What caused NTIC's surprising Q4 2024 earnings surge?

Northern Technologies International Corp (NTIC) experienced a notable surge in its Q4 2024 earnings, driven primarily by strong sales growth in its Natur-Tec and Zerust Oil & Gas segments:

1. **Natur-Tec Segment Growth**: The Natur-Tec division saw a significant increase of 22.8% in sales year-over-year, reaching a quarterly record of $5.9 million. This growth was fueled by the acquisition of new customers in both North America and India.
2. **Zerust Oil & Gas Segment Growth**: The Zerust Oil & Gas segment reported a substantial rise of 20.3% in sales on a trailing 12-month basis, reaching $9.2 million. This growth reflects increasing demand for NTIC's products in this sector.
3. **Global Demand for Natur-Tec Products**: NTIC noted expanding markets for its Natur-Tec products, driven by global demand for biodegradable plastics.
4. **Increased Demand for Zerust Products**: NTIC highlighted increased demand for its Zerust industrial products, particularly in North America, which contributed to the overall sales growth.

In summary, NTIC's Q4 2024 earnings surge was primarily driven by strong sales growth in its Natur-Tec and Zerust Oil & Gas segments, fueled by global demand for their products and strategic market expansions.