ProCore (NYSE:PCOR) — mrkt cap $8.9B; Price $57.23; EV/EBITDA NA
PASS. Procore Technologies is a cloud-based construction management software company that helps construction firms manage projects, resources, and financials from planning through completion. Procore serves contractors, owners, and subcontractors across the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. It boasts almost 1T of construction spend on its platform with majority of spend in the USA and revenue retention rates ~95%. While it is a market leader with competition such as Autodesk in a distant second, and there are large growth opportunities, at 8x revenue it is too lofty a multiple to consider a position.
Ascent Industries (NAS:ACNT) — mrkt cap $128mm; Price $12.7; EV/EBITDA 36.5
PASS. We’ve been evaluating U.S. steel names in light of the 25% March tariffs on steel and aluminum. Ascent initially looked interesting as a small-cap with domestic steel exposure. The company operates in two unrelated segments: steel tubing and specialty chemicals. Its tubular steel business has seen six consecutive years of revenue decline, while the chemical segment has grown at a 6.9% CAGR. Management appears focused on divesting steel assets and reinvesting into the higher-margin chemical business. We find valuing the remaining chemical business challenging and will prioritize companies that benefit more directly from the tariffs.
Tantalus Systems (OTCQX: TGMPF) — mrkt cap $66mm; Price $1.38; EV/EBITDA 139.5
MORE RESEARCH NEEDED. Tantalus operates at the intersection of hardware, software, and IoT communications for grid modernization, serving over 300 public power and electric cooperative utilities. The company helps utilities extend the life of existing grid infrastructure rather than pursue costly overhauls—critical for budget-constrained municipal operators. Its solutions focus on advanced metering, edge analytics, and real-time grid visibility, enabling utilities to identify vulnerabilities and optimize performance. Revenue and headcount have grown steadily in recent years. Tantalus is currently rolling out its next-generation TRUSense Gateway, already deployed by 27 utilities, which expands sensing capabilities and supports integration with EVs and distributed energy resources. While the opportunity appears compelling, further diligence is needed to assess the adoption curve and long-term competitive positioning of its new platform.