAAP EPS rising to $0.01 per share from $0.00 [5][6]. - Cash flows from operations reached $38 million, marking a 96% increase from $19.6 million in Q1 2024 [5][6]. Adjusted Metrics - Adjusted EBITDA rose by 8% to $29.7 million from $27.6 million year-over-year [6]. - Adjusted EPS grew by 13% to $0.17 per share compared to $0.15 per share in Q1 2024 [6]. Acquisitions and Growth Strategy - The three acquisitions completed in Q1 2025 had minimal immediate financial impact but are expected to enhance the company's expansion in key geographies and accelerate organic growth [3]. - The company reaffirmed its full-year 2025 guidance for revenue and earnings per share, supported by a strong backlog and pipeline of opportunities [3].