UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
_____________________

Form 8-K
_____________________

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event Reported): July 9, 2019  

NORTHERN TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

Delaware001-1103841-0857886
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)(Commission File Number)(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

 

4201 Woodland Road
P.O. Box 69, Circle Pines, Minnesota 55014
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

(763) 225-6600
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 [ ]  Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
 [ ]  Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
 [ ]  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
 [ ]  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock, par value $0.02 per shareNTICNasdaq Global Market

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (17 CFR §230.405) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (17 CFR §240.12b-2). Emerging growth company [   ]

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. [   ]

 
 

Item 2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On July 9, 2019, Northern Technologies International Corporation (“NTIC”) announced its consolidated financial results for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2019.  A copy of the press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this current report on Form 8-K and the information set forth therein is incorporated herein by reference and constitutes a part of this report.

The information contained in Item 2.02 of this report and Exhibit 99.1 to this report shall not be deemed to be "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and shall not be incorporated by reference into any filings made by NTIC under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as may be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d)  Exhibits.

Exhibit No.     Description
99.1Press Release issued July 9, 2019 (furnished herewith)


SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 NORTHERN TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
   
  
Date: July 9, 2019By: /s/ Matthew C. Wolsfeld        
  Matthew C. Wolsfeld
  Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
  

EdgarFiling

EXHIBIT 99.1

Northern Technologies International Corporation Reports Financial Results for Third Quarter Fiscal 2019

MINNEAPOLIS, July 09, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Northern Technologies International Corporation (NASDAQ: NTIC), a leading developer of corrosion inhibiting products and services, as well as bio-based and biodegradable polymer resin compounds, today reported its financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2019. 

Third quarter fiscal 2019 financial and operating results include (with growth rates compared to third quarter of fiscal 2018):  

“Natur-Tec’s strength secured record third quarter consolidated net sales of nearly $15 million, which is our largest sales total for a quarter ever,” said G. Patrick Lynch, President and Chief Executive Officer of NTIC.  “The market for alternatives to single-use conventional plastic articles is growing rapidly, and Natur-Tec is one of the leading global bioplastic solution providers.  As a result, during this fiscal year, the expenses we’ve incurred in support of the Natur-Tec platform, specifically in India, have increased with demand, which has also impacted profitability in the short run.  As Natur-Tec’s sales continue to increase, we expect to begin leveraging these investments in the coming quarters.” 

“Unfortunately, worldwide market demand for our core corrosion protection solutions grew even softer during the fiscal 2019 third quarter both in North America and across the territories served by our global Joint Ventures.  Nevertheless, we continued making strategic investments in high-potential markets like China, to expand our capabilities within this large and fast-growing geography. Consequently, we are adjusting our full-year guidance for fiscal 2019 to be between $57.5 million and $58.5 million and earnings to be between $0.65 and $0.70 per diluted share, which is adjusted for the June 28, 2019 two-for-one stock split.”

Mr. Lynch concluded, “NTIC’s core remains strong due to our unique global footprint, experienced management team, and leading corrosion prevention and bioplastic solutions.  Therefore, we remain well positioned for long-term growth once the global metal component manufacturing rebounds.”

NTIC’s consolidated net sales increased 15.2% to $14,893,000 during the three months ended May 31, 2019, compared to $12,924,000 for the three months ended May 31, 2018.  This increase was a result of significant global demand for the company’s Natur-Tec® compostable products and higher ZERUST® oil and gas sales.  For the nine months ended May 31, 2019, consolidated net sales increased 15.3% to $42,303,000, compared to $36,681,000 for the same period last fiscal year. 


The following tables set forth NTIC’s net sales by product category for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2019 and May 31, 2018, by segment:

 Three Months Ended
 May 31,
2019
 % of Net
Sales
 May 31,
2018

 % of Net
Sales
 %
Change
ZERUST® industrial net sales...................$  8,244,759 55.4% $  8,947,847 69.2% -7.9%
ZERUST® joint venture net sales.............   950,414 6.4%    879,324 6.8% 8.1%
ZERUST® oil & gas net sales....................   882,030 5.9%    555,713 4.3% 58.7%
  Total ZERUST® net sales....................$  10,077,203 67.7% $  10,382,884 80.3% -2.9%
Total Natur-Tec® sales...............................   4,815,914 32.3%    2,540,953 19.7% 89.5%
  Total net sales..........................................$  14,893,117 100.0% $  12,923,837 100.0% 15.2%


 Nine Months Ended
 May 31,
2019
 % of Net
Sales
 May 31,
2018
 % of Net
Sales
 %
Change
ZERUST® industrial net sales...................$  24,882,727 58.8% $  26,482,430 72.2% -6.0%
ZERUST® joint venture net sales.............   2,142,555 5.1%    2,201,077 6.0% -2.7%
ZERUST® oil & gas net sales....................   2,225,490 5.3%    1,418,573 3.9% 56.9%
  Total ZERUST® net sales....................$  29,250,772 69.2% $  30,102,080 82.1% -2.8%
Total Natur-Tec® sales...............................   13,051,801 30.9%    6,578,770 17.9% 98.4%
  Total net sales..........................................$  42,302,573 100.0% $  36,680,850 100.0% 15.3%

NTIC’s joint venture operating income decreased 11.8% to $3,311,000 during the three months ended May 31, 2019, compared to joint venture operating income of $3,755,000 during the three months ended May 31, 2018.  This decrease was attributable to a corresponding reduction in total net sales of the joint ventures as fees for services provided to joint ventures are primarily a function of the net sales of NTIC’s joint ventures, which decreased 11.8% to $27,774,000 during the three months ended May 31, 2019, compared to $31,481,000 for the three months ended May 31, 2018.  Year-to-date, NTIC’s joint venture operating income decreased 5.0% to $9,896,000, compared to joint venture operating income of $10,418,000 during the nine months ended May 31, 2018.  Net sales of NTIC’s joint ventures decreased 4.7% to $86,004,000 during the nine months ended May 31, 2019, compared to $90,200,000 for the nine months ended May 31, 2018. 

Operating expenses, as a percent of net sales, for the third quarter of fiscal 2019 were 42.3%, compared to 43.6% for the same period last fiscal year.  This reduction was primarily due to higher net sales, partially offset by higher research and development expenses and higher general and administrative expenses.  Year-to-date, operating expenses, as a percent of net sales, were 42.2%, compared to 45.3% for the same period last fiscal year. 

Net income attributable to NTIC for the third quarter of fiscal 2019 decreased 30.8% to $1,482,000, or $0.16 per diluted share, from $2,143,000, or $0.23 per diluted share for the same period last fiscal year.  For the nine months ended May 31, 2019, net income attributable to NTIC decreased 3.9% to $4,381,000, or $0.46 per diluted share, from $4,559,000, or $0.49 per diluted share for the same period last fiscal year. 

NTIC’s balance sheet remains strong, with no debt, and working capital of $25,692,000 at May 31, 2019, including $5,224,000 in cash and cash equivalents and $2,541,000 in available for sale securities, compared to $22,837,000 of working capital at August 31, 2018, including $4,163,000 in cash and cash equivalents and $3,300,000 in available for sale securities. 

At May 31, 2019, the company had $24,077,000 of investments in joint ventures, of which over $13,510,000 or 56.1%, is cash, with the remaining balance mostly made up of other working capital. 

Outlook

For the fiscal year ending August 31, 2019, NTIC now expects net sales to be in the range of $57.5 million to $58.5 million compared to previous guidance of $58.0 million to $60.0 million.  The company also anticipates net income attributable to NTIC to now be in the range of $6.2 million to $6.6 million, or $0.65 and $0.70 per diluted share, compared to previous guidance of $8.0 million to $8.5 million, or $0.85 and $0.90 per diluted share, which is adjusted for the June 28, 2019 two-for-one stock split.  

These estimates are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including those described below under the heading “Forward-Looking Statements.”

Conference Call and Webcast

NTIC will host a conference call today at 8:00 a.m. Central Time to review its results of operations for the third quarter of fiscal 2019 and its outlook, followed by a question and answer session.  The conference call will be available to interested parties through a live audio webcast available through NTIC’s website at www.ntic.com or https://ntic.gcs-web.com/events-presentations where the webcast will be archived and accessible for at least 12 months.  The dial-in number for the conference call is (877) 670-9776 and the confirmation code is 9292949.

About Northern Technologies International Corporation

Northern Technologies International Corporation develops and markets proprietary environmentally beneficial products and services in over 60 countries either directly or via a network of subsidiaries, joint ventures, independent distributors and agents. NTIC’s primary business is corrosion prevention marketed primarily under the ZERUST® brand. NTIC has been selling its proprietary ZERUST® rust and corrosion inhibiting products and services to the automotive, electronics, electrical, mechanical, military and retail consumer markets for over 40 years and in recent years has targeted and expanded into the oil and gas industry. NTIC offers worldwide on-site technical consulting for rust and corrosion prevention issues. NTIC’s technical service consultants work directly with the end users of NTIC’s products to analyze their specific needs and develop systems to meet their technical requirements. NTIC also markets and sells a portfolio of bio-based and biodegradable polymer resins and finished products marketed under the Natur-Tec® brand.

Forward-Looking Statements

STATEMENTS CONTAINED IN THIS RELEASE THAT ARE NOT HISTORICAL INFORMATION ARE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AS DEFINED WITHIN THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995. SUCH STATEMENTS INCLUDE NTIC’S EXPECTATIONS REGARDING ITS FINANCIAL GUIDANCE FOR FISCAL 2019 AND ANTICIPATED LEVERAGING OF OPERATING EXPENSES, AND OTHER STATEMENTS THAT CAN BE IDENTIFIED BY WORDS SUCH AS “BELIEVES,” “CONTINUES,” “EXPECTS,” “ANTICIPATES,” “INTENDS,” “POTENTIAL,” “OUTLOOK,” “WILL,” “MAY,” “WOULD,” “SHOULD,” “GUIDANCE” OR WORDS OF SIMILAR MEANING, THE USE OF FUTURE DATES AND ANY OTHER STATEMENTS THAT ARE NOT HISTORICAL FACTS. SUCH FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS ARE BASED UPON THE CURRENT BELIEFS AND EXPECTATIONS OF NTIC’S MANAGEMENT AND ARE INHERENTLY SUBJECT TO RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES THAT COULD CAUSE ACTUAL RESULTS TO DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE PROJECTED OR IMPLIED. SUCH POTENTIAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER: THE ABILITY OF NTIC TO ACHIEVE ITS ANNUAL FINANCIAL GUIDANCE AND CONTINUE TO PAY DIVIDENDS; THE EFFECT OF ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTY AND TRADE DISPUTES; NTIC’S DEPENDENCE ON THE SUCCESS OF ITS JOINT VENTURES AND FEES AND DIVIDEND DISTRIBUTIONS THAT NTIC RECEIVES FROM THEM; NTIC’S RELATIONSHIPS WITH ITS JOINT VENTURES AND ITS ABILITY TO MAINTAIN THOSE RELATIONSHIPS; NTIC’S DEPENDENCE ON ITS JOINT VENTURE IN GERMANY IN PARTICULAR DUE TO ITS SIGNIFICANCE AND THE EFFECT OF A TERMINATION OF THIS OR ITS OTHER JOINT VENTURES ON NTIC’S BUSINESS AND OPERATING RESULTS; THE EFFECT ON NTIC’S BUSINESS AND OPERATING RESULTS OF THE TERMINATION OF NTIC’S JOINT VENTURE RELATIONSHIP IN CHINA AND SALE OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES IN CHINA THROUGH NTIC CHINA; THE ABILITY OF NTIC CHINA TO ACHIEVE SIGNIFICANT SALES; COSTS AND EXPENSES INCURRED BY NTIC IN CONNECTION WITH ITS ONGOING LITIGATION AGAINST ITS FORMER CHINESE JOINT VENTURE PARTNER; THE EFFECT OF THE UNITED KINGDOM’S EXIT FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION, ECONOMIC SLOWDOWN AND POLITICAL UNREST; RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH NTIC’S INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS; EXPOSURE TO FLUCTUATIONS IN FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATES AND TARIFFS, INCLUDING IN PARTICULAR THE EURO COMPARED TO THE U.S. DOLLAR; THE HEALTH OF THE U.S. AND WORLDWIDE ECONOMIES, INCLUDING IN PARTICULAR THE U.S. AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY; THE LEVEL OF GROWTH IN NTIC’S MARKETS; NTIC’S INVESTMENTS IN RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS; ACCEPTANCE OF EXISTING AND NEW PRODUCTS; TIMING OF NTIC’S RECEIPT OF PURCHASE ORDERS UNDER SUPPLY CONTRACTS; VARIABILITY IN SALES TO CUSTOMERS IN THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY AND THE EFFECT ON NTIC’S QUARTERLY FINANCIAL RESULTS; INCREASED COMPETITION; THE COSTS AND EFFECTS OF COMPLYING WITH CHANGES IN TAX, FISCAL, GOVERNMENT AND OTHER REGULATORY POLICIES, INCLUDING THE NEW TAX REFORM LAW, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A WRITE-DOWN OF OUR DEFERRED TAX ASSETS, AND RULES RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH AND SAFETY MATTERS; PENDING AND POTENTIAL LITIGATION; AND NTIC’S RELIANCE ON ITS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS AND THE ABSENCE OF INFRINGEMENT OF THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS OF OTHERS. MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ON THESE AND ADDITIONAL FACTORS WHICH COULD AFFECT NTIC’S OPERATING AND FINANCIAL RESULTS IS DESCRIBED IN THE COMPANY’S FILINGS WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, INCLUDING ITS MOST RECENT ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2018 AND SUBSEQUENT QUARTERLY REPORTS ON FORM 10-Q. NTIC URGES ALL INTERESTED PARTIES TO READ THESE REPORTS TO GAIN A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE MANY BUSINESS AND OTHER RISKS THAT THE COMPANY FACES. ADDITIONALLY, NTIC UNDERTAKES NO OBLIGATION TO PUBLICLY RELEASE THE RESULTS OF ANY REVISIONS TO THESE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS, WHICH MAY BE MADE TO REFLECT EVENTS OR CIRCUMSTANCES OCCURRING AFTER THE DATE HEREOF OR TO REFLECT THE OCCURRENCE OF UNANTICIPATED EVENTS.


     
NORTHERN TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AS OF MAY 31, 2019 (UNAUDITED)
AND AUGUST 31, 2018
  May 31, 2019 August 31, 2018
ASSETS    
CURRENT ASSETS:    
Cash and cash equivalents $  5,224,480  $  4,163,023 
Available for sale securities  2,540,613     3,300,110 
Receivables:    
Trade excluding joint ventures, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $65,000 at May 31, 2019 and $50,000 at August 31, 2018  10,068,632   9,920,108 
Trade joint ventures  935,685   761,506 
Fees for services provided to joint ventures  1,242,928   1,357,255 
Income taxes  628,360   273,333 
Inventories  10,619,012   9,130,861 
Prepaid expenses  1,105,319   1,661,577 
Total current assets  32,365,029   30,567,773 
     
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET  7,293,137   7,168,826 
     
OTHER ASSETS:    
Investments in joint ventures  24,077,361   22,950,995 
Deferred income taxes  1,371,664   1,551,536 
Patents and trademarks, net  1,048,249   1,156,257 
Other     153,849 
Total other assets  26,497,274   25,812,637 
Total assets $  66,155,440  $  63,549,236 
     
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY    
CURRENT LIABILITIES:    
Accounts payable $  4,458,928  $  3,905,034 
Income taxes payable  636   70,892 
Accrued liabilities:    
Payroll and related benefits  1,357,164   2,747,303 
Other  856,578   1,006,953 
Total current liabilities  6,673,306   7,730,182 
     
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES    
     
EQUITY:    
Preferred stock, no par value; authorized 10,000 shares; none issued and outstanding      
Common stock, $0.02 par value per share; authorized 15,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 9,086,816 and 9,082,606, respectively  181,736   181,652 
Additional paid-in capital  15,655,353   14,528,951 
Retained earnings  44,708,934   41,963,341 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (4,206,472)  (3,597,199)
Stockholders’ equity  56,339,551   53,076,745 
Non-controlling interest  3,142,583   2,742,309 
Total equity  59,482,134   55,819,054 
Total liabilities and equity $  66,155,440  $  63,549,236 
     
*Share and per share data have been adjusted for all periods presented to reflect the two-for-one stock split effective June 28, 2019.


    
NORTHERN TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED MAY 31, 2019 AND 2018
 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 May 31, 2019 May 31, 2018 May 31, 2019 May 31, 2018
NET SALES:       
Net sales, excluding joint ventures$  13,780,804  $  12,044,513  $  39,998,118  $  34,479,773 
Net sales, to joint ventures 1,112,313   879,324   2,304,455   2,201,077 
Total net sales 14,893,117   12,923,837   42,302,573   36,680,850 
Cost of goods sold 10,138,353   8,592,366     28,883,589   24,493,672 
Gross profit 4,754,764   4,331,471     13,418,984   12,187,178 
        
JOINT VENTURE OPERATIONS:       
Equity in income from joint ventures 1,877,410   2,246,066     5,596,788   5,793,391 
Fees for services provided to joint ventures 1,433,823   1,508,500     4,299,032   4,624,532 
Total joint venture operations 3,311,233   3,754,566     9,895,820   10,417,923 
        
OPERATING EXPENSES:       
Selling expenses 2,761,488   2,784,694     8,077,663   8,028,279 
General and administrative expenses 2,527,192   1,987,785     6,986,526   6,012,746 
Research and development expenses 1,005,045   860,347     2,804,739   2,581,824 
Total operating expenses 6,293,725   5,632,826     17,868,928   16,622,849 
        
OPERATING INCOME 1,772,272   2,453,211     5,445,876   5,982,252 
        
INTEREST INCOME 24,114   35,630     52,023   84,569 
INTEREST EXPENSE (5,165)  (3,139)    (11,357)  (14,007)
        
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX EXPENSE 1,791,221   2,485,702     5,486,542   6,052,814 
        
INCOME TAX EXPENSE 150,257   181,683     652,331   1,128,583 
        
NET INCOME 1,640,964   2,304,019     4,834,211   4,924,231 
        
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS 158,815   161,267     453,435   365,006 
        
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NTIC$  1,482,149  $  2,142,752  $  4,380,776  $  4,559,225 
        
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NTIC PER COMMON SHARE:       
Basic$  0.16  $  0.24  $  0.48  $  0.50 
Diluted$  0.16  $  0.23  $  0.46  $  0.49 
        
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES ASSUMED OUTSTANDING:       
Basic 9,084,354   9,078,706   9,085,584   9,077,676 
Diluted 9,392,444   9,414,064   9,440,858   9,327,694 
CASH DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE$  0.06  $  0.05  $  0.18  $  0.15 

*Share and per share data have been adjusted for all periods presented to reflect the two-for-one stock split effective June 28, 2019.


Investor and Media Contacts:
Matthew Wolsfeld, CFO                                                       
NTIC                                                                          
(763) 225-6600