Sono-Tek (US:SOTK)2025-05-28 16:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for fiscal year 2025 increased by 4% to $20.5 million compared to $19.7 million for fiscal year 2024 [29] - Gross profit increased by 1% year over year to $9.74 million, but gross profit percentage decreased to 47.5% from 50% in the prior year [29] - Net income for fiscal year 2025 was $1.2 million or $0.08 per share, down from $1.4 million or $0.09 per share in the prior year [33] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Integrated coating system sales increased by 28% or $814,000 to $3.7 million, driven by success in the clean energy market [15] - Multi-axis coating systems saw sales grow by 6% or $603,000 to $10.7 million for the full fiscal year [18] - Medical sales declined by 22% for fiscal year 2025, primarily due to lower demand for stent and balloon coating systems [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales to the alternative clean energy market grew by 64% over the prior fiscal year [20] - U.S. and Canadian sales increased by 15% or $1.63 million, driven by the delivery of high ASP systems [23] - Latin America sales decreased by 34% or $412,000, influenced by a prior year float glass coating system sale that did not repeat [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on expanding into the clean energy sector, with significant growth in advanced solar cells and carbon capture applications [8] - A strategic shift to larger, more complex systems has broadened the addressable market and increased average unit selling prices [7] - The company is optimistic about future demand in the medical and semiconductor markets, leveraging expertise developed in clean energy [61] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted some apprehension in the U.S. clean energy sector regarding order placements, but emphasized strong demand in the EU and Asia [45][47] - The company expects continued revenue growth and profitability in the first half of fiscal year 2026, supported by a solid backlog of $8.6 million [12][26] - Visibility into full-year revenue remains limited due to evolving conditions in the clean energy sector and potential tariff impacts [16] Other Important Information - The company invested $2.7 million in R&D for the fiscal year, down from $2.9 million in the prior year [27] - The company maintains a strong cash position with $11.9 million in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities, and no debt on the balance sheet [34] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on backlog related to Alt Energy - Management confirmed that there are eight systems in backlog from the clean energy sector, all expected to ship in the current fiscal year [40] Question: Visibility on demand and potential pullback - Management acknowledged some apprehension in the U.S. clean energy sector but noted that the majority of their customers are financially stable [45][46] Question: Opportunities driving backlog in upcoming months - Management highlighted strong momentum in the medical and semiconductor sectors, with ongoing demand for high ASP products [60] Question: Medical market growth and geographical expansion - Management indicated that growth in the medical market is primarily coming from the U.S. and EU, with a shift towards more complex systems [78] Question: Semiconductor market commentary - Management noted that they are offering unique solutions that competitors cannot provide, which is driving progress in the semiconductor sector [83]