Northern Technologies International (NTIC) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

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][17] - Non-GAAP adjusted net income was $228,000 or $0.02 per diluted share compared to $1.1 million or $0.11 per diluted share in the prior year [17] 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][11] - 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% [10][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] - 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] - Continued investments in the oil and gas business are part of the long-term growth strategy, despite higher operating expenses [5][11] - The company is optimistic about the potential recovery in European markets due to government stimulus packages [7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects improvements in profitability in Q4 fiscal 2025 and continued progress in fiscal 2026 [6] - The company remains committed to long-term growth opportunities and believes that strategic priorities will drive sustainable growth and profitability [19] Other Important Information - As of May 31, 2025, working capital was $21.7 million, including $6.8 million in cash [18] - The Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.01 per common share [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Comments on improved quarter and operational profits - Management acknowledged significant improvement in operational profits from Q2 to Q3, with nearly all business units showing progress [22][23] 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 [24][28] Question: Incremental spending on sales for oil and gas - The company projected an additional $1.3 million in personnel costs for oil and gas over the past twelve months, translating to about $3.4 million in quarterly expenses [32] Question: Profitability of NTSC China - Management confirmed that NTSC China has been profitable for some time, with significant revenue growth observed [36] Question: Developments in compostable packaging - The company is working on improving the water vapor transmission rate of compostable packaging, with potential applications in food packaging expected to generate revenue in the next two years [41][42]