Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q3 fiscal 2025, consolidated net sales increased by 4% to $21.5 million compared to Q3 fiscal 2024 [6][15] - Gross margin reached 38.4%, an increase from 38.2% year over year, reflecting a more profitable sales mix [16] - Net income for Q3 fiscal 2025 was $122,000 or $0.01 per diluted share, down from $977,000 or $0.10 per diluted share in Q3 fiscal 2024 [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Xerus Industrial's net sales increased by 7.1%, while ZERUST Oil and Gas net sales decreased by 5.3%, and Natur Tec net sales declined by 1.2% [6][15] - Natur Tec sales were $5.8 million, representing a 1.2% year-over-year decline but a 16.5% sequential increase from Q2 fiscal 2025 [12] - ZERUST Oil and Gas sales were $1.3 million compared to $1.4 million in the same period last year, with a trailing twelve-month sales increase of 15.4% [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Joint venture sales decreased by 12.9% year over year to $2.3 million, attributed to high energy prices and regional economic pressures in Europe [7][8] - NTSC China net sales increased by 27.4% to $4.5 million, marking the second highest quarterly revenue since transitioning to a wholly owned subsidiary [8][9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on supporting existing customers, expanding global relationships, and scaling in high-growth markets [5] - Planned investments in the oil and gas business are expected to contribute to future growth despite current higher operating expenses [5][16] - The company is committed to long-term growth opportunities, particularly in the Chinese market and bioplastics segment [10][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects improvements in profitability in Q4 fiscal 2025 and continued progress in fiscal 2026 despite macroeconomic pressures [6][16] - The company is closely monitoring European market trends for signs of stabilization due to government stimulus packages [8] - Management remains confident in the direction of the company and its strategic growth plan despite challenges faced in fiscal 2025 [13] Other Important Information - As of May 31, 2025, working capital was $21.7 million, with outstanding debt of $10.1 million [17] - The Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.01 per common share, reflecting a disciplined approach to cash management [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Improvement in operational profits - Management acknowledged significant improvement in operational profits from Q2 to Q3, with nearly all business units showing progress [22] Question: Cost comparison of new technology in oil and gas - Management confirmed that the new technology is cheaper on the front end compared to traditional methods, with easier installation and better long-term protection [23][26] Question: Additional spending on sales efforts for oil and gas - The company is projected to spend about $5.3 million in the current year, an increase of $1.3 million in personnel costs compared to the previous year [30] Question: Profitability of NTSC China - NTSC China has been profitable for some time, with significant revenue growth observed over the past three years [34] Question: New developments in compostable packaging - Management is working on a project to improve the water vapor transmission rate of compostable packaging, with potential revenue expected in the next two years [40][41]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the second quarter ended February 28, 2025, total consolidated net sales decreased by 8.5% to $19.1 million compared to the same period last year [11] - Gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 35.6%, down from 40.0% in the prior fiscal year period, reflecting a less profitable mix of sales [25][26] - Net income for the second quarter was $434,000, or $0.04 per diluted share, compared to $1.7 million, or $0.17 per diluted share, for the fiscal 2024 second quarter [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Xero's oil and gas net sales decreased by 28.5%, while NatureTech net sales decreased by 11.8%, and Xero's industrial net sales decreased by 3.7% [11] - NatureTech sales were $5 million in the second quarter, down from $5.6 million in the same period a year ago, attributed to order timing and seasonal variation [19] - Xero's oil and gas sales were $1.5 million in the second quarter, compared to $2.2 million in the same period last year, with a trailing 12-month sales increase of 7.2% [16][17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Joint venture sales decreased by 15.7% year-over-year to $19.8 million, reflecting high energy prices and regional economic pressures in Europe [12] - NTIC China subsidiary reported a net sales increase of 8.1% to $3.7 million, stabilizing and approaching sales levels from fiscal 2021 and 2022 [13][14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on strategic investments in oil and gas sales infrastructure to support growth expected in the second half of fiscal 2025 [18] - A disciplined approach to managing cash, including adjustments to quarterly dividends and prioritizing debt reduction, is intended to position the company for future growth opportunities [10][30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the increasing intensity of headwinds, including changes in U.S. trade policies and economic conditions, but expressed confidence in a rebound in NatureTech and U.S. oil and gas sales in the second half of the fiscal year [7][9] - The leadership team emphasized their experience in navigating challenging economic periods and the strength of the company's balance sheet [21][22] Other Important Information - The company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.07 per common share, with plans to adjust the dividend to one cent per share in the next quarter [30] - As of February 28, 2025, working capital was $21.4 million, with outstanding debt of $8.1 million [28][29] Q&A Session Summary Question: How are the investments in the oil and gas sales team working out? - The company hired eight people, some of whom did not work out, but expects the impact to show in the second half of the year [34] Question: What are the dynamics behind potential issues in the compostable business? - A large distributor in the U.S. has been added, which is expected to significantly boost business, along with a new line of technology in food packaging [36] Question: What is the current state of the core business? - The core business is expected to remain flat [41] Question: Can you provide more color on the gross margin decline? - Increased pricing pressures in the NatureTech business led to a decrease in sales prices, impacting gross margins [46][48] Question: What is the outlook for the oil and gas business in the second half? - The company anticipates growth primarily in oil storage tank bottoms and pipeline casings, with significant business expected from large customers [60]