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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark one)

x      ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2009

o         TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                       to                      .

Commission file number  001-11038

NORTHERN TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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

Securities registered under Section 12(b) of the Act:

Securities registered under Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  YES o NO x

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  YES o NO x

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 o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  YES o NO o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). (Check one):

Indicate by check mark whether registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  YES o NO x

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock, excluding shares beneficially owned by affiliates, computed by reference to the closing sales price at which the common stock was last sold as of February 28, 2009 (the last business day of the registrant’s second fiscal quarter) as reported by the NASDAQ Global Market on that date was $19,493,931.

As of November 20, 2009, 4,240,679 shares of common stock of the registrant were outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K incorporates by reference information (to the extent specific sections are referred to herein) from the registrant’s Proxy Statement for its 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held January 28, 2010.

Transitional Small Business Disclosure Format (check one):  YES o NO x

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PART I

This annual report on Form 10-K contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are subject to the safe harbor created by those sections.  For more information, see “Item 1.  Business — Forward-Looking Statements.”

As used in this report, references to “NTIC,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” or “us,” unless the context otherwise requires, refer to Northern Technologies International Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiaries, NTI Facilities, Inc., Northern Technologies Holding Company, LLC and React-NTI, LLC, all of which are consolidated on NTIC’s financial statements.

All trademarks, trade names or service marks referred to in this report are the property of their respective owners.

Item 1.          BUSINESS

Overview

NTIC develops and markets proprietary environmentally beneficial products and technical services either directly or via a network of joint ventures and independent distributors in over 50 countries.  NTIC’s primary business is corrosion prevention.  In addition to this core business, NTIC has three new businesses that have started recently to generate revenue: (1) corrosion prevention technology specifically designed for the oil and gas industry, which NTIC sells both directly and through joint ventures; (2) a product line of compounds and finished products based on a portfolio of proprietary bio-plastic technologies marketed under the Natur-Tec® brand, which NTIC sells directly and through distributors and independent manufacturer’s sales representatives; and (3) technology and equipment that converts plastic waste into diesel, gasoline and heavy fractions, which is exclusively licensed and sold through NTIC’s joint venture Polymer Energy, LLC in North America and Asia.

NTIC has been selling its proprietary ZERUST® and EXCOR® rust and corrosion inhibiting products and services to the automotive, electronics, electrical, mechanical, military and retail consumer markets, for over 30 years.  NTIC also offers worldwide on-site technical consulting for rust and corrosion prevention issues.  In North America, NTIC markets its technical services and ZERUST® products principally to industrial users by a direct sales force and a network of independent distributors.  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.  In fiscal 2009, over 93.4% of NTIC’s consolidated net sales from its North America operations were derived from the sales of ZERUST® and EXCOR® rust and corrosion inhibiting packaging products and services.

NTIC has developed proprietary corrosion inhibiting technologies for use in the mitigation of corrosion in capital assets used in the petroleum and process chemical industry and is initially targeting the sale of these new ZERUST® products to the oil and gas industry sector.  During fiscal 2009, NTIC announced the signing of a multi-year contract between NTIC’s Brazilian joint venture (Zerust Prevencao de Corrosao S.A.) and Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. (Petrobras) to install and service proprietary corrosion protection technologies on the roofs of an initial set of aboveground oil storage tanks at the Petrobras REDUC refinery in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  Also during fiscal 2009, NTIC signed multiple joint research and development contracts with Petrobras’s research and development group at the Leopoldo Américo Miguez de Mello Research & Development Center (CENPES) pursuant to which the parties will undertake a 20-month Petrobras funded effort to explore, understand and resolve bottom plate corrosion issues in aboveground storage tanks. A second 12-month Petrobras sponsored project also has started

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aimed at field trials of certain pipeline protection technologies. These initiatives are designed to help mitigate corrosion for critical oil and gas industry infrastructure, such as storage tanks and pipelines. NTIC also is pursuing opportunities to market its ZERUST® corrosion prevention technology to other potential customers in the oil and gas industry across several countries through NTIC’s joint venture partners and other strategic partners.  NTIC believes the sale of its ZERUST® products to customers in the oil and gas industry will involve a long sales cycle, likely including a one- to two-year trial period with each customer and a slow integration process thereafter.

In addition to ZERUST® products and services, NTIC develops and markets a portfolio of bio-based and/or biodegradable (compostable) polymer resin compounds and finished products under the Natur-Tec® brand.  These products are intended to reduce NTIC’s customers’ carbon footprint and provide environmentally sound disposal options.   NTIC’s consolidated net sales from its North American operations for fiscal 2009 included $538,542 in sales of NTIC’s Natur-Tec® products.  Natur-Tec® bio-based and biodegradable plastics are manufactured using NTIC’s patented and/or proprietary technologies and are intended to replace a portion of the conventional petroleum-based plastics. The Natur-Tec® bioplastics portfolio includes flexible film, foam, rigid injection molded materials and engineered plastics. Natur-Tec® biodegradable and compostable finished products include shopping and grocery bags, lawn and leaf bags, can liners, pet waste collection bags, cutlery, packaging foam and coated paper products and are engineered to be fully biodegradable in a composting environment.

NTIC’s Polymer Energy LLC joint venture markets and sells a system that uses catalytic pyrolysis to convert plastic waste (primarily polyolefins) into hydrocarbons (primarily a mix of diesels, gasoline and heavy fractions) resulting in an economically viable and environmentally responsible alternative to current methods of recycling and disposal of plastic waste.  Each unit can process up to ten tons of plastic waste per day, and the modular design allows for scalable capacity. The Polymer Energy™ process can handle plastic that is contaminated with other types of waste such as metals, glass, dirt and water and the system can tolerate up to 25% of other waste in the input waste stream. The output crude oil mix is high-grade and can be further processed in a refinery or used as an input for co-generation of electricity.

Corporate Joint Ventures and Holding Companies

NTIC participates, either directly or indirectly through holding companies, in 27 active corporate joint venture arrangements in North America, South America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.  Each of these joint ventures manufactures and markets finished products in the geographic territory that it is assigned.  NTIC’s joint venture partners are knowledgeable in the applicable environmental, labor, tax and other requisite regulations and laws of the respective foreign countries in which they operate, as well as the local customs and business practices.  While most of NTIC’s joint ventures currently sell rust and corrosion inhibiting products and custom packaging systems, NTIC also has joint ventures that manufacture and market machinery that converts plastic waste into crude oil and electronic sensing instruments.  NTIC categorizes its joint ventures into two principal areas: industrial chemical and non-industrial chemical.

NTIC’s industrial chemical corporate joint ventures currently primarily focus on the manufacturing, marketing and distribution of ZERUST® industrial corrosion inhibiting packaging products.  Both NTIC and NTIC’s corporate joint venture in Germany, Excor Korrosionsschutz — Technologien und Produkte GmbH (“Excor”), through Excor’s wholly owned subsidiary Excor Korrosionsforschung GmbH, manufacture and supply the industrial chemical corporate joint ventures with the essential additives (“Masterbatch”) required to make ZERUST® industrial corrosion inhibiting packaging products functional.

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NTIC has a 50% ownership interest in NTI ASEAN, LLC for its corporate joint venture investments in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, region.  Taiyo Petroleum Gas Co. Ltd., NTIC’s existing joint venture partner in Japan, owns the remaining 50% ownership interest in NTI ASEAN, LLC.

NTIC has a 50% ownership interest in Northern Instruments Corporation LLC for its corporate joint venture investment in Mütec GmbH in Germany.  Taiyo Petroleum Gas Co. Ltd., NTIC’s existing joint venture partner in Japan, owns the remaining 50% ownership interest in Northern Instruments Corporation LLC.  Northern Instruments Corporation LLC then owns 80% of Mütec GmbH.  Mütec GmbH manufactures proprietary electronic sensing instruments, which it sells through distributors as well as certain corporate joint ventures.  Mütec GmbH is NTIC’s only non-industrial chemical joint venture.

The following table sets forth a list of NTIC’s operating corporate joint ventures as of November 20, 2009, indicating which joint ventures are industrial chemical or non-industrial chemical, the country in which the joint venture is organized and NTIC’s ownership percentage in each joint venture:

*                           Indirect ownership interest through NTI ASEAN, LLC

**                    Indirect ownership through Northern Instruments Corporation LLC

***             Polymer Energy LLC had immaterial activity in fiscal 2009 and is not fully consolidated on NTIC’s consolidated financial statements.

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Total net sales of all of NTIC’s joint ventures decreased 38.9% to $61,895,133 during fiscal 2009 compared to $101,279,532 during fiscal 2008 and increased 25.7% during fiscal 2008 compared to fiscal 2007. The profits of NTIC’s corporate joint ventures are shared by the respective corporate joint venture owners in accordance with their respective ownership percentages.  In addition, NTIC’s receipt of funds as a result of sales by its joint ventures is dependent upon NTIC’s receipt of dividend distributions from the joint ventures and NTIC’s receipt of fees for technical and other support services that NTIC provides to its joint ventures based on the revenues of the joint ventures.  NTIC typically owns only 50% or less of its joint venture entities and thus does not control the decisions of these entities regarding whether to pay dividends and how much in dividends in any given year.  NTIC’s equity in income from its corporate joint ventures and holding companies decreased 90.3% to $367,238 in fiscal 2009 compared to $3,792,197 in fiscal 2008. NTIC also recognized decreased fee income for such technical and support services of $3,378,193 in fiscal 2009 compared to $5,956,403 in fiscal 2008.  NTIC incurs direct expenses related to its corporate joint ventures and holding companies.  Such expenses include consulting, travel, technical and marketing services to existing joint ventures, legal fees incurred in the establishment of new joint ventures, registration and promotion and legal defense of worldwide trademarks, and legal fees incurred in connection with the filing of patent applications.  NTIC incurred $4,451,821 in direct joint venture expenses in fiscal 2009 as compared to $5,406,766 in fiscal 2008. NTIC’s loss from its corporate joint ventures and holding companies was $(706,390) in fiscal 2009 compared to a gain of $4,514,601 in fiscal 2008.

While NTIC is not aware of any specific potential risk beyond its initial investment in and any undistributed earnings of each of its corporate joint ventures, there can be no assurance that NTIC will not be subject to lawsuits based on product liability claims or other claims arising out of the activities of its joint ventures.  To mitigate the ramifications of such an occurrence, NTIC maintains liability insurance specifically applicable to its ownership positions in its joint venture arrangements in excess of any insurance the joint ventures may maintain.

Products

NTIC currently derives revenues directly and/or indirectly through its joint ventures from the following product lines:

Corrosion Prevention.  Over 93.4% of NTIC’s consolidated net sales from its North American operations for fiscal 2009 were derived from developing, manufacturing and marketing ZERUST® rust and corrosion inhibiting packaging products and services.  Corrosion not only damages the appearance of metal products and components but also negatively impacts their mechanical performance.  This applies to the rusting of ferrous metals (iron and steel) and the deterioration by oxidation of nonferrous metals (aluminum, copper, brass, etc.).

NTIC’s ZERUST® packaging products contain proprietary nontoxic chemical systems (primarily using food additives) that passivate metal surfaces and thereby inhibit rust and corrosion.  The corrosion-inhibiting protection is maintained as long as the metal products to be protected remain enclosed within the ZERUST® packaging.  Electron scanning further shows that once the contents are removed from the ZERUST® package, the ZERUST® protection dissipates from the contents’ surfaces within two hours, leaving a clean, dry and corrosion-free metal component.  This mechanism of corrosion protection enables NTIC’s customers to easily package metal objects for rust-free shipment or long-term storage.  Furthermore, by eliminating costly greasing and degreasing processes and/or significantly reducing the use of oils to inhibit corrosion, NTIC’s ZERUST® technology provides its customers significant savings in labor, material and capital expenditures for equipment to apply, remove and dispose of oil and grease, as well as the attendant environmental problems, as compared to traditional methods of corrosion prevention.

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NTIC developed the first means of combining corrosion inhibiting chemical systems with polyethylene and polypropylene resins.  Combining ZERUST® chemical systems with polyethylene and polypropylene resins permitted NTIC to introduce to industry a line of packaging products in the form of low and high density polyethylene bags and shroud film, stretch, shrink, skin and bubble cushioning film, woven scrim, foam sheeting, profile and corrugated board, thermoformed dunnage trays and bins, injection and blow molded products and flat netting, thereby giving packaging engineers an opportunity to ship and store ferrous, nonferrous and mixed multi-metal products in a clean, dry and corrosion-free condition, with an attendant overall savings in total packaging cost.

NTIC’s corrosion prevention products also include a line of several diffusers, such as ZERUST ICT® Vapor Capsules, ZERUST ICT® Plastabs® and ZERUST ICT® Cor-Tabs®, which protect metal surfaces within the distance of a certain specified “radius of protection.”  This industrial product line has since been expanded to also include items such as ZERUST® gun cases and car covers targeted at retail consumers. NTIC also has developed proprietary corrosion inhibitors for use in the mitigation of corrosion in capital assets used in the petrochemical and related industries.

NTIC also has developed additives in liquid form to imbue corrugated cardboard, solid fiber and chipboard packaging materials with corrosion protection properties.  Additionally, NTIC provides a line of metal surface treatment liquids, which are oil, water and bio-solvent based, marketed under the Axxatec™ and Axxanol™ brand names.

As an on-going effort to help NTIC’s customers improve and control their processes in terms of corrosion management, NTIC markets and offers unique corrosion management and consulting services to target customers. This ZERUST® corrosion inhibitor system (known as Z-CIS®) utilizes NTIC’s global experience in successful corrosion management control. Services and consulting are billed according to work done on the customer’s behalf to improve the customer’s internal and external corrosion control systems.  Several major automotive companies and their automotive parts suppliers have used NTIC’s Z-CIS® system.

Corrosion Prevention for the Oil and Gas Industry.  NTIC has developed proprietary corrosion inhibiting technologies for use in the mitigation of corrosion in capital assets used in the petroleum and process chemical industry and is initially targeting the sale of these new ZERUST® products to the oil and gas industry sector.  In January 2009, NTIC announced the signing of a multi-year contract between its Brazilian joint venture (Zerust Prevencao de Corrosao S.A.) and Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. (Petrobras) to install and service proprietary corrosion protection technologies on the roofs of an initial set of aboveground oil storage tanks at the Petrobras REDUC refinery in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  At the end of March 2009, NTIC announced that it had signed multiple joint research and development contracts with Petrobras’s research and development group at the Leopoldo Américo Miguez de Mello Research & Development Center (CENPES) pursuant to which the parties will undertake a 20-month Petrobras funded effort to explore, understand and resolve bottom plate corrosion issues in aboveground storage tanks. A second 12-month Petrobras sponsored project also has started aimed at field trials of certain pipeline protection technologies. These initiatives are designed to help mitigate corrosion for critical oil and gas industry infrastructure. The projects are directly between NTIC and Petrobras and will be supported primarily by NTIC’s research and development facilities in Beachwood, Ohio. Any new intellectual property generated will be jointly owned by NTIC and Petrobras with NTIC having access to commercialization rights.

In addition, NTIC is pursuing opportunities to market its technology to other targeted potential customers in the oil and gas industry across several countries through NTIC’s joint venture partners and other strategic partners.  NTIC believes that its ZERUST® oil and gas solutions will minimize maintenance downtime on critical oil and gas industry infrastructure, will extend the life of such infrastructure and will

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reduce the risk of environmental pollution due to corrosion leaks.  NTIC believes, however, the sale of its ZERUST® products to customers in the oil and gas industry will involve a long sales cycle, likely including a one- to two-year trial period with each customer and a slow integration process thereafter.

Bio-Plastics.  NTIC manufactures and sells a range of bio-based and biodegradable (compostable) polymer resin compounds and products under the Natur-Tec® brand. NTIC’s consolidated net sales from its North American operations for fiscal 2009 included $538,542 in sales of Natur-Tec® products.  In recent years, a combination of market drivers such as volatile petroleum prices, a desire to reduce dependence on foreign oil, increased environmental and sustainability awareness at the corporate and consumer level, improved technical properties and product functionality and favorable regulations banning the use of traditional, petroleum-based plastics, have led to increased interest in sustainable, renewable resource based and compostable alternatives to traditional plastics.  The term “bio-plastics” encompasses a broad category of plastics that are either bio-based (i.e. derived from renewable resources such as corn or cellulosic/plant material or blends thereof) or are plastics that are engineered to be fully biodegradable/compostable.

Natur-Tec® biopolymer resins are produced using NTIC’s proprietary and patent pending ReX Process. In this process, biodegradable polymers, natural polymers made from renewable resources, and organic and inorganic materials are reactively blended in the presence of proprietary compatibilizers and polymer modifiers to produce bio-based/biodegradable polymer resin formulations that exhibit unique and stable morphology.  Natur-Tec® polymer resins are engineered for high performance, ease of processing and reduced cost compared to most other bioplastic materials, and can be processed by converters using conventional manufacturing processes and equipment.  Natur-Tec® biopolymer resins are available in several grades tailored for a variety of applications such as blown-film extrusion, extrusion coating, injection molding and rigid, engineered plastics.  Natur-Tec® biodegradable and compostable polymer resins and all products made thereof meet requirements of international standards for compostable plastics such as ASTM D6400 (U.S.) and EN 13432 (Europe), and are certified as 100% biodegradable and compostable by the Biodegradable Products Institute in the U.S.  The finished products include totally biodegradable compost and trash bags, agricultural film and other single-use disposable products such as compostable cutlery, food and consumer goods packaging.  In addition, NTIC offers a line of renewable resource based resin compounds for durable engineering plastics applications such as automotive and industrial plastics.

NTIC recently expanded its distribution network for its Natur-Tec® products by entering into agreements with 14 new distributors and independent manufacturer’s sales representatives.

Conversion of Plastic Waste to Fuel.  NTIC’s Polymer Energy LLC joint venture markets and sells a system that uses catalytic pyrolysis to convert plastic waste (primarily polyolefins) into hydrocarbons (primarily a mix of diesels, gasoline and heavy fractions) resulting in an economically viable and environmentally responsible alternative to current methods of recycling and disposal of plastic waste. The Polymer Energy™ system is modular by design and is suited for distributed processing of plastic waste. Each unit can process up to ten tons of plastic waste per day, and the modular design allows for easily scalable capacity. The Polymer Energy™ process can handle plastic that is contaminated with other types of waste such as metals, glass, dirt and water.  The system can tolerate up to 25% of other waste in the input waste stream. As a result, the plastic waste does not need to be pre-sorted, cleaned or dried prior to processing, which significantly reduces the overall cost of operation. The output crude oil mix is high-grade and can be further processed in a refinery or used as an input for co-generation of electricity.

NTIC, through Polymer Energy LLC, a joint venture in which NTIC has a 62.5% ownership interest has an exclusive license to market the technology in countries in Asia and North America.

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Electronic Measuring Instruments.  NTIC’s Mütec GmbH joint venture develops, manufactures and sells proprietary electronics components including signal converters, Input-Output interfaces, bulk goods property measurement instruments, and process sensor technologies.

Manufacturing

NTIC’s proprietary ZERUST® additives and products are produced according to NTIC’s specifications by selected contractors and joint ventures under trade secrecy agreements and/or license agreements.

NTIC is ISO 9001 certified with respect to the manufacturing of its products and ISO 14000 certified with respect to environmental management standards.  NTIC believes that the process of ISO 9001 certification serves as an excellent total quality management tool, enabling NTIC to ensure consistency in the performance of its products.  NTIC believes that the process of ISO 14000 certification serves as an excellent tool for NTIC to continuously improve its environmental performance.  In addition, because potential customers may prefer or require manufacturers to have achieved ISO certification, such ISO certifications may provide NTIC with certain competitive advantages.

Sales and Marketing

In the United States, NTIC markets its products principally to industrial users by a direct sales force and through a network of independent distributors and manufacturer’s sales representatives.  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.

Internationally, NTIC has entered into several joint venture and similar arrangements with foreign partners (either directly or through a holding company).  Pursuant to these arrangements, NTIC and/or Excor, NTIC’s corporate joint venture in Germany, supply certain proprietary additives to NTIC’s foreign joint venture entities, which, in turn, provide for the international manufacture and marketing of ZERUST® and other finished products.  NTIC receives fees for providing technical support and marketing assistance to its joint ventures in accordance with the terms of the joint venture arrangements.

Competition

While NTIC is unaware of any third parties with which NTIC competes on a worldwide basis with respect to its corrosion prevention products, NTIC does compete with several third parties on a regional basis.  NTIC evaluates competing products on an ongoing basis.  Some of NTIC’s competitors are established companies that may have financial, marketing and other resources substantially greater than those of NTIC.  As a result, they may be able to adapt more quickly to new or emerging technologies and changes in customer requirements, or to devote greater resources to the promotion and sale of their products than NTIC can.  With respect to its corrosion prevention products, NTIC competes on the basis of price, product innovation, quality and reliability, product support and customer service and reputation.  Most of NTIC’s competitors have attempted to commoditize NTIC’s corrosion prevention packaging products thereby pressuring NTIC to compete at least in part on the basis of price.  Some of these companies may have achieved significant market acceptance of their competing products and brand recognition.  NTIC, however, believes it has an advantage over most of its competitors as a result of NTIC’s technical innovation and its value added service.  NTIC attempts to provide its customers with the highest level of technical service and applications engineering in addition to the ZERUST® rust and corrosion inhibiting packaging.

With respect to NTIC’s corrosion prevention technology for use in the oil and gas industry, NTIC is not currently aware of competitors with the same or similar technology.

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With respect to NTIC’s bio-plastics products, NTIC competes with several established companies that have been producing and selling similar products for a significantly longer time period, have significantly more sales and substantial financial and other resources than NTIC.  In addition to performance, NTIC competes on the basis of price and therefore NTIC’s margins on its bio-plastics products are smaller than its margins on its ZERUST® products.  NTIC also competes on the basis of supply for the resins used to manufacture NTIC’s bio-plastics products since there are a limited number of suppliers of such resins and limited capacity for their production.

With respect to NTIC’s plastics to fuel oil conversion technology, although NTIC is not currently aware of a large number of competitors, such competitors could quickly develop and a few have recently emerged in Asia.

Research and Development

NTIC’s research and development activities are directed at improving existing products, developing new products and improving quality assurance through improved testing of NTIC’s products.  NTIC’s joint venture in Germany, Excor, has established a wholly owned subsidiary, Excor Korrosionsforschung GmbH, to conduct research into new fields of corrosion inhibiting packaging and the applications engineering of such products in conjunction with NTIC’s domestic research and development operations.  NTIC’s internal research and development activities are conducted at its facilities located in Circle Pines, Minnesota; Beachwood, Ohio; Dresden, Germany; and Chennai, India under the direction of internationally known scientists and research institutes under exclusive contract to NTIC with respect to the subject of their respective research efforts.  NTIC’s research and development activities in Minnesota, Ohio, Germany and India, along with NTIC’s research and development efforts conducted with the expert consulting support of Ramani Narayan, Ph.D., a current director of NTIC, frequently result in the development of intellectual property rights for NTIC.  NTIC spent $3,024,205 in fiscal 2009 and $2,532,791 in fiscal 2008 in connection with its research and development activities.  NTIC anticipates that it will spend between $3,000,000 and $3,500,000 in fiscal 2010 on research and development activities.  These fees are accounted for in the “Expenses incurred in support of corporate joint ventures” section of NTIC’s consolidated statements of operations.

NTIC was awarded two National Science Foundation (NSF) awards — one in June 2009 as a Phase I Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant for $150,000 on Advanced PLA Materials for biobased and biodegradable products. The second in September 2009 as a Phase I Small Business Innovation Research grant for an additional $150,000 on “Biobased coatings for corrosion protection.” The NSF grants will help NTIC develop biobased technologies for new innovative applications in the ZERUST® and Natur-Tec® business areas. The research and technology development will be conducted in collaboration with Michigan State University. NTIC plans to use modified polylactic acid (PLA) chemistries and soybean oil based coatings formulations developed at MSU to expand its product portfolio with enhanced solutions for bioplastics packaging and corrosion management, respectively. NTIC intends to apply for Phase II grants for further development and commercialization of these technologies, which if granted could potentially bring in up to $1,000,000 in additional funding to NTIC.

Intellectual Property Rights

NTIC’s success depends and will continue to depend in part upon its ability to maintain patent and trademark protection for its products and processes, to preserve its proprietary information and trade secrets and to operate without infringing the proprietary rights of third parties.  NTIC’s policy is to attempt to protect its technology by, among other things, filing patent applications and trademark applications and vigorously preserving the trade secrets covering its technology and other intellectual property rights.

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In 1979, NTIC developed and patented the first polyolefin (plastic) based industrial corrosion inhibiting packing material in the world.  The U.S. patent granted under this patent application became the most important intellectual property right in NTIC’s history.  This patent expired in 2000.  NTIC has since filed for 12 letters of patents in the U.S. covering various corrosion inhibiting technologies, systems and applications.  NTIC owns several patents in these areas.  These patents as well as patent applications have been extended to the countries of strategic relevance to NTIC including, but not limited to, the Patent Cooperation Treaty.  In addition, NTIC’s joint venture in Germany, EXCOR GmbH, owns several patents in the area covering various corrosion inhibiting technologies and also applied for new patent applications for proprietary new corrosion inhibiting technologies.  NTIC is also seeking additional patent protection covering various host materials into which its corrosion inhibiting additives and other protective features can be incorporated, proprietary new process technologies, and chemical formulations outside the area of corrosion protection.  NTIC owns several patents outside the area of corrosion protection both in the U.S. and in countries of strategic relevance to NTIC including, but not limited to, the Patent Cooperation Treaty.

In addition to seeking patent protection, NTIC maintains an extensive portfolio of trademarks in all countries where NTIC has a joint venture presence.  NTIC continuously pursues new trademark applications of strategic interest worldwide.  NTIC owns the following U.S. registered trademarks: NTI®, NTI & Globe Design, ZERUST®, EXCOR®, ICT®, Z-CIS®, COR TAB®, PLASTABS®, MATCH-TECH®, COR/SCI®, NIC®, NATUR-TEC®, NATUR-TEC & Design®.  NTIC also has a registered trademark on the use of the Color Yellow with respect to corrosion inhibiting packaging. In addition, NTIC has applied for the following new trademarks in the U.S.: Polymer Energy™, Polymer Energy Logo™.  Furthermore, NTI®, ZERUST®, The ZERUST People®, EXCOR®, the Color Yellow®, NTI ASEAN®, COR/SCI®, Polymer Energy® and Polymer Energy Logo® as well as other marks have been registered in the European Union with several new applications pending.

NTIC requires its employees, consultants and advisors having access to its confidential information, including trade secrets, to execute confidentiality agreements upon commencement of their employment or consulting relationships with NTIC.  These agreements generally provide that all confidential information NTIC develops or makes known to the individual during the course of the individual’s employment or consulting relationship with NTIC must be kept confidential by the individual and not disclosed to any third parties.  NTIC also requires all of its employees and consultants who perform research and development for NTIC to execute agreements that generally provide that all inventions developed by these individuals during their employment by or service arrangement with NTIC will fall under NTIC’s proprietary intellectual property rights.

Backlog

NTIC had order backlog of $325,000 as of August 31, 2009 compared to $731,000 as of August 31, 2008.  These are orders that are held by NTIC pending release instructions from the customers to be used in just-in-time production.  Customers generally place orders on an “as needed” basis and expect delivery within a relatively short period of time.

Availability of Raw Materials

NTIC does not carry excess quantities of raw materials or purchased parts because of widespread availability for such materials and parts from various suppliers.

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Employees

As of August 31, 2009, NTIC had 42 full-time employees located in the United States, consisting of 16 in sales and marketing, 13 in research and development and lab, seven in administration, five in production and one responsible for international coordination.  There are no unions representing NTIC’s employees and NTIC believes that its relations with employees are good.

Available Information

NTIC is a Delaware corporation that was originally organized as a Minnesota corporation in 1970.  NTIC’s principal executive office is located at 4201 Woodland Road, Circle Pines, Minnesota 55014 and its telephone number is (763) 225-6600.  NTIC’s website is located at www.ntic.com.  The information on NTIC’s website or any other website is not incorporated by reference into this report and is included as an inactive textual reference only.

NTIC makes available, free of charge and through its Internet web site, its annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to any such reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as soon as reasonably practicable after NTIC electronically files such material with, or furnishes it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission. NTIC also makes available, free of charge and through its Internet web site under the “Investor Relations — Corporate Governance” section, to any stockholder who requests, the charters of its board committees and its Code of Ethics, which applies to all of NTIC’s directors, executive officers, including NTIC’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, and other employees. Requests for copies can be directed to NTIC’s Corporate Secretary at (763) 225-6637.

Forward-Looking Statements

This report contains or incorporates by reference not only historical information, but also forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are subject to the safe harbor created by those sections.  In addition, NTIC or others on its behalf may make forward-looking statements from time to time in oral presentations, including telephone conferences and/or web casts open to the public, in press releases or reports, on NTIC’s Internet web sites or otherwise.  All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this report that address activities, events or developments that NTIC expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements including, in particular, the statements about NTIC’s plans, objectives, strategies and prospects regarding, among other things, its financial condition, results of operations and business.  NTIC has identified some of these forward-looking statements with words like “believe,” “may,” “could,” “might,” “forecast,” “possible,” “potential,” “project,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “predict,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “approximate” or “continue” and other words and terms of similar meaning.  These forward-looking statements may be contained in the notes to NTIC’s consolidated financial statements and elsewhere in this report, including under the heading “Part II.  Item 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

NTIC wishes to caution readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement that speaks only as of the date made and to recognize that forward-looking statements are predictions of future results, which may not occur as anticipated.  Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements and from historical results, due to the risks and uncertainties described under the heading “Item 1A.  Risk Factors” below, as well as others that NTIC may consider immaterial or does not anticipate at this time.  Although NTIC believes that the expectations reflected in its forward-looking statements are reasonable, NTIC does not know whether its expectations will prove correct.

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NTIC’s expectations reflected in its forward-looking statements can be affected by inaccurate assumptions NTIC might make or by known or unknown risks and uncertainties, including those described below under the heading “Item 1A. Risk Factors.”  The risks and uncertainties described under the heading “Item 1A. Risk Factors” below are not exclusive and further information concerning NTIC and its business, including factors that potentially could materially affect its financial results or condition, may emerge from time to time.  NTIC assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results or changes in factors or assumptions affecting such forward-looking statements.  NTIC advises stockholders and investors to consult any further disclosures it may make on related subjects in its annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K that NTIC files with or furnishes to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Item 1A.       RISK FACTORS

The following are the most significant factors known to NTIC that could materially adversely affect its business, financial condition or operating results.

Current worldwide economic conditions have and may continue to adversely affect NTIC’s business, operating results and financial condition, as well as further decrease its stock price.

General worldwide economic conditions have experienced a significant downturn due to the effects of the subprime lending crisis, general credit market crisis, collateral effects on the finance and banking industries, concerns about inflation, slower economic activity, decreased consumer confidence, reduced corporate profits and capital spending, adverse business conditions and liquidity concerns.  NTIC’s business has not been immune.  The current worldwide economic crisis has adversely affected and may continue to adversely affect demand for NTIC’s products, including in particular NTIC’s ZERUST® products from its automotive customers and its Natur-Tec® products.  The worldwide economic crisis also has had and may continue to have other adverse implications on NTIC’s business.  For example, the ability of NTIC’s customers to borrow money from their existing lenders or to obtain credit from other sources to purchase NTIC’s products has been and may continue to be impaired.  For example, NTIC believes that the U.S. economic recession has adversely affected the ability of NTIC’s principal Natur-Tec® distributor to purchase and distribute Natur-Tec® products, which has adversely affected NTIC’s sales of Natur-Tec® products.  In addition, although NTIC maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments and such losses historically have been within NTIC’s expectations and the provisions established, NTIC cannot guarantee that it will continue to experience the same loss rates that it has in the past, especially given the current turmoil in the worldwide economy.  A significant change in the liquidity or financial condition of NTIC’s customers could cause unfavorable trends in NTIC’s receivable collections and additional allowances may be required, which could adversely affect NTIC’s operating results.  In addition, the worldwide economic crisis may adversely impact the ability of suppliers to provide NTIC with materials and components, which could adversely affect NTIC’s business and operating results.  Like many other stocks, NTIC’s stock price has decreased significantly since June 2008 when it traded as high as $20.85 and if investors have concerns that NTIC’s business, operating results, financial condition and prospects will be negatively impacted by a worldwide economic downturn, NTIC’s stock price could further decrease.

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The worldwide automotive industry in the United States experienced a significant downturn in sales during fiscal 2009, thus resulting in decreased demand for NTIC’s ZERUST® products, which adversely affected and may continue to adversely affect NTIC’s net sales from its North American operations and its other operating results.

During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2009, more than 93.4% of NTIC’s consolidated net sales from its North American operations were derived from the sales of NTIC’s ZERUST® rust and corrosion inhibiting packaging products and services.  A significant portion of these products and services were sold to customers in the automotive industry and to a lesser extent to customers in the electronics, electrical, mechanical, military and retail consumer markets.  The worldwide automotive industry has experienced a significant downturn in sales during fiscal 2009 primarily as a result of the worldwide economic recession.  Such sales are not expected to improve significantly in the foreseeable future, which may result in a continued adverse effect on NTIC’s net sales from its North American operations and its other operating results.  While NTIC intends to increase marketing efforts of its ZERUST® products and services to customers in other target industries, no assurance can be provided that NTIC will be successful in doing so or will recognize increased sales from such new target markets.

NTIC’s liquidity and financial position rely on the receipt of fees for technical and other support services and dividend distributions from its corporate joint ventures.  Such fees were down significantly in fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008.  No assurance can be provided that NTIC will continue to receive such fees and dividend distributions in amounts NTIC historically has received or anticipates to receive.

NTIC conducts business, either directly or indirectly through holding companies, in 27 active corporate joint venture arrangements in North America, South America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.  Each of these joint ventures manufactures, markets and sells finished products in the geographic territory that it is assigned.  Prior to fiscal 2009, NTIC’s international business had expanded significantly during the past several fiscal years.  Total net sales of all of NTIC’s joint ventures increased 25.7% to 101,279,532 during fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007.  However, total net sales of all of NTIC’s joint ventures decreased 38.9% to $61,895,133 during the fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008 primarily as a result of decreased demand for ZERUST® products due to the global economic slowdown and to a lesser extent fluctuations in the foreign currency exchange rate of the U.S. dollar compared to other currencies in which NTIC’s joint ventures conduct business.  NTIC’s receipt of funds as a result of sales by its joint ventures is dependent upon NTIC’s receipt of fees for technical and other support services that NTIC provides to its joint ventures based on the revenues of the joint ventures and NTIC’s receipt of dividend distributions from the joint ventures.  As a result of the decrease in total net sales of NTIC’s joint ventures during fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008, NTIC’s fee income for technical and support services decreased 43.3% to $3,378,193 during fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008.  No assurance can be provided that NTIC’s international business as conducted through its corporate joint ventures will improve or be successful in the future.  NTIC’s liquidity and financial position rely on NTIC’s receipt of fee income for technical and support services and dividend distributions from its corporate joint ventures.  During fiscal 2008, NTIC received $1,983,316 in dividends from its corporate joint ventures.  During fiscal 2009, NTIC received $2,589,887 in dividends received from its corporate joint ventures. Because NTIC typically owns only 50% or less of its joint venture entities, NTIC does not control the decisions of these entities regarding whether to pay dividends and how much in dividends should be paid in any given year.  Thus, NTIC cannot guarantee that any of its joint ventures will pay dividends in any given year.  The failure of NTIC’s joint ventures to declare dividends or the failure to receive fees for technical and other support services in amounts typically expected by NTIC could adversely affect NTIC’s liquidity and financial position.

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NTIC has invested and intends to invest additional research and development and marketing efforts and resources into its new businesses, such as the application of its corrosion prevention technology into the oil and gas industry, its bioplastics products and its plastic recycling technology.  No assurance can be provided, however, that NTIC’s investments in such new businesses will be successful and result in additional revenue.

In an effort to increase net sales, NTIC has expanded its corrosion prevention solution products into new markets, such as the oil and gas industry, and expanded its product lines to include other products, such as biodegradable and compostable plastics and plastic recycling technology.  NTIC spent $3,024,205 in fiscal 2009 in connection with its research and development activities related to its new businesses.  NTIC expects to continue to invest additional research and development and marketing efforts and resources into these businesses.  No assurance can be provided, however, that such efforts and investments into these new businesses will be successful or that NTIC will be successful in obtaining additional revenue.

NTIC’s new businesses may require additional capital in the future, which may not be available or may be available only on unfavorable terms.  In addition, any equity financings may be dilutive to NTIC’s stockholders.

The expansion of NTIC’s corrosion prevention solution products into new markets, such as the oil and gas industry, and the expansion of NTIC’s product lines to include other products, such as biodegradable and compostable plastics and plastic recycling technology, will require significant resources during fiscal 2010 and beyond.  To the extent that NTIC’s existing capital, including amounts available under its demand line of credit or other then existing financing arrangements, is insufficient to meet these requirements, NTIC may raise additional capital through financings or additional borrowings. Any equity or debt financing, if available at all, may be on terms that are not favorable to NTIC and any equity financings could result in dilution to NTIC’s stockholders.

NTIC’s new businesses are risky and may not prove to be successful, which could harm NTIC’s operating results and financial condition.

NTIC is undertaking the expansion of its corrosion prevention solution products into new markets, such as the oil and gas industry and the expansion of its products lines to include others products, such as biodegradable and compostable plastics and plastic recycling technology, either directly or through joint ventures.  Such new businesses are risky and subject to all of the risks inherent in the establishment of a new business enterprise, including:

·                  the absence of a significant operating history;

·                  the lack of commercialized products;

·                  the lack of market acceptance of new products;

·                  expected substantial and continual losses for such businesses for the foreseeable future;

·                  the lack of manufacturing experience and limited marketing experience;

·                  an expected reliance on third parties for the commercialization of some of the proposed products;

·                  a competitive environment characterized by numerous, well-established and well-capitalized competitors;

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·                  insufficient capital and other resources; and

·                  reliance on key personnel.

Disruptions in the global financial markets could impact the ability of NTIC’s counterparties and others to perform their obligations to NTIC and NTIC’s ability to obtain any additional future financing if needed or desired.

Disruptions in the global financial markets, including the bankruptcy, failure, collapse or sale of various financial institutions and an unprecedented level of intervention from the United States and other governments and the related liquidity crisis, have considerably disrupted the credit and capital markets.  NTIC’s credit risk consists of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, trade receivables, lending commitments and insurance relationships in the ordinary course of business.  NTIC places cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments with high quality financial institutions, which NTIC monitors regularly and take action where possible to mitigate risk.  NTIC does not hold investments in auction rate securities, mortgage backed securities, collateralized debt obligations, individual corporate bonds, special investment vehicles or any other investments which have been directly impacted by the worldwide financial crisis.  NTIC’s insurance programs are with carriers that remain highly rated and NTIC has no significant pending claims.  However, the disruptions in the credit and capital markets could cause NTIC’s counterparties and others to breach their obligations or commitments to NTIC under NTIC’s contracts with them.  To date, NTIC’s demand line of credit with National City Bank remains available to NTIC.  However, in the event NTIC needed or desired additional financing, NTIC may be unable to obtain it by borrowing money in the credit markets and/or raising money in the capital markets.

A significant portion of NTIC’s earnings is the result of NTIC’s income from its international corporate joint ventures and holding companies. NTIC’s international business conducted through its corporate joint ventures and holding companies requires management attention and financial resources and exposes NTIC to difficulties and risks presented by international economic, political, legal, accounting and business factors.

NTIC sells products and technical services directly and via a network of independent distributors, manufacturer’s sales representatives and joint ventures in over 50 countries, including countries in North America, South America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.  One of NTIC’s strategic objectives is the continued expansion of its international operations.  The expansion of NTIC’s existing international operations and entry into additional international markets require management attention and financial resources.

The sale and shipping of products and services across international borders subject NTIC to extensive U.S. and foreign governmental trade regulations. Compliance with such regulations is costly and exposes NTIC to penalties for non-compliance. Other laws and regulations that can significantly impact NTIC include various anti-bribery laws, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, laws restricting business with suspected terrorists and anti-boycott laws. Any failure to comply with applicable legal and regulatory obligations could impact NTIC in a variety of ways that include, but are not limited to, significant criminal, civil and administrative penalties, including imprisonment of individuals, fines and penalties, denial of export privileges, seizure of shipments and restrictions on certain business activities. Also, the failure to comply with applicable legal and regulatory obligations could result in the disruption of NTIC’s shipping and sales activities.

Many of the countries in which NTIC sells its products directly or indirectly through its corporate joint ventures, are, to some degree, subject to political, economic and/or social instability.  NTIC’s

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international operations expose NTIC and its joint venture partners, representatives, agents and distributors to risks inherent in operating in foreign jurisdictions.  These risks include:

·                  difficulties in managing and staffing international operations and the required infrastructure costs including legal, tax, accounting, information technology;

·                  the imposition of additional U.S. and foreign governmental controls or regulations, new trade restrictions and restrictions on the activities of foreign agents, representatives and distributors, the imposition of costly and lengthy export licensing requirements and changes in duties and tariffs, license obligations and other non-tariff barriers to trade;

·                  the imposition of U.S. and/or international sanctions against a country, company, person or entity with whom NTIC does business that would restrict or prohibit continued business with the sanctioned country, company, person or entity;

·                  pricing pressure that NTIC or its corporate joint ventures may experience internationally;

·                  laws and business practices favoring local companies;

·                  currency exchange rate fluctuations;

·                  longer payment cycles and difficulties in enforcing agreements and collecting receivables through certain foreign legal systems;

·                  difficulties in enforcing or defending intellectual property rights; and

·                  multiple, changing and often inconsistent enforcement of laws and regulations.

Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could result in declines in NTIC’s earnings (if any) and changes in NTIC’s foreign currency translation adjustments.

Because the functional currency of NTIC’s foreign operations and investments in its foreign corporate joint ventures and holding companies is the applicable local currency, NTIC is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk arising from transactions in the normal course of business.  NTIC’s principal exchange rate exposure is with the Euro, the Japanese yen, Indian Rupee, Chinese yuan, Korean won and the English pound against the U.S. dollar.  NTIC’s fees for technical support and other services and dividend distributions from these foreign entities are paid in foreign currencies and thus fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could result in declines in NTIC’s earnings (if any).  Since NTIC’s investments in its corporate joint ventures and holding companies are accounted for using the equity method, any changes in foreign currency exchange rates would be reflected as a foreign currency translation adjustment and would not change NTIC’s equity in income of joint ventures and holding companies reflected in its consolidated statements of income.  NTIC does not hedge against its foreign currency exchange rate risk.

NTIC breached a financial covenant under the note governing its term loan obtained in connection with the purchase of its corporate headquarters and as a result the bank could demand the entire amount outstanding under the note immediately due and payable in full, which would have a material adverse effect on NTIC’s financial position and liquidity.

NTIC has certain covenants related to its term loan with National City Bank. For example, NTIC is subject to a minimum debt service coverage ratio of 1.0:1.0.  At August 31, 2009, NTIC failed to meet

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this financial covenant and no waiver from the bank was obtained by NTIC for the covenant violation.  As a result, an event of default occurred under the note and the bank has the right in its discretion, by giving written notice to NTIC, to declare the amount outstanding under the note immediately due and payable in full. As a result, NTIC classified all amounts outstanding with National City Bank as current liabilities on its consolidated balance sheet.

NTIC’s compliance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and any changes in such principles might adversely affect NTIC’s operating results and financial condition.  Any requirement to consolidate NTIC’s corporate joint ventures or subject them to compliance with the internal control provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 could adversely affect NTIC’s operating results and financial condition.

As a result of a change in U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, NTIC was required to consolidate React-NTI LLC, its former corporate joint venture.  If the accounting rules were to change and NTIC were required to fully consolidate its remaining corporate joint ventures or if NTIC’s corporate joint ventures otherwise would be required to be in compliance with the internal control provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, NTIC would incur significant additional costs.  NTIC estimates that the costs for each of its corporate joint ventures to become Sarbanes-Oxley compliant would range between $150,000 to $500,000 and that annual maintenance expenses would range from $50,000 to $100,000 per year per corporate joint venture thereafter.  In addition, other accounting pronouncements issued in the future could have a material cost associated with NTIC’s implementation of such new accounting pronouncements.

NTIC’s business, properties and products are subject to governmental regulation and taxes, compliance with which may require NTIC to incur expenses or modify its products or operations, and which may expose NTIC to penalties for non-compliance.  Governmental regulation also may adversely affect the demand for some of NTIC’s products and its operating results.

NTIC’s business, properties and products are subject to a wide variety of international, federal, state and local laws, rules, taxes and regulations relating to the protection of the environment, natural resources, and worker health and safety and the use, management, storage, and disposal of hazardous substances, wastes and other regulated materials.  These laws, rules and regulations may affect the way NTIC conducts its operations, and the failure to comply with these regulations could lead to fines and other penalties.  Because NTIC owns and operates real property, various environmental laws also may impose liability on NTIC for the costs of cleaning up and responding to hazardous substances that may have been released on NTIC’s property, including releases unknown to NTIC.  These environmental laws and regulations also could require NTIC to pay for environmental remediation and response costs at third-party locations where NTIC disposed of or recycled hazardous substances.  NTIC’s future costs of complying with the various environmental requirements, as they now exist or may be altered in the future, could adversely affect NTIC’s financial condition and operating results.  NTIC is also subject to other international, federal and state laws, rules and regulations, the future non-compliance with which may harm NTIC’s business or may adversely affect the demand for some of its products.  Changes in laws and regulations, including changes in accounting standards and taxation changes, including tax rate changes, new tax laws, revised tax law interpretations, also may adversely affect NTIC’s operating results.

Fluctuations in NTIC’s effective tax rate could have a significant impact on NTIC’s  financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

The mix of pre-tax income or loss among the tax jurisdictions in which NTIC operates that have varying tax rates could impact NTIC’s effective tax rate.  NTIC is subject to income taxes as well as non-income based taxes, in both the United States and various foreign jurisdictions.  Judgment is required in

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determining the worldwide provision for income taxes, other tax liabilities, interest and penalties.  Future events could change management’s assessment.  NTIC operates within multiple taxing jurisdictions and is subject to tax audits in these jurisdictions.  These audits can involve complex issues, which may require an extended period of time to resolve.  NTIC also has made assumptions about the realization of deferred tax assets.  Changes in these assumptions could result in a valuation allowance for these assets.  Final determination of tax audits or tax disputes may be different from what is currently reflected by NTIC’s income tax provisions and accruals.  In addition, President Obama’s administration has announced proposals for new U.S. tax legislation that, if adopted, could adversely affect NTIC’s tax rate.

NTIC intends to grow its business through additional joint ventures, alliances and acquisitions, which could be risky and harm its business.

One of NTIC’s growth strategies is to expand its business by entering into additional joint ventures and alliances and acquiring businesses, technologies and products that complement or augment NTIC’s existing products.  The benefits of a joint venture, alliance or acquisition may take more time than expected to develop, and NTIC cannot guarantee that any future joint ventures, alliances or acquisitions will in fact produce the intended benefits. In addition, joint ventures, alliances and acquisitions involve a number of risks, including:

·                  diversion of management’s attention;

·                  difficulties in assimilating the operations and products of a new joint venture or acquired business or in realizing projected efficiencies, cost savings and revenue synergies;

·                  potential loss of key employees or customers of the new joint venture or acquired business or adverse effects on existing business relationships with suppliers and customers;

·                  adverse impact on overall profitability if the new joint venture or acquired business does not achieve the financial results projected in NTIC’s valuation models;

·                  reallocation of amounts of capital from other operating initiatives and/or an increase in NTIC’s leverage and debt service requirements to pay the joint venture capital contribution or the acquisition purchase price, which could in turn restrict NTIC’s ability to access additional capital when needed or to pursue other important elements of NTIC’s business strategy;

·                  inaccurate assessment of undisclosed, contingent or other liabilities or problems and unanticipated costs associated with the new joint venture or acquisition; and

·                  incorrect estimates made in the accounting for acquisitions, occurrence of non-recurring charges and write-off of significant amounts of goodwill that could adversely affect NTIC’s operating results.

NTIC’s ability to grow through joint ventures, alliances and acquisitions will depend, in part, on the availability of suitable opportunities at an acceptable cost, NTIC’s ability to compete effectively for these opportunities and the availability of capital to complete such transactions.

NTIC relies on its independent distributors, manufacturer’s sales representatives and corporate joint ventures to market and sell its products.

In addition to its direct sales force, NTIC relies on its independent distributors, manufacturer’s sales representatives and corporate joint ventures to market and sell its products in the United States and

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internationally.  NTIC’s independent distributors, manufacturer’s sales representatives and joint venture partners might terminate their relationship with NTIC, or devote insufficient sales efforts to NTIC’s products.  NTIC does not control its independent distributors, manufacturer’s sales representatives and joint ventures and they may not be successful in implementing NTIC’s marketing plans. NTIC’s failure to maintain its existing relationships with its independent distributors, manufacturer’s sales representatives and joint ventures, or its failure to recruit and retain additional skilled independent distributors, manufacturer’s sales representatives and joint venture partners could have an adverse effect on NTIC’s operations.

NTIC has very limited staffing and will continue to be dependent upon key employees.

NTIC’s success is dependent upon the efforts of a small management team and group of employees.  As part of its cost savings measures, NTIC implemented a hiring freeze and laid off 16% of its work force in during fiscal 2009.  NTIC’s future success will depend in large part on its ability to retain its key employees and identify, attract and retain other highly qualified managerial, technical, sales and marketing and customer service personnel when needed. Competition for these individuals may be intense, especially in the markets in which NTIC operates.  NTIC may not succeed in identifying, attracting and retaining these personnel.  NTIC’s current management, other than its President and Chief Executive Officer, does not have any material stock ownership in NTIC or any contractual obligation to maintain their employment with NTIC.  The loss or interruption of services of any of NTIC’s key personnel, including in particular its technical personnel, the inability to identify, attract or retain qualified personnel in the future, delays in hiring qualified personnel, or any employee slowdowns, strikes or similar actions could make it difficult for NTIC to manage its business and meet key objectives, which could harm NTIC’s business, financial condition and operating results.

NTIC relies on its management information systems for inventory management, distribution and other functions.  If these information systems fail to adequately perform these functions or if NTIC experiences an interruption in their operation, NTIC’s business and operating results could be adversely affected.

The efficient operation of NTIC’s business is dependent on its management information systems.  NTIC relies on its management information systems to effectively manage accounting and financial functions; manage order entry, order fulfillment and inventory replenishment processes; and to maintain its research and development data.  The failure of management information systems to perform as anticipated could disrupt NTIC’s business and product development and could result in decreased sales, causing NTIC’s business and operating results to suffer.  In addition, NTIC’s management information systems are vulnerable to damage or interruption from natural or man-made disasters, terrorist attacks and attacks by computer viruses or hackers, or power loss or computer systems, Internet, telecommunications or data network failure.  Any such interruption could adversely affect NTIC’s business and operating results.

NTIC’s reliance upon patents, trademark laws, trade secrets and contractual provisions to protect its proprietary rights may not be sufficient to protect its intellectual property from others who may sell similar products.

NTIC holds patents relating to various aspects of its products and believes that proprietary technical know-how is critical to many of its products.  Proprietary rights relating to NTIC’s products are protected from unauthorized use by third parties only to the extent that they are covered by valid and enforceable patents or are maintained in confidence as trade secrets.  NTIC cannot be certain that it will be issued any patents from any pending or future patent applications owned by or licensed to NTIC or that the claims allowed under any issued patents will be sufficiently broad to protect its technology.  In the absence of patent protection, NTIC may be vulnerable to competitors who attempt to copy NTIC’s products or gain

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access to its trade secrets and know-how.  NTIC’s competitors may initiate litigation to challenge the validity of NTIC’s patents, or they may use their resources to design comparable products that do not infringe NTIC’s patents.  NTIC may incur substantial costs if its competitors initiate litigation to challenge the validity of its patents or if it initiates any proceedings to protect its proprietary rights and if the outcome of any such litigation is unfavorable to NTIC, its business and operating results could be materially adversely affected.

In addition, NTIC relies on trade secrets and proprietary know-how that it seeks to protect, in part, by confidentiality agreements with its employees, and consultants.  These agreements may be breached and NTIC may not have adequate remedies for any such breach.  Even if these confidentiality agreements are not breached, NTIC’s trade secrets may otherwise become known or be independently developed by competitors.

If NTIC is unable to continue to enhance existing products and develop and market new products that respond to customer needs and achieve market acceptance, NTIC may experience a decrease in demand for its products, and its business could suffer.

One of NTIC’s strategies is to enhance its existing products and develop and market new products that respond to customer needs.  NTIC may not be able to compete effectively with its competitors unless NTIC can keep up with existing or new products in the markets in which it competes.  Product development requires significant financial and other resources. Although in the past NTIC has implemented lean manufacturing and other productivity improvement initiatives to provide investment funding for new products, no assurance can be provided that NTIC will be able to continue to do so in the future.  Product improvements and new product introductions also require significant planning, design, development and testing at the technological, product, and manufacturing process levels and NTIC may not be able to timely develop product improvements or new products.  NTIC’s competitors’ new products may beat NTIC’s products to market, may be more effective or less expensive than NTIC’s products or render NTIC’s products obsolete.  Any new products that NTIC may develop may not receive market acceptance or otherwise generate any meaningful net sales or profits for NTIC relative to its expectations, based on, among other things, existing and anticipated investments in manufacturing capacity and commitments to fund advertising, marketing, promotional programs, and research and development.

NTIC faces intense competition in almost all of its product lines, including from competitors that have substantially greater resources than NTIC does. No assurance can be provided that NTIC will be able to compete effectively, which would harm its business and operating results.

NTIC’s products are sold in highly competitive markets throughout the world.  The principal competitive factors in NTIC’s markets are pricing, product innovation, quality and reliability, product support and customer service and reputation.  NTIC often competes with numerous manufacturers, many of which have substantially greater financial, marketing, and other resources than NTIC does.  As a result, they may be able to adapt more quickly to new or emerging technologies and changes in customer requirements, or to devote greater resources to the promotion and sale of their products than NTIC can.  In addition, competition could increase if new companies enter the market or if existing competitors expand their product lines or intensify efforts within existing product lines.  NTIC’s current products, products under development and its ability to develop new and improved products may be insufficient to enable NTIC to compete effectively with its competitors.  No assurance can be provided that NTIC will be able to compete effectively, which would harm its business and operating results.

NTIC’s dependence on key suppliers puts NTIC at risk of interruptions in the availability of its products, which could reduce its net sales and adversely affect its operating results. In addition,

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increases in prices for raw materials and components used in NTIC’s products could adversely affect NTIC’s operating results.

NTIC relies on a limited number of suppliers for certain raw materials and components used in its products. For reasons of quality assurance, cost effectiveness or availability, NTIC procures certain raw materials and components from sole and limited source suppliers. NTIC generally acquires such raw materials and components through purchase orders placed in the ordinary course of business, and as a result NTIC does not have a significant inventory of these materials and components and does not have any guaranteed or contractual supply arrangements with many of these suppliers. NTIC’s dependence on third-party suppliers involves several risks, including limited control over pricing, availability, quality and delivery schedules, as well as manufacturing yields and costs. Suppliers of raw materials and components may decide, or be required, for reasons beyond NTIC’s control to cease supplying raw materials and components to NTIC or to raise their prices. Shortages of raw materials, quality control problems, production capacity constraints or delays by suppliers could negatively affect NTIC’s ability to meet its production obligations and result in increased prices for affected parts. Any such shortage, constraint or delay may result in delays in shipments of products or components, which could adversely affect NTIC’s net sales and operating results. Increases in prices for raw materials and components used in NTIC’s products could also adversely affect its operating results.

NTIC is exposed to risks relating to its evaluation of its internal control over financial reporting as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

Changing laws, regulations and standards relating to corporate governance and public disclosure, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and related and other recent regulations implemented by the SEC and the NASDAQ Stock Market, are creating challenges for publicly-held companies, including NTIC. NTIC is committed to maintaining high standards of corporate governance and public disclosure. As a result, NTIC’s efforts to comply with evolving laws, regulations and standards have resulted in, and are likely to continue to result in, increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management time and attention from revenue-generating activities to compliance activities. In particular, NTIC’s efforts to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the related regulations regarding NTIC’s assessment of its internal control over financial reporting have required and will continue to require the expenditure of significant financial and managerial resources, especially since NTIC’s management’s report on NTIC’s internal control over financial reporting will be subject to attestation by NTIC’s independent registered public accounting firm commencing with NTIC’s fiscal year ending August 31, 2010.  Although NTIC’s management concluded that NTIC’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of August 31, 2009, no assurance can be provided that NTIC’s management will reach a similar conclusion as of a later date or that NTIC’s independent registered public accounting firm will agree with management’s conclusions beginning with NTIC’s fiscal year ending August 31, 2010.

NTIC’s business is subject to a number of other miscellaneous risks that may adversely affect NTIC’s operating results, financial condition or business.

NTIC’s business is subject to a number of other miscellaneous risks that may adversely affect NTIC’s operating results, financial condition or business, such as natural or man-made disasters or global pandemics that may result in shortages of raw materials, higher commodity costs, an increase in insurance premiums and other adverse effects on NTIC’s business; the continued threat of terrorist acts and war that may result in heightened security and higher costs for import and export shipments of components or finished goods; and the ability of NTIC’s management to adapt to unplanned events.

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Risks Related to NTIC’s Common Stock

A large percentage of NTIC’s outstanding common stock is held by insiders, and, as a result, the trading market for NTIC’s common stock is not as liquid as the stock of other public companies.

As of November 20, 2009, NTIC had 4,240,679 shares of common stock outstanding, of which 1,046,841 of these outstanding shares were beneficially owned by directors, executive officers, principal stockholders and their respective affiliates. The stock of companies with a substantial amount of stock held by insiders is usually not as liquid as the stock of other public companies where insider ownership is not as concentrated.  Thus, the trading market for shares of NTIC’s common stock may not be as liquid as the stock of other public companies.

The price and trading volume of NTIC’s common stock has been, and may continue to be, volatile.

The market price and trading volume of NTIC’s common stock price has fluctuated over a wide range during the past year or so. During fiscal 2009, the sale price of NTIC’s common stock ranged from a low of $4.21 to a high of $14.73, and the daily trading volume ranged from zero shares to 32,400 shares. It is likely that the price and trading volume of NTIC’s common stock will continue to fluctuate in the future. The securities of small capitalization companies, including NTIC, from time to time experience significant price and volume fluctuations, often unrelated to the operating performance of these companies. Securities class action litigation is sometimes brought against a company following periods of volatility in the market price of its securities or for other reasons. NTIC may become the target of similar litigation. Securities litigation, whether with or without merit, could result in substantial costs and divert management’s attention and resources, which could harm NTIC’s business, financial condition, and operating results, as well as the market price of its common stock.

The trading volume of NTIC’s common stock is typically very low, leaving NTIC’s common stock open to risk of high volatility.

The number of shares of NTIC’s common stock being traded on a daily basis is often very low and on some trading days, there is no trading volume at all. Any stockholder wishing to sell his, her or its stock may cause a significant fluctuation in the trading price of NTIC’s common stock. In addition, low trading volume of a stock increases the possibility that, despite rules against such activity, the price of the stock may be manipulated by persons acting in their own self-interest.  NTIC may not have adequate market makers and market making activity to prevent manipulation in its common stock.

NTIC does not intend to pay dividends for the foreseeable future.

Although in the past NTIC has paid dividends on its common stock, NTIC has not done so since fiscal 2005.  The payment of any future dividends will be determined by NTIC’s Board of Directors in light of conditions then existing, including NTIC’s earnings (if any), financial condition, cash requirements, restrictions in financing agreements, business conditions and other factors.  The Board of Directors currently does not anticipate paying a dividend on NTIC’s common stock in the near future, but rather intends to retain all of its earnings for the foreseeable future to finance the operation and expansion of its business. As a result, NTIC’s stockholders will only receive a return on their investment in NTIC’s common stock if the market price of the common stock increases.

One of NTIC’s principal stockholders beneficially owns a significant percentage of NTIC’s outstanding common stock and is affiliated with NTIC’s President and Chief Executive Officer and thus may be able to influence matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election of

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directors, and could discourage or otherwise impede a transaction in which a third party wishes to purchase NTIC’s outstanding shares at a premium.

As of November 20, 2009, Inter Alia Holding Company, or Inter Alia, beneficially owned approximately 20.1% of NTIC’s outstanding common stock.  Inter Alia is an entity owned by G. Patrick Lynch, NTIC’s President and Chief Executive Officer and a director, as well as three other members of the Lynch family.  Mr. Lynch shares voting and dispositive power of shares of NTIC’s common stock held by Inter Alia Holding Company with the other owners.  As a result of his share ownership through Inter Alia and his position as President and Chief Executive Officer and a director of NTIC, Mr. Lynch may be able to influence the affairs and actions of NTIC, including matters requiring stockholder approval, such as the election of directors and approval of significant corporate transactions.  The interests of Mr. Lynch and Inter Alia may differ from the interests of NTIC’s other stockholders.  This concentration of ownership may have the effect of delaying, preventing or deterring a change in control of NTIC, could deprive NTIC’s stockholders of an opportunity to receive a premium for their common stock as part of a sale or merger of NTIC and may negatively affect the market price of NTIC’s common stock.  Transactions that could be affected by this concentration of ownership include proxy contests, tender offers, mergers or other purchases of common stock that could give stockholders the opportunity to realize a premium over the then-prevailing market price for shares of NTIC’s common stock.

Future sales of NTIC common stock by Inter Alia or its pledgees if Inter Alia is subject to foreclosure proceedings or margin calls could adversely affect the price of NTIC’s common stock.

As of November 20, 2009, Inter Alia beneficially owned approximately 20.1% of NTIC’s outstanding common stock.  After the death of Philip M. Lynch in September 2008, NTIC’s former Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer and a former principal shareholder of Inter Alia, NTIC learned that Mr. Philip M. Lynch shortly prior to his death had pledged all of Inter Alia’s shares of NTIC’s common stock to various banks.  NTIC understands that as of November 20, 2009, 378,167 shares of NTIC’s common stock held by Inter Alia, or approximately 8.9% of NTIC’s outstanding common stock, remained subject to pledge agreements.  Depending upon the status of the various loan obligations of which the shares serve as collateral and the trading price of NTIC’s common stock, Inter Alia may experience a foreclosure or margin call that could result in the sale of Inter Alia’s pledged shares of NTIC’s common stock by Inter Alia’s pledges into the open market or otherwise.  Unlike Inter Alia, such pledgees would not be subject to the volume limitations of SEC Rule 144 in effecting such sales.  Such sales could have a materially adverse effect on the trading price of NTIC’s common stock.  Of the 378,167 shares that have been pledged by Inter Alia, it is NTIC’s understanding that one of the pledgees has made various attempts to foreclose on the collateral of the pledged shares, and that Inter Alia is currently involved in litigation with this pledgee and various other parties regarding the pledged shares and the possible foreclosure and sale of the pledged shares by the pledgee.

In addition, NTIC understands that as a result of the death of Mr. Philip M. Lynch, Inter Alia may decide to diversify its stock holdings by selling a significant portion of its NTIC stock holdings in the public market, in private negotiated transactions and otherwise.  Other than the 90-day lock-up agreement to which Inter Alia is subject as a result of NTIC’s registered direct offering in September 2009, there are no contractual restrictions on the ability of Inter Alia to sell shares of NTIC common stock, although sales in the public market will be subject to the volume limitations and other requirements of SEC Rule 144.  Pursuant to the volume limitations of Rule 144, an affiliate of NTIC may sell shares under Rule 144 only if the shares to be sold, together with the shares sold under Rule 144 during the past three months, do not exceed the greater of 1% of NTIC’s outstanding shares or the average weekly trading volume of NTIC’s shares during the preceding four calendar weeks.  Future sales of a significant portion of NTIC’s common stock during a short time period in the public market by Inter Alia could adversely affect the market price of NTIC common stock.  Any adverse effect on the market price of NTIC common stock could make it

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difficult for NTIC to raise additional capital through sales of equity securities at a time and at a price NTIC’s Board of Directors deems appropriate.

Future equity issuances by NTIC may have dilutive and other effects on NTIC’s existing stockholders.

As of November 20, 2009 there were 4,240,679 shares of NTIC’s common stock outstanding, and in addition, security holders held options, which, if vested and exercised, would obligate NTIC to issue up to 257,472 additional shares of common stock.  It is expected that such shares, when NTIC issues them upon exercise, will be available for immediate resale in the public market.  The market price of NTIC’s common stock could fall as a result of sales of these shares of common stock due to the increased number of shares available for sale in the market.  In addition, NTIC has a shelf registration statement, which subject to certain limitations, permits NTIC to sell up to a total of approximately $50,000,000 of its securities, some or all of which may be shares of NTIC’s common stock or securities convertible into or exercisable for shares of NTIC’s common stock, and all of which would be available for resale in the public market.  Any issuances by NTIC of equity securities may be at or below the prevailing market price of NTIC’s common stock and may have a dilutive impact on NTIC’s existing stockholders. These issuances or other dilutive issuances also would cause NTIC’s net income per share, if any, to decrease in future periods. As a result, the market price of NTIC’s common stock could decrease.

Item 1B.       UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

This Item 1B is inapplicable to NTIC as a smaller reporting company.

Item 2.          PROPERTIES

NTIC’s principal executive offices, production facilities and domestic research and development operations are currently located at 4201 Woodland Road, Circle Pines, Minnesota 55014.  NTIC purchased the real estate and 40,000 square feet building in which its corporate headquarters is located pursuant to a like-kind exchange transaction within the meaning of Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, for a purchase price of $1,475,000.  To finance the transaction, NTIC obtained a secured term loan in the principal amount of $1,275,000.  The term loan matures on May 1, 2011, bears interest at a fixed rate of 8.01% and is payable in 59 monthly installments equal to approximately $10,776 (inclusive of principal and interest) commencing June 1, 2006.  All of the remaining unpaid principal and accrued interest is due and payable on the maturity date, unless the bank demands payment earlier due to a covenant breach by NTIC as discussed in more detail under the heading “Part II. Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Financial Resources.”  The loan is secured by a first lien on the real estate and building.  NTIC’s management considers NTIC’s current properties suitable and adequate for its current and foreseeable needs.

In fiscal 1999, a subsidiary of NTIC, NTI Facilities, Inc., acquired a one-third ownership of Omni-Northern Ltd., an Ohio limited liability company, in contemplation of NTI Facilities, Inc. entering into a lease agreement with Omni-Northern Ltd. for approximately 50% of the net rental space in a building owned by Omni-Northern Ltd.  Omni-Northern Ltd. owns and operates a rental property located at 23205 Mercantile Road, Beachwood, Ohio, comprising approximately two acres of land and a building of approximately 34,000 square feet.  The property had an approximate value of $2,205,000, based upon the cash-to-mortgage acquisition price of the property paid in fiscal 2000.  NTIC has guaranteed up to $329,082 of the Omni-Northern Ltd.’s $1,903,571 mortgage obligation with National City Bank, Cleveland, Ohio.  NTI Facilities, Inc. entered into a 15-year lease agreement with Omni-Northern Ltd. for approximately 17,000 square feet of office, manufacturing, laboratory and warehouse space, requiring monthly rental payments of $17,500, which are adjusted annually according to the annual consumer price

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index, through November 2014.  By its ownership in Omni-Northern Ltd., NTI Facilities Inc. is entitled to one-third of the operating results of Omni-Northern Ltd.  Omni-Northern has leased the remaining 50% of the net rental space to other third parties. Rent expense was $244,774 and $262,232 for the fiscal years ended August 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  Future minimum rental payments for each of the succeeding fiscal years through fiscal year ending August 31, 2014 are estimated to be approximately $250,000 per year.

Item 3.          LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

In April 2007, REACT-NTI, LLC (“React LLC”), an entity that was 75% owned by NTIC, was served with a summons and complaint that was filed by Shamrock Technologies, Inc. (“Shamrock”) in state court in New York, which was subsequently removed to the Federal District Court for the Southern District of New York.  The lawsuit sought payment from React LLC of commissions in the approximate amount of $314,500 owed by React LLC under a license agreement between React LLC and Shamrock.  The complaint alleged breach of the license agreement by React LLC and sought damages in an unspecified amount for such breach as well as damages of approximately $300,000 for the alleged failure of React LLC to purchase from Shamrock certain inventory manufactured for sale to a customer.  Shamrock further claimed lost profits with respect to sales made by REACT LLC that were manufactured by parties other than Shamrock.  React LLC denied all of the claims of breach of the license agreement by it and believed that damages caused by Shamrock’s breach of the license agreement and tortious conduct exceeded any amounts owing to Shamrock.  React LLC formally responded to the complaint after removal by moving to dismiss or stay because of Shamrock’s failure to comply with alternative dispute resolution procedures contained in the license agreement.  By court order, the matter was stayed so that the parties could attempt mediation.  The parties mediated for one day and were unsuccessful in resolving the matter.  The parties proceeded with discovery, exchanging answers to interrogatories and documents, and the parties also obtained documents by subpoena from third parties.  With more complete information, the parties decided to dismiss their respective claims without prejudice and return to mediation.  A mediation session was held on December 4, 2008, and the parties continued to negotiate through the mediator via telephone and email thereafter.  The mediator ultimately determined that the parties were at an impasse, and the parties have had no further communication.  Because the mediation and negotiation process did not result in a final settlement, there can be no permanent assurance at the present time that the matter will not result in a material adverse effect on NTIC’s business, financial condition or results of operations at some point in the future.

From time to time, NTIC is involved in various legal actions arising in the normal course of business.  Management is of the opinion that any judgment or settlement resulting from any currently pending or threatened actions would not have a material adverse effect on NTIC’s financial position or consolidated results of operations.

Item 4.          SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

No matter was submitted to a vote of NTIC’s security holders during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year covered by this report.

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Item 4A.       EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

The executive officers of NTIC, their ages and the offices held, as of November 20, 2009, are as follows:

Mr. G. Patrick Lynch, an employee of NTIC since 1995, has been President since July 2005 and Chief Executive Officer since January 2006 and was appointed a director of NTIC in February 2004.  From July 2005 to January 2006, Mr. Lynch served as Chief Operating Officer of NTIC.  Mr. Lynch served as President of North American Operations of NTIC from May 2004 to July 2005.  Prior to May 2004, Mr. Lynch held various positions with NTIC, including Vice President of Strategic Planning, Corporate Secretary and Project Manager.  Mr. Lynch is also an officer and director of Inter Alia Holding Company, a financial and management consulting firm that is a significant stockholder of NTIC.  Prior to joining NTIC, Mr. Lynch held positions in sales management for Fuji Electric Co., Ltd. in Tokyo, Japan and programming project management for BMW AG in Munich, Germany.  Mr. Lynch received an M.B.A. degree from the University of Michigan Business School in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Mr. Matthew C. Wolsfeld, an employee of NTIC since February 2001, has been NTIC’s Chief Financial Officer since November 2001 and Corporate Secretary since November 2004.  Mr. Wolsfeld was Controller of NTIC from May 2001 through November 2001. Prior to joining NTIC, Mr. Wolsfeld held an auditing position with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP in Minneapolis, Minnesota from 1997 to 2001.  Mr. Wolsfeld received a B.A. degree in Accounting from the University of Notre Dame and received his M.B.A. degree at the University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Business.  Mr. Wolsfeld is a Certified Public Accountant.

Officers of NTIC, their ages and the offices held, as of November 20, 2009, are as follows:

Prof. Efim Ya. Lyublinski has been employed by NTIC since March 2000 in the position of Vice President and Director of New Technologies and Applications Engineering.  Prof. Lyublinski is a Member of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences and NACE International the Corrosion Society.  From 1984 to 1999, Prof. Lyublinski was Head of Laboratory of Complex Methods of Corrosion Protection at the Central Research Institute of Structural Materials (“Prometey”), St. Petersburg, Russia.  Prof. Lyublinski also held a Senior Consulting Position with Osmos Technology, Boston, Massachusetts from 1995 to 1999.  Prof. Lyublinski holds 18 patents, is responsible for 64 inventions and has authored 14 books, 148 articles and lectured at more than 100 symposiums, conferences and congresses in the areas of materials science and corrosion. Prof. Lyublinski received the following awards: in 1997, gold medal of the International Exhibition of Patents in Brussels (Belgium).  From 1975 to 1986 — three gold, three silver and one bronze medal from the Exhibitions of the Achievements of Russian National Economy.

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Mr. Vineet R. Dalal, an employee of NTIC since 2004, Vice President and Director — Global Market Development since November 2005.  Prior to joining NTIC, Mr. Dalal was a Principal in the Worldwide Product Development Practice of PRTM, a management consultancy to technology based companies. In this position, Mr. Dalal consulted to several Fortune 500 companies, in the areas of product strategy, Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and technology management.  Prior to that, Mr. Dalal held positions in program management and design engineering at National Semiconductor Corporation in Santa Clara, California. Mr. Dalal received an M.B.A. degree from the University of Michigan Business School in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  He also holds an M.S. degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Oregon State University, and a B.Eng. degree in Electronics Engineering from Karnatak University, India.

Mr. Gautam Ramdas, an employee of NTIC since 2005, is Vice President and Director — Global Market Development.  Prior to joining NTIC, Mr. Ramdas was a Manager in the Strategic Change group of IBM Business Consulting Services. In this position, Mr. Ramdas led consulting engagements at several Fortune 500 companies, in the areas of service strategy, global supplier relationship management and supply chain streamlining.  Mr. Ramdas held positions in the E-Commerce and Supply Chain strategy groups at PricewaterhouseCoopers Management Consulting, again providing consulting services for Fortune 500 clients.  Prior to management consulting, Mr. Ramdas worked as a program manager and design engineer with Kinhill Engineers in Australia.  He has also been involved in the start-up stage of successful small businesses in the U.S. and in India.  Mr. Ramdas received an M.B.A. from the University of Michigan Business School in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  He also holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the College of Engineering, Guindy (Chennai), India.

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PART II

Market Information

NTIC’s common stock is listed for trading on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “NTIC.”  NTIC’s common stock has traded on the NASDAQ Global Market since June 30, 2008.  From September 1993 to June 29, 2008, NTIC’s common stock traded on The American Stock Exchange under the symbol “NTI.”

The following table sets forth the high and low daily sales prices for NTIC’s common stock, as reported by the NASDAQ Global Market, for the fiscal quarter indicated:

The following table sets forth the high and low daily sales prices for NTIC’s common stock, as reported by The American Stock Exchange, for the fiscal quarters indicated:

Dividends

Although NTIC’s Board of Directors has declared cash dividends to NTIC’s stockholders in the past, the payment of any future dividends will be determined by NTIC’s Board of Directors in light of conditions then existing, including NTIC’s earnings, financial condition, cash requirements, restrictions in financing agreements, business conditions and other factors.  The Board of Directors currently does not anticipate paying a dividend on NTIC’s common stock in the near future, but rather intends to retain all of its earnings for the foreseeable future to finance the operation and expansion of its business.

Number of Record Holders

As of August 31, 2009, there were 272 record holders of NTIC’s common stock.  This does not include shares held in “street name” or beneficially owned.

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Recent Sales of Unregistered Equity Securities

NTIC did not issue any shares of its common stock or any other equity securities of NTIC that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year covered by this report.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

NTIC did not purchase any shares of its common stock or any other equity securities of NTIC during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year covered by this report.

This Item 6 is inapplicable to NTIC as a smaller reporting company and has been omitted pursuant to Item 301(c) of SEC Regulation S-K.

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis provides material historical and prospective disclosures intended to enable investors and other users to assess NTIC’s financial condition and results of operations.  Statements that are not historical are forward-looking and involve risks and uncertainties discussed under the heading “Part I.  Item 1. Business—Forward-Looking Statements” and under the heading “Part I. Item 1A. Risk Factors.”  The following discussion of the results of the operations and financial condition of NTIC should be read in conjunction with NTIC’s consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto included under “Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

General Overview

NTIC develops and markets proprietary environmentally beneficial products and technical services either directly or via a network of joint ventures and independent distributors in over 50 countries.  NTIC’s primary business is corrosion prevention.  In addition to this core business, NTIC has three new businesses that have started recently to generate revenue (1) corrosion prevention technology specifically designed for the oil and gas industry, which NTIC sells both directly and through joint ventures; (2) a product line of compounds and finished products based on a portfolio of proprietary bio-plastic technologies marketed under the Natur-Tec® brand, which NTIC sells directly and through distributors and manufacturer’s sales representatives; and (3) technology and equipment that converts plastic waste into diesel, gasoline and heavy fractions, which is exclusively licensed and sold through NTIC’s joint venture Polymer Energy, LLC in North America and Asia.

NTIC participates, either directly or indirectly through holding companies, in 27 active corporate joint venture arrangements in North America, South America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.  Each of these joint ventures generally manufactures and markets finished products in the geographic territory to which it is assigned.  While most of NTIC’s joint ventures currently sell rust and corrosion inhibiting products and custom packaging systems, NTIC also has joint ventures that manufacture, market and sell corrosion prevention technology for the oil and gas industry and the Polymer Energy™ technology and equipment that converts plastic waste into diesel, gasoline, and heavy fractions.  The profits of NTIC’s corporate joint ventures are shared by the respective corporate joint venture owners in accordance with their respective ownership percentages.  NTIC typically owns 50% of its joint venture entities and thus

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does not control the decisions of these entities regarding whether to pay dividends or how much to pay in dividends in any given year.

NTIC has been selling its proprietary ZERUST® and EXCOR® rust and corrosion inhibiting products and services to the automotive, electronics, electrical, mechanical, military and retail consumer markets for over 30 years.  NTIC also offers worldwide on-site technical consulting for rust and corrosion prevention issues.  In North America, NTIC markets its technical services and ZERUST® products principally to industrial users by a direct sales force and a network of independent distributors.  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 has developed proprietary corrosion inhibiting technologies for use in the mitigation of corrosion in capital assets used in the petroleum and process chemical industry and is initially targeting the sale of these new ZERUST® products to the oil and gas industry sector.  During fiscal 2009, NTIC announced the signing of a multi-year contract between NTIC’s Brazilian joint venture (Zerust Prevencao de Corrosao S.A.) and Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. (Petrobras) to install and service proprietary corrosion protection technologies on the roofs of an initial set of aboveground oil storage tanks at the Petrobras REDUC refinery in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  Also during fiscal 2009, NTIC signed multiple joint research and development contracts with Petrobras’s research and development group at the Leopoldo Américo Miguez de Mello Research & Development Center (CENPES) pursuant to which the parties will undertake a 20-month Petrobras funded effort to explore, understand and resolve bottom plate corrosion issues in aboveground storage tanks. A second 12-month Petrobras sponsored project also has started aimed at field trials of certain pipeline protection technologies. These initiatives are designed to help mitigate corrosion for critical oil and gas industry infrastructure. NTIC also is pursuing opportunities to market its ZERUST® corrosion prevention technology to other potential customers in the oil and gas industry across several countries through NTIC’s joint venture partners and other strategic partners.  NTIC believes the sale of its ZERUST® products to customers in the oil and gas industry will involve a long sales cycle, likely including a one- to two-year trial period with each customer and a slow integration process thereafter.

In addition to ZERUST® products and services, NTIC develops and markets a portfolio of bio-based and/or biodegradable (compostable) polymer resin compounds and finished products under the Natur-Tec® brand.  These products are intended to reduce NTIC’s customers’ carbon footprint and provide environmentally sound disposal options.  Natur-Tec® bio-based and biodegradable plastics are manufactured using NTIC’s patented and/or proprietary technologies and are intended to replace conventional petroleum-based plastics. The Natur-Tec® bioplastics portfolio includes flexible film, foam, rigid injection molded materials and engineered plastics. Natur-Tec® biodegradable and compostable finished products include shopping and grocery bags, lawn and leaf bags, can liners, pet waste collection bags, cutlery, packaging foam and coated paper products and are engineered to be fully biodegradable in a composting environment.  NTIC recently has expanded its distribution network for its Natur-Tec® products by entering into agreements with 14 new distributors and independent manufacturer’s sales representatives.

NTIC’s Polymer Energy LLC joint venture markets and sells a system that uses catalytic pyrolysis to convert plastic waste (primarily polyolefins) into hydrocarbons (primarily a mix of diesels, gasoline and heavy fractions) resulting in an economically viable and environmentally responsible alternative to current methods of recycling and disposal of plastic waste.  Each unit can process up to ten tons of plastic waste per day, and the modular design allows for easily scalable capacity. The Polymer Energy™ process can handle plastic that is contaminated with other types of waste such as metals, glass, dirt and water and the system can tolerate up to 25% of other waste in the input waste stream. The output crude oil mix is high-grade and can be further processed in a refinery or used as an input for co-generation of electricity.

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Financial Overview

Like many companies, NTIC’s operating results for fiscal 2009 were adversely affected by worldwide economic conditions, particularly adverse conditions affecting the worldwide automobile industry.  One of the primary markets for NTIC’s ZERUST® rust and corrosion inhibiting products is the automotive industry.  In particular, the U.S. auto industry furloughs in the beginning of calendar 2009 adversely affected sales of NTIC’s ZERUST® products during the second and third quarters of fiscal 2009.

In response to such conditions, NTIC implemented in December 2008 and January 2009 several cost reduction measures.  NTIC reduced the base salaries of its executive and other officers by approximately 15% on average, by 10% for all other employees and suspended NTIC’s matching of 401(k) contributions.  NTIC also implemented a hiring freeze and laid off 16% of its work force.  Furthermore, significant cost concessions were requested and obtained from all of NTIC’s major vendors and service providers.  NTIC enacted other expense control measures across all of its departments with the objective to conserve cash and reduce expenses while protecting the essential sales and marketing efforts of each business.

NTIC’s consolidated net sales from its North American operations decreased 32.4% during fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008 primarily as a result of decreased demand for ZERUST® products and the elimination of the React Inc. sales, partially offset by increased sales of Natur-Tec® products.  During fiscal 2009, 93.4% of NTIC’s consolidated net sales from its North American operations were derived from sales of ZERUST® and EXCOR® rust and corrosion inhibiting packaging products and services.  Net sales of ZERUST® products from its North American operations decreased 33.3% during fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008.

During fiscal 2009, 6.3% of NTIC’s consolidated net sales from its North American operations were derived from sales of Natur-Tec® products compared to 3.0% during fiscal 2008.  Net sales of Natur-Tec® products increased 40.2% during fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008. NTIC believes that its Natur-Tec® business during fiscal 2009 and, in particular, second and third quarters of fiscal 2009 were adversely affected by the U.S. economic recession, which NTIC believes adversely affected the ability of its principal Natur-Tec® distributor to purchase and distribute Natur-Tec® products from NTIC during that time.

As part of its cost control and cash preservation measures, NTIC eliminated any further product and market development related to certain products sold by React, Inc., which is a wholly owned subsidiary of React NTIC LLC, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of NTIC.  As a result of this decision, NTIC recorded a loss on impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets of $554,000 during fiscal 2009 in connection with its React-NTI reporting unit to appropriately reflect the fair value of its assets.  In addition, during fiscal 2009, NTIC derecognized previously recorded trade payables of $320,000 as a result of negotiations between NTIC and a vendor of its React-NTI, which is recorded in general and administrative expenses in NTIC’s consolidated statements of operations.  At August 31, 2009, the remaining net book value of the assets and liabilities of React-NTI and its subsidiaries was zero.

Cost of good sold as a percentage of net sales increased to 65.5% in fiscal 2009 compared to 60.2% in fiscal 2008 primarily as a result of fixed costs spread over decreased net sales and the decrease in gross margin of ZERUST® product sales during fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008 as a result of pricing pressures from key customers and increased competition.

Total net sales of all of NTIC’s joint ventures decreased 38.9% to $61,895,133 during fiscal 2009 compared to $101,279,532 during fiscal 2008 primarily as a result of decreased demand for ZERUST® products due to the global economic recession and, to a lesser extent, fluctuations in the foreign currency

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exchange rate of the U.S. dollar compared to other currencies in which NTIC’s joint ventures conduct business.  As a result of the decrease in total net sales of NTIC’s joint ventures, NTIC recognized a decrease in fee income for technical and support services of 43.3%, and a decrease in its equity in income of corporate joint ventures and holding companies of 90.3% during fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008.  NTIC incurs direct expenses related to its corporate joint ventures and holding companies.  Such expenses include product and business development, consulting, travel, technical and marketing services to existing joint ventures, legal fees incurred in the establishment of new joint ventures, registration and promotion and legal defense of worldwide trademarks, and legal fees incurred in connection with the filing of patent applications.  NTIC’s direct joint venture expenses decreased 17.7% during fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008.  NTIC’s total income from its corporate joint ventures and holding companies decreased 109.8% to a loss during fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008 primarily as a result of decreased demand for ZERUST® and EXCOR® products due to adverse worldwide economic conditions.

NTIC spent $3,024,205 in fiscal 2009 and $2,532,791 in fiscal 2008 in connection with its research and development activities.  NTIC anticipates that it will spend between $3,000,000 and $3,500,000 in fiscal 2010 on research and development activities related to its new technologies.  These expenses are accounted for in the “Expenses incurred in support of corporate joint ventures” section of NTIC’s consolidated statements of operations.

NTIC incurred a net loss of $(3,344,976), or $(0.89) per diluted common share, for fiscal 2009 compared to net income of $2,553,956, or $0.68 per diluted common share, for fiscal 2008.  The net loss was primarily the result of decreased demand of NTIC’s ZERUST® and EXCOR® products in the United States and internationally due to the global economic recession, and to a lesser extent, the $554,000 loss on impairment relating to React-NTI.

NTIC’s working capital was $2,727,737 at August 31, 2009, including $138,885 in cash and cash equivalents.  As of August 31, 2009, NTIC had $1,077,000 of borrowings under its $2,300,000 demand line of credit.  In September 2009, NTIC completed a $3,552,000 registered direct offering in which it sold an aggregate of 480,000 shares of its common stock to institutional investors at a purchase price of $7.40 per share, resulting in net proceeds of approximately $3,200,000, after deducting placement agent fees and expenses and NTIC’s offering expenses.

NTIC expects to meet its future liquidity requirements during at least the next 12 months by using its existing cash and cash equivalents, forecasted cash flows from future operations, distributions of earnings and technical assistance fees to NTIC from its joint venture investments and funds available through existing or anticipated financing arrangements.  NTIC also may decide to raise additional financing to help fund its new businesses through the issuance of debt or equity securities.

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Results of Operations

Fiscal Year 2009 Compared to Fiscal Year 2008

The following table sets forth NTIC’s results of operations for fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008.  These results of operations exclude the impact of NTIC’s activities with its joint ventures, other than its former joint venture React-NTIC LLC.  As explained in more detail in Note 1 to NTIC’s consolidated financial statements, the results of React-NTIC LLC are included in NTIC’s consolidated results of operations and thus included in the table below.

Net Sales.  NTIC’s net sales originating in the United States decreased 32.4% during fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008 primarily as a result of the decrease in demand for ZERUST® products sold to existing and new customers and the elimination of the React Inc. sales, partially offset by increased sales of Natur-Tec® products.

The following table sets forth NTIC’s net sales originating in the United States for fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008 for each of NTIC’s operating segments.

Cost of Goods Sold.  Cost of goods sold decreased 26.4% in fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008 primarily as a result of the decrease in net sales.  Cost of goods sold as a percentage of net sales increased to 65.5% in fiscal 2008 compared to 60.2% in fiscal 2008 primarily as a result of fixed costs spread over decreased net sales and the decrease in gross margin of ZERUST® product sales as a result of pricing pressures from key customers and increased competition.

Selling Expenses.  NTIC’s selling expenses decreased 22.3% in fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008 primarily due to decreases of (i) compensation and employee benefits of $454,000, (ii) travel and related expenses of $40,000, (iii) consulting expenses of $105,000 and (iv) web development of $40,000.   Selling expenses as a percentage of net sales increased to 28.3% in fiscal 2009 compared to 24.6% in fiscal 2008 primarily due to fixed selling expenses spread over decreased net sales.

General and Administrative Expenses.  NTIC’s general and administrative expenses decreased 20.2% in fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008 primarily as a result of decreases in (i) audit and tax expense of $200,000, (ii) compensation and benefits expenses of $311,000, (iii) travel expenses of $76,000 and (iv) insurance expense of $74,000.  As a percentage of net sales, general and administrative expenses increased significantly to 32.7% in fiscal 2009 compared to 27.7% in fiscal 2008 due to fixed general and

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administrative expenses spread over decreased net sales, partially offset by costs savings as a result of NTIC’s cost reduction efforts during second quarter of fiscal 2009.

NTIC includes expenses in general and administrative expenses that provide benefit to the various joint ventures in addition to providing benefit to NTIC’s North American operations, including specifically, expenses associated with information technology, general insurance, executive and non-executive salaries, bonuses and benefits, building expenses, audit and tax fees and expenses and directors fees and expenses.

Lab and Technical Support Expenses.  NTIC’s lab and technical support expenses decreased 91.6% in fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008 primarily due to a change in how these expenses are allocated to sales expenses for tracking purposes.   As a percentage of net sales, lab and technical support expenses decreased to 0.2% in fiscal 2009 compared to 1.4% in fiscal 2008.

Loss on Impairment.  NTIC recorded a loss on impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets of $554,000 during fiscal 2009 in connection with its React-NTI reporting unit to appropriately reflect the fair value of its assets. No loss in impairment of goodwill or long-lived assets was recorded during fiscal 2008.   See Note 5 to NTIC’s consolidated financial statements for further information.

International Corporate Joint Ventures and Holding Companies.  Net sales of NTIC’s corporate joint ventures and holding companies in fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008, excluding React-NTI LLC, were as follows:

The decrease in net sales of NTIC’s corporate joint ventures and holding companies in fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008 of 38.9% was primarily a result of decreased demand for ZERUST® and EXCOR® products as a result of the worldwide economic recession.

NTIC receives fees for technical and other support services it provides to its corporate joint ventures and holding companies based on the revenues of the individual corporate joint ventures and holding companies.  NTIC recognized fee income for such support of $3,378,193 in fiscal 2009 compared to $5,956,403 in fiscal 2008, a decrease of 43.3%.  The decrease in fees for technical and other support to its corporate joint ventures was due primarily to the 38.9% decrease in net sales of NTIC’s corporate joint ventures and holding companies.

NTIC sponsors a worldwide corporate joint venture conference approximately every three to four years in which all of its corporate joint ventures are invited to participate.  NTIC defers a portion of its technical and other support fees received from its corporate joint ventures in each accounting period leading up to the next conference, reflecting that NTIC has not fully earned the payments received during that period.  The next corporate joint venture conference is scheduled to be held in the summer of 2010 or 2011.  There was $288,000 of deferred income recorded within other accrued liabilities in fiscal 2009 related to this future conference.  The costs associated with these joint venture conferences are offset against the deferral as incurred, generally in the period in which the conference is held and immediately before.

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NTIC incurred direct expenses related to its corporate joint ventures and the holding companies of $4,451,821 in fiscal 2009 compared to $5,406,766 in fiscal 2008, a decrease of 17.7%.  The decrease in direct expenses incurred relating to NTIC’s corporate joint ventures and holding companies in fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008 was attributable to (i) compensation and related expenses of $255,000, (ii) consulting expense of $312,000 and (iii) legal expenses of $752,000.  As a percentage of net sales, direct expenses incurred relating to NTIC’s corporate joint ventures and holding companies increased significantly due to fixed expenses spread over decreased net sales.

NTIC had equity in income of corporate joint ventures and holding companies of $367,238 in fiscal 2009 compared to $3,792,197 in fiscal 2008.  The decrease in equity in income of 90.3% was due to decreased net sales of NTIC’s corporate joint ventures and holding companies primarily resulting from the worldwide economic recession.

Interest Income.  NTIC’s interest income decreased to $6,340 in fiscal 2009 compared to $23,815 in fiscal 2008 primarily due to significantly fewer notes receivable in fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008.

Interest Expense.  NTIC’s interest expense increased slightly to $132,411 in fiscal 2009 compared to $123,874 in fiscal 2008 primarily due to slightly higher average outstanding debt levels.

Income Before Income Taxes.  Income before income taxes decreased to $3,646,976 in fiscal 2009 compared to $2,723,956 in fiscal 2008.

Income Tax (Benefit) Expense.  Income tax benefit for fiscal 1009 was $302,000 compared to income tax expense of $170,000 for fiscal 2008.  Income tax (benefit) expense was calculated based on management’s estimate of NTIC’s annual effective income tax rate.  NTIC’s annual effective income tax rate during fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008 was lower than the statutory rate primarily due to NTIC’s equity in income of corporate joint ventures being recognized based on after-tax earnings of these entities.  To the extent joint ventures’ undistributed earnings are distributed to NTIC, it is not expected to result in any material additional income tax liability after the application of foreign tax credits.

Fiscal Year 2008 Compared to Fiscal Year 2007

The following table sets forth NTIC’s results of operations for fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007.  These results of operations exclude the impact of NTIC’s activities with its joint ventures, other than React-NTIC LLC.  As explained in more detail in Note 1 to NTIC’s consolidated financial statements, the results of React-NTIC LLC are included in NTIC’s consolidated results of operations and thus included in the table below.

Net Sales.  NTIC’s net sales originating in the United States decreased 24.6% during fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007 primarily as a result of the loss of the principal customer of React Inc. and a slight decrease in demand for ZERUST® products sold to existing and new customers, partially offset by sales of Natur-Tec® products in fiscal 2008.

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The following table sets forth NTIC’s net sales originating in the United States for fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007.

Cost of Goods Sold.  Cost of goods sold decreased 29.3% in fiscal 2008 compared to fiscal 2007 primarily as a result of the significant decrease in React Inc. sales which were sold at significantly lower margins that NTIC’s ZERUST® products, combined with a slight reduction in the gross margin achieved on NTIC’s ZERUST® products in North America.  Cost of goods sold as a percentage of net sales also decreased to 60.2% in fiscal 2008 compared to 64.2% in fiscal 2007 primarily as a result of an increase in raw material prices, primarily plastic resins.

Selling Expenses.  NTIC’s selling expenses decreased 2.9% in fiscal 2008 compared to fiscal 2007.  Selling expenses as a percentage of net sales in fiscal 2008 increased significantly compared to same respective periods in fiscal 2007 due to the decrease in React Inc. sales.

General and Administrative Expenses.  NTIC’s general and administrative expenses increased 14.0% in fiscal 2008 compared to fiscal 2007 primarily as a result of increases in (i) audit and tax expense of $170,000 and (ii) salary and benefits expenses of $160,000, partially offset by a decrease in insurance expense of $30,000.   As a percentage of net sales, general and administrative expenses increased significantly to 27.7% in fiscal 2008 compared to 18.3% in fiscal 2007, due to the decrease in React Inc. net sales and the increases in spending noted above.

Lab and Technical Support Expenses.  NTIC’s lab and technical support expenses decreased 24.0% in fiscal 2008 compared to fiscal 2007.   As a percentage of net sales, lab and technical support expenses remained relatively constant at 1.4% in fiscal 2008 and 2007.

International Corporate Joint Ventures and Holding Companies.  Net sales of NTIC’s corporate joint ventures and holding companies in fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007, excluding React-NTI LLC, were as follows:

The increase in net sales of NTIC’s corporate joint ventures and holding companies in fiscal 2008 compared to fiscal 2007 was primarily a result of increased demand for ZERUST and EXCOR products.

NTIC receives fees for technical and other support services it provides to its corporate joint ventures based on the revenues of the individual corporate joint ventures.  NTIC recognized fee income for such support of $5,956,403 in fiscal 2008 compared to $4,976,194 in fiscal 2007, an increase of 19.8%.  The increase in fees for technical and other support to its corporate joint ventures was due to the significant increase in revenues from the corporate joint ventures as a whole, as well as the foreign currency

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exchange rate of the U.S. dollar compared to other currencies in which NTIC’s joint ventures conduct business.

NTIC sponsors a worldwide corporate joint venture conference approximately every three to four years in which all of its corporate joint ventures are invited to participate.  NTIC defers a portion of its technical and other support fees received from its corporate joint ventures in each accounting period leading up to the next conference, reflecting that NTIC has not fully earned the payments received during that period.  The next corporate joint venture conference is scheduled to be held in the summer of 2010.  There was $96,000 of deferred income recorded within other accrued liabilities in fiscal 2008 related to this future conference.  The costs associated with these joint venture conferences are offset against the deferral as incurred, generally in the period in which the conference is held and immediately before.

NTIC incurred direct expenses related to its corporate joint ventures and the holding companies of $5,406,766 in fiscal 2008 compared to $4,876,928 in fiscal 2007, an increase of 10.9%.  The increase in direct expenses incurred relating to NTIC’s corporate joint ventures and holding companies in fiscal 2008 compared to fiscal 2007 was attributable to the (i) legal settlement accrual for the Finnish Trademark case of $400,000 in fiscal 2008 (See Note 17 entitled “Commitments and Contingencies” to NTIC’s consolidated financial statements for further information) and (ii) an increase in travel and related expenses of $45,000.  This increase was partially offset by a decrease in legal expenses of $100,000.  As a percentage of net sales, direct expenses incurred relating to NTIC’s corporate joint ventures and holding companies increased significantly due to the decrease in React Inc. net sales for fiscal 2008 compared to fiscal 2007.

NTIC sold its 50% ownership interest in its industrial chemical joint venture in Austria for $364,000.  NTIC’s industrial chemical joint venture in Germany purchased NTIC’s Austrian joint venture ownership interest and has consolidated the Austrian joint venture into its existing business.  NTIC’s German joint venture will service the territory and customers of NTIC’s former Austrian joint venture.  NTIC recorded a gain on sale of the joint venture interest of $172,767 as NTIC determined its interest in the entity was non-controlling.

NTIC had equity in income of corporate joint ventures and holding companies of $3,792,197 in fiscal 2008 compared to $3,201,621 in fiscal 2007.  The increase in equity in income of 18.4% was due to the significant increase in revenue and profitability due to the growth of NTIC’s corporate joint ventures as a whole.

Interest Income.  NTIC’s interest income increased to $23,815 in fiscal 2008 compared to $4,165 for fiscal 2007 due primarily to interest income received from the United Kingdom tax authorities related to interest earned on a tax refund received that covered the period from fiscal 2001 to 2007.

Interest Expense.  NTIC’s interest expense decreased to $123,874 in fiscal 2008 compared to $164,372 for fiscal 2007 due to lower average outstanding debt levels and decreases in interest rates during fiscal 2008.

Gain on Sale of Assets.  NTIC recognized a gain on sale of assets of $5,529 during fiscal 2008 compared to a gain on sale of assets of $726,295 during fiscal 2007, $724,495 of which was due to the sale of land, building and equipment that previously served as NTIC’s corporate headquarters.

Income Before Income Taxes.  Income before income taxes decreased to $2,723,956 in fiscal 2008 compared to $3,409,408 in fiscal 2007.

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Income Tax Expense.  Income tax expense decreased to $170,000 during fiscal 2008 compared to $186,000 during fiscal 2007.  Income tax expense was calculated based on management’s estimate of NTIC’s annual effective income tax rate.  NTIC’s annual effective income tax rate during fiscal 2008 and 2007 was lower than the statutory rate primarily due to NTIC’s equity in income of corporate joint ventures being recognized based on after-tax earnings of these entities.  To the extent joint ventures’ undistributed earnings are distributed to NTIC, it is not expected to result in any material additional income tax liability after the application of foreign tax credits.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Sources of Cash and Working Capital.  As of August 31, 2009, NTIC’s working capital was $2,727,737, including $138,885 in cash and cash equivalents, compared to working capital of $4,837,271, including $260,460 in cash and cash equivalents, as of August 31, 2008.

In September 2009, NTIC completed a $3,552,000 registered direct offering in which it sold an aggregate of 480,000 shares of its common stock to institutional investors at a purchase price of $7.40 per share, resulting in net proceeds of approximately $3,200,000, after deducting placement agent fees and expenses and NTIC’s offering expenses.  All of the shares were offered pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement.

NTIC has a $2,300,000 demand line of credit with National City Bank.  Advances made under the demand line of credit are made at the sole discretion of National City Bank and are due and payable on demand.  Outstanding amounts under the demand line of credit bear interest at an annual rate based on LIBOR plus 2.25%.  As of August 31, 2009, the interest rate was 6.51%.  Interest is payable in arrears on the 15th day of each month and on demand.  As of August 31, 2009, NTIC had $1,077,000 of borrowings under the demand line of credit.  Subsequent to August 31, 2009, NTIC repaid all borrowings under the demand line of credit bringing the outstanding balance as of November 20, 2009 to $0.

In September 2006, NTIC purchased the real estate and 40,000 square feet building in which its new corporate headquarters is located pursuant to a like-kind exchange transaction within the meaning of Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, for a purchase price of $1,475,000.  To finance the transaction, NTIC obtained a secured term loan in the principal amount of $1,275,000.  The term loan matures on May 1, 2011, bears interest at a fixed rate of 8.01% and is payable in 59 monthly installments equal to approximately $10,776 (inclusive of principal and interest) commencing June 1, 2006.  All of the remaining unpaid principal and accrued interest is due and payable on the May 1, 2011 maturity date, unless the bank demands payment earlier due to a covenant breach by NTIC as discussed in more detail below.  The loan is secured by a first lien on the real estate and building.

Under the note governing this term loan, NTIC is subject to a minimum debt service coverage ratio of 1.0:1.0.  At August 31, 2009, NTIC failed to meet this financial covenant and no waiver from the bank was obtained by NTIC for the covenant violation.  As a result, an event of default occurred under the note and the bank has the right in its discretion, by giving written notice to NTIC, to declare the amount outstanding under the note immediately due and payable in full. As a result, NTIC classified all amounts outstanding with National City Bank as current liabilities on its consolidated balance sheet.

NTIC believes that a combination of its existing cash and cash equivalents, forecasted cash flows from future operations, anticipated distributions of earnings and technical assistance fees to NTIC from its joint venture investments and funds available through existing or anticipated financing arrangements, will be adequate to fund its existing operations, capital expenditures, debt repayments and any stock repurchases for at least the next 12 months.  During fiscal 2009, NTIC expects to continue to invest research and development and marketing efforts and resources into its new businesses, product lines and markets,

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including in particular the application of its corrosion prevention technology into the oil and gas industry.  In order to take advantage of such new product and market opportunities to expand its business and increase its revenues, NTIC may decide to finance such opportunities by borrowing under its line of credit or raising additional financing through the issuance of debt or equity securities.  There is no assurance that any financing transaction will be available on terms acceptable to NTIC or at all, or that any financing transaction will not be dilutive to NTIC’s current stockholders.

Uses of Cash and Cash Flows.  Cash flows used in operations during fiscal 2009 was $1,745,538, which resulted principally from the net loss, equity income of corporate joint ventures, decreases in income taxes, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, offset by a decrease in inventories, the loss on asset impairment, a decrease in technical and other services receivables from corporate joint ventures and an increase in trade receivables excluding corporate joint ventures.  Cash flows used in operations during fiscal 2008 was $2,833,214, which resulted principally from equity income of corporate joint ventures, increases in trade receivables, technical and other services receivables, inventories and gain on sale of an investment and decreases in accounts payable, offset by net income, depreciation and amortization expense and an increase in accrued liabilities.

Net cash provided by investing activities during fiscal 2009 was $1,670,310, which was comprised of dividends received from corporate joint ventures, partially offset by investment in joint ventures and additions to property and equipment.  Net cash provided by investing activities during fiscal 2008 was $1,666,172, which was comprised of dividends received from corporate joint ventures and the sale of a joint venture, offset by additions to property and equipment, loans made and investment in joint ventures.

Net cash used in financing activities during fiscal 2009 was $46,347, which resulted primarily from bank overdrafts and principal payments on the bank loan for NTIC’s corporate headquarters building, partially offset by borrowings made on the demand line of credit and proceeds from NTIC’s employee stock purchase plan and option exercises.  Net cash provided by financing activities during fiscal 2008 was $1,183,003, which resulted primarily from bank overdrafts and borrowings made on the demand line of credit and proceeds from NTIC’s employee stock purchase plan, offset by principal payments on the bank loan for NTIC’s corporate headquarters building.

Capital Expenditures and Commitments.  NTIC had no material lease commitments as of August 31, 2009, except a lease agreement entered into by NTI Facilities, Inc., a subsidiary of NTIC, for approximately 16,994 square feet of office, manufacturing, laboratory and warehouse space in Beachwood, Ohio, requiring monthly payments of $17,500, which are adjusted annually according to the annual consumer price index, through November 2014.

NTIC has no postretirement benefit plan and does not anticipate establishing any postretirement benefit program.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

NTIC does not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet financial arrangements.  As such, NTIC is not materially exposed to any financing, liquidity, market or credit risk that could arise if NTIC had engaged in such arrangements.

In fiscal 1999, a subsidiary of NTIC, NTI Facilities, Inc., acquired a one-third ownership of Omni-Northern Ltd., which owns and operates a rental property located at 23205 Mercantile Road, Beachwood, Ohio.  The property had an approximate value of $2,205,000, based upon the cash-to-mortgage

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acquisition price of the property paid in fiscal 2000.  NTIC has guaranteed up to $329,082 of Omni-Northern Ltd.’s $1,903,571 mortgage obligation with National City Bank, Cleveland, Ohio.  The building is fully leased at present.

Inflation and Seasonality

Inflation in the U.S. and abroad has historically had little effect on NTIC.  NTIC’s business has not historically been seasonal.

Market Risk

NTIC is exposed to some market risk stemming from changes in foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices and interest rates.

Because the functional currency of NTIC’s foreign operations and investments in its foreign corporate joint ventures and holding companies is the applicable local currency, NTIC is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk arising from transactions in the normal course of business.  NTIC’s principal exchange rate exposure is with the Euro, the Japanese yen, Indian Rupee, Chinese yuan, Korean won and the English pound against the U.S. dollar.  NTIC’s fees for technical support and other services and dividend distributions from these foreign entities are paid in foreign currencies and thus fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could result in declines in NTIC’s reported net income.  Since NTIC’s investments in its corporate joint ventures and holding companies are accounted for using the equity method, any changes in foreign currency exchange rates would be reflected as a foreign currency translation adjustment and would not change NTIC’s equity in income of joint ventures and holding companies reflected in its consolidated statements of income.  NTIC does not hedge against its foreign currency exchange rate risk.

Some raw materials used in NTIC’s products are exposed to commodity price changes.  The primary commodity price exposures are with a variety of plastic resins.

NTIC’s demand line of credit bears interest at a rate based on LIBOR and thus may subject NTIC to some market risk on interest rates.  As of August 31, 2009, NTIC had $1,077,000 of borrowings under its $2,300,000 demand line of credit.  Subsequent to August 31, 2009, NTIC repaid all borrowings under the demand line of credit bringing the outstanding balance as of November 20, 2009 to $0.

Related Party Transactions

See Note 15 to NTIC’s consolidated financial statements for related party transaction disclosure.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of NTIC’s consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amount of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities.  The Securities and Exchange Commission has defined a company’s most critical accounting policies as those that are most important to the portrayal of its financial condition and results of operations, and which require the company to make its most difficult and subjective judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates of matters that are inherently uncertain.  Based on this definition, NTIC has identified the following critical accounting policies.  Although NTIC believes that its estimates and assumptions are reasonable, they are based upon information available when they are made. Actual results may differ significantly from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

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Principles of Consolidation and Investments in Corporate Joint Ventures

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Northern Technologies International Corporation, its wholly owned subsidiaries, NTI Facilities, Inc., Northern Technologies Holding Company, LLC and React-NTI LLC.  NTIC’s consolidated financial statements do not include the accounts of any of its corporate joint ventures.

NTIC’s investments in its corporate joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method.  Periodically, NTIC evaluates the investments for any impairment and assesses the future cash flow projections to determine if there are any going concern issues.  If an investment were determined to be impaired, then a reserve would be created to reflect the impairment on the financial results of NTIC.  NTIC’s evaluation of its investments in corporate joint ventures requires NTIC to make assumptions about future cash flows of its corporate joint ventures.  These assumptions require significant judgment and actual results may differ from assumed or estimated amounts.  NTIC’s investments in corporate joint ventures were $14,329,122 and $16,016,347 as of August 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Accounts and Notes Receivable

NTIC values accounts and notes receivable, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Each quarter, NTIC prepares an analysis of its ability to collect outstanding receivables that provides a basis for an allowance estimate for doubtful accounts.  In doing so, NTIC evaluates the age of its receivables, past collection history, current financial conditions of key customers, and economic conditions. Based on this evaluation, NTIC establishes a reserve for specific accounts and notes receivable that it believes are uncollectible, as well as an estimate of uncollectible receivables not specifically known.  Deterioration in the financial condition of any key customer or a significant slowdown in the economy could have a material negative impact on NTIC’s ability to collect a portion or all of the accounts and notes receivable. NTIC believes that an analysis of historical trends and its current knowledge of potential collection problems provide NTIC with sufficient information to establish a reasonable estimate for an allowance for doubtful accounts.  However, since NTIC cannot predict with certainty future changes in the financial stability of its customers, NTIC’s actual future losses from uncollectible accounts may differ from its estimates.  In the event NTIC determined that a smaller or larger uncollectible accounts reserve is appropriate, NTIC would record a credit or charge to selling expense in the period that it made such a determination. Accounts receivable have been reduced by an allowance for uncollectible accounts of $79,000 and $10,000 at August 31, 2009 and August 31, 2008, respectively.

Revenue Recognition

NTIC recognizes revenue from the sale of its products when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the product has been delivered, the price is fixed and determinable and collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured.  These criteria are met at the time of shipment when risk of loss and title pass to the customer or distributor.

Recoverability of Long-Lived Assets

NTIC reviews its long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable and determines potential impairment by comparing the carrying value of the assets with expected net cash flows expected to be provided by operating activities of the business or related products.  If the sum of the expected undiscounted future net cash flows were less than the carrying value, NTIC would determine whether an impairment loss should be recognized.  An impairment loss would be measured by comparing the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the asset.

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Foreign Currency Translation (Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income)

The functional currency of each international corporate joint venture is the applicable local currency.  The translation of the applicable foreign currencies into U.S. dollars is performed for balance sheet accounts using current exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and for revenue and expense accounts using an average monthly exchange rate.  Translation gains or losses are reported as an element of accumulated other comprehensive income.

NTIC conducts all foreign transactions based on the U.S. dollar, except for its investments in various foreign corporate joint ventures and holding companies.  Since NTIC’s investments in its corporate joint ventures and holding companies are accounted for using the equity method, any changes in foreign currency exchange rates would be reflected as a foreign currency translation adjustment and would not change the equity in income of joint ventures and holding companies reflected in NTIC’s consolidated statement of income.

Stock-Based Compensation

NTIC recognizes compensation cost relating to share-based payment transactions, including grants of employee stock options in its financial statements.  That cost will be measured based on the fair value of the equity or liability instruments issued.   NTIC measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for stock options based on the grant-date fair value of the award, and recognizes the cost over the period the employee is required to provide services for the award.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 2 to NTIC’s consolidated financial statements for a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements.

ITEM 7A.                         QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

This Item 7A is inapplicable to NTIC as a smaller reporting company and has been omitted pursuant to Item 305(e) of SEC Regulation S-K.

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Item 8.                              FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following items are included herein:

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Shareholders, Audit Committee and Board of Directors

Northern Technologies International Corporation and Subsidiaries

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Northern Technologies International Corporation and Subsidiaries as of August 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the years then ended.  These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement.  The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of its internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management as well as evaluating the overall consolidated financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Northern Technologies International Corporation and Subsidiaries as of August 31, 2009 and 2008 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

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NORTHERN TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - - AUGUST 31, 2009 AND 2008

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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NORTHERN TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 2009 AND 2008