Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q4 2025 was $959 million, up 51% or $325 million from Q3 2025, driven by MRC Global's contribution of $388 million during the stub period [28] - Full year 2025 revenue was $2.8 billion, an increase of $447 million or 19% from 2024, marking DNOW's fifth consecutive year of growth [28] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was $61 million or 6.4% of revenue, while full year EBITDA was $209 million or 7.4% of revenue [28][29] - Legacy DNOW achieved a record full-year EBITDA of $199 million in 2025, with EBITDA as a percentage of revenue reaching 8.2% [10][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. revenue for Q4 2025 totaled $765 million, with legacy DNOW's revenue at $467 million, down approximately 10% sequentially [29] - Canadian revenue for Q4 was $51 million, down 4% sequentially, while full year Canadian revenue was $214 million [29] - International revenue for Q4 was $143 million, with legacy DNOW International revenue at $53 million, down 7.5% year-over-year [30][31] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Upstream market activity is expected to remain flat to down, focusing on maintenance and efficiency rather than growth [19] - Midstream sector is benefiting from structural growth drivers, including natural gas infrastructure expansion and LNG development [19] - Gas utility market is expected to grow in 2026, with initiatives like the M-Tech gas meter solution aimed at increasing customer wallet share [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The merger with MRC Global is expected to significantly increase scale, diversify sector reach, and enhance competitive positioning across various markets [12] - The company aims to achieve $70 million in cost synergies within three years of the merger, with $23 million expected by the end of the first year [13] - Focus on operational improvements, including branch footprint optimization and investments in inventory systems, to enhance service levels [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges ERP challenges impacting U.S. MRC Global operations but is optimistic about resolving these issues [16][19] - The company plans to delay guidance until operational stability is achieved, emphasizing the importance of integration and customer service [49] - Long-term growth is anticipated through improved competitiveness, better supplier relationships, and leveraging combined inventories [80] Other Important Information - The company changed its inventory valuation method to LIFO, which is expected to better reflect current costs [32] - Adjusted net income for Q4 was $23 million or $0.15 per share, down from $28 million or $0.26 per share in Q3 [39] - The balance sheet remains healthy with liquidity of $588 million and a leverage ratio of 1.2x [40] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of MRC's ERP transition on Q4 and resolution timeline - ERP issues are limited to U.S. MRC only, with notable revenue loss attributed to the implementation in Q3 and Q4 [55][56] - Management is focused on resolving core infrastructure issues and has mobilized resources to mitigate customer service impacts [58][59] Question: Growth expectations for 2026 - Upstream is expected to be flat to down, while midstream and gas utilities are anticipated to grow [61][63] - Management is confident in recovering lost revenue momentum as ERP issues are resolved [64] Question: Cost synergy targets and drivers - Improved cost synergy targets are driven by urgency to resolve ERP issues and fast-tracking migration to SAP [66] - Long-term opportunities for cost savings may exceed initial projections, but management is cautious about making definitive statements [68] Question: Long-term vision for revenue growth and profit margins - Overall business is expected to have flattish revenue, with opportunities for growth through synergies and acquisitions [77] - Long-term benefits from the merger include better competitiveness and improved margins in the 8% EBITDA range [80]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q4 2025 was $959 million, up 51% or $325 million from Q3 2025, driven by $388 million from MRC Global contributions during the stub period [22] - Full year 2025 revenue totaled $2.8 billion, an increase of $447 million or 19% from 2024, marking the fifth consecutive year of growth for DNOW [22] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was $61 million, or 6.4% of revenue, while full year EBITDA was $209 million, or 7.4% of revenue [22][23] - Legacy DNOW achieved a record full-year EBITDA of $199 million in 2025, with EBITDA as a percentage of revenue reaching 8.2% [8][9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. revenue for Q4 2025 was $765 million, with MRC Global contributing $298 million; legacy DNOW's revenue was $467 million, down approximately 10% sequentially [23] - Canadian revenue for Q4 was $51 million, down 4% sequentially, while full year Canadian revenue was $214 million [23] - International revenue for Q4 was $143 million, with legacy DNOW International revenue at $53 million, down 7.5% year-over-year [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Upstream market activity is expected to remain flat to down, focusing on maintenance and efficiency rather than growth [16] - Midstream sector benefits from structural growth drivers, including natural gas infrastructure expansion and LNG development [16] - Gas utility market is expected to grow in 2026, supported by modernization efforts [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The merger with MRC Global enhances scale, diversifies sector reach, and expands the addressable market, solidifying DNOW's competitive position [10] - The company aims to achieve $70 million in cost synergies within three years, with $23 million expected by the end of the first year [11] - Focus on integrating operations, optimizing supply chains, and capturing identified cost synergies while maintaining customer service [38] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges ERP challenges impacting U.S. MRC Global operations but is optimistic about resolving these issues [12][14] - The company plans to reinstate guidance once operational stability is achieved, emphasizing the importance of integration and customer service [40][41] - Long-term growth is expected through improved competitiveness, better product availability, and enhanced relationships with suppliers [70] Other Important Information - The company changed its inventory valuation method to LIFO, which better reflects current costs due to commodity price fluctuations [26] - Transaction-related costs and foreign currency translation adjustments negatively impacted net loss in Q4, totaling $147 million [31] - The balance sheet remains healthy with $588 million in liquidity and a leverage ratio of 1.2x [32][33] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of MRC's ERP transition on Q4 and resolution timeline - Management indicated that ERP issues are limited to U.S. MRC only and have caused notable revenue declines in Q3 and Q4; efforts are underway to resolve these issues [47][48] Question: Growth expectations for 2026 - Management expects upstream markets to remain flat to down, while midstream and gas utilities are anticipated to grow; overall revenue is expected to be flattish [52][54] Question: Cost synergy targets and drivers - Improved cost synergy targets are driven by urgency to resolve ERP issues, with potential for exceeding initial savings projections [55][59] Question: Long-term vision for revenue growth and profit margins - Management envisions long-term growth through better competitiveness and improved supplier relationships, aiming for EBITDA margins in the 8% range [66][70] Question: Retaining key employees during ERP challenges - The company is focused on rewarding top talent and ensuring they are involved in decision-making to retain key employees during the transition [71][73]

Core Viewpoint - DNOW Inc. has scheduled a conference call to discuss its financial results for the fourth quarter and full-year 2025, indicating a proactive approach to investor communication and transparency [1]. Group 1: Conference Call Details - The conference call is set for February 20, 2026, at 8:00 am (US Central Time) [1]. - Financial results for the fourth quarter and the year ending December 31, 2025, will be released before the market opens on the same day [1]. - The call will be available via the Investor Relations link on DNOW's website and will be listen-only [1]. Group 2: Company Overview - DNOW Inc. is a leading provider of energy and industrial solutions with over 160 years of experience in distributing pipe, valves, fittings (PVF), gas products, pumps, and fabricated equipment [1]. - The company is headquartered in Houston, Texas, and employs approximately 5,300 individuals, supported by a global distribution and engineering network [1]. - DNOW offers a comprehensive range of supply chain solutions and technical product expertise, enhanced by advanced digital offerings [1].

Core Insights - Friedman Industries, Incorporated (FRD) has been upgraded to "Outperform" from "Neutral" following a record-volume quarter and the acquisition of Century Metals, marking a transition to a larger operational scale [1] - The stock is currently trading close to tangible book value, suggesting the market views FRD more as a commodity distributor rather than a growing service-center network with enhanced geography and product offerings [1] Acquisition and Synergies - The acquisition of Century Metals expands FRD's product offerings beyond flat-roll and pipe to include cold-rolled, coated sheet, stainless, and non-ferrous products, enhancing its Southeast footprint and opening new demand channels in Latin America [2] - Management anticipates "promising synergies" from the acquisition, with initial benefits including volume smoothing to offset seasonal slowdowns [2] Valuation Metrics - FRD's tangible book value per share has been increasing, yet the stock trades at approximately 0.9x P/B, which is below several peers despite the expanded earnings capacity from the Century acquisition [3] - Near-term earnings are impacted by integration costs and a non-normalized steel margin environment, with the company incurring about $0.9 million in one-time acquisition expenses in Q2 fiscal 2026 [4] Capacity Expansion - Organic capacity growth is a significant driver for FRD, with the new Sinton, TX facility reaching full capacity and delivering the highest margins in the system [5] - Additional processing capacity is being added across the network, including $1.9 million for equipment upgrades at Granite City, IL, which supports continued tonnage growth and lower unit costs [6] Insider Activity - Recent modest insider buying is notable given the stock's pricing near book value, indicating that insiders perceive the current valuation as misaligned with the company's expanding earnings and capacity [7] Structural Positioning and Outlook - FRD is enhancing its operational scale with the Century acquisition, which adds new geographies and higher-value products, while upgrades at Granite City and Sinton facilities are expected to improve throughput and margins [11] - If integration and capacity expansion continue successfully, FRD is positioned to increase earnings in the next up-cycle, with the market not yet reflecting this operational leverage in its valuation [12]

Core Viewpoint - DNOW Inc. has successfully completed its acquisition of MRC Global Inc., creating a leading solutions provider in the energy and industrial markets [1][11]. Company Overview - DNOW is a premier energy and industrial solutions provider with over 160 years of experience, specializing in the distribution of pipe, valves, fittings, pumps, and fabricated equipment [5]. - The company is headquartered in Houston, Texas, employing approximately 5,000 individuals and operating a global network of distribution and engineering locations [5]. Merger Details - Under the merger agreement, each share of MRC Global's common stock was converted into the right to receive 0.9489 shares of DNOW's common stock [2]. - The total value of the all-stock transaction is approximately $1.5 billion, which includes MRC Global's net debt [13]. Strategic Benefits - The merger is expected to enhance DNOW's earnings durability, cash flow, and financial position, allowing the company to capitalize on growth opportunities across various sectors [3]. - DNOW anticipates generating $70 million in annual cost synergies within three years post-merger through operational efficiencies and streamlined corporate structures [6]. Market Position and Growth Opportunities - The combined entity will serve a broader mix of customers in essential energy infrastructure, including sectors such as chemical processing, municipal water, utilities, mining, and power generation [6]. - The merger expands DNOW's geographic footprint and distribution presence across the U.S., Canada, and other international markets, with over 350 service and distribution locations in more than 20 countries [6].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q3 2025 was $634 million, up 1% or $6 million from Q2 2025, marking the highest revenue quarter in almost six years [17][19] - EBITDA for Q3 was $51 million, or 8% of revenue, marking the 14th consecutive quarter of approximately 7% EBITDA or better [17][19] - Net income attributable to DNOW for Q3 was $25 million or $0.23 per fully diluted share, with a Non-GAAP net income of $28 million or $0.26 per fully diluted share [20][19] - Free cash flow for Q3 was $39 million, elevating year-to-date free cash flow to $58 million, with expectations to approach $150 million for the full year 2025 [8][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. revenue totaled $527 million, effectively flat sequentially but up $45 million or 9% year-over-year, with U.S. Energy Centers contributing approximately 73% of total U.S. revenue [18][19] - Canada revenue was $53 million, up $5 million or 10% sequentially, while international revenue was $54 million, up $2 million or 4% sequentially [18][19] - The midstream sector accounted for 24% of overall DNOW revenue, with strong demand for pipe, valves, and fittings supporting several capital projects [10][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the U.S., rig count decreased by 5% sequentially, and completions declined by 6% in Q3, indicating a cautious market environment [8][9] - Demand for products improved in the Haynesville region, primarily tied to new construction linked to increased demand for power generation and LNG exports [9][10] - Internationally, growth was observed in the Middle East and Singapore, driven by high demand for FPSO conversions and LNG module fabrication [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to invest in organic growth and pursue acquisitions, particularly in process solutions, to enhance service and product offerings [16][23] - The announced merger with MRC Global is expected to generate $70 million in annual cost synergies within three years, enhancing DNOW's earnings durability and cash flow [24][25] - The focus remains on retaining top talent and leveraging combined resources to grow business with existing and prospective customers [34][44] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving the fifth consecutive year of revenue growth, despite macro challenges such as customer consolidations and geopolitical uncertainties [27][29] - The outlook for Q4 anticipates typical seasonal decreases in revenue, with expectations for mid-single-digit percentage growth compared to Q4 2024 [26][27] - Full year 2025 EBITDA is projected to approach 8% of revenues, with free cash flow expected to reach approximately $150 million [27] Other Important Information - The company ended Q3 with zero debt and a cash position of $266 million, an increase of $34 million sequentially [20][21] - Accounts receivable was $429 million with days sales outstanding improving to 62 days, while inventory was $377 million, down $6 million from Q2 2025 [21][22] - The company has completed acquisitions totaling $122 million over the last 12 months and returned $32 million to shareholders through share repurchases [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on MRC Global merger and cost synergies - Management confirmed focus on achieving the $70 million synergy target and emphasized the importance of retaining top talent to maximize performance [34][35] Question: Challenges in integration and risk management - The biggest challenge is to engage employees and promote the future of the combined company to avoid revenue leakage during integration [38][39] Question: Growth opportunities in U.S. revenue and market share - Management believes the merger will enhance growth opportunities and market share in upstream sectors [44] Question: Visibility on FlexFlow and EcoVapor growth opportunities - Management indicated plans to continue evaluating and investing in these areas for growth, particularly in midstream and adjacent markets [49][70] Question: Update on gross margins and pricing environment - Management highlighted a focus on maximizing gross margins and navigating inflationary pressures while remaining competitive [63][64] Question: Opportunities in data centers and industrial markets - Management discussed growth prospects in midstream and data center markets, emphasizing the importance of providing necessary infrastructure [71][75]

Core Insights - NOW reported strong financial performance in Q2 2025, with non-GAAP EPS of $0.27, exceeding analyst expectations by 28.2% and GAAP revenue of $628 million, also above estimates [1][5] - The company achieved record EBITDA of $51 million, marking a 2% increase year-over-year, despite a slight decline in GAAP revenue compared to Q2 2024 [2][5] - Free cash flow reached $41 million, a significant increase of 115.8% year-over-year, indicating robust cash generation capabilities [2][6] Financial Performance - Non-GAAP EPS for Q2 2025 was $0.27, compared to estimates of $0.21 and $0.25 in Q2 2024, reflecting an 8% year-over-year increase [2][5] - GAAP revenue was reported at $628 million, down 0.8% from $633 million in Q2 2024, but above the estimate of $612.7 million [2][5] - EBITDA (Non-GAAP) was $51 million, representing 8.1% of revenue, a record high for the company [5] - Cash and cash equivalents stood at $232 million, down 9.4% from $256 million year-over-year, with no long-term debt [2][6] Business Overview - NOW operates as an industrial distributor, focusing on supplying pipe, valves, fittings, pumps, and automation control equipment to energy and industrial markets across approximately 165 locations globally [3] - The company is strategically positioned to leverage its distribution network for timely product delivery and is adopting digital solutions like the DigitalNOW platform to enhance procurement and workflow [4] Strategic Focus - The company is emphasizing growth in sustainable and adjacent industrial segments, with a focus on deep customer relationships and effective inventory management [4] - A pending merger with MRC Global is expected to enhance operational capabilities and market reach [4] Regional Performance - U.S. revenue for Q2 2025 was $528 million, an increase from $512 million in Q2 2024, driven by midstream project demand [7] - Canadian and international segments experienced declines due to the absence of one-time project revenue and strategic exits from less profitable regions [7][12] Product and Digital Initiatives - NOW's diversified product portfolio includes traditional offerings and solutions for automation and environmental sustainability, with digital revenue accounting for 53% of SAP-based sales [8][13] - The DigitalNOW platform is a key initiative aimed at improving procurement efficiency and integrating AI for document processing [11] Outlook - Management anticipates flat to high-single-digit percent revenue growth for 2025 compared to 2024, with EBITDA margins expected to approach 8% of revenue [14] - The company is targeting $150 million in free cash flow for 2025, maintaining its forward guidance [14]