Oil Dri Of America's Business Segments

We are a leader in developing, manufacturing and/or marketing sorbent products. Our sorbent products are principally produced from clay minerals, primarily consisting of montmorillonite and attapulgite and, to a lesser extent, other clay-like sorbent materials, such as Antelope shale, which we refer to collectively as our “clay” or our “minerals.” Our sorbent technologies include absorbent and adsorbent products. Absorbents, like sponges, draw liquids up into their many pores. Examples of our absorbent clay products are Cat’s Pride and Jonny Cat branded premium cat litter, as well as other private label cat litters. We also produce Oil-Dri branded floor absorbents, Agsorb and Verge agricultural chemical carriers and ConditionAde and Calibrin enterosorbents used in animal feed. Adsorbent products attract impurities in liquids, such as metals and surfactants, and form low-level chemical bonds. Examples of our adsorbent products are Oil-Dri synthetic sorbents, which are used for industrial cleanup, and Pure-Flo, Perform and Select bleaching clay products, which act as a filtration media for edible oils, fats and tallows. Also, our Ultra-Clear product serves as a purification aid for petroleum-based oils and by-products.

Oil-Dri Corporation of America is a significant player in the manufacturing and supply of specialty absorbents, with a focus on clay-based products primarily used in a variety of industries. The company categorizes its operations into two primary reportable operating segments: the Retail and Wholesale Products Group and the Business to Business Products Group. Each segment has distinct characteristics and caters to different customer bases, allowing Oil-Dri to diversify its product offerings and optimize its market impact.

Segments

1. Retail and Wholesale Products Group:
This segment primarily serves a variety of retail outlets and wholesale channels, focusing on consumer-oriented products. Customers in this group include:

- Mass Merchandisers: These are large retail chains that sell products in high volumes and are central to the distribution of Oil-Dri’s consumer products.
- Wholesale Clubs: Membership-based retail outlets that offer bulk products at discounted prices, catering to cost-conscious consumers.
- Drugstore Chains: Retail pharmacies where Oil-Dri products may be positioned as essential household items.
- Pet Specialty Retail Outlets: Stores specializing in pet products where Oil-Dri supplies specific absorbent products for pet care and cleanliness.
- Dollar Stores: Discount retailers that stock a variety of low-cost merchandise, including Oil-Dri products aimed at value-seeking customers.
- Retail Grocery Stores: Traditional supermarkets that carry a range of Oil-Dri products catering to household needs.
- Distributors of Industrial Cleanup and Automotive Products: These distributors require effective absorbents for automotive maintenance and industrial cleanup applications.
- Environmental Service Companies: Entities focused on environmental cleanup and management that utilize specialized absorbent products.
- Sports Field Product Users: Customers in the sports and recreation sector that require absorbent materials for maintaining athletic fields.

2. Business to Business Products Group:
This segment caters to a more industrial-focused clientele, providing specialized absorbents primarily for operational applications. Key customer groups include:

- Processors and Refiners of Edible Oils: Companies involved in the extraction and refinement of edible oils that require absorbent solutions for processes like oil filtration and clarification.
- Petroleum-Based Oils and Biodiesel Fuel Manufacturers: Businesses that produce energy products and need absorbents for various stages of their production processes as well as spill containment.
- Manufacturers of Animal Feed and Agricultural Chemicals: These manufacturers utilize absorbents in the formulation and handling of feed and chemical products, enhancing product stability and safety.
- Distributors of Animal Health and Nutrition Products: Companies that supply products for animal health which benefit from the use of effective absorbents.
- Marketers of Consumer Products: Businesses engaged in the promotion and distribution of consumer goods that may utilize Oil-Dri’s products within their supply chains or for product enhancement.

Products and Services

Absorbent Products: Oil-Dri’s flagship product line mainly consists of clay-based absorbents. These products are versatile and used in a myriad of applications ranging from household spills to industrial processes. The key types of absorbents include:

- Cat Litter: One of the most recognized products, designed for household pets, primarily cats, providing effective odor control and absorbency.
- Industrial Absorbents: Custom-engineered for various industrial applications, these products target oil spills, chemical leaks, and general maintenance needs.
- Consumer and Household Products: These include absorbents for cleaning purposes, gardening needs, and lawn care.
- Agricultural Absorbents: Products aimed at maintaining soil health and aiding in agricultural production.

Technical Services: Besides providing absorbent products, Oil-Dri also offers on-site technical support and consultation to help customers optimize their use of absorbent materials for various applications.

International Operations

Oil-Dri Corporation of America has expanded its operations internationally, catering to markets outside the United States to diversify its reach and capitalize on global demand for absorbent products. This includes establishing partnerships and distribution networks in various regions, which may comprise:

- Canada and Mexico: Being geographically close, these markets often have shared needs for absorbent solutions, especially in the agricultural and industrial sectors.
- Europe and Asia: These regions have seen growing demand for eco-friendly and efficient absorbents, primarily due to stringent environmental regulations and increased focus on sustainability.

Internationally, Oil-Dri adapts its product offerings to meet regional regulations and customer preferences, which could include variations in packaging, marketing strategies, and technical support based on local practices and needs.

Through these two segments, Oil-Dri Corporation of America continuously reinforces its position as a leader in the absorbents market, leveraging its rich portfolio of specialized products designed to meet the diverse needs of both retail consumers and industrial clients.