SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


                                   FORM 10-QSB


               Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
                       The Securities Exchange Act of 1934


For the Quarterly Period Ended:                           Commission File Number
            May 31, 1998                                          1-11038

                 NORTHERN TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

           Delaware                                    41-0857886
(State of Incorporation)                 (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

                    6680 N. Highway 49, Lino Lakes, MN 55014
                    (Address of principal executive offices)

                                 (612) 784-1250
                         (Registrant's telephone number)


Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was
required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.

                                     YES  [X]         NO [ ]

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

                Class                             Outstanding as of July 7, 1998
Common Stock, $.02 par value                                 4,001,230


                                            "This document consists of eleven 
                                            pages.  One exhibit is being filed."






PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NORTHERN TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION

BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MAY 31, AUGUST 31, MAY 31, 1998 1997 1997 ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and cash equivalents $ 2,271,720 $ 3,945,567 $ 3,605,505 Receivables: Trade, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $26,000, $27,000, and $29,000, respectively 1,322,791 1,164,660 1,294,850 Corporate joint ventures 436,598 517,551 484,650 Income tax receivable 98,356 -- -- Inventories 823,300 841,618 573,536 Prepaid expenses and other 66,468 77,196 51,708 Deferred income taxes 240,000 240,000 170,000 ------------ ------------ ------------ Total current assets 5,259,233 6,786,592 6,180,249 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net 979,191 962,328 977,666 OTHER ASSETS: Investments in corporate joint ventures 2,409,352 2,291,600 2,145,571 Investment in European holding company 257,146 254,639 254,375 Investment in foreign company 139,475 132,000 159,879 Deferred income taxes 130,000 130,000 90,000 Other 603,952 625,544 364,140 ------------ ------------ ------------ 3,539,925 3,433,783 3,013,965 ------------ ------------ ------------ $ 9,778,349 $ 11,182,703 $ 10,171,880 ============ ============ ============ LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES: Accounts payable $ 191,728 $ 162,477 $ 118,338 Income taxes -- 376,867 222,414 Accrued liabilities: Payroll 170,750 230,951 141,326 Other 174,596 189,707 134,691 ------------ ------------ ------------ Total current liabilities 537,074 960,002 616,769 DEFERRED GROSS PROFIT 118,000 118,000 118,000 STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY: Preferred stock, no par value, authorized 10,000 shares, none issued Common stock, $.02 par value per share; authorized 10,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 3.999,030, 4,202,508, and 4,206,308, respectively 79,981 84,050 84,126 Additional paid-in capital 4,775,886 5,185,828 5,193,207 Retained earnings 4,778,490 5,217,221 4,418,164 Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments (381,275) (252,591) (128,579) ------------ ------------ ------------ 9,253,082 10,234,508 9,566,918 Notes and related interest receivable from purchase of common stock (129,807) (129,807) (129,807) ------------ ------------ ------------ Total stockholders' equity 9,123,275 10,104,701 9,437,111 ------------ ------------ ------------ $ 9,778,349 $ 11,182,703 $ 10,171,880 ============ ============ ============
See notes to financial statements. NORTHERN TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
) THREE MONTHS ENDED NINE MONTHS ENDED MAY 31 MAY 31 ---------------------------- -------------------------- 1998 1997 1998 1997 SALES $ 2,607,271 $ 2,518,582 $ 7,822,455 $ 6,532,957 COST OF GOODS SOLD 1,268,043 1,201,326 3,897,220 3,084,004 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- GROSS PROFIT 1,339,228 1,317,256 3,925,235 3,448,953 OPERATING EXPENSES: Selling 317,926 241,033 937,621 832,336 General and administrative 376,765 529,735 1,331,530 1,349,132 Research, engineering, and technical support 132,184 107,199 380,159 326,627 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- 826,875 877,967 2,649,310 2,508,095 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- OPERATING INCOME 512,353 439,289 1,275,925 940,858 JOINT VENTURES, EUROPEAN HOLDING COMPANY AND FOREIGN COMPANY: Equity in income of corporate joint ventures, European holding company, and foreign company 147,540 185,740 361,568 469,828 Fees for technical assistance to corporate joint ventures 477,085 573,841 1,315,385 1,555,212 Corporate joint venture expense (145,754) (127,034) (446,027) (379,029) ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- 478,871 632,547 1,230,926 1,646,011 OTHER INCOME: Interest income 21,551 36,311 108,858 101,505 Other income -- 113 -- 7,997 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- 21,551 36,424 108,858 109,502 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 1,012,775 1,108,260 2,615,709 2,696,371 INCOME TAXES 320,000 375,000 820,000 900,000 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- NET INCOME $ 692,775 $ 733,260 $ 1,795,709 $ 1,796,371 =========== =========== =========== =========== NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE: Basic $ .17 $ .17 $ .44 $ .43 =========== =========== =========== =========== Diluted $ .17 $ .17 $ .43 $ .42 =========== =========== =========== =========== WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING: Basic 4,041,299 4,206,308 4,126,018 4,203,407 =========== =========== =========== =========== Diluted 4,111,299 4,274,164 4,181,344 4,266,742 =========== =========== =========== ===========
See notes to financial statements. NORTHERN TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NINE MONTHS ENDED MAY 31 -------------------------- 1998 1997 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income $ 1,795,709 $ 1,796,371 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation 89,100 86,175 Equity income of joint ventures, European holding company, and foreign company (361,568) (469,828) Dividends received from joint ventures 284,461 39,555 Deferred gross profit -- 9,000 Change in current assets and liabilities: Receivables: Trade (158,131) (166,875) Joint ventures 80,953 39,927 Income tax receivable (98,356) -- Inventories 18,318 10,676 Prepaid expenses and other 54,320 76,895 Accounts payable 29,251 (36,521) Income taxes (376,867) (241,286) Accrued liabilities (75,312) 1,468 ----------- ----------- Total adjustments (513,831) (650,814) ----------- ----------- Net cash provided by operating activities 1,281,878 1,145,557 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Purchase of property and equipment (105,963) (83,025) Investment in European holding company -- (254,375) Investments in joint ventures (179,311) (158,067) Increase in other assets (22,000) (250,000) ----------- ----------- Net cash used in investing activities (307,274) (745,467) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from exercise of stock options 56,030 27,228 Dividends paid (621,798) (504,733) Repurchase of common stock (2,082,683) (24,600) ----------- ----------- Net cash used in financing activities (2,648,451) (502,105) ----------- ----------- NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (1,673,847) (102,015) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD 3,945,567 3,707,520 ----------- ----------- CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD $ 2,271,720 $ 3,605,505 =========== ===========
See notes to financial statements. NORTHERN TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited financial statements contain all necessary adjustments, which are of a normal recurring nature, to present fairly the financial position of Northern Technologies International Corporation as of May 31, 1998 and 1997, the results of operations for the three and nine months ended May 31, 1998 and 1997, and the cash flows for the nine months ended May 31, 1998 and 1997, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Effective December 15, 1997, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 128, EARNINGS PER SHARE. Net income per common share presented for the three and nine months ended May 31, 1997 have been restated for the adoption of SFAS No. 128. The effect of adopting SFAS No. 128 at December 15, 1997, on income per share for the three and nine months ended May 31, 1997 was not material. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes as of and for the year ended August 31, 1997 contained in the Company's filing on Form 10-KSB dated November 25, 1997 and with Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations appearing on pages 7 through 9 of this quarterly report. 2. INVENTORIES Inventories consist of the following:
May 31, August 31, May 31, 1998 1997 1997 Production materials $ 315,348 $ 276,631 $ 142,395 Work in process 75,346 21,301 20,205 Finished goods 432,606 543,686 410,936 ---------- ---------- ---------- $ 823,300 $ 841,618 $ 573,536 ========== ========== ========== 3. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT Property and equipment consist of the following: May 31, August 31, May 31, 1998 1997 1997 Land $ 246,097 $ 246,097 $ 246,097 Buildings and improvements 1,077,671 1,044,996 1,044,996 Machinery and equipment 669,155 603,919 604,935 ---------- ---------- ---------- 1,992,923 1,895,012 1,896,028 Less accumulated depreciation 1,013,732 932,684 918,362 ---------- ---------- ---------- $ 979,191 $ 962,328 $ 977,666 ========== ========== ==========
4. INVESTMENTS IN CORPORATE JOINT VENTURES During the nine months ended May 31, 1998, the Company invested $179,311 in foreign joint ventures. The Company has a 50% ownership interest in each entity. The entities had no significant operations prior to the Company's investment. 5. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY During the nine months ended May 31, 1998, the Company purchased and retired 220,020 shares of common stock for $2,082,683. In November 1997, the Company declared a cash dividend of $.15 per share payable on December 15, 1997 to shareholders of record on December 1, 1997. During the nine months ended May 31, 1998, stock options for the purchase of 16,542 shares of the Company's common stock were exercised at prices between $3.00 and $6.13 per share. 6. INCOME PER SHARE Basic income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted income per share assumes the exercise of stock options using the treasury stock method, if dilutive. ITEM 2 - MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION RESULTS OF OPERATIONS GENERAL - The Company conducts all foreign transactions based on the U.S. dollar, except for its investments in foreign joint ventures and foreign company. The exchange rate differential relating to investments in foreign joint ventures and foreign company is accounted for under the requirements of SFAS No. 52. SALES - Net sales increased by $88,689 or 4% during the third quarter of 1998 as compared to the third quarter of 1997. Net sales increased by $1,289,498 or 20% during the nine months ended May 31, 1998 compared to the nine months ended May 31, 1997. These changes in sales are due to the volume of corrosion inhibiting products sold to existing or new customers. There has been no change in product pricing, introduction of new products, or entry into any particular new markets. COST OF SALES - Cost of goods sold as a percentage of net sales for the third quarter of 1998 was 49% compared to 48% for the third quarter of 1997. The cost of goods sold percentage of net sales was 50% and 47% for the nine months ended May 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Variations are due primarily to the mix of product sales. OPERATING EXPENSES - As a percentage of net sales, total operating expenses decreased to 32% in the third quarter of fiscal 1998 from 35% in the third quarter of fiscal 1997. Operating expenses were 34% of net sales for the nine months ended May 31, 1998 and 38% for the nine months ended May 31, 1997. Operating expense classification percentages of net sales were as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended May 31 May 31 -------------------- ----------------- 1998 1997 1998 1997 Selling expense 12% 10% 12% 13% General and administrative 15 21 17 20 Research, engineering, and technical support 5 4 5 5 Selling expenses increased during the third quarter of fiscal 1998 as compared to the same period in fiscal 1997 due to increase in staff salaries and related expenses and travel. These same factors account for the increase in the selling expense for the nine months ended May 31, 1998 over the same period in fiscal 1997. Selling expenses as a percentage of net sales increased for the three months ended May 31, 1998 as compared to the same period in 1997 due to the increased level of net sales in fiscal 1998 not offsetting the effect of increased fiscal 1998 selling expenses. Selling expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased for the nine months ended May 31, 1998 as compared to the same period in fiscal 1997 due to the increased level of net sales in fiscal 1998 offsetting the effect of increased fiscal 1998 selling expenses. General and administrative expenses decreased during the third quarter of fiscal 1998 as compared to the same period in fiscal 1997 due to decreases in professional fees and various other expenses. These same factors account for the decrease in the general and administrative expenses for the nine months ended May 31, 1998 over the same period in fiscal 1997. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased for the three and nine months ended May 31, 1998, as compared to the same period in 1997 due to the increased level of net sales in fiscal 1998 and the decrease in fiscal 1998 general and administrative expenses. Research, engineering, and technical support expenses increased during the third quarter of fiscal 1998 as compared to the same period in fiscal 1997 due primarily to increases in staff salaries and travel. These same factors account for the increase in research, engineering, and technical support expenses for the nine months ended May 31, 1998 over the same period in fiscal 1997. Such expenses, as a percentage of sales were largely unchanged for the three and nine month periods ended May 31, 1998 as compared to fiscal 1997 periods. JOINT VENTURES, EUROPEAN HOLDING COMPANY, AND FOREIGN COMPANY - Net earnings from corporate joint ventures, European holding company, and foreign company were $478,871 and $1,230,926 for the three and nine months ended May 31, 1998, respectively, compared to $632,547 and $1,646,011 for the three and the nine months ended May 31, 1997. This net decrease is due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar when compared to the local currencies of the Company's corporate joint ventures and decreased sales volume at certain of the Company's joint ventures located in the Pacific Rim. INCOME TAXES - Income tax expense for the three and nine months ended May 31, 1998 and 1997 was calculated based on management's estimate of the Company's annual effective income tax rate. The Company's effective income tax rate for fiscal 1998 and 1997 is lower than the statutory rate primarily due to the Company's equity in income of corporate joint ventures, European holding company, and foreign company being recognized based on after tax earnings of these entities. To the extent joint venture's undistributed earnings are distributed to the Company, it does not result in any material additional income tax liability after the application of foreign tax credits. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES At May 31, 1998, the Company's working capital was $4,722,159, including $2,271,720 in cash and cash equivalents, compared to working capital of $5,826,590 and $5,563,480 as of August 31, 1997 and May 31, 1997, respectively. Net cash provided from operations has been sufficient to meet liquidity requirements, capital expenditures, research and development cost, and expansion of operations of the Company's joint ventures. Cash flows from operations for the nine months ended May 31, 1998 and 1997 was $1,281,878 and $1,145,557, respectively. The net cash flow from operations for the nine months ended May 31, 1998 and 1997 resulted principally from net income and joint venture dividends offset by equity income of joint ventures, increased trade receivables, and payment of income taxes. Net cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended May 31, 1998 was $307,274 which resulted from investments in joint ventures, additions to property and an increase in other assets. Net cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended May 31, 1997 was $745,467 which resulted from investments in joint ventures and European holding company, additions to property, and an increase in other assets. Net cash used in financing activities for the nine months ended May 31, 1998 resulted from the payment of dividends to stockholders of $621,798 and the repurchase of common stock of $2,082,683 offset by proceeds of $56,030 from the exercise of stock options. Net cash used in financing activities for the nine months ended May 31, 1997 was $502,105 which resulted from the payment of dividends to stockholders of $504,733 and the repurchase of common stock of $24,600 offset by proceeds from the exercise of stock options of $27,228. The Company expects to meet future liquidity requirements with its existing cash and cash equivalents and from cash flows of future operating earnings and distributions of earnings and technical assistance fees from the corporate joint venture investments. The Company has no long-term debt and no material lease commitments at May 31, 1998. The Company has no postretirement benefit plan and does not anticipate establishing any postretirement benefit program. RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARD In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 130, REPORTING COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, which establishes standards for reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components in a full set of general purpose financial statements. The Company will be required to adopt SFAS No. 130 in fiscal 1999. In June 1997, the FASB also issued SFAS No. 131, DISCLOSURES ABOUT SEGMENTS OF AN ENTERPRISE AND RELATED INFORMATION. SFAS No. 131 redefines how operating segments are determined and requires disclosures of certain financial and descriptive information about a company's operating segments. The Company anticipates the adoption of SFAS No. 131 will result in the Company continuing to operate in one segment. The Company will be required to adopt SFAS No. 131 in fiscal 1999. PART II - OTHER INFORMATION ITEM 1 - LEGAL PROCEEDINGS None ITEM 2 - CHANGES IN SECURITIES None ITEM 3 - DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES None ITEM 4 - SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS None ITEM 5 - OTHER INFORMATION None ITEM 6 - EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K 27 Financial Data Schedule SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. NORTHERN TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION July 13, 1998 /s/ Loren M. Ehrmanntraut ----------------------------------------------- Loren M. Ehrmanntraut Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary
 



5 9-MOS AUG-31-1998 SEP-01-1997 MAY-31-1998 2,271,720 0 1,785,389 26,000 823,300 5,259,233 1,992,923 1,013,732 9,778,349 537,074 0 0 0 79,981 9,043,294 9,778,349 7,822,455 7,822,455 3,897,220 3,897,220 0 (1,000) 0 2,615,709 820,000 1,795,709 0 0 0 1,795,709 .44 .43