Oil-Dri Corporation of America reported a record-breaking performance in its fiscal year 2023, with substantial increases in sales and earnings. The company’s fourth-quarter net sales reached $107 million, marking a 15% increase from the previous year, while total net sales for the year rose by 18% to $413 million. The business-to-business segment and the retail and wholesale group reported sales growth of 26% and 15% respectively for the year.

Key takeaways from the earnings call include:

• Fourth-quarter earnings saw a significant increase of 129% to $11.9 million, while full-year earnings, excluding non-recurring events, rose by a whopping 421% to $29.5 million.
• The company discussed its advertising expenses and the impact of plant shutdowns on domestic sales.
• The company is focusing on field validation for new products to offset R&D expenses and has launched an EPA-approved antibacterial cat litter.
• The company is making progress in securing significant orders from large producers in North America and expanding into different markets worldwide.
• Shipping costs have seen relief, and lead times have improved.
• The company expects no significant impact from the recent cyber security problems at Clorox (NYSE:CLX), their second largest customer, on its first quarter.
• The company anticipates a significant increase in capital expenditures for plant operations over the next three years.

During the earnings call, executives discussed the impacts of the pandemic on the animal production industry and regional economies. Despite some depression of profitability in the US, the company expects no significant impact on their new portfolio.

Rising costs, including employment costs, material costs, asset repair and replacement costs, and mining costs, were also discussed. However, the company’s focus on field validation for new products helps offset these rising R&D expenses.

The company has seen positive results from its newly launched EPA-approved antibacterial cat litter and is making strides in securing significant orders from large producers in North America. Additionally, it is expanding into different markets worldwide.

Shipping costs have seen relief, and lead times have improved. There is no significant seasonality in the company’s business. The recent cyber security problems at Clorox are not expected to have a significant impact on the company’s first quarter.

Capital expenditures for plant upgrades and replacements are expected in the next three years. This increase in capital expenditure is already planned and aligned with the company’s long-term strategy.

The CEO expressed support for Clorox and thanked their customers for understanding the need for increased capital expenditures to replace aging assets. The call concluded with gratitude and well wishes. The next call is scheduled for the first quarter of fiscal year 2024.