Northern Technologies International (US:NTIC)2026-01-08 15:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the first quarter of fiscal 2026, total consolidated net sales increased by 9.2% to a record $23.3 million compared to the same period last year [5] - Net income for the first quarter was $238,000 or $0.03 per diluted share, down from $561,000 or $0.06 per diluted share in the prior year [12] - Non-GAAP adjusted income was $344,000 or $0.04 per diluted share, compared to $667,000 or $0.07 per diluted share in the previous year [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Zerust Oil & Gas net sales increased by 58.1% to $2.4 million, marking a record for the first quarter [7] - Zerust Industrial net sales rose by 6.9%, while Natur-Tec product net sales increased by 2.2% [5] - Natur-Tec sales reached a record $6 million, representing a 2.2% year-over-year increase and a 16.5% increase from the previous quarter [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - NTIC China saw a 23.5% increase in net sales year-over-year to $4.9 million, indicating strong demand in the region [6] - Joint venture sales increased by 2.9% year-over-year to $24.5 million, despite a mid-single-digit decline in the German joint venture [5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on improving profitability by flattening operating expenses and driving sales in higher-margin segments [4] - Strategic investments made over the past three years are expected to yield benefits in global operations and support future growth [4] - NTIC aims to enhance operations in China, viewing it as a significant market for industrial and bioplastic segments [6] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the start of fiscal 2026, expecting higher year-over-year sales and profitability as trends support growth [4] - The company anticipates that economic recovery from government stimulus packages in Europe will positively impact joint venture operating income [6] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining strategic investments for long-term growth rather than cutting expenses [19] Other Important Information - As of November 30, 2025, working capital was $19.4 million, with outstanding debt slightly reduced to $12 million [13][14] - The board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.01 per common share, payable on November 12, 2025 [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are some levers to improve profitability? - Management indicated that driving sales growth will increase gross margin, which will positively impact operating profit [17] Question: Are there opportunities for cost-cutting? - Management noted that while there are some opportunities, the focus is on allowing revenues to catch up to previous expense increases rather than cutting expenses [19] Question: Are there other major oil and gas opportunities? - Management confirmed ongoing discussions with other oil companies globally, expecting business growth beyond the current major contract in Brazil [23]