Planet MicroCap Podcast | MicroCap Investing Strategies

Ascent Industries (NASDAQ: ACNT): Industrial Manufacturing Company Focused on Specialty Chemicals and Stainless Steel Tubular Products

Mar 13, 2025

In this engaging discussion, Brian Kitchen, the President & CEO of Ascent Industries Co., and CFO Ryan Kavalauskas share their vision for transforming the company's focus back to specialty chemicals. They delve into their strategies for stabilizing operations, optimizing costs, and achieving profitable growth. Brian highlights their unique market capabilities while Ryan addresses common investor confusions about the business mix. Together, they outline a path to profitability and a compelling three-to-five year vision, emphasizing the company's agility in a competitive landscape.

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INSIGHT

Back To Specialty Chemicals

Ascent Industries is a 75-year industrial manufacturer with two divisions: specialty chemicals and stainless steel tubulars.
Leadership is refocusing the company back to its specialty chemicals roots to drive growth.

ANECDOTE

Rapid Customer Solution Win

Brian recalled a Good Friday call where his team delivered a new formulation within days and completed field trials in weeks.
That rapid response won a new customer and illustrates their agility in product innovation.

INSIGHT

Small Team Versus Big Competitors

Ascent competes with large multi-billion dollar chemical companies but wins by optimizing costs and staying agile.
They leverage a small, empowered team to go toe-to-toe with much larger rivals.

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My guest on the show today is Brian Kitchen, President & CEO, Ryan Kavalauskas CFO of Ascent Industries Co. (NASDAQ: ACNT). Ascent Industries Co. is a company that engages in a number of diverse business activities including the production of specialty chemicals and industrial tubular products. Ascent will be joining us in Las Vegas, and I invited the team on to learn more about:

History of Ascent Industries
Brian and Ryan's background and why they decided to join Ascent; and,
Their experience turning around specialty chemicals businesses
Path to profitability while still focused on growth, and
3-5 year vision for the company

For more information about Ascent Industries, please visit: https://ascentco.com/

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