Northern Technologies International (US:NTIC)2026-01-08 15:02Financial 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] - Gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 36% for the first quarter, down from 38.3% in the prior fiscal year, primarily due to a temporary supplier lead time issue [12] - Net income for the first quarter was $238,000 or $0.03 per diluted share, compared to $561,000 or $0.06 per diluted share in the first quarter of fiscal 2025 [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 increased by 6.9% [5] - Natur-Tec product net sales increased by 2.2% to a record $6 million, driven primarily by higher sales in North America [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - NTIC China reported a 23.5% year-over-year increase in net sales to $4.9 million, indicating strong demand in that market [6] - Joint venture sales increased by 2.9% year-over-year to $24.5 million, despite a mid-single-digit decline at 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] - NTIC plans to enhance operations in China, viewing it as a significant market for industrial and bioplastic segments [6] - The company is investing in its Zerust Oil & Gas business to enhance its sales team and support anticipated future growth [8] 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 the year progresses [4] - The company anticipates that economic recovery from government stimulus packages in Europe will positively impact joint venture operating income [6] - Management believes that the investments made over the past three years will begin to yield benefits in terms of improved profitability [4] Other Important Information - As of November 30, 2025, working capital was $19.4 million, with outstanding debt slightly reduced to $12 million [13] - The company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.01 per common share, payable on November 12, 2025 [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are some levers to improve profitability? - Management indicated that driving sales growth is key to increasing gross margin and operating profit, with expectations for significant growth in the latter half of the fiscal year [16][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 that could hinder long-term growth [19][20] Question: Are you pleased with the sales team's performance in oil and gas? - Management confirmed that the sales team is starting to secure business, particularly with a significant contract in Brazil and growing opportunities in India and the Middle East [21] Question: Are there other major opportunities in oil and gas? - Management acknowledged the ongoing discussions with other oil companies globally, expecting business growth across various regions [26]