Q1 2026 Northstar Clean Technologies Inc Earnings Call

June 2, 2026

Speaker #2: Okay. Okay, Josh. You're great. Can you see that?

Speaker #3: Yep. We're all good to go. Take it away.

Speaker #2: Okay, well, welcome everybody to today's call. This is the Q1 2026 results and update. I'm delighted to be joined today by Linda Pannan, our CFO.

Operator: Well, welcome everybody to today's call. This is the Q1 2026 Results and Update. I'm delighted to be joined today by Lynda Paananen, our CFO. We've also got Josh Pelegall from Kin, who's our anchor this morning. Normal admin, for the questions, put the questions into Josh, and he will collect them at the end. As always, we have our forward-looking statement outlined. Look, today's results, the kind of agenda is we're going to cover the Q1 results. We're going to talk about an operating plant in Calgary and give some insight into the expansion. We'll talk about funding and adding some financial flexibility to the business. I'm going to talk about oil exposure because we've had a chunk of questions that have been coming in around that, and what our exposure is for the business model.

Aidan Mills: Well, welcome everybody to today's call. This is the Q1 2026 Results and Update. I'm delighted to be joined today by Lynda Paananen, our CFO. We've also got Josh Peligal from Kin, who's our anchor this morning. Normal admin, for the questions, put the questions into Josh, and he will collect them at the end. As always, we have our forward-looking statement outlined. Look, today's results, the kind of agenda is we're going to cover the Q1 results. We're going to talk about an operating plant in Calgary and give some insight into the expansion. We'll talk about funding and adding some financial flexibility to the business. I'm going to talk about oil exposure because we've had a chunk of questions that have been coming in around that, and what our exposure is for the business model.

Speaker #2: We've also got Josh Pelagal from KIN, who's our anchor this morning, Sue Normal, admin. If we just and for the questions, put the questions into Josh, and he will collect them at the end.

Speaker #2: As always, we have our forward-looking statement outline. And look, today's results—the kind of agenda is: we're going to cover the Q1 results, we're going to talk about an operating plant in Calgary and give some insight into the expansion, we'll talk about funding, and adding some financial flexibility to the business.

Speaker #2: I'm going to talk about oil exposure because we've had a number of questions coming in about that, and what our exposure is in terms of the business model.

Speaker #2: And we're going to talk about the excellent implications of what we're learning at the plant to the rollout of the business. So I will hand over to Linda for the Q1.

Aidan Mills: We're going to talk about the excellent implications of what we're learning at the plant to the rollout of the business. I will hand over to Lynda for the Q1.

Speaker #4: Wow, no pressure. First off, hey. All right. So, first quarter results reflect the company's efforts aimed at ramping up to commercial operations and strengthening the financial position, like Ian mentioned.

Lynda Paananen: Wow, no pressure. First off, okay? All right. Q1 results reflect the company's efforts aimed at ramping up to commercial operations and strengthening the financial position, like Aidan mentioned. The operational graphs that you see up on the screen are as expected. Revenue continues to consist of tipping fees as we ramp up to steady state operations. You will see that graph change over time. Gross profit or loss relates to the collection of shingles, and it's simply just tipping fees, less the cost associated with collecting those shingles. You will notice that the volatility over the last four quarters is a really good example of the team and us building processes around a first-of-a-kind facility. Q1 2026 is beginning to illustrate stabilization of our shingle collection process. Comprehensive income and loss, in our case, loss, includes both cash and non-cash results.

Lynda Paananen: Wow, no pressure. First-off, okay? All right. Q1 results reflect the company's efforts aimed at ramping up to commercial operations and strengthening the financial position, like Aidan mentioned. The operational graphs that you see up on the screen are as expected. Revenue continues to consist of tipping fees as we ramp-up to steady state operations. You will see that graph change over time. Gross profit or loss relates to the collection of shingles, and it's simply just tipping fees, less the cost associated with collecting those shingles. You will notice that the volatility over the last four quarters is a really good example of the team and us building processes around a first-of-a-kind facility. Q1 2026 is beginning to illustrate stabilization of our shingle collection process. Comprehensive income and loss, in our case, loss, includes both cash and non-cash results.

Speaker #4: The operational graphs that you see up on the screen are they're as expected. Revenue continues to consist of tipping fees as we ramp up to steady-state operations.

Speaker #4: You will see that graph change over time. Gross profit or loss relates to the collection of shingles. And it's simply just tipping fees less the cost associated with collecting those shingles.

Speaker #4: And you'll notice that the volatility over the last four quarters is a really good example of the team and us building processes around a first-of-a-kind facility.

Speaker #4: Q1 2026 is beginning to illustrate stabilization of our shingle collection process. Comprehensive income and loss, in our case loss, includes both cash and non-cash results.

Speaker #4: So there's a lot to unpack in comprehensive loss. The non-cash results are driven by accounting rules. And besides being confusing to the average reader, those non-cash results will drive volatility in the bottom line number.

Lynda Paananen: There's a lot to unpack in comprehensive loss. The non-cash results are driven by accounting rules. Besides being confusing to the average reader, those non-cash results will drive volatility in the bottom line number, and I'll talk more about that volatility in a second. Really, the big movers that led to a CAD 1.9 million increase in the net loss from Q1 2025 to now are those non-cash. They're really fair value remeasurements in that net loss. Also importantly, and this is what we call pre-commercial operating expenses. These are the costs that you'll see of us as an operating facility. We are getting ourselves ready and in a state where we are ready for operations. We exited the quarter with CAD 12.7 million in cash, and of course, this reflects the finance activities that occurred during the first quarter.

Speaker #4: And I'll talk more about that volatility in a second. Really, the big movers that led to a $1.9 million increase in the net loss from Q1, 2025 to now are those non-cash.

Speaker #4: They're really fair value remeasurements. In that net loss, but also importantly, and this is what we call pre-commercial operating expenses. These are the costs of a that you'll see of us as an operating facility.

Speaker #4: So we are getting ourselves ready and in a state where we are prepared for operations. We exited the quarter with $12.7 million in cash.

Speaker #4: And of course, this reflects the finance activities that occurred during the first quarter, the most significant one being the closing of the first tranche of the company's US$10 million convertible venture.

Lynda Paananen: The most significant one being the closing of the first tranche of the company's US $10 million convertible debenture. CAD 9 million of the financing closed on 30 March, with the remaining US$1 million closing three days later on 2 April. Of course, you'll see that $1 million reported and reflected in our Q2 results. I don't often like to talk about accounting, but I'd just like to take a moment to highlight this financing and its home in the financial statements. It's a fairly complex instrument, and that's driven by the fact that it's denominated in US dollars. The presentation on the balance sheet is different from our Canadian-denominated convertible debentures. The full value of the debenture is actually disclosed as current. I assure you, the term of the debenture is not current. It's not due within the next 12 months.

Lynda Paananen: The most significant one being the closing of the first tranche of the company's $10 million convertible debenture. CAD 9 million of the financing closed on 30 March 2026, with the remaining US million closing three days later on 2 April 2026. Of course, you'll see that million dollar reported and reflected in our Q2 results. I don't often like to talk about accounting, but I'd just like to take a moment to highlight this financing and its home in the financial statements. It's a fairly complex instrument, and that's driven by the fact that it's denominated in US dollars. The presentation on the balance sheet is different from our Canadian-denominated convertible debentures. The full value of the debenture is actually disclosed as current. I assure you, the term of the debenture is not current. It's not due within the next 12 months.

Speaker #4: $9 million of the financing closed on March 30th, with the remaining US$1 million closing three days later on April 2nd. And, of course, you'll see that $1 million reported and reflected in our second quarter results.

Speaker #4: So, I don't often like to talk about accounting, but I'd just like to take a moment to highlight this financing and its home on the financial statements.

Speaker #4: It's a fairly complex instrument, and that's driven by the fact that it's denominated in US dollars. The presentation on the balance sheet is different from our Canadian-denominated convertible debentures.

Speaker #4: The full value of the venture is actually disclosed as current. And I assure you, the term of the venture is not current—it's not due within the next 12 months.

Speaker #4: But specific features of the instrument lead to some very interesting accounting results. Part of the instrument is considered a derivative liability. And you'll see this is new on our balance sheet.

Lynda Paananen: Specific features of the instrument lead to some very interesting accounting results. Part of the instrument is considered a derivative liability, and you'll see this as new on our balance sheet. It's important to highlight this because we're required to remeasure this component at its fair value every reporting period. All is to say, this is going to drive volatility in that comprehensive income or loss figure on a go-forward basis. Now, Aidan, it's too early to talk accounting. I'm going to pass it back to you to talk about something much more exciting.

Speaker #4: And it's important to highlight this because we're required to remeasure this component at its fair value every reporting period. All this is to say, this is going to drive volatility in that comprehensive income or loss figure on a go-forward basis.

Speaker #4: Now, it's too early to talk accounting, so I'm going to pass it back to you to talk about something much more exciting.

Speaker #2: Excellent. So, in summary then: Q1 looks like Q4. The cash is $9 million USD in Q1, and there's some very quirky accounting treatment of that instrument.

Aidan Mills: Excellent. Summary then is Q1 looks like Q4, the cash in $9 million in Q1, and some very quirky accounting treatment of that instrument.

Speaker #4: Well summarized.

Lynda Paananen: Well summarized.

Speaker #2: Okay, well, listen, thanks for that. I will put myself out there a little bit and say that when we get to Q2, we do expect to see one very exciting, material development for these results.

Aidan Mills: Well, listen, thanks for that. I will put myself out there a little bit to say that, when we get to Q2, we do expect to see one very exciting material development for these results, and that will actually be product revenue. Calgary, we're happy to say, is now an operating facility. We are now processing with the material transfer and water processing issues we identified in the last call minimized. Now, as always, with plants that are kind of starting up and ramping up, it's not running perfectly every day, but absolutely we are now starting the operating procedure, and we are now starting to operate the plant day after day, which is outstanding. The production is close to the 100 tons a day ERA target volume. As you know, that's ERA Milestone 4. The production is close to that level.

Speaker #2: And that will actually be product revenue. Because Calgary, we're happy to say, is now an operating facility. We are now processing, with the material transfer and water processing issues we identified in the last call minimized.

Speaker #2: Now, as always with plants that are kind of starting up and ramping up, it's not running perfectly absolutely every day. But absolutely, we are now starting the operating procedure.

Speaker #2: And we are now starting to operate the plant day after day, which is outstanding. So the production is close to the 100-tons-a-day ERA target volume.

Speaker #2: As you know, that's ERA Milestone Four, and the production is close to that level. The things that we are now working on with respect to performance are throughput, operating hours, and operating days as well.

Aidan Mills: The things that we are now working on, with respect to the performance, is throughput, operating hours, operating days as well, and the yield through the plant. The one thing I will say is that we have not brought in operating revenue in May, but we expect that to be all straight through the month of June now. We expect to see operating revenue in the Q2 results. Let's also talk about the upgrade, because there's the operation is absolutely the first critical thing for us to deliver, and that's now done. As I talked about the last time, the upgrade is the next step to get us up to kind of full profitability at the plant. That is where we have been doing on-site testing and equipment trials. The good thing about this is this is all commercial scale trials.

Speaker #2: And the yield through the plant. So the one thing I will say is that we have not hit—we have not brought in operating revenue in May.

Speaker #2: But we expect that to be all straight through the month of June now, so we expect to see operating revenue in the Q2 results.

Speaker #2: So, let's also talk about the upgrade, because the operation is absolutely the first critical thing for us to deliver, and that's now done.

Speaker #2: And as I talked about the last time, the upgrade is the next step to get us up to kind of full profitability at the plant.

Speaker #2: And so that is where we have been doing on-site testing and equipment trials. The good thing about this is that these are all commercial-scale trials.

Speaker #2: So this is not a science experiment. This is not us back at the pilot plant, back prior to the pilot plant. This is equipment testing and on-site testing, and equipment runs at a commercial-scale level.

Aidan Mills: This is not a science experiment. This is not us back at the pilot plant, back prior to the pilot plant. This is equipment testing and on-site testing and equipment runs at a commercial scale level. It's a huge benefit from two perspectives. Firstly, for the Calgary perspective, and secondly, the implication for the future sites, which actually goes on to the strategy we'll talk about in a minute. The real benefit of that as well is, so we now have an at-site laboratory. What that's able to do is that lab is able to do material analysis, material size compositions, asphalt content yield, et cetera. We actually have the real-time ability to optimize what's happening with these equipment trials. Our output from that looks very promising.

Speaker #2: So it's a huge benefit from two perspectives. Firstly, from the Calgary perspective, and secondly, the implication for the future sites, which actually goes on to the strategy role we'll talk about in a minute.

Speaker #2: So the real benefit of that as well is that we now have an off-site laboratory. And what that's able to do is that lab is able to do material analysis, material size compositions, asphalt content, yield, etc.

Speaker #2: So we actually have the real-time ability to optimize what's happening with these equipment trials. Our output from that looks very promising, and we expect the upgrade options to be delivered in the fall.

Aidan Mills: We expect the upgrade options to be delivered in the fall. We expect improvements in not only throughput, but also yield and capital benefit. On the right-hand side, you see the implications for the future sites. The work that we are doing and having solved the material transfer and water processing issues, we actually believe we will now have a simpler process. We will deliver the same results with, we believe, a simpler operating process. We think that will lead to two things, improved efficiency yield, but also potential capital benefits. As an investor, if you stand back and look at where we are with this facility, now we're an operating asset. The second thing is we have an upgrade coming, where the equipment testing is very promising.

Speaker #2: And we expect improvements in not only throughput, but also yield and capital benefit. So, on the right-hand side, you see the implications for the future sites.

Speaker #2: With the work that we are doing, and having solved the material transfer and water processing issues, we actually believe we will now have a simpler process.

Speaker #2: So, we will deliver the same results with, we believe, a simpler operating process. We think that will lead to two things: improved efficiency and yield.

Speaker #2: But also potential capital benefits. So as an investor, if you stand back and look at where we are with this facility, now we're an operating asset.

Speaker #2: The second thing is, we have an upgrade coming, where the equipment testing is very promising. And the third thing is the implication for the future, which we believe is a simpler process from start to back.

Aidan Mills: The third thing is the implication for the future, which we believe is a simpler process from start to back. Let's talk a little bit about the financing and capital structure. Lynda described the convertible debenture that came in, and we talked about this a little bit the last time. Again, really balanced terms in terms of an investment. $10 million, convertible at $0.20. No warrant with respect to dilution, so minimized dilution as we look forward here, and also cash management with a payment in kind. You have the $0.75 acceleration clause and the embedded derivative that's called all the angst on the accounting side.

Speaker #2: So then let's talk a little bit about the financing and capital structure. So Linda described the convertible venture that came in. And we talked about this a little bit the last time.

Speaker #2: Again, really balanced terms in terms of an investment—$10 million US dollars, convertible at $0.20. No warrant with respect to dilution, so minimized dilution.

Speaker #2: As we look forward here, and also cash management with a payment in kind. And then you have the $0.75 acceleration clause. And the embedded derivative—that's called all the angst on the accounting side.

Speaker #2: One of the questions we got through Q1—and I wanted to touch on it today; I think we touched on it in the press release, too—was the update on the warrant.

Aidan Mills: One of the questions we got through Q1, I wanted to touch on it today, I think we touched on it in the press release too, was the update on the warrant. This was all around the April 2023 financing. As you know, that financing had a CAD 0.20 warrant, which came due this April. Here's what actually happened with the warrant and the proceeds. We had some exercised in that financing. We had some exercised in 2024 and 2025. As we came into 2026 Q1, we had some exercised. The majority of the exercising obviously came around Q2. Now, the warrant was at the money at the time. It was at CAD 0.20. We had proceeds of CAD 800,000 or slightly over that came in for that.

Speaker #2: And this was all around the April 2023 financing. So, as you know, that financing had a $0.20 warrant, which came due this April.

Speaker #2: So, here's what actually happened with the warrants and the proceeds: we had some exercised in that financing, and we had some exercised in 2024 and 2025.

Speaker #2: As we came into '26, Q1, we had some exercised. And then the majority of the exercising obviously came around Q2. Now, the warrant was at the money at the time.

Speaker #2: So, it was kind of at $0.20. And we had proceeds of $800,000, or slightly over, that came in for that. But the other thing that was important about this was that it was a good balance because we brought over Q1—over $800,000—into the treasury.

Aidan Mills: The other thing that was important about this was that was a good balance because we brought over Q1, over CAD 800,000 into the treasury. Also we had 11.9 million warrants roll off and come off the balance sheet. Again, this is one of the things that we've had feedback about, is the complexity of our balance sheet. Obviously having warrants roll off is a good thing to have happen. The other thing we announced in the PR today, was the ATM. Look, we've had a lot of feedback about the benefits or lack of benefit for having an ATM program. Let me talk you through about why we put this in place, and give a bit of a feedback on the views on ATMs. We've talked about a broad strategy to finance Northstar all the way through.

Speaker #2: But also, we had 11.9 million warrants roll off and come off the balance sheet. And again, this is one of the things that we've had feedback about—is the complexity of our balance sheet.

Speaker #2: And so, obviously, having warrants roll off is a good thing to have happen. The other thing we announced in the PR today was the ATM.

Speaker #2: And we've had a lot of feedback about kind of the benefits or the benefits are lack of benefit for having an ATM program. So let me talk you through about why we put this in place.

Speaker #2: And kind of give a bit of feedback on the views on ATMs. So we've talked about a broad strategy to finance Northstar all the way through.

Speaker #2: So we have a number of different instruments that we've used. And as you know, I've been pretty focused on making sure that that could minimize dilution.

Aidan Mills: We have a number of different instruments that we've used, and as you know, I've been pretty focused on making sure that that could minimize dilution. Dilution happens, of course, as you're raising money. Our view has always been what tools can we have in the toolkit to minimize that dilution. As you know, last year we announced that we did an AIF, then we did a base shelf. That was put in place to enable us to have a number of different financing options. We didn't do a discounted equity offering, large discounted equity offering in Q1. We secured a $10 million debenture at a premium, and with no warrant. There was no need for us to do a discounted offering, and we brought in as Lynda said, a significant amount of cash.

Speaker #2: I mean, dilution happens, of course, as you're raising money. But our view has always been, what tools can we have in the toolkit to minimize that dilution?

Speaker #2: So, as you know, last year we announced that we did an AIF. Then we did a base shelf, and that was put in place to enable us to have a number of different financing options.

Speaker #2: Now, we didn't do a discounted equity offering, large discounted equity offering in Q1. We secured a 10 million venture with no at a premium and with no warrant.

Speaker #2: So there was no need for us to do a discounted offering. And we brought in, as Linda said, a significant amount of cash. But the important thing about the ATM is it adds flexibility to our balance sheet going forward, whereby although, of course, you have to pay some transaction fee, it's at the money.

Aidan Mills: The important thing about the ATM is it adds flexibility to our balance sheet going forward, whereby although of course you have to pay some transaction fees, it's at the money. It doesn't need to be discounted, and it requires no warrant. There are no additional associated fees that come with it with respect to broker warrants or broker fees. It doesn't have to be used now. Now, it's interesting, I got a feedback when the press release came out yesterday or last night, that if you don't need it now, then why would you put it in place? Again, we've talked repeatedly about putting in place strategic finance elements to give us a broad balance sheet and broad instruments that we can use. That's exactly why we've done this.

Speaker #2: It doesn't need to be discounted. And it requires no warrant. And there are no kind of additional associated fees that come with it with respect to broker warrants or broker fees.

Speaker #2: But it doesn't have to be used now. Now, it's interesting. I got feedback in the press release came out yesterday, or last night, that if you don't need it, well, sorry, if you don't need it now, then why would you put it in place?

Speaker #2: Again, we've talked repeatedly about putting in place strategic finance elements to give us a broad balance sheet and broad instruments that we can use.

Speaker #2: So that's exactly why we've done this. And the other thing is if you look at the if you look at the outline of the strong partners on the right-hand side, what this also does is this brings in Stifel as a partner for Northstar.

Aidan Mills: The other thing is if you look at the outline of the strong partners on the right-hand side, what this also does is this brings in Stifel as a partner for Northstar. That's a huge benefit for us to have a company as sophisticated as Stifel supporting us. If you look at the partners on the right-hand side, we have an industry partner in TAMKO, we have a royalty partner in CVW, we have a government partner in Emissions Reduction Alberta, we have a debt partner in BDC, and now we have an ATM partner with Stifel. I think if you look at what we have done with respect to balance sheet support and balance sheet flexibility, we work really hard to make sure that we're not diluting every step that we move forward.

Speaker #2: So that's a huge benefit for us to have a company as sophisticated as Stifel supporting us. And so, if you look at the partners on the right-hand side, I mean, we have an industry partner in TAMCO.

Speaker #2: We have a royalty partner in CBW. We have government partner in emissions reduction Alberta. We have a debt partner in BBC. And now we have an ATM partner with Stifel.

Speaker #2: So I think if you look at what we have done with respect to balance sheet support and balance sheet flexibility, we work really, really hard to make sure that we're not diluting every step that we move forward.

Speaker #2: And that was the background for the ATM program, having obviously completed the AIF and the shelf. So let's talk a little bit. One of the other questions that we've been getting a lot about is with respect to the Northstar business case and crude oil.

Aidan Mills: That was the background for the ATM program, having obviously completed the AIF and the shelf. Let's talk a little bit. One of the other questions that we've been getting a lot about is with respect to the Northstar business case and crude oil, and the effect of asphalt, et cetera, on our pricing. If you remember, the way that we always describe the business is that we're roughly a kind of a 35% to 65% split. 35% from tipping fees, 65% from the products coming out the back end. Of that, 99% is the asphalt price. If you look at overall exposure, it's kind of greater than 60% to oil prices, and of course, asphalt are fully correlated in terms of oil pricing.

Speaker #2: And the effect of asphalt, etc., on our pricing. So if you remember, the way that we always describe the business is that we're roughly a kind of a 35-to-65 percent split.

Speaker #2: 35% from tipping fees, 65% from the products coming out the back end. Of that, 99% is the asphalt price. So if you look at overall exposure, it's kind of greater than 60% to oil prices.

Speaker #2: And of course, asphalt is fully correlated with oil pricing. There are some seasonal differences with asphalt, but it looks very much like gasoline.

Aidan Mills: There are some seasonal differences with asphalt, but it looks very like gasoline, seasonally high in the summer, a bit lower in the winter, just with respect to demand. If you think about the strategy of the business, in theory, you can think about Northstar's business as a hydrocarbon asset with negative feedstock costs, i.e., feedstock whereby we're getting paid for our feedstock. If you think about waste shingles with associated tipping fees, we get paid for the feedstock. In any accounting terms, we essentially have a negative feedstock cost, not an actual cost. That contributes significantly to the processing cost. The way that I talk about this often when I'm chatting to oil and gas guys is, think about it as having a negative lifting. Having an oil field that has an infinite resource that never runs out, so there's no decline curve.

Speaker #2: Seasonally high in the summer, a bit lower in the winter. Just with respect to demand. So if you think about the strategy of the business, I mean, in theory, you can think about Northstar's business as a hydrocarbon asset with negative feedstock costs, i.e., feedstock whereby we're actually getting paid for our feedstock.

Speaker #2: So if you think about weighed shingles with associated tipping fees, we get paid for the feedstock. So in any accounting terms, we essentially have a negative feedstock cost.

Speaker #2: That's not an actual cost. That contributes significantly to the processing cost, and the way that I talk about this often when I'm chatting with oil and gas guys is, think about it as having a negative lifting.

Speaker #2: So having an oil field that has an infinite resource that never runs out. So there's no decline curve. It has a negative lifting cost.

Aidan Mills: It has a negative lifting cost, that's of real benefit. By the time you get to actually producing from the asset, really the cost burden is pretty low. That's where you have the multi-product yield of asphalt and the products adding the additional remaining value. Almost your costs are covered by your tipping fee, and then you're fully exposed to kind of 64% or over 60% of the revenue coming from the asphalt that's coming at the back end. That was just a bit of a different way to think about it, because we've been asked lots of questions about oil pricing. Lastly, let's chat about growth. Earlier on, we kind of said this asset is producing. We also said that the expansion work has identified and developed simpler processes for our business.

Speaker #2: So that's a real benefit. And so by the time you get to actually producing from the asset, really, the cost burden is pretty low.

Speaker #2: And then that's where you have the multi-product yield of asphalt and the products, adding the additional remaining value. So, almost your costs are covered by your tipping fee, and then you're fully exposed to kind of 64%—or over 60%—of the revenue coming from the asphalt that's coming out the back end.

Speaker #2: So that was just a bit of a different way to think about it because we've been asked lots of questions about oil pricing. And then lastly, let's chat about growth.

Speaker #2: Earlier, we mentioned that this asset is producing. We also stated that the expansion work has identified and developed simpler processes for our business.

Speaker #2: So we think the simpler technology will reduce capital and enable us to have faster deployment. So as we think about the Northstar business model, we've often said we think that for Northstar operating plants, that after that, the expansion would be self-sustaining.

Aidan Mills: We think the simpler technology will reduce capital and enable us to have faster deployment. As we think about the Northstar business model, we've often said we think that 4 Northstar operating plants, that after that, the expansion would be self-sustaining from income generation, i.e., we'll be generating enough cash in the business that as we layer, and obviously for capital, as we layer debt in against those assets for deployment with our loan partners, then ultimately we get to the point whereby 4 plants, self-sustaining business, and minimizing the requirement for equity addition to the business. Our North American analysis indicates that there's over 30 locations with 24/7 potential, and some of those have got multiple facility options.

Speaker #2: From income generation—meaning, we'll be generating enough cash in the business that, as we layer in, and obviously for capital, as we layer debt in against those assets for deployment with our loan partners—then ultimately, we get to the point whereby four plants form a self-sustaining business, minimizing the requirement for additional equity in the business.

Speaker #2: Our North American analysis indicates that there's over 30 locations with 24/7 potential. And some of those have got multiple facility options. So i.e., there's some cities which obviously have the ability to supply 80,000 tons to us.

Aidan Mills: I.e., there are some cities which obviously have the ability to supply 80,000 tons to us, over 24/7, and a number of those cities have multiple facilities in those cities. That's the real advantage if we think about what we've learned from Calgary. Again, stepping back, identified the problems with Calgary, now fixed and operating, identified the bottleneck options for the upgrade, now well in train, and all of that showing that we've got a simpler process to build the next facilities. My summary, Q1 very similar to Q4 with the quirk, as Lynda outlined from an accounting on the short-term liability front with a measurement of the accounting treatment of the venture. Secondly, we have a producing plant. We have a promising, simple design underway. We are well-funded, and we are adding financial flexibility with minimal dilution.

Speaker #2: So over 24/7. And there are off, and a number of those cities have multiple facilities in those cities. So that's the real advantage if we think about what we've learned from Calgary.

Speaker #2: So again, stepping back, identify the problems with Calgary, now fixed and operating, identify the debottleneck options for the upgrade, now well and train and all of that showing that we have got a simpler process to build the next facilities with.

Speaker #2: So my summary Q1, very similar to Q4. With the Quark as Linda outlined from an accounting on the short-term liability front with a measurement of the accounting treatment of the venture.

Speaker #2: Secondly, we have a producing plant. We have a promising simple design underway. We're well funded and we're adding flex financial flexibility with minimal dilution.

Speaker #2: The fourth thing is, we have huge confidence in the simple plant design for the next plant. And the last one is that our North American analysis shows high potential and a great balance of tipping fees and upside from oil exposure to deliver the business model that we've talked to investors about.

Aidan Mills: The fourth thing is we have huge confidence in the simple plant design for the next plant. The last one says that our North American analysis shows high potential and a great balance of tipping fees and upside from oil exposure to deliver the business model that we've talked to investors about. Josh, that's it. That's my summary.

Speaker #2: Josh, that's it. That's my summary.

Speaker #1: Excellent. Thank you. So if anybody has any questions, there's a Q&A box at the bottom. Please type your question in and we'll try and get through as many as we can here.

Josh Pelegall: Excellent. Thank you. If anybody has any questions, there's a Q&A box at the bottom. Please type your question in and we'll try and get through as many as we can here. First question is, can you share anything about timing or progress on ERA Milestone 4?

Josh Peligal: Excellent. Thank you. If anybody has any questions, there's a Q&A box at the bottom. Please type your question in and we'll try and get through as many as we can here. First question is, can you share anything about timing or progress on ERA Milestone 4?

Speaker #1: So, first question is: can you share anything about timing or progress on ERA Milestone 4?

Speaker #2: Yeah. So ERA Milestone 4, as you know, we need consecutive operating days at 100 tons a day. We expect that to commence in June.

Aidan Mills: ERA Milestone 4, as you know, we need consecutive operating days at 100 tons a day. We expect that to commence in June. We originally thought that we would be able to hit that fully in June, our expectation is that we will commence it in June and continue it through July. We're continuing to engage with ERA on the milestone for data production, et cetera. That's where we're at from a delivery perspective. We are very close to the 100 tons a day.

Speaker #2: So we originally thought that we would be able to hit that fully in June, but our expectation is that we will commence it in June and continue it through July.

Speaker #2: And we're continuing to engage with ERA on Milestone 4 and days of production, etc. But that's where we're at from a delivery perspective.

Speaker #2: We are very close to the 100 tons per day.

Speaker #1: Excellent. I think this question has probably been asked in the past, but we'll just double-check with you. Can you share any further information on the group that funded that $10 million convertible to venture?

Josh Pelegall: Excellent. I think this question's probably been asked in the past, but we'll just double-check with you. Can you share any further information on the group that funded that $10 million convertible debenture? I think in the past we said a group of global investors.

Josh Peligal: Excellent. I think this question's probably been asked in the past, but we'll just double-check with you. Can you share any further information on the group that funded that $10 million convertible debenture? I think in the past we said a group of global investors.

Speaker #1: I think in the past, we said a group of global investors.

Speaker #2: Yeah, I mean, yes. I would say a group of global investors came together to do the 9 plus 1, or 10 overall. But as you can see from that level of investment, these are sophisticated investors who understand manufacturing businesses well and understand where we were at in the technology journey.

Aidan Mills: Yes. I would say a group of global investors that came together to do the nine plus one are unit 10 overall. As you can see from that level of investment, sophisticated investors who understand manufacturing businesses, well understand where we were at in the technology journey, i.e., right at the cusp of operating the facility. The discussion we had with them was what I think we chatted about the last time, which was, this financing is a bridge, and the bridge to the point of leaving with Calgary fully operating. Not only operating as it is today, but also the next step with Calgary of the upgrade. All of that funded to get us to the point whereby we are at full profitability with respect to Calgary. That's exactly what this $10 million supports.

Speaker #2: So, i.e., right at the cusp of operating the facility. And the discussion we had with them was what I think we chatted about the last time.

Speaker #2: Which was this financing is a bridge and the bridge to the point of leaving with Calgary fully operating. So not only operating as it is today, but also the next step with Calgary of the upgrade.

Speaker #2: And so all of that funded to get us to the point whereby we are at full profitability with respect to Calgary. So that's exactly what this $10 million US supports.

Speaker #2: And so as an investor, you can know that that's a sophisticated group that understands exactly what we were doing with respect to that bridge to get us to the point of full profitability in Calgary in 2026.

Aidan Mills: As an investor, you know that that's a sophisticated group that understands exactly what we were doing with respect to that bridge to get us to the point of full profitability in Calgary in 2026. Yeah, I think it's important for people to understand kind of the genesis of the group working with us, but also that their objectives share our objectives, which is the delivery through 2026 of a fully operating Calgary facility.

Speaker #2: So yeah, I think it's important for people to understand kind of the genesis of the group working with us, but also that their objective shares our objective, which is the delivery, through 2026, of a fully operating Calgary facility.

Speaker #1: Great. The next question is: How should we think about liquid asphalt sales currently, and do we have plans to share more details around the revenue, including splitting them out from tipping revenue?

Josh Pelegall: Great. The next question is, how should we think about liquid asphalt sales currently? Do we have plans to share more details around the revenue, including splitting them out from tipping revenue?

Josh Peligal: Great. The next question is, how should we think about liquid asphalt sales currently? Do we have plans to share more details around the revenue, including splitting them out from tipping revenue?

Speaker #2: Yes, we do. So what you should think about is in Q2, you should have an expectancy that we should be able to deliver in Q2 results that show product revenue against tipping fee revenue.

Aidan Mills: Yes, we do. What you should think about is in Q2, you should have an expectancy that we should be able to deliver in Q2 results that show product revenue against tipping fee revenue. We do intend to split that out. We expect that to be in June. When I was on the call the last time, I said we expected first product revenue sales in April. That did not happen. We expect first product revenue sales in June, starting this week. That production will now translate itself into that in June. For Q2 results, you should see product revenue for Q2. For Q3, we expect between now and the upgrade in the fall, steady state production all the way through. That's what we're expecting. Hitting the ERA targets and producing over 100 tons a day and generating steady revenue.

Speaker #2: So we do intend to split that out. We expect that to be in June. When I was in the call the last time, I expected first I mean, I said we expected first product revenue sales in April.

Speaker #2: That did not happen. We expect first product revenue sales in June, starting this week. So that production now will translate itself into that in June.

Speaker #2: So for Q2 results, you should see product revenue for Q2. And for Q3, so we expect between now and we expect between now and the upgrade in the fall, steady state production all the way through.

Speaker #2: That's what we're expecting. And so, hitting the ERA targets and producing over 100 tons a day, and generating steady revenue. So that's where we are at from an operational perspective.

Aidan Mills: That's where we are at from an operational perspective. We've got huge confidence in that being delivered.

Speaker #2: We've got huge confidence in that being delivered.

Speaker #1: Thank you. Has the company considered an oil price hedging strategy, or is it too early to begin thinking about things like that?

Josh Pelegall: Thank you. Has the company considered an oil price hedging strategy, or is it too early to begin thinking about things like that?

Josh Peligal: Thank you. Has the company considered an oil price hedging strategy, or is it too early to begin thinking about things like that?

Speaker #2: Yeah. As you know from my background at BP and Goldman, then hedging strategy is so there's kind of three things you need to think about with respect to hedging strategy.

Aidan Mills: Yeah, as you know from my background at BP and Goldman. There's kind of three things you need to think about with respect to hedging strategy. Number one, you have to have very repeatable and steady state production. We're probably a quarter or two away from that, and especially with the upgrade that will deliver more volume. It's always volume-based. The second thing is that the credit requirement for a bank to hedge is often significant, i.e., there's often cash collateral that needs to go down to be able to put that hedge on. The third thing is, if you look at asphalt, although there's a correlation to WTI, international asphalt will have a correlation sometimes to high sulfur fuel oil, potentially a discount of Brent.

Speaker #2: So, number one, you have to have very repeatable and steady-state production. So we're probably a quarter or two away from that, especially with the upgrade that will deliver more volume.

Speaker #2: So it's always volume-based. The second thing is that the credit requirement for a bank to hedge is often significant i.e., there's often cash collateral that needs to go down to be able to put that hedge on.

Speaker #2: And the third thing is, if you look at asphalt, although there is a correlation to WTI, international asphalt will have a correlation sometimes to high sulfur fuel oil, potentially a discount to Brent.

Speaker #2: So all of those—I mean, obviously Brent, high-sulfur fuel oil, and WTI are liquid and tradable. But asphalt would be considered as a dirty hedge, i.e., it's not got the perfect correlation to that.

Aidan Mills: All of those, obviously, Brent, high sulfur fuel oil, and WTI are liquid and tradable. Asphalt would be considered as a dirty hedge, i.e., it's not got the perfect correlation to that. You have to look at its effectiveness versus the very liquid instrument, i.e., kind of WTI or Brent. Really you have to think about, number one, you have to have volume certainty. Number two, you have to have the credit and the balance sheet backing to be able to enter the trade. The third thing is you need to look at the detailed correlation of wherever your plant is and what the hedge looks like exactly in terms of correlation against the index. Sorry, George, that was a very BP and.

Speaker #2: So you have to look at its effectiveness versus the very liquid instruments, i.e., kind of WTI or Brent. So really, you have to think about, number one, you have to have volume certainty.

Speaker #2: Number two, you have to have the credit and the balance sheet backing to be able to enter the trade. And the third thing is you need to look at the detailed correlation of wherever you're plant is and what the hedge looks like exactly in terms of correlation against the index.

Speaker #2: Sorry, Joris. That was a very BP and oil trading answer.

Josh Pelegall: That was great.

Josh Peligal: That was great.

Aidan Mills: oil trading answer.

Speaker #1: Well, I think that's important. I definitely learned something just now as well, so that's great. Next question here: Do we have any updates on Hamilton and Baltimore?

Josh Pelegall: Well, I think that's important. I definitely learned something right now as well. That's great. Next question here. Do we have any updates on Hamilton and Baltimore? There wasn't much about it in today's call.

Josh Peligal: Well, I think that's important. I definitely learned something right now as well. That's great. Next question here. Do we have any updates on Hamilton and Baltimore? There wasn't much about it in today's call.

Speaker #1: There wasn't much about it in today's call.

Speaker #2: Yeah, I mean, essentially, I think we did it in the last one where we said they're focusing—Hamilton and Baltimore are permitting and are permitting and land development, and kind of, yeah, same ongoing with both of those.

Aidan Mills: Yeah, essentially, I think we did it the last one where we said the focus in Hamilton and Baltimore are permitting and land development and same ongoing with both of those.

Speaker #1: Great. And then last one here. We talked a bit about cash flow breakeven recently, assuming that that has been pushed out slightly with the push out of production as well.

Josh Pelegall: Great. Last one here. We talked a bit about cash flow breakeven recently, assuming that that has been pushed out slightly with the push out production as well. Is that correct?

Josh Peligal: Great. Last one here. We talked a bit about cash flow breakeven recently, assuming that that has been pushed out slightly with the push out production as well. Is that correct?

Speaker #1: Is that correct?

Speaker #2: Yes, and I kind of mentioned it a little bit earlier. We are sorry, and I should have said that when I did my Calgary update side.

Aidan Mills: Yes. I kind of mentioned it a little bit earlier where we are Sorry, I should have said that when I did my Calgary update slide. We are not a cash flow breakeven. Optimizing that is all around four things for us now that we have an operating plant. Number one, it's around throughput. Number two, it's around operating hours and operating days. What is the balance of the shift? Now we have steady operation with very few hiccups. What we've got is the ability to extend operating hours and potentially extend operating days, and that's all about optimizing the shift. The last thing is the yield through the plant. Now we're running from front to back. We can absolutely understand what the yield at each one of the points is and optimize that.

Speaker #2: We are not a cash flow break even. Optimizing that is all around kind of four things for us. Now that we have an operating plant.

Speaker #2: Number one, it's around throughput. Number two, it's around operating hours and operating days. So, what is the balance of the shift? Now, we have steady operation with very few hiccups, and what we've got is the ability to extend operating hours and potentially extend operating days.

Speaker #2: And that's all about optimizing the shift. And then the last thing is the yield through the plant. So now we're running from front to back.

Speaker #2: We can absolutely understand what the yield at each one of the points is and optimize that. So all of those things are coming together to drive towards cash flow break even.

Aidan Mills: All of those things are coming together to drive towards cash flow breakeven. We just need miles and snow to be able to do that, and we have not done that yet. Sorry, I should have outlined that because we did talk about cash flow breakeven in the last call. Yep.

Speaker #2: But we just need miles and snow to be able to do that. And we have not done that. Yeah. So sorry, I should have I should have outlined that because we did talk about cash flow break even in the last call.

Speaker #2: Yeah.

Speaker #1: Perfect. That's all the questions for today. I just want to let everybody know that a replay will be available on YouTube. Tomorrow morning. And I'll hand it back to you, Aiden, for any final comments.

Josh Pelegall: Perfect. That's all the questions for today. I just want to let everybody know that a replay will be available on YouTube tomorrow morning. I'll hand it back to you, Aidan, for any final comments.

Josh Peligal: Perfect. That's all the questions for today. I just want to let everybody know that a replay will be available on YouTube tomorrow morning. I'll hand it back to you, Aidan, for any final comments.

Speaker #2: Well, thanks, Josh. And thanks, everybody, for joining. Fairly benign quarter with respect to the financials. But this is the first call that we have done in Northstar's journey.

Aidan Mills: Well, thanks, Josh, and thanks everybody for joining. Fairly benign quarter with respect to the financials, but this is the first call that we have done in Northstar's journey, where we've been able to talk about an operating plant. We actually have production at the first commercial facility that the company has built, and now it's just onwards and upwards from here. Thank you.

Speaker #2: Where we've been able to talk about an operating plant. So we actually have production at the first commercial facility that the company has built.

Speaker #2: And now it's just onwards and upwards from here. Thank you.

Operator: Goodbye

Q1 2026 Northstar Clean Technologies Inc Earnings Call

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