Ascent Industries (ACNT) maps $63M war chest after $14M coatings deal
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Ascent Industries Co. (ACNT) furnished an investor presentation outlining its transformation into a focused specialty chemicals company, heavy use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures, and detailed strategy around stabilization, optimization and scaled growth.
Management highlights large TTM Adjusted EBITDA gains, including a $8.2 million$1.79 million12.4% of shares outstanding between January 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026 and emphasizes capital allocation priorities favoring high-ROIC organic projects, selective M&A and valuation-sensitive buybacks.
Ascent completed its first acquisition under current management, buying Midwest Graphic Sales & Sigma Coatings for $14.00 million (2025 revenue $10.8 million, Adjusted EBITDA $2.07 million, 19.1% margin) at a 6.8x entry multiple, presented as immediately accretive with integration tracking ahead of plan. Liquidity is described as strong, with approximately $33 million debt capacity, about $30 million cash and over $63 million total capacity to invest in growth and acquisitions.
Positive
- TTM Adjusted EBITDA up 100.2%, increasing by $8.2M through Q3 2025, with a further 167.3% TTM Adjusted EBITDA increase of $1.79M when comparing TTM Q2 2026 vs. Q1 2026.
- 12.4% of outstanding shares repurchased between Jan. 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026, signaling active, valuation-sensitive capital return.
- Midwest Graphic Sales & Sigma Coatings acquired for $14.0M with 2025 revenue of $10.8M and Adjusted EBITDA of $2.07M (19.1% margin), at a 6.8x entry multiple and presented as accretive from day one.
- Company cites ~$33M debt capacity, ~$30M cash and ~$63M+ total capacity to invest, supporting its plan for organic growth and disciplined M&A.
Negative
- Specialty Chemicals Adjusted EBITDA for the six months ended June 30, 2026 was $0.743M versus $4.510M in 2025, indicating a substantial year-over-year decline.
- Specialty Chemicals Adjusted EBITDA margin for Q2 2026 was 7.3%, down from 13.6% in Q2 2025, reflecting weaker segment profitability despite the broader turnaround narrative.
Insights
Analyzing...
8-K Event Classification
2 items: 7.01, 9.01
2 items
Item 7.01
Regulation FD Disclosure
Disclosure
Material non-public information disclosed under Regulation Fair Disclosure, often investor presentations or guidance.
Item 9.01
Financial Statements and Exhibits
Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, or exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Key Figures
TTM Adjusted EBITDA increase: $8.2M (100.2%)
TTM Adjusted EBITDA increase Q2 2026 vs Q1 2026: $1.79M (167.3%)
Share repurchases: 12.4% of outstanding shares
+5 more
8 metrics
TTM Adjusted EBITDA increase
$8.2M (100.2%)
Increase in TTM Adjusted EBITDA through Q3 2025 from continuing operations
TTM Adjusted EBITDA increase Q2 2026 vs Q1 2026
$1.79M (167.3%)
Increase in TTM Adjusted EBITDA comparing TTM Q2 2026 vs TTM Q1 2026
Share repurchases
12.4% of outstanding shares
Repurchased between Jan. 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026, based on OS as of 12/31/2024
Midwest purchase price
$14.00 MM
Acquisition of Midwest Graphic Sales & Sigma Coatings, pre NWC adjustment
Midwest 2025 Adjusted EBITDA
$2.07 MM
2025 unaudited Adjusted EBITDA, 19.1% Adjusted EBITDA margin
Specialty Chemicals Adjusted EBITDA
$0.743M
Six months ended June 30, 2026 vs $4.510M in 2025
Debt capacity
~$33M
Estimated debt capacity available for investment
Total capacity to invest
~$63+M
Combination of debt capacity and cash available for investment
Key Terms
Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Adjusted EBITDA, Regulation FD, CaaS model, +2 more
6 terms
Non-GAAP Financial Measures financial
"The Investor Presentation includes financial information not prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“Non-GAAP Financial Measures”)."
Non-GAAP financial measures are numbers companies use to show their financial performance that exclude certain expenses or income. They help investors see how the company might perform without one-time costs or other unusual items, giving a different perspective from official reports. However, since they can be adjusted, they don’t always tell the full story and should be looked at alongside standard financial figures.
Adjusted EBITDA financial
"Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure that the Company believes is useful to investors…"
Adjusted EBITDA is a way companies measure how much money they make from their core operations, like running a business, by removing certain costs or income that aren’t part of regular business activities. It helps investors see how well a company is doing without distractions from unusual expenses or gains, making it easier to compare companies or track performance over time.
Regulation FD regulatory
"Item 7.01. Regulation FD Disclosure."
Regulation FD is a rule that prevents company insiders, like executives, from sharing important information with some people before others get it. It matters because it helps ensure all investors have equal access to key news, making the stock market fairer and reducing chances of insider trading.
CaaS model financial
"ASCENT (CaaS Model) Chemical Manufacturers Toll Manufacturers Custom Manufacturers…"
OTIF technical
"Achieved 100% OTIF performance while shortening lead times…"
OTIF stands for "on-time, in-full," a performance measure showing the share of customer orders delivered both when promised and with the correct quantity. Think of it as a reliability score—like a restaurant consistently serving the right meal on time—used by investors to judge a company’s supply-chain efficiency, customer satisfaction, and potential risks to sales or costs if deliveries are late or incomplete.
Intrinsic value financial
"$16.72 MM INTRINSIC VALUE"
Intrinsic value is the true or actual worth of an asset based on its fundamental qualities, such as its income-generating ability or underlying assets, rather than its current market price. It helps investors determine whether an asset is overvalued or undervalued by comparing its real worth to its market value, much like estimating the true value of a used car beyond its sticker price based on its condition and history.
FAQ
What is Ascent Industries Co. (ACNT) primarily communicating in this 8-K?
Ascent Industries is furnishing an investor presentation describing its specialty chemicals focus, management-led turnaround, use of Non-GAAP measures, strong TTM Adjusted EBITDA growth, capital allocation framework, and the recently completed acquisition of Midwest Graphic Sales & Sigma Coatings.
How much stock has ACNT repurchased recently?
Ascent reports it has repurchased 12.4% of outstanding shares between January 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026, based on shares outstanding as of December 31, 2024, using buybacks as a flexible, valuation-sensitive capital allocation tool.
What are the key terms of Ascent’s acquisition of Midwest Graphic Sales & Sigma Coatings?
Ascent acquired Midwest for a $14.00M purchase price, including $12.95M cash at close and a $1.05M escrow (7.5%). Midwest generated $10.8M 2025 revenue and $2.07M Adjusted EBITDA (19.1% margin), implying a 6.8x entry multiple.
What liquidity and investment capacity does ACNT report?
The company cites approximately $33M debt capacity, about $30M cash, and over $63M of total capacity to invest, supporting its stated priorities of funding high-ROIC organic growth, selective M&A, and opportunistic share repurchases.
How is ACNT’s Specialty Chemicals segment performing on Adjusted EBITDA?
Specialty Chemicals Adjusted EBITDA was $1.886M for Q2 2026 (7.3% margin) versus $2.540M (13.6% margin) in Q2 2025. For the six months ended June 30, 2026, it was $0.743M compared with $4.510M in the prior-year period.
What non-GAAP metrics does ACNT emphasize and how are they used?
Ascent emphasizes Adjusted EBITDA, which excludes interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and specified transaction-related items. Management states it uses these measures to evaluate operating performance, plan strategy, and help investors compare results across periods.
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): August 26, 2026
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (Commission File Number) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | ||||||||||||
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) | |||||||||||||
| (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) | ||||||||||||||
| (Former name or former address if changed since last report) | ||||||||||||||
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol | Name of exchange on which registered | ||||||
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (17 CFR §230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (17 CFR §240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Item 7.01. Regulation FD Disclosure.
On August 26, 2026, representatives of the Company will make a presentation to investors using slides containing the information attached to this Current Report on Form 8-K as Exhibit 99.1 (the “Investor Presentation”) and incorporated herein by reference.
The Investor Presentation includes financial information not prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“Non-GAAP Financial Measures”). A reconciliation of the Non-GAAP Financial Measures to financial information prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), as required by Regulation G, is included within Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K. The Company is providing disclosure of the reconciliation of reported Non-GAAP Financial Measures used in the Investor Presentation, among other places, to its comparable financial measures on a GAAP basis. The Company believes that the Non-GAAP Financial Measures provide investors additional ways to view our operations, when considered with both our GAAP results and the reconciliation to net income and net cash provided by operating activities, which we believe provide a more complete understanding of our business than could be obtained absent this disclosure. We believe the Non-GAAP Financial Measures also provide investors a useful tool to assess shareholder value.
By filing this Current Report on Form 8-K and furnishing the information contained herein, the Company makes no admission as to the materiality of any information in this report that is required to be disclosed solely by reason of Regulation FD.
The information contained in the Investor Presentation is summary information that is intended to be considered in the context of the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filings and other public announcements that the Company may make, by press release or otherwise, from time to time. The Company undertakes no duty or obligation to publicly update or revise the information contained in this report, although it may do so from time to time as its management believes is warranted. Any such updating may be made through the filing of other reports or documents with the SEC, through press releases or through other public disclosure.
The information presented in Item 7.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K and Exhibit 99.1 shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, unless the Company specifically states that the information is to be considered “filed” under the Exchange Act or specifically incorporates it by reference into a filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act.
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits
(d) Exhibits
| Exhibit Number | Description of Exhibit | ||||
99.1 | Investor Presentation dated August 26, 2026 | ||||
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) | ||||
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
| Ascent Industries Co. | |||||
| Dated: August 26, 2026 | By: /s/ Ryan Kavalauskas | ||||
| Ryan Kavalauskas | |||||
| Chief Financial Officer | |||||
ACNTNASDAQ Midwest IDEAS Conference 2026 August 26, 2026
Forward-Looking Statements This presentation includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other applicable federal securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements can be identified through the use of words such as "estimate," "project," "intend," "expect," "believe," "should," "anticipate," "hope," "optimistic," "plan," "outlook," "should," "could," "may" and similar expressions. The forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including without limitation those identified below, which could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or those anticipated. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The following factors could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or those anticipated: adverse economic conditions, including risks relating to the impact and spread of and the government’s response to pandemics; inability to weather an economic downturn; the impact of competitive products and pricing; product demand and acceptance risks; raw material and other increased costs, including the impact of tariffs; raw material availability; financial stability of the Company’s customers; customer delays or difficulties in the production of products; loss of consumer or investor confidence; employee relations; ability to maintain workforce by hiring trained employees; labor efficiencies; risks associated with acquisitions; environmental issues; negative or unexpected results from tax law changes; inability to comply with covenants and ratios required by the Company’s debt financing arrangements; and other risks detailed from time-to-time in Ascent Industries Co.'s Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K, which filings are available from the SEC. Ascent Industries Co. assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information included in this release. Non-GAAP Financial Information Financial statement information included in this earnings release includes non-GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) measures and should be read along with the accompanying tables which provide a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to GAAP measures. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure that the Company believes is useful to investors in evaluating its results to determine the value of a company. An item is excluded in the measure if its periodic value is inconsistent and sufficiently material that not identifying the item would render period comparability less meaningful to the reader or if including the item provides a clearer representation of normalized periodic earnings. The Company excludes in Adjusted EBITDA two categories of items: 1) Base EBITDA components, including: interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, and 2) Material transaction costs including: goodwill impairment, asset impairment, gain on lease modification, stock-based compensation, non-cash lease cost, acquisition costs and other fees, shelf registration costs, loss on extinguishment of debt, retention costs and restructuring & severance costs from net income. Management believes that these non-GAAP measures are useful because they are key measures used by our management team to evaluate our operating performance, generate future operating plans and make strategic decisions as well as allow readers to compare the financial results between periods. Non-GAAP measures should not be considered as an alternative to any measure of performance or financial condition as promulgated under GAAP, and investors should consider the Company's performance and financial condition as reported under GAAP and all other relevant information when assessing the performance or financial condition of the Company. Non-GAAP measures have limitations as analytical tools, and investors should not consider them in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the Company's results or financial condition as reported under GAAP. Forward Looking Statement Safe Harbor and Non-GAAP Information 2
Kitchen, Kavalauskas, and many of their management team counterparts have previously worked together, a synergy that has had an undeniable impact on Ascent's operational and financial performance since assuming their roles in early 2024 CEO & CFO Have a Proven Track Record of Making Good Specialty Chemical Companies Great Bryan Kitchen President & Chief Executive Officer Bryan joined Ascent in September 2023 to lead the specialty chemicals segment; promoted to president & CEO in February 2024 Prior to joining Ascent, Bryan led the stabilization, turnaround and successful sale of Clearon Corp to Solenis Previous experience: Ryan Kavalauskas Chief Financial Officer Ryan joined Ascent as CFO in February 2024 Prior to joining Ascent, Ryan was the CFO at Clearon and played an instrumental role in the stabilization, turnaround and successful sale of Clearon Corp to Solenis Previous Experience: Built to deliver durable shareholder value. Led by those who’ve done it before, together.
After 75 years, we are going back to our roots as a Specialty Chemical Company Company Founded Blackman Uhler Industries, Inc. was founded in 1945, marking the company’s entry into the specialty chemical market. Bristol Metals Blackman Uhler Industries, Inc. acquired Bristol Metals, initiating the company's expansion into the stainless-steel industry and further diversifying its operations. Synalloy Corporation Blackman Uhler Industries Inc., changes name to Synalloy Corporation. Initial Public Offering Synalloy Corporation launched its initial public offering on the NASDAQ Stock Exchange, trading under the ticker symbol SYNL. Manufacturers Chemicals Synalloy Corporation acquires Manufacturers Chemicals, significantly expanding the company’s footprint in the specialty chemicals sector and diversifying its product offering Rite Industries Synalloy Corporation combined its textile dyes business with Rite Industries to form a new subsidiary, Blackman Uhler Specialties. Palmer of Texas Tanks Synalloy Corporation acquired Palmer of Texas Tanks, a premier manufacturer of fiberglass and stainless storage tanks used primarily in the oil industry. CRI Tolling In line with its long- term commitment to the chemical industry, Synalloy Corporation acquired CRI Tolling, marking its first foray into specialty chemical custom manufacturing. Specialty Pipe & Tube Synalloy Corporation advanced its vertical integration and expanded its metals business by acquiring Specialty Pipe & Tube and the U.S. assets of Marcegaglia in 2014. Marcegaglia USA Further expanding its metal business, in 2016, Synalloy Corporation acquired the stainless- steel pipe and tube assets of Marcegaglia USA. Marcegaglia USA Synalloy Corporation made yet another acquisition acquiring the galvanized pipe and tube assets of Marcegaglia USA. American Stainless Tubing, Inc. Synalloy Corporation further diversified through the acquisition of American Stainless Tubing Inc., a leading manufacturer of ornamental stainless- steel tubing. DanChem Technologies Expanding on its presence in specialty chemicals custom manufacturing, Synalloy Corporation acquired DanChem Technologies in 2021 from Edgewater Capital Partners. Ascent Industries Co. Synalloy Corporation rebranded to Ascent Industries Co., trading on the NASDAQ Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol ACNT. Divestiture of Specialty Pipe & Tube Executing against its strategic plan, Ascent sold the business and related assets of Specialty Pipe & Tube to a Financial Sponsor. Portfolio Optimization Ascent sells substantially all operating assets associated with the Tubular segment 1945 1964 1967 1980 1996 2003 2012 2013 2014 2016 2018 2019 2021 2022 2023 20252024 4 Domestic Manufacturing Sites 6 Manufacturing Plants ~95% Revenue Supported With Domestic Raw Materials 1945 Founded ~200 Employees 230+ Customers $74.9M 2025 Revenue 4 2026 Midwest Graphic Supply Ascent acquires Midwest Graphic Supply and Sigma Coatings, a specialty formulator of customized coatings for high-value packaging, food-service and other consumer applications Management Turnaround Kitchen & Kavalauskas installed as CEO and CFO respectively; high- impact team was assembled to accelerate transformation and unlock shareholder value
The Strategy Hasn’t Changed. The Evidence Has. What We Said Two Years Ago What The Busienss Is Now Showing Stabilize. Strengthen the foundation and improve operational performance. Record TTM Revenue. Highest in Company history since COVID. Optimize. Drive efficiency, eliminate waste and improve margins. Record TTM EBITDA. Highest in Company history since COVID. Scale. Grow through commercial execution and core technologies. Record Pipeline. Strongest in Company’s history. Allocate Capital. Invest in the highest return opportunities. MGS Ahead of Plan. Integration on track with accretive earnings impact. Build Earnings Power. Create a more profitable, resilient Ascent. Organic Growth Above Market. Outpacing specialty chemical market performance. Our strategy has remained remarkably consistent. The difference today is that the business is now producing the evidence we expected to see in the early innings of the transformation.
TTM Highlights 12.4% Outstanding Shares Repurchased Jan. 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026 First Acquisition Completed in Q22026 Accretive on Day-1; Integration Ahead of Plan % Based on OS as of 12/31/2024 $10M Growth Program Win in Q42025 for 2026 Impact PR dated 12/1/2025 PR dated 5/6/2026 Increase in TTM Adj. EBITDA TTM Increase / $8.2M100.2% Continuing Operations Performance Through Q32025 9.2 Increase in TTM Revenue TTM Increase / $7.0M Continuing Operations Performance Comparing TTM Q22026 vs Q12026 6 Increase in TTM Adj. EBITDA TTM Increase / $1.79M167.3% Continuing Operations Performance Comparing TTM Q22026 vs Q12026 $2.1M Annualized Cash Liberated via Munhall Lease Assignment PR dated 11/17/2025
Pure-Play Who We Are, What We Do & How We Operate Specialty Chemicals Company
Life Sciences Performance Materials HI&I Personal Care Agriculture CASE Water Treatment Oil & Gas Pulp & Paper Where We Participate We deliver tailored specialty- chemistry solutions at scale across an array of high-value segments Textiles
Our Strategy & Operating Model O U TCO M E S OV E R E V E RY T H I N G . We’re building a platform that solves real problems across the value chain,not just by providing products or capacity, but by offering a full suite of services: formulation development,reaction capabilities,blending,packaging, logistics,regulatory support and reliable delivery.
THE CHALLENGE Unexpected supply disruption surfaced when a critical additive was discontinued. With no immediate replacement available, their drilling fluid system risked operational downtime and performance instability across active field operations. CUSTOM FORMULATION DEVELOPMENT Developed and evaluated three tailored formulation options optimized for the customer’s mud system, improving handling characteristics and blending compatibility. ACCELERATE SAMPLE DELIVERY Delivered qualified lab samples within three week, enabling rapid field evaluation. PILOT & COMMERCIAL VALIDATION Completed piloting and commercial validation of the selected formulation in just 30 days. RAPID COMMERCIAL LAUNCH Shipped the first commercial truckload within two months of the initial inquiry; qualified at (2) of Ascent’s manufacturing sites WE DELIVERED THE PROCESS 1. Research Conducted 2. Product Development in Lab 3. Customer Lab Qualification 4. Customer Field Qualification 5. Supply Agreement Executed Rapid Reformulation for Drilling Fluid Additive CASE STUDY PRODUCT SALES +$7M 2 mos.in WE SECURED Became a top 5 customer in 2025 Annualized Revenue Growth at Full Run- Rate From Initial Inquiry to First Purchase Order Customized Product Development
Complex Portfolio Transition Under Supply Risk THE CHALLENGE A global leader lost reliable manufacturing across 10+ heritage products with incomplete technical documentation and minimal transition pathways,creating immediate business risk. RAPID CROS S-F UNCTION MOBILIZATION Aligned R&D,Engineering,Operations,and Commercial teams immediately to stabilize supply under compressed timelines. FORMULATION RECONS TRUCTION & VALIDATION Rebuilt technical documentation,developed parallel formulation pathways,and executed accelerated lab and end-user testing. CONCURRENT MULTI-SITE SC A L E - UP Executed parallel trial campaigns across VA and SC,advancing structured batch validation and SOP development to accelerate commercialization. EXECUTION DISCIPLINE & SUPPLY RELIABILITY Achieved 100% OTIF performance while shortening lead times and restoring predictable supply to end users. WE DELIVERED Multiple 4,000 Gal Reactors REACTIONS & POLYMERIZATIONS Overheads w/ Receivers DISTILLATION Multiple Heated Storage Tanks STORAGE Accelerated Multi-Site Technology Transfer +$10M 6 mos.in WE SECURED Will Become a Top 5 Customer in 2026 Annualized Revenue Growth at Full Run- Rate From Initial Inquiry to First Purchase Order CASE STUDY CUSTOM MANUFACTURING MAIN EQUIPMENT USED
SOLUTIONS BUSINESS MODEL Primary Development Formulation Customization Scale-Up Reaction & Drying Blending, Milling & Dispersing Warehousing Logistics Regulatory Products Toll Manufacturing Buy,Build & Operate ASCENT (CaaS Model) Chemical Manufacturers Toll Manufacturers Custom Manufacturers Distributors Integrated Capabilities and Agile Business Models for Superior Customer Outcomes backed by 75Years of Chemical Manufacturing Expertise WhatWe Do Execute a customer-centric chemical supply chain model that fuses development,scale-up,manufacturing(small batch & continuous),compliance and distribution into a unified offering HowWeWin We connectwith customers theway theywant;when,where,and how they choose.Wewin across the Moments that Matter[Development, Contracting,Manufacturing & Fulfillment and Service] Custom Manufacturing
45%55% Ample, underutilized capacity provides a capital-light, low-risk foundation for outsized growth Requiring minimal capital reinvestment to support growth (M USD) Danville, VA Fountain Inn, SC Cleveland, TN Within an asset base capable of supporting significant growth with minimal capital reinvestment $1.3 $1.6 $1.4 $1.7 2 0 2 2 2 0 2 3 2 0 2 4 2 0 2 5 13 U T I L I Z A T I O N A V A I L A B L E C A P A C I T Y
While filling the plants with better quality business that is more predictable and reliable Portfolio Defined, Refined & Rebranded Improving Business Quality 14 $(8.94) $(4.69) $(0.57) $0.72 2 0 2 3 2 0 2 4 2 0 2 5 T T M Adj. EBITDA Business Model (% of Revenue) 10% 27% 30% 33% 90% 73% 70% 67% 2 0 2 3 2 0 2 4 2 0 2 5 2 0 2 6 Product Sale Custom Mfg.
Growth With Current Customers Growth With New Customers P RO J EC T CO U N T 100 S A L E S C YC L E ( M O N T H S ) * 2.87 2025 Pipeline Conversion CO N V E R S I O N R AT E * * 18% QoQ Selling Project Pipeline Growth (M USD) $140 Q22026 Q12026 Q42025 Q32025 Q22025 Q12025 16% P RO J EC T W I N S ( R E V E N U E B A S I S ) 15 P RO J EC T W I N S ( R E V E N U E B A S I S ) By Business Model P RO D U C T S A L E S33% C U S T O M M A N U FAC T U R I N G*Calculated from initial customer engagement to receipt of first purchase order **Calculated as wins divided by all closed projects (won & lost) 84% 67% Driven by a Strong & Growing Selling Project Pipeline Underwritten by customer needs Designed entirely around the customer experience Delivered through technical expertise; scaled with discipline …Outcomes Over Everything 143% CAGR
Impact Investor Friendly Priorities & Actions Capital Allocation
And strong liquidity to support investor- friendly capital allocation priorities Every internal investment and acquisition is about accelerating progress, creating synergies that make sense, and delivering real, sustainable value. It's not only about size, it's about outcomes that matter, both strategically and operationally. Our goal is simple: to align every move with our mission and ensure it drives maximum impact for our shareholders. Financial Profile: $5-150MM Revenue | $0-$25MM EBITDA Investment Type: Private or Publicly Held Asset Types: Specialty Chemicals Manufacturing, Distribution, Product Lines & Brands and Co-Packagers M&A Investment Focus $0 $33.4M * D E B T C A P A C I T Y ~$30M C A P A C I T Y T O I N V E S T ~$63.4M+ + = D E B T C A S H 17 Capital Allocation Active, but Disciplined1. Fund high-ROIC organic growth (top priority). We will underwrite projects where ROIC > WACC and where incremental FCF aligns with the DCF trajectory. 2. Selective, discipline M&A. Accretive on ROIC and FCF per share within a 3–5 year window; avoid growth that dilutes FCF/ROIC just to increase scale. 3. Share repurchases as a flexible, valuation-sensitive tool. Use when shares trade meaningfully below intrinsic value. Avoid growth that dilutes FCF/ROIC just to increase scale Repurchased 12.4% of Outstanding Shares Q12025-Q22026 % Based on OS as of 12/31/2024 *Inclusive of Escrow
First Acquisition by Current Management
PRIMARY SYNERGIES INSOURCING Absorb production into underutilized assets STRATEGIC SOURCING Leverage scale to improve raw material economics COMMERCIAL EXPANSION Cross-selling Ascent portfolio; unleash innovation & growth project pipeline Converts underutilized capacity into margin while unlocking growth that was not achievable at Midwest’s standalone scale S T R AT EG I C O U T CO M E Platform-Driven Growth Unlocks revenue expansion by scaling Midwest’s offerings through Ascent’s platform, capabilities,and customer reach Improved Asset Utilization Customized, customer- and application- specific products we can insource into underutilized assets, driving operating leverage and margin expansion Strategic Fit (CaaS) Direct alignment with our CaaS strategy; expands formulation capabilities,deepens CASE participation, and enables cross- portfolio cross-selling Durable,Embedded Demand Long-tenured customer relationships with high switching costs,supporting recurring revenue and earnings stability Execution-Driven Upside Value supported by current earnings, with incremental upside from strategic sourcing,vertical integration,and customer expansion, not required to justify the base case Revenue & Innovation Continuity Retention of key commercial leadership preserves customer relationships, pipeline,and product development - protecting and extending the growth trajectory W H Y T H I S C R E AT E S VA L U E Acquisition of Midwest Graphic Sales & Sigma Coatings A 40+ year family-owned innovator and specialty formulator of customized coatings for high-value packaging, food- service, and consumer applications Transaction Overview $1.05 MM ESCROW HELD FOR 18 MONTHS 7.5% $14.00 MM PURCHASE PRICE Transaction Summary $12.95 MM CASH AT CLOSE 92.5% Pre NWC-Adjustment Pre NWC-Adjustment
20 Printed Materials Visual Impact | Surface Protection | Tactile Finishes Beverage Packaging Package Integrity | Abrasion Resistance Food Contact Products Structural Integrity | FDA Compliant | Sustainability Playing Cards Slip | Durability | Handling Midwest’s coatings are engineered for high-performance playing cards, including use in the only cards approved for the World Series of Poker. These coatings deliver a precise balance of slip and durability, ensuring smooth handling, controlled shuffling, and long- term performance. Critically, they provide strong resistance to marking, scratching, and surface wear, preserving game integrity and preventing any visual or tactile inconsistencies that could impact play. CUSTOMIZED COATINGS FOR HIGH-VALUE PACKAGING, FOOD-SERVICE, AND CONSUMER APPLICATIONS Midwest’s coatings for food-contact paper products provide effective grease and water resistance, preventing soak-through and maintaining structural integrity during use. Additionally, these coatings are designed to meet FDA compliance requirements, ensuring safe use in direct food contact applications. They are engineered for efficient processing, enabling clean release from plate molds and supporting high-speed forming operations. Midwest’s coatings play a critical role in protecting beverage packaging that is routinely exposed to moisture from refrigeration, condensation, and handling. These coatings create a durable barrier that resists water intrusion, helping maintain package integrity and print quality in demanding retail environments. At the same time, they provide strong abrasion resistance, minimizing scuffing and scratching during transport, stocking, and consumer handling. Midwest’s coatings enhance the visual impact of printed materials by improving gloss, color depth, and image clarity, helping brands stand out on the shelf. They also provide critical surface protection, increasing resistance to scuffing, scratching, and handling throughout distribution. Tailored to deliver specific tactile finishes, such as soft-touch or matte, elevating the overall quality and consumer experience.
Financial Overview $16.72 MM INTRINSIC VALUE $2.07 ADJ. EBITDA (2025A) 6.8x ENTRY MULTIPLE Entry Economics $1.05 MM ESCROW Held for 18 Months 7.5% $14.00 MM PURCHASE PRICE Transaction Summary $12.95 MM CASH AT CLOSE 92.5% Tr ansaction is Under wr itten By: Existing Earnings Quality Demonstrated Margin Profile Durable, Embedded Business Model 16% IRR EXTERNAL SPEND Zero Bankers; Minimal Outside Legal Counsel, limited Q0E. Excludes PPA work or tax work as part of post closing integration. $20K Est. 21 21 MM 2025 AMetric $10.8MMRevenue $2.68MMGross Profit 24.7%Gross Margin $2.07MMAdj. EBITDA 19.1%Adj. EBITDA Margin 2025 Unaudited Financials Pre NWC-Adjustment Pre NWC-Adjustment
Integration Scorecard Executing to plan. Delivering early wins. Creating long-term value. Financial Performance Midwest Graphic Sales & Sigma Coatings Q2 2026 Actual (May & June) Revenue $ 1,868,971 Gross Profit $ 481,225 Gross Margin 26% Adj. EBITDA $ 257,769 Adj. EBITDA Margin 14% Accretive earnings 12-month record sales in June New customer won Price increases executed 39 Details & ProgressStatusFocus Area • Customers retained • Broad price increases executed across the portfolio Customer Retention • Transfer of manufacturing to Ascent facilities on schedule; transition begins in Q4 2026 • On schedule; complex transition Production Transfer • Identified cost synergy opportunities are tracking to plan Cost Synergies • Integration complete as of 6/30/2026 vs. 9/30/2026 commitment Back Office Integration • Service levels maintained with no disruptionQuality & Service • Seamless integration of commercial teams and systems. Pipeline is healthy and expanding Selling Project Pipeline St Strong Start Executing the plan with discipline to capture the full value of this strategic acquisition while maintaining strong performance and customer focus %
2026-2030 Durable Earnings-Growth The Path Forward
Simple and Clear EBITDA Drivers Management Turnaround Structural cost savings with emphasis on strategic sourcing Aggressive management of controllable spend Discipline execution of overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) Optimization of work processes & tools Organic Growth / Operating Leverage Enhanced commercial strategy to grow share of higher- margin products Increase plant utilization Improve fixed cost absorption 2023 ADJ. EBITDA* % 2030 Continuing Operations ADJ. EBITDA Mgmt. Turnaround in 2024/2025 Organic Growth / Operating Leverage Inorganic Growth 24 Completed & Achieved Inorganic Growth Searching for good businesses to make great Leverage market and operational experience to unlock growth Targeting $5-150M revenue and $0-$25M EBITDA * Adj. EBITDA represents the standalone Chemical segment excluding Corporate Overhead 4% 3% 15% U ps id e 8%
Why Invest in Ascent? Portfolio Optimized Strategic clarity. Focus. Efficiency. Stabilized and Growth Ready Predictability. Confidence. Credibility. Reduced risk. Growth Capacity In-Place Optionality. Scale. Margin. Growth. Resilience. Near-Term Upside Undervalued, leverage multiple upside. Strong Balance Sheet Stability. Strategic firepower for earnings-accretive M&A. Under-covered & Under Valued Early discovery can drive outsized investment returns when larger pools of capital follow. ……the right people, proven together, trusted by each other, and aligned to win the next phase
Investor Relations investorrelations@ascentco.com
Appendix
Reconciliations of Non- GAAP Adjusted EBITDA Financials Consolidated EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations: Specialty Chemicals EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA: 28 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, ($ in thousands) 2026 2025 2026 2025 Net loss from continuing operations $ (21) $ (2,447) $ (2,001) $ (4,622) Adjustments: Interest expense (income), net (155) (15) (448) 99 Income taxes 90 (89) 204 80 Depreciation 877 893 1,737 1,870 Amortization 373 153 490 306 EBITDA 1,164 (1,505) (18) (2,267) Acquisition costs and other 176 31 177 268 Shelf registration costs — — 14 — Asset impairments — 1,622 — 1,622 Gain on lease modification — (544) — (544) Stock-based compensation 137 86 270 120 Non-cash lease expense (26) (25) (51) (1) Restructuring and severance cost — — 97 — Adjusted EBITDA $ 1,451 $ (335) $ 489 $ (802) % of sales 5.7 % (1.8) % 1.1 % 2.2 % Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, ($ in thousands) 2026 2025 2026 2025 Net income (loss) $ 656 $ 1,499 $ (1,486) $ 2,237 Adjustments: Interest expense, net 13 15 25 32 Depreciation 835 878 1,652 1,840 Amortization 373 153 490 306 EBITDA 1,877 2,545 681 4,415 Acquisition costs and other — — — 92 Stock-based compensation 24 — 54 — Non-cash lease expense (15) (5) (30) 3 Restructuring and severance costs — — 38 — Specialty Chemicals Adjusted EBITDA $ 1,886 $ 2,540 $ 743 $ 4,510 % of segment sales 7.3 % 13.6 % 1.6 % 12.4 %