View:
Download DOC
Download PDF
Download XLS
 

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): April 7, 2016  

Northern Technologies International Corporation
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

DELAWARE 001-1103841-0857886
(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)

N/A
(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))
 
 

 

Item 2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On April 7, 2016, Northern Technologies International Corporation (“NTIC”) publicly announced its consolidated financial results for the fiscal quarter ended February 29, 2016.  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

99.1

Press Release issued April 7, 2016 (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: April 7, 2016By: /s/ Matthew C. Wolsfeld        
  Name: Matthew C. Wolsfeld
  Title: Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary
  

NORTHERN TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION

CURRENT REPORT ON FORM 8-K

Exhibit Index

 

Exhibit No.DescriptionMethod of Filing
99.1Press release issued April 7, 2016Furnished herewith

 

 

EdgarFiling

EXHIBIT 99.1

Northern Technologies International Corporation Reports Financial Results for Second Quarter Fiscal 2016

MINNEAPOLIS, April 07, 2016 (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 second quarter of fiscal 2016. 

Highlights of NTIC’s fiscal 2016 second quarter financial and operating results include:  

“We experienced net sales growth of 14.5% for the fiscal 2016 second quarter, driven by strong sales in North America, as well as a record quarter for Natur-Tec® sales,” said G. Patrick Lynch, President and Chief Executive Officer of NTIC.  “Sales to North American customers were driven by higher demand from the automotive industry, while Natur-Tec® demand continued to benefit domestically from favorable consumer behavior and regulations, as well as internationally from manufacturers striving to make their supply chains more sustainable.  Unfortunately, a noticeable downturn in European manufacturing impacted sales at our European joint ventures, which reduced our total joint venture income for the quarter.  We are working closely with our European joint ventures to improve performance despite the challenging business climate in that region.  Although we expect our near-term quarterly results to remain volatile, we believe the second half of the year will produce sequential improvements in net sales and earnings, as demand from the oil and gas sector gains momentum, Natur-Tec® sales continue to accelerate, and trends in our industrial ZERUST® business remain stable.”  

NTIC’s consolidated net sales increased 14.5% to $7,705,000 during the three months ended February 29, 2016, compared to $6,729,000 for the three months ended February 28, 2015.  The increase in second quarter consolidated net sales was primarily a result of increased demand and sales of ZERUST® industrial rust and corrosion inhibiting packaging products and services and Natur-Tec® products, partially offset by a 7.6% decline in sales to joint ventures and flat ZERUST® sales to oil and gas customers.  For the fiscal 2016 first half, consolidated net sales increased 5.6% to $14,729,000, compared to $13,943,000 for the same period last fiscal year. 

The following table sets forth NTIC’s net sales by product category for the three and six months ended February 29, 2016 and February 28, 2015 by segment:

 Three Months Ended
 February 29,% of NetFebruary 28,% of Net%
 2016Sales2015SalesChange
ZERUST® industrial net sales$  5,220,614  67.8%$  4,674,429  69.5% 11.7%
ZERUST® joint venture net sales             787,392  10.2%   733,166  10.9% 7.4%
ZERUST® oil & gas net sales   377,331  4.9%   376,390  5.6% 0.3%
  Total ZERUST® net sales$  6,385,337  82.9%$  5,783,985  86.0% 10.4%
Total Natur-Tec® sales   1,319,597  17.1%   944,724  14.0% 39.7%
  Total net sales$  7,704,934  100.0%$  6,728,709  100.0% 14.5%


 Six Months Ended
 February 29,% of NetFebruary 28,% of Net%
 2016Sales2015SalesChange
ZERUST® industrial net sales$  10,339,707  70.2%$  9,677,204  69.4% 6.8%
ZERUST® joint venture net sales       1,305,742  8.9%   1,466,270  10.5% (10.9%)
ZERUST® oil & gas net sales   717,570  4.9%   878,582  6.3% (18.3%)
  Total ZERUST® net sales$  12,363,019  83.9%$  12,022,056  86.2% 6.8%
Total Natur-Tec® sales   2,366,352  16.1%   1,920,748  13.8% 23.2%
  Total net sales$  14,729,371  100.0%$  13,942,804  100.0% 5.6%


NTIC anticipates that sales of ZERUST® products and services into the oil and gas industry will continue to remain subject to significant volatility from quarter to quarter as sales are recognized.

NTIC’s equity in income of joint ventures decreased 35.4% to $953,000 for the fiscal 2016 second quarter, compared to $1,475,000 for the same period last fiscal year.  The decline in equity income of joint ventures was primarily a result of a decrease in profitability of the joint ventures and adverse effects of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, including in particular the Euro compared to the U.S. dollar.  Of the total equity in income of joint ventures, NTIC had equity in income of joint ventures of $1,481,000 attributable to EXCOR during the six months ended February 29, 2016, compared to $1,962,000 attributable to EXCOR during the six months ended February 28, 2015.  NTIC had equity in income of all other joint ventures of $455,000 during the six months ended February 29, 2016, compared to $1,119,000 during the six months ended February 28, 2015. 

Operating expenses, as a percent of net sales, for the fiscal 2016 second quarter were 57.0%, compared to 65.4% for the same period last fiscal year, primarily a result of stable selling expenses and general and administrative expenses and lower expenses incurred in support of joint ventures, partially offset by higher research and development expenses.  Year-to-date, operating expenses, as a percent of net sales, were 61.8%, compared to 63.9% for the same period last fiscal year. 

The company reported a net loss attributable to NTIC for the fiscal 2016 second quarter of $(108,000), or $(0.02) per share, compared to a net loss attributable to NTIC of $(129,000), or $(0.03) per share for the same period last fiscal year.  For the fiscal 2016 first half, the company reported a net loss attributable to NTIC of $(342,000), or $(0.08) per share, compared to net income attributable to NTIC of $880,000, or $0.19 per diluted share for the same period last fiscal year.  The fiscal 2016 second quarter and first half included $556,000 and $1,418,000, respectively, of expenses associated with legal and professional fees related to the termination of the joint venture agreement with Tianjin Zerust, the initiation of the liquidation of Tianjin Zerust and the formation and initial operation of NTIC China. 

NTIC’s balance sheet remains strong, with no debt, and working capital of $17,481,000 at February 29, 2016, including $2,531,000 in cash and cash equivalents and $2,733,000 in available for sale securities, compared to $15,603,771 at August 31, 2015, including $2,624,000 in cash and cash equivalents and $2,027,000 in available for sale securities. 

Mr. Lynch added, “We have created a diverse business with two operating segments that generate sales to customers in over 60 countries.  While challenging conditions remain in the oil and gas industry, we believe our focus to supply corrosion solutions, including for oil storage tank bottoms, will begin to produce improving results in our third fiscal quarter.  In this regard, I am pleased to report, we had our best month in March as we sold $300,000 of tank bottom corrosion prevention solutions to oil and gas customers on several continents.  In addition, we are continuing to ramp up sales at our 100% owned, Chinese subsidiary.  While it is taking longer than we initially anticipated, we believe there is strong demand in China for our products and we are confident with this market’s long-term potential.”

Outlook

For the fiscal year ending August 31, 2016, NTIC is maintaining its annual financial guidance and expects its net sales to range between $34.0 million and $37.0 million and its net income attributable to NTIC to range between $2.0 million to $3.2 million, or between $0.40 and $0.70 per diluted share.

These estimates are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including without limitation to risks and uncertainties relating to the change in NTIC’s Chinese operations, pending litigation against NTIC’s former Chinese joint venture partner, a possible future impairment charge on NTIC’s investment in Tianjin Zerust, and other risks and uncertainties.

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 second quarter of fiscal 2016 and its future 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 http://ir.ntic.com/events.cfm where the webcast will be archived and accessible for at least 12 months.  The dial-in number for the conference call is (877) 670-9779 and the confirmation code is 80748839.

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 press 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 2016, its expectations regarding second half sequential improvements in net sales and earnings, anticipated increased demand from the oil & gas sector, continued increases in Natur-Tec® sales and trends in NTIC’s industrial ZERUST® business remaining stable, continued variability in sales of ZERUST® products and services into the oil and gas industry, future market potential and success of NTIC’s Chinese operations 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 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, including without limitation a possible future impairment of NTIC’s investment in Tianjin Zerust; the ability of NTIC China to achieve significant sales; costs and expenses incurred by NTIC in connection with its pending litigation against its former Chinese joint venture partner and Cortec Corporation; 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 NTIC’s other joint ventures on NTIC’s business and operating results; risks related to the European sovereign debt crisis, economic slowdown and political unrest; risks associated with NTIC’s international operations; exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, 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 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. 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 FEBRUARY 29, 2016 (UNAUDITED) 
AND AUGUST 31, 2015 (AUDITED)

   February 29, 2016 August 31, 2015
ASSETS    
   CURRENT ASSETS:    
          Cash and cash equivalents$   2,531,340 $ 2,623,981 
          Available for sale securities  2,733,079     2,027,441 
          Receivables:    
                Trade excluding joint ventures, less allowance for doubtful accounts of    
                    $40,000 at February 29, 2016 and  August 31, 2015  4,139,536   4,027,167 
                Trade joint ventures  764,017   645,377 
                Fees for services provided to joint ventures  1,206,625   1,449,162 
                Income taxes  541,431   198,462 
          Inventories  7,300,153   7,468,441 
          Prepaid expenses  586,042   411,473 
          Deferred income taxes  424,108   424,108 
                        Total current assets  20,226,331   19,275,612 
      
   PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET  7,310,826    7,293,163 
      
   OTHER ASSETS:    
          Investments in joint ventures  17,952,996   20,544,238 
          Investments at carrying value  1,883,668   1,883,668 
          Deferred income taxes  1,175,290   1,176,012 
          Patents and trademarks, net  1,230,760   1,262,219 
          Other  218,954   130,736 
                Total other assets  22,461,668   24,996,873 
                        Total assets$ 49,998,825 $ 51,565,648 
      
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY    
   CURRENT LIABILITIES:    
          Accounts payable$ 1,866,737  $ 2,101,175 
          Accrued liabilities:    
                Payroll and related benefits  475,634   1,056,257 
                Other  402,903   514,409 
                        Total current liabilities  2,745,274   3,671,841 
      
   COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES    
      
   EQUITY:    
          Preferred stock, no par value; authorized 10,000 shares; none issued and Outstanding —     —    
          Common stock, $0.02 par value per share; authorized 10,000,000    
                shares; issued and outstanding 4,536,022 and 4,539,045, respectively  90,720   90,781 
          Additional paid-in capital  13,629,454   13,441,264 
          Retained earnings  34,180,731   34,522,871 
          Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (3,653,208)  (3,180,811)
                        Stockholders’ equity  44,247,697   44,874,105 
          Non-controlling interest  3,005,854   3,019,702 
                        Total equity  47,253,551   47,893,807 
                        Total liabilities and equity$ 49,998,825 $ 51,565,648 
      


NORTHERN TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) 
FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED FEBRUARY 29, 2016 AND FEBRUARY 28, 2015

 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
 February 29, 2016 February 28, 2015 February 29, 2016 February 28, 2015
NET SALES:       
  Net sales, excluding joint ventures$  7,027,614  $  5,995,543  $  13,529,024  $  12,476,534 
  Net sales, to joint ventures 677,320   733,166   1,200,347   1,466,270 
     Total net sales 7,704,934   6,728,709   14,729,371   13,942,804 
        
  Cost of goods sold 5,268,224   4,657,740     10,143,647     9,464,351 
      Gross profit 2,436,710   2,070,969     4,585,724     4,478,453 
        
JOINT VENTURE OPERATIONS:       
  Equity in income of joint ventures 952,667   1,474,649     1,936,420     3,081,332 
  Fees for services provided to joint ventures 971,042   994,860     2,456,471     3,128,530 
     Total joint venture operations 1,923,709   2,469,509     4,392,891     6,209,862 
        
OPERATING EXPENSES:       
  Selling expenses 1,475,433   1,339,441     3,000,516     2,734,328 
  General and administrative expenses 1,509,087   1,552,861     3,366,700     3,091,123 
  Expenses incurred in support of joint ventures 297,470   656,127     614,464     1,183,244 
  Research and development expenses 1,113,525   854,256     2,117,622     1,904,169 
     Total operating expenses 4,395,515   4,402,685     9,099,302     8,912,864 
        
OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME (35,096)  137,793     (120,687)    1,775,451 
        
INTEREST INCOME 14,384   2,434     28,557     17,561 
INTEREST EXPENSE (10,796)  (3,223)    (15,522)    (8,228)
OTHER INCOME 961   2,145     961     2,145 
        
(LOSS) INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX EXPENSE (30,547)  139,149     (106,691)    1,786,929 
        
INCOME TAX EXPENSE 40,466   197,614     36,964     381,298 
        
NET (LOSS) INCOME (71,013)  (58,465)    (143,655)    1,405,631 
        
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS 36,776   70,179     198,485     526,010 
        
NET (LOSS) INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NTIC$  (107,789) $  (128,644) $  (342,140) $  879,621 
        
NET (LOSS) INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NTIC PER COMMON SHARE:       
              Basic$    (0.02) $    (0.03) $  (0.08) $  0.20 
              Diluted$    (0.02) $    (0.03) $  (0.08) $  0.19 
        
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES       
  ASSUMED OUTSTANDING:       
              Basic 4,537,429   4,522,514   4,536,995   4,516,311 
              Diluted 4,537,429   4,522,514   4,536,995   4,655,792 


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