Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Oil-Dri generated EBITDA of $22 million in Q2 fiscal 2026, consistent with the same quarter a year ago [14] - Cash flows from operating activities for the first six months of fiscal 2026 exceeded $28 million, with cash and cash equivalents at $47 million at the end of Q2 [15] - Outstanding debt was $40 million, indicating a strong cash position with more cash than debt [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The agriculture and horticulture products segment showed strong performance, driven by increased planted acres and new customer opportunities for Verge granules [29][30] - The consumer products division launched several new products, including an antibacterial litter and health monitoring litter, which are expected to enhance market presence [35][36] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The broad acre market for agriculture products is experiencing growth due to increased planted acres, while the turf and ornamental market is also seeing strong demand for engineered granules [29][30] - Renewable diesel sales faced challenges due to changes in tax incentives and feedstock sourcing, but there is potential for recovery as producers adjust [39][40] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on long-term capital allocation to sustain high uptime and optimize capacity, rather than viewing capital spending as a discrete project [22] - Continued investment in growth and infrastructure projects is planned, with new product launches expected in the second half of the fiscal year [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed pride in the team's response to Winter Storm Fern, highlighting the commitment to safety and customer service [12][14] - The company anticipates continued strong performance in agriculture and horticulture, with optimism about new product introductions and market expansion [31][35] Other Important Information - The company is integrating artificial intelligence into R&D to enhance product development and operational efficiency [61] - The management team emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong cash position to support strategic initiatives [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Progress on capital expenditure for plant upgrades - The capital spending program is progressing as intended, focusing on foundational areas and ongoing improvements rather than a defined endpoint [22][23] Question: Sales increase in agriculture and horticulture products - Strong performance in both broad acre and turf markets, with expectations for continued growth driven by new customer opportunities [29][30] Question: New product introductions in the second half - Several new products are set to launch, including expansions in the Cat's Pride litter portfolio, aimed at enhancing consumer experience and e-commerce fulfillment [35][36] Question: Weakness in renewable diesel sales - Sales were impacted by changes in tax incentives and feedstock sourcing, but recovery is expected as producers adapt to new conditions [39][40] Question: Trends in manufacturing and transportation costs - Manufacturing costs have seen volatility due to operational disruptions, while transportation costs have stabilized, aided by effective logistics management [49][50] Question: Progress with Amlan and long-term sales growth - Amlan faced challenges due to a key account loss but is working to recover and broaden its customer base in high-margin markets [54][55] Question: Headwinds and tailwinds in the oil and gas situation - Increased fuel costs are providing margin support for end users, while the company has strategies in place to manage cost fluctuations effectively [56][58] Question: Use of artificial intelligence in product development - The company is thoughtfully integrating AI into R&D to drive efficiency and innovation in product offerings [61]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record-breaking performance in fiscal 2025, with significant increases in net sales, gross profit, and net income [21][22] - Net sales per ton grew by 6% over a 23-year period, while gross profit per ton increased by 7.6% annually [17][18] - The diluted earnings per share for Q1 of fiscal 2026 was $1.06, compared to $3.70 for the full year of fiscal 2025 [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The fluids purification segment experienced nearly 20% growth from fiscal 2024 to 2025, driven by new business in renewable diesel and vegetable oil sectors [42] - The lightweight cat litter segment achieved a 10% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the past five years, with a significant milestone being the acquisition of UltraPET [46][47] - The agricultural solutions segment, Amlin, showed strong growth despite challenges, with a focus on natural solutions as customers move away from therapeutic antibiotics [69][70] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The renewable diesel market is expected to grow due to EPA rulings, which will increase demand for bleaching clay products used in filtration [43] - The lightweight litter segment has generated $118 million in additional value over the past two years, indicating strong consumer demand [49] - The animal production market is growing at a CAGR above 5%, with feed additives growing at an even higher rate [73] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to implement its "Moneyball" strategy, focusing on data analytics to improve decision-making and profitability [13][29] - There is a commitment to invest in manufacturing infrastructure to enhance operational efficiency and support long-term growth [20][30] - The company plans to execute opportunistic share repurchases and maintain a strong balance sheet to support future investments [28][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in recovering profits in the second half of the fiscal year, despite a tough comparison to the previous year [78] - The company is optimistic about growth in the renewable diesel and vegetable oil markets, leveraging technical support to enhance customer relationships [44][45] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong balance sheet to enable continued investment in business growth [28] Other Important Information - The company has raised its annual dividend increase from $0.04 to $0.10 per share, reflecting its commitment to returning value to shareholders [22] - The company has maintained a net cash position, with cash on hand exceeding debt [28] Q&A Session All Questions and Answers Question: Are you now more or less confident of recovery in the second half? - Management indicated that while the first half faced tough comparisons, they are ahead of their plan and see a realistic possibility of profit gain for the year as a whole [78] Question: Are Oil-Dri's bleaching clays currently being used to filter sustainable aviation fuel? - Yes, the sustainable aviation fuel market is growing, and the company expects increased sales of bleaching clay products into this market [79] Question: What are the headwinds for Amlin this year? - Key issues include tariffs causing customer uncertainty, but orders have resumed, particularly in Brazil [81][82] Question: Will we see new products this year? - The company continues to invest in R&D and innovation, with new and improved crystal solutions being highlighted [83]