Northern Technologies International Corporation Reports Financial Results For First Quarter Fiscal 2024
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The reported financial results of Northern Technologies International Corporation (NTIC) indicate a modest increase in consolidated net sales by 1.1% and a substantial improvement in net income, which surged 78.3% compared to the same quarter last year. This performance suggests a positive trend in profitability, particularly noteworthy is the 450 basis point increase in gross margin to 36.3%. This improvement in gross profit margin is significant as it implies a more efficient cost structure and better control over the cost of goods sold, which can lead to enhanced shareholder value.
However, it is essential to note that the operating expenses as a percent of net sales have increased from the previous year, indicating higher personnel expenses. This rise in operating expenses could potentially offset some of the gains from improved gross margins if not managed effectively in future quarters. Additionally, the decrease in ZERUST® oil and gas net sales by 7.4% may raise concerns about volatility in this segment, although the management attributes this to the timing of customer projects. Investors should monitor future quarters to assess whether this is a temporary fluctuation or indicative of a more persistent trend.
NTIC's strong balance sheet, with a healthy working capital of $22,415,000 and significant cash reserves, provides the company with a solid financial foundation to invest in growth opportunities and navigate economic uncertainties. The company's strategic focus on improving joint venture performance and investing in infrastructure to support demand trends in global markets is a positive signal for future growth prospects.
NTIC's performance in the corrosion inhibiting and bio-based polymer resin compounds markets reflects broader demand trends, with stable sales in the ZERUST® industrial products and an increase in Natur-Tec® product sales. The company's ability to achieve a first quarter record in these categories demonstrates resilience in the face of a dynamic global economic environment and aligns with increasing environmental awareness and regulatory pressures that favor sustainable solutions.
The company's focus on the compostable plastic market is particularly timely, given the growing consumer and regulatory push towards sustainable materials. NTIC's Natur-Tec® product line, which saw a 4.2% increase in net sales, positions the company to capitalize on this trend. However, the decrease in NTIC China net sales by 1.8% suggests potential challenges in this regional market, which could be due to various factors including competitive pressures, local economic conditions, or geopolitical tensions. Understanding the underlying causes of these regional sales dynamics will be crucial for NTIC to adjust its strategies accordingly.
Furthermore, the joint venture operating income's slight decrease points to challenges in international collaboration and profitability. This aspect warrants close attention, as joint ventures can be a significant source of revenue and strategic growth. The reported decrease in net sales of NTIC’s joint ventures by 4.7% requires further analysis to determine the root causes and whether this is a temporary setback or a sign of more systemic issues within these partnerships.
NTIC's emphasis on bio-based and biodegradable polymer resin compounds, as evidenced by the growth in Natur-Tec® product net sales, aligns with the global shift towards sustainability. This strategic positioning not only caters to the increasing consumer demand for environmentally friendly products but also anticipates potential regulatory changes as governments worldwide intensify efforts to reduce plastic waste and carbon footprints.
The company's growth in this sector suggests successful innovation and adaptation to market needs, which can be a competitive advantage in an industry where environmental regulations and consumer preferences are rapidly evolving. The increased profitability in this product line could also reflect a willingness among customers to pay a premium for sustainable materials, which may contribute to higher margins.
However, the decreased sales in the oil and gas sector, despite being attributed to project timing, may also be indicative of the volatility associated with the energy sector's transition towards renewable sources. NTIC's future growth may increasingly depend on its ability to navigate this transition and continue to innovate in corrosion protection and sustainability solutions that are compatible with a lower-carbon economy.
MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Northern Technologies International Corporation (NASDAQ: NTIC), a leading developer of corrosion inhibiting products and services, as well as bio-based and biodegradable polymer resin compounds, today reported its financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2024.
First quarter fiscal 2024 financial and operating highlights include (with growth rates on a fiscal quarter year-over-year basis):
- Consolidated net sales increased
1.1% to a first quarter record of$20,182,000 - ZERUST® industrial net sales increased
1.1% to a first quarter record of$13,903,000 - ZERUST® oil and gas net sales decreased
7.4% to$1,502,000 - Natur-Tec® product net sales increased
4.2% to a first quarter record of$4,776,000 - NTIC China net sales decreased
1.8% to$3,679,000 - Gross profit as a percent of first quarter net sales increased 450 basis points to
36.3% - Joint venture operating income decreased
0.8% to$2,351,000 - Net income attributable to NTIC increased
78.3% to$896,000 , compared to$502,000 - Net income per diluted share attributable to NTIC was
$0.09 , compared to$0.05 - Cash provided by operating activities was
$3,077,000 for the first quarter ended November 30, 2023 - Consolidated balance sheet as of November 30, 2023 remained strong with working capital of
$22,415,000
“NTIC produced respectable first quarter results, highlighted by stable demand across our ZERUST® industrial and Natur-Tec markets, along with increased profitability. We also experienced our seventh consecutive quarter of ZERUST® oil and gas sales above
“As we look to the remainder of our fiscal year, we believe we are well positioned for top-line growth across our ZERUST® industrial, ZERUST® oil and gas, and Natur-Tec® product categories. We are also focused on improving the performance and profitability of our joint ventures across our European and Asian markets, while investing in our infrastructure to support compelling demand trends that are underway within our global oil and gas and compostable plastic markets. As our team continues to navigate a fluid global economic environment, I am pleased with NTIC’s improving performance and believe fiscal 2024 will be another good year of growth and improving profitability,” concluded Mr. Lynch.
NTIC’s consolidated net sales increased
The following tables set forth NTIC’s net sales by product category for the three months ended November 30, 2023, and November 30, 2022, by segment:
| Three Months Ended | ||||||||||||
| November 30, 2023 | % of Net Sales | November 30, 2022 | % of Net Sales | % Change | ||||||||
| ZERUST® industrial net sales | $ | 13,903,431 | $ | 13,748,104 | 1.1 | % | ||||||
| ZERUST®oil & gas net sales | 1,502,314 | 1,621,897 | (7.4 | )% | ||||||||
| Total ZERUST®net sales | $ | 15,405,745 | $ | 15,370,001 | 0.2 | % | ||||||
| Total Natur-Tec®net sales | 4,775,930 | 4,582,765 | 4.2 | % | ||||||||
| Total net sales | $ | 20,181,675 | $ | 19,952,766 | 1.1 | % | ||||||
NTIC’s joint venture operating income decreased
Operating expenses, as a percent of net sales, for the first quarter of fiscal 2024 were
Net income attributable to NTIC for the first quarter of fiscal 2024 was
NTIC’s non-GAAP adjusted net income, as set forth in the GAAP reconciliation at the end of this release, was
NTIC’s consolidated balance sheet remains strong, with working capital of
At November 30, 2023, the Company had
Conference Call and Webcast
NTIC will host a conference call today at 8:00 a.m. Central Time to review its results of operations for the first quarter of fiscal year 2024 and its outlook, followed by a question-and-answer session. The conference call will be available to interested parties through a webcast. To join the live call and ask a question, a participant must register using the URL below.
https://register.vevent.com/register/BIfb1a3552201449b5a01686ab462f924e
Once registered, the participant will receive a dial-in number and unique PIN number to access the call.
The audio-only webcast can be accessed at the following link: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/adwsysik. A link to the webcast is also available on the Investor Relations section of NTIC’s webpage. Participants are advised to go to the website at least 15 minutes early to register, download and install any necessary audio software. For those unable to participate in the live webcast, a replay of the webcast will be archived and accessible for approximately one year on the Investor Relations section of NTIC’s webpage.
About Northern Technologies International Corporation
Northern Technologies International Corporation develops and markets proprietary, environmentally beneficial products and services in over 65 countries either directly or via a network of subsidiaries, joint ventures, independent distributors and agents. NTIC’s primary business is corrosion prevention marketed mainly under the ZERUST® brand. NTIC has been selling its proprietary ZERUST® rust and corrosion inhibiting products and services to the automotive, electronics, electrical, mechanical, military and retail consumer markets for almost 50 years and more recently has also targeted and expanded into the oil and gas industry. NTIC offers worldwide on-site technical consulting for rust and corrosion prevention issues. NTIC’s technical service consultants work directly with the end users of NTIC’s products to analyze their specific needs and develop systems to meet their technical requirements. NTIC also markets and sells a portfolio of bio-based and biodegradable polymer resin compounds and finished products marketed under the Natur-Tec® brand.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements contained in this release that are not historical information are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include NTIC’s belief that it is well positioned for top-line growth across its Zerust® industrial, Zerust® oil and gas, and Natur-Tec® product categories, its focus on improving the performance and profitability of its joint ventures across its European and Asian Markets, intended investments in infrastructure to support demand trends, and its belief that 2024 will be another good year of growth and improving profitability, and other statements that can be identified by words such as “believes,” “continues,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “potential,” “outlook,” “will,” “may,” “would,” “should,” “guidance” or words of similar meaning, and the use of future dates. Such forward-looking statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of NTIC’s management and are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or implied. Such potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, in no particular order: the health of the U.S. and worldwide economies, including in particular the U.S. automotive industry and its evolution towards electric vehicles; the effect of economic uncertainty, recessionary indicators, inflation, increased interest rates and turmoil in the global credit, financial and banking markets or perception thereof; effect of supply chain disruptions; effect of COVID-19; dependence on joint ventures, relationships with joint venture partners and their success, including fees and dividend distributions; risks associated with international operations, including NTIC China, exposure to exchange rate fluctuations, tariffs and trade disputes; effect of economic slowdown and political unrest, including the Russia and Ukraine war and the Israel and Hamas conflict; the level of growth in NTIC’s markets; NTIC’s investments in research and development efforts; acceptance of existing and new products; timing of purchase orders under supply contracts; variability in sales to oil and gas customers and effect on quarterly financial results; increased competition; costs and effects of complying with changes in tax, fiscal, government and other regulatory policies, and rules relating to environmental, health and safety matters; and NTIC’s reliance on its intellectual property rights and the absence of infringement of the intellectual property rights of others. More detailed information on these and additional factors which could affect NTIC’s operating and financial results is described in NTIC’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023 and subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. NTIC urges all interested parties to read these reports to gain a better understanding of the many business and other risks that it faces. Additionally, NTIC undertakes no obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements, which may be made to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
In addition to the financial measures prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), this release contains non-GAAP financial measures, including adjusted net income attributable to NTIC and adjusted net income attributable to NTIC per diluted share. NTIC’s reasons for use of these measures, reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures and other information are included at the end of this release. Non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for NTIC’s financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP.
NORTHERN TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AS OF NOVEMBER 30, 2023 (UNAUDITED) AND
AUGUST 31, 2023 (AUDITED)
| November 30, 2023 | August 31, 2023 | ||||||||
| ASSETS | |||||||||
| CURRENT ASSETS: | |||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 6,094,032 | $ | 5,406,173 | |||||
| Receivables: | |||||||||
| Trade, excluding joint ventures, less allowance for doubtful accounts | |||||||||
| of | 14,239,360 | 15,645,130 | |||||||
| Trade, joint ventures | 778,625 | 187,912 | |||||||
| Fees for services provided to joint ventures | 1,220,680 | 1,296,594 | |||||||
| Dividend receivable from joint venture | 320,068 | 1,986,027 | |||||||
| Income taxes | — | 34,202 | |||||||
| Inventories | 12,592,515 | 13,096,489 | |||||||
| Prepaid expenses | 3,024,134 | 2,019,029 | |||||||
| Total current assets | 38,269,414 | 39,671,556 | |||||||
| PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET | 14,256,990 | 14,065,354 | |||||||
| OTHER ASSETS: | |||||||||
| Investments in joint ventures | 24,599,520 | 23,705,714 | |||||||
| Deferred income tax, net | 521,329 | 530,944 | |||||||
| Intangible asset, net | 5,394,950 | 5,500,733 | |||||||
| Goodwill | 4,782,376 | 4,782,376 | |||||||
| Patents and trademarks, net | 650,022 | 658,752 | |||||||
| Operating lease right of use asset | 327,463 | 428,874 | |||||||
| Total other assets | 36,275,660 | 35,607,393 | |||||||
| Total assets | $ | 88,802,064 | $ | 89,344,303 | |||||
| LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | |||||||||
| CURRENT LIABILITIES: | |||||||||
| Line of credit | $ | 3,000,000 | $ | 3,600,000 | |||||
| Term loan | 2,810,686 | 2,757,176 | |||||||
| Accounts payable | 6,353,859 | 6,056,329 | |||||||
| Income taxes payable | 22,619 | 13,053 | |||||||
| Accrued liabilities: | |||||||||
| Payroll and related benefits | 1,604,119 | 2,305,400 | |||||||
| Other | 1,831,105 | 1,648,615 | |||||||
| Current portion of operating lease | 231,881 | 340,799 | |||||||
| Total current liabilities | $ | 15,854,269 | 16,721,372 | ||||||
| LONG-TERM LIABILITIES: | |||||||||
| Deferred income tax, net | 1,836,059 | 1,836,059 | |||||||
| Operating lease, less current portion | 95,582 | 88,075 | |||||||
| Total long-term liabilities | $ | 1,931,641 | $ | 1,924,134 | |||||
| COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES | |||||||||
| EQUITY: | |||||||||
| Preferred stock, no par value; authorized 10,000 shares; none issued and outstanding | — | — | |||||||
| Common stock, | |||||||||
| shares as of November 30, 2023 and August 31, 2023; issued and outstanding 9,427,598 and 9,424,101, respectively | 188,552 | 188,482 | |||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 22,377,726 | 21,986,767 | |||||||
| Retained earnings | 51,240,016 | 51,004,427 | |||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (6,516,461 | ) | (6,823,403 | ) | |||||
| Stockholders’ equity | 67,289,833 | 66,356,273 | |||||||
| Non-controlling interests | 3,726,321 | 4,342,524 | |||||||
| Total equity | 71,016,154 | 70,698,797 | |||||||
| Total liabilities and equity | $ | 88,802,064 | $ | 89,344,303 | |||||
NORTHERN TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 2023 AND 2022
| Three Months Ended | |||||||
| November 30, 2023 | November 30, 2022 | ||||||
| NET SALES: | |||||||
| Net sales | $ | 20,181,675 | $ | 19,952,766 | |||
| Cost of goods sold | 12,847,401 | 13,599,642 | |||||
| Gross profit | 7,334,274 | 6,353,124 | |||||
| JOINT VENTURE OPERATIONS: | |||||||
| Equity in income from joint ventures | 1,102,241 | 1,189,404 | |||||
| Fees for services provided to joint ventures | 1,248,958 | 1,181,805 | |||||
| Total joint venture operations | 2,351,199 | 2,371,209 | |||||
| OPERATING EXPENSES: | |||||||
| Selling expenses | 3,686,058 | 3,507,434 | |||||
| General and administrative expenses | 3,517,061 | 3,130,599 | |||||
| Research and development expenses | 1,105,921 | 1,256,724 | |||||
| Total operating expenses | 8,309,040 | 7,894,757 | |||||
| OPERATING INCOME | 1,376,433 | 829,576 | |||||
| INTEREST INCOME | 46,442 | 6,168 | |||||
| INTEREST EXPENSE | (111,138 | ) | (91,331 | ) | |||
| INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX EXPENSE | 1,311,737 | 744,413 | |||||
| INCOME TAX EXPENSE | 226,796 | 110,733 | |||||
| NET INCOME | 1,084,941 | 633,680 | |||||
| NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS | 189,420 | 131,438 | |||||
| NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NTIC | $ | 895,521 | $ | 502,242 | |||
| NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NTIC PER COMMON SHARE: | |||||||
| Basic | $ | 0.09 | $ | 0.05 | |||
| Diluted | $ | 0.09 | $ | 0.05 | |||
| WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES ASSUMED OUTSTANDING: | |||||||
| Basic | 9,427,588 | 9,317,680 | |||||
| Diluted | 9,706,581 | 9,718,931 | |||||
| CASH DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE | $ | 0.07 | $ | 0.07 | |||
NORTHERN TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP MEASURES
(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
The accompanying press release contains certain non-GAAP financial measures, including adjusted net income attributable to NTIC and adjusted net income attributable to NTIC per diluted share, which are not calculated or presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP). These non-GAAP financial measures are information supplemental and in addition to the financial measures presented in the accompanying release that are calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. NTIC uses non-GAAP financial measures as supplemental measures of performance and believes these measures facilitate operating performance comparisons from period to period and company to company by factoring out potential differences caused by non-recurring, unusual or infrequent charges not related to NTIC’s regular, ongoing business. NTIC also believes that the presentation of certain non-GAAP financial measures provides useful information to investors in evaluating the company’s operations, period over period. Such non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered superior to, as a substitute for, or as an alternative to, and should be considered in conjunction with, the GAAP financial measures presented in the release. The non-GAAP financial measures in the accompanying release may differ from similar measures used by other companies.
The following is a reconciliation of NTIC’s reported net income attributable to NTIC and reported net income attributable to NTIC per diluted common share to adjusted net income attributable to NTIC and adjusted net income attributable to NTIC per diluted common share, in each case, as adjusted to exclude the amortization expense associated with the net one-time gain related to the acquisition of the remaining
| Three Months Ended November 30, | ||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||
| Net income attributable to NTIC, as reported | $ | 895,521 | $ | 502,242 | ||
| Adjustments for adjusted net income: | ||||||
| Amortization expense | 105,783 | 105,783 | ||||
| Non-GAAP adjusted net income | $ | 1,001,304 | $ | 608,025 | ||
| Weighted average shares outstanding (diluted) | 9,706,581 | 9,718,931 | ||||
| Diluted net income per share, as reported | 0.09 | 0.05 | ||||
| Adjustments for adjusted net income, net of tax impact, per diluted share | 0.01 | 0.01 | ||||
| Non-GAAP diluted adjusted net income per share | $ | 0.10 | $ | 0.06 | ||
Investor and Media Contact:
Matthew Wolsfeld, CFO
NTIC
(763) 225-6600
FAQ
What are the financial highlights for Northern Technologies International Corporation (NTIC) in the first quarter of fiscal 2024?
How did NTIC's ZERUST® oil and gas net sales perform in the first quarter of fiscal 2024?
What was the joint venture operating income for NTIC in the first quarter of fiscal 2024?
What was the operating expenses as a percent of net sales for NTIC in the first quarter of fiscal 2024?
What was the net income attributable to NTIC in the first quarter of fiscal 2024?
