STOCK TITAN

Nortech Systems (NASDAQ: NSYS) grows sales and margins with stronger Q1 backlog

Filing Impact
(Moderate)
Filing Sentiment
(Neutral)
Form Type
10-Q

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Nortech Systems reported higher sales and sharply improved profitability for the quarter ended March 31, 2026. Net sales rose to $30,316 from $26,895, led by growth in Medical Imaging and Aerospace and Defense.

Gross profit increased to $4,702, lifting gross margin to 15.5% from 11.4%, as plant utilization improved after prior restructuring. The company posted a small net loss of $34, significantly better than the $1,316 loss a year earlier.

Operating cash outflow narrowed to $1,561, while cash and restricted cash ended at $2,208. A new $15,000 Associated Bank revolving credit facility and a $2,200 term loan, maturing in 2029, refinanced the prior revolver and support liquidity. Total backlog climbed to $90,802, up strongly year over year, with particular strength in Aerospace and Defense.

Positive

  • None.

Negative

  • None.

Insights

Quarter shows meaningful margin recovery, backlog growth, and refreshed financing.

Nortech Systems delivered a stronger quarter, with net sales of $30,316 versus $26,895 and gross margin improving to 15.5%. The shift from a $1,316 net loss to a near break-even loss of $34 reflects better plant utilization and prior restructuring benefits.

Backlog trends are notable: 90-day backlog reached $31,475 and total backlog $90,802, both up double digits versus the beginning of the quarter and prior year, driven largely by Aerospace and Defense demand. This provides near-term revenue visibility but still depends on timely approvals and shipments.

On liquidity, the company used $1,561 in operating cash but bolstered flexibility with a new $15,000 Associated Bank revolver and $2,200 term loan maturing in 2029. Covenants include a fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.10x, so future performance must sustain adequate EBITDA and cash flow to remain in compliance.

Net sales $30,316 Three months ended March 31, 2026
Net loss $34 Three months ended March 31, 2026
Gross margin 15.5% Q1 2026 vs 11.4% in Q1 2025
Operating cash flow $(1,561) Cash used in operating activities, Q1 2026
Cash and restricted cash $2,208 Balance at March 31, 2026
Total backlog $90,802 Backlog as of March 31, 2026
Associated Bank revolver size $15,000 New revolving credit facility capacity
Term loan principal $2,200 Associated Facility term loan amount
contract assets financial
"Contract assets, recorded in the condensed consolidated balance sheets, consist of unbilled amounts related to revenue recognized over time."
Contract assets are amounts a company has earned by doing work or delivering goods under a customer agreement but has not yet billed or collected because certain contract conditions remain. Think of it as completed work sitting in a company’s toolbox waiting for an invoice trigger. For investors, growing contract assets signal future cash and revenue potential but also raise questions about timing, cash collection risk and the real strength of reported sales.
90-day shipment backlog financial
"Our 90-day shipment backlog as of March 31, 2026 was $31,475, an increase of 15.3% from $27,288 at the beginning of the quarter."
Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio financial
"including maintaining a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of 1.10 to 1.00, which measures the ratio of EBITDA... to fixed charges such as interest as well as debt and capital lease principal payments."
A fixed charge coverage ratio measures how well a company's operating income can cover its fixed, recurring obligations like interest payments and lease costs. Think of it as a safety margin — the higher the number, the more comfortably a business can pay steady bills from its normal earnings, which matters to investors because it signals financial stability, lower default risk, and greater ability to withstand revenue dips.
Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate financial
"Borrowings under the Associated Facility bear interest, at the Company’s option, at a defined base rate... or at one-month or three-month Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate, referred to as SOFR, plus 2.00%."
restricted cash financial
"Cash classified as restricted cash on our consolidated balance sheets relates to contractual cash dominion provisions under the Company’s financing arrangements."
Cash that a company holds but cannot use for day-to-day operations because it is set aside for a specific purpose—such as meeting loan covenants, serving as collateral, funding an escrow, or complying with regulations. Like money in a locked savings account earmarked for a bill, restricted cash reduces the cash available to run the business and pay dividends or debts, so investors treat it differently when assessing a company’s true short-term financial strength.
stock-based compensation expense financial
"Stock-based compensation expense of $126 and $118 for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively, was reported within general and administrative expenses."
Stock-based compensation expense is the value that a company records when it gives employees or executives shares or options to buy shares as part of their pay. It matters because it shows the true cost of paying employees this way, which can affect the company's profits and how investors see its financial health.
false Q1 --12-31 0000722313 0000722313 2026-01-01 2026-03-31 0000722313 2026-05-06 0000722313 2025-01-01 2025-03-31 0000722313 2026-03-31 0000722313 2025-12-31 0000722313 2024-12-31 0000722313 2025-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:PreferredStockMember 2024-12-31 0000722313 us-gaap:CommonStockMember 2024-12-31 0000722313 us-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember 2024-12-31 0000722313 us-gaap:AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember 2024-12-31 0000722313 us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember 2024-12-31 0000722313 us-gaap:PreferredStockMember 2025-12-31 0000722313 us-gaap:CommonStockMember 2025-12-31 0000722313 us-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember 2025-12-31 0000722313 us-gaap:AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember 2025-12-31 0000722313 us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember 2025-12-31 0000722313 us-gaap:PreferredStockMember 2025-01-01 2025-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:CommonStockMember 2025-01-01 2025-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember 2025-01-01 2025-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember 2025-01-01 2025-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember 2025-01-01 2025-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:PreferredStockMember 2026-01-01 2026-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:CommonStockMember 2026-01-01 2026-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember 2026-01-01 2026-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember 2026-01-01 2026-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember 2026-01-01 2026-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:PreferredStockMember 2025-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:CommonStockMember 2025-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember 2025-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember 2025-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember 2025-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:PreferredStockMember 2026-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:CommonStockMember 2026-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember 2026-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember 2026-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember 2026-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:PatentsMember 2025-12-31 0000722313 us-gaap:PatentsMember 2026-01-01 2026-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:PatentsMember 2026-03-31 0000722313 NSYS:PatentsReceivedMember 2026-03-31 0000722313 NSYS:PatentsInProcessMember 2026-03-31 0000722313 country:US 2026-01-01 2026-03-31 0000722313 country:CN 2026-01-01 2026-03-31 0000722313 country:CN 2026-03-31 0000722313 country:MX 2026-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:SalesRevenueNetMember srt:AmericasMember us-gaap:GeographicConcentrationRiskMember 2026-01-01 2026-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:SalesRevenueNetMember srt:AmericasMember us-gaap:GeographicConcentrationRiskMember 2025-01-01 2025-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:SalesRevenueNetMember 2026-01-01 2026-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:AccountsReceivableMember 2026-01-01 2026-03-31 0000722313 NSYS:ContractAssetMember 2026-01-01 2026-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:SalesRevenueNetMember us-gaap:CustomerConcentrationRiskMember NSYS:CustomerAMember 2026-01-01 2026-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:SalesRevenueNetMember us-gaap:CustomerConcentrationRiskMember NSYS:CustomerAMember 2025-01-01 2025-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:SalesRevenueNetMember us-gaap:CustomerConcentrationRiskMember NSYS:CustomerBMember 2026-01-01 2026-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:SalesRevenueNetMember us-gaap:CustomerConcentrationRiskMember NSYS:CustomerBMember 2025-01-01 2025-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:SalesRevenueNetMember us-gaap:CustomerConcentrationRiskMember NSYS:CustomerMember 2026-01-01 2026-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:SalesRevenueNetMember us-gaap:CustomerConcentrationRiskMember NSYS:CustomerMember 2025-01-01 2025-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:AccountsReceivableMember us-gaap:CustomerConcentrationRiskMember NSYS:CustomerAMember 2026-01-01 2026-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:AccountsReceivableMember us-gaap:CustomerConcentrationRiskMember NSYS:CustomerAMember 2025-01-01 2025-12-31 0000722313 NSYS:ContractAssetMember us-gaap:CustomerConcentrationRiskMember NSYS:CustomerAMember 2026-01-01 2026-03-31 0000722313 NSYS:ContractAssetMember us-gaap:CustomerConcentrationRiskMember NSYS:CustomerAMember 2025-01-01 2025-12-31 0000722313 NSYS:ContractAssetMember us-gaap:CustomerConcentrationRiskMember NSYS:CustomerCMember 2026-01-01 2026-03-31 0000722313 NSYS:ContractAssetMember us-gaap:CustomerConcentrationRiskMember NSYS:CustomerCMember 2025-01-01 2025-12-31 0000722313 NSYS:ContractAssetMember us-gaap:CustomerConcentrationRiskMember NSYS:CustomerMember 2026-01-01 2026-03-31 0000722313 NSYS:ContractAssetMember us-gaap:CustomerConcentrationRiskMember NSYS:CustomerMember 2025-01-01 2025-12-31 0000722313 us-gaap:TransferredOverTimeMember NSYS:MedicalDeviceMember 2026-01-01 2026-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:TransferredAtPointInTimeMember NSYS:MedicalDeviceMember 2026-01-01 2026-03-31 0000722313 NSYS:NoncashConsiderationMember NSYS:MedicalDeviceMember 2026-01-01 2026-03-31 0000722313 NSYS:MedicalDeviceMember 2026-01-01 2026-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:TransferredOverTimeMember NSYS:MedicalImagingMember 2026-01-01 2026-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:TransferredAtPointInTimeMember NSYS:MedicalImagingMember 2026-01-01 2026-03-31 0000722313 NSYS:NoncashConsiderationMember NSYS:MedicalImagingMember 2026-01-01 2026-03-31 0000722313 NSYS:MedicalImagingMember 2026-01-01 2026-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:TransferredOverTimeMember NSYS:IndustrialMember 2026-01-01 2026-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:TransferredAtPointInTimeMember NSYS:IndustrialMember 2026-01-01 2026-03-31 0000722313 NSYS:NoncashConsiderationMember NSYS:IndustrialMember 2026-01-01 2026-03-31 0000722313 NSYS:IndustrialMember 2026-01-01 2026-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:TransferredOverTimeMember NSYS:AerospaceAndDefenseMember 2026-01-01 2026-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:TransferredAtPointInTimeMember NSYS:AerospaceAndDefenseMember 2026-01-01 2026-03-31 0000722313 NSYS:NoncashConsiderationMember NSYS:AerospaceAndDefenseMember 2026-01-01 2026-03-31 0000722313 NSYS:AerospaceAndDefenseMember 2026-01-01 2026-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:TransferredOverTimeMember 2026-01-01 2026-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:TransferredAtPointInTimeMember 2026-01-01 2026-03-31 0000722313 NSYS:NoncashConsiderationMember 2026-01-01 2026-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:TransferredOverTimeMember NSYS:MedicalDeviceMember 2025-01-01 2025-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:TransferredAtPointInTimeMember NSYS:MedicalDeviceMember 2025-01-01 2025-03-31 0000722313 NSYS:NoncashConsiderationMember NSYS:MedicalDeviceMember 2025-01-01 2025-03-31 0000722313 NSYS:MedicalDeviceMember 2025-01-01 2025-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:TransferredOverTimeMember NSYS:MedicalImagingMember 2025-01-01 2025-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:TransferredAtPointInTimeMember NSYS:MedicalImagingMember 2025-01-01 2025-03-31 0000722313 NSYS:NoncashConsiderationMember NSYS:MedicalImagingMember 2025-01-01 2025-03-31 0000722313 NSYS:MedicalImagingMember 2025-01-01 2025-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:TransferredOverTimeMember NSYS:IndustrialMember 2025-01-01 2025-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:TransferredAtPointInTimeMember NSYS:IndustrialMember 2025-01-01 2025-03-31 0000722313 NSYS:NoncashConsiderationMember NSYS:IndustrialMember 2025-01-01 2025-03-31 0000722313 NSYS:IndustrialMember 2025-01-01 2025-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:TransferredOverTimeMember NSYS:AerospaceAndDefenseMember 2025-01-01 2025-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:TransferredAtPointInTimeMember NSYS:AerospaceAndDefenseMember 2025-01-01 2025-03-31 0000722313 NSYS:NoncashConsiderationMember NSYS:AerospaceAndDefenseMember 2025-01-01 2025-03-31 0000722313 NSYS:AerospaceAndDefenseMember 2025-01-01 2025-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:TransferredOverTimeMember 2025-01-01 2025-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:TransferredAtPointInTimeMember 2025-01-01 2025-03-31 0000722313 NSYS:NoncashConsiderationMember 2025-01-01 2025-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:LineOfCreditMember NSYS:SeniorSecuredRevolvingLineOfCreditMember NSYS:BankOfAmericaMember 2026-03-20 0000722313 NSYS:AssociatedFacilityMember 2026-03-20 2026-03-20 0000722313 NSYS:AssociatedFacilityMember 2026-03-20 0000722313 NSYS:AssociatedFacilityMember 2026-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:RevolvingCreditFacilityMember 2026-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:LineOfCreditMember NSYS:SeniorSecuredRevolvingLineOfCreditMember NSYS:BankOfAmericaMember 2024-02-29 0000722313 NSYS:ChinaFinancingAgreementMember 2026-03-31 0000722313 NSYS:ChinaFinancingAgreementMember 2026-01-01 2026-03-31 0000722313 srt:MinimumMember 2026-03-31 0000722313 srt:MaximumMember 2026-03-31 0000722313 NSYS:TwoThousandSeventeenStockIncentivePlanMember 2026-03-31 0000722313 NSYS:TwoThousandSeventeenStockIncentivePlanMember NSYS:VariousEquityAndCashBasedAwardsMember 2026-03-31 0000722313 NSYS:TwoThousandTwentySevenStockIncentivePlanMember 2026-03-31 0000722313 NSYS:TwoThousandTwentySevenStockIncentivePlanMember srt:MaximumMember 2026-01-01 2026-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:EmployeeStockOptionMember 2026-01-01 2026-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:EmployeeStockOptionMember 2025-01-01 2025-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:EmployeeStockOptionMember 2026-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember NSYS:TwoThousandSeventeenStockIncentivePlanMember 2026-01-01 2026-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember NSYS:TwoThousandSeventeenStockIncentivePlanMember 2025-01-01 2025-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember 2026-01-01 2026-03-31 0000722313 us-gaap:RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember NSYS:TwoThousandSeventeenStockIncentivePlanMember 2026-03-31 0000722313 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 0000722313 2025-01-01 2025-12-31 0000722313 us-gaap:RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember 2025-01-01 2025-03-31 0000722313 country:US 2025-01-01 2025-03-31 0000722313 country:MX 2026-01-01 2026-03-31 0000722313 country:MX 2025-01-01 2025-03-31 0000722313 country:CN 2025-01-01 2025-03-31 0000722313 country:US 2025-01-01 2025-12-31 0000722313 country:MX 2025-01-01 2025-12-31 0000722313 country:CN 2025-01-01 2025-12-31 0000722313 NSYS:BlueEarthFacilityMember 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 0000722313 NSYS:BlueEarthFacilityMember 2024-12-31 2024-12-31 0000722313 NSYS:BlueEarthFacilityMember 2025-01-01 2025-03-31 0000722313 NSYS:FacilityWorkforceMember 2024-12-31 0000722313 NSYS:EmployeeTerminationMember 2024-12-31 0000722313 NSYS:FacilityWorkforceMember 2025-01-01 2025-03-31 0000722313 NSYS:EmployeeTerminationMember 2025-01-01 2025-03-31 0000722313 NSYS:FacilityWorkforceMember 2025-03-31 0000722313 NSYS:EmployeeTerminationMember 2025-03-31 iso4217:USD xbrli:shares iso4217:USD xbrli:shares xbrli:pure NSYS:Segment iso4217:CNY NSYS:Integer

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D. C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

 

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

 

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2026

 

OR

 

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

 

For the transition period from          to          

 

NORTECH SYSTEMS INCORPORATED

 

Commission file number 0-13257

 

State of Incorporation: Minnesota

 

IRS Employer Identification No. 41-1681094

 

Executive Offices: 7550 Meridian Circle N., Suite # 150, Maple Grove, MN 55369

 

Telephone number: (952) 345-2244

 

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

 

Title of each class   Trading Symbol(s)   Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share   NSYS   NASDAQ Capital Market

 

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 No

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulations 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 No

 

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

 

Large Accelerated Filer   Accelerated Filer ☐
Non-accelerated Filer   Smaller Reporting Company
Emerging growth company    

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes No

 

Number of shares of $0.01 par value common stock outstanding as of May 6, 2026 was 2,794,534.

 

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

  PAGE
   
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION  
   
Item 1 - Financial Statements  
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) 3
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets 4
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 5-6
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity 7
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements 8-17
Item 2 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 18
Item 3 - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 22
Item 4 - Controls and Procedures 22
   
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION  
   
Item 1 - Legal Proceedings 23
Item 1A. - Risk Factors 23
Item 2 - Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities, Use of Proceeds 23
Item 3 - Defaults on Senior Securities 23
Item 4 - Mine Safety Disclosures 23
Item 5 - Other Information 23
Item 6 - Exhibits 23
SIGNATURES 24

 

2
 

 

PART I

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NORTECH SYSTEMS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(UNAUDITED)

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)

 

         
   THREE MONTHS ENDED 
   MARCH 31, 
   2026   2025 
         
Net sales  $30,316   $26,895 
Cost of goods sold   25,614    23,817 
Gross profit   4,702    3,078 
Operating expenses:          
Selling   1,331    1,184 
General and administrative   3,014    2,915 
Research and development   310    326 
Restructuring charges   -    266 
Total operating expenses   4,655    4,691 
Income (loss) from operations   47    (1,613)
Other expense:          
Interest expense, net   (256)   (214)
Loss before income taxes   (209)   (1,827)
Income tax benefit    (175   (511)
Net loss  $(34)  $(1,316)
           
Net loss per common share:          
Basic (in dollars per share)  $(0.01)  $(0.48)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic (in shares)   2,786,134    2,760,929 
Diluted (in dollars per share)  $(0.01)  $(0.48)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)   2,786,134    2,760,929 
           
Other comprehensive income (loss)          
Foreign currency translation   69    6 
Comprehensive income (loss), net of tax  $35   $(1,310)

 

See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

3
 

 

NORTECH SYSTEMS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

AS OF MARCH 31, 2026 AND DECEMBER 31, 2025

(UNAUDITED)

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)

 

  

MARCH 31,

2026

  

DECEMBER 31,

2025

 
ASSETS          
Current assets:          
Cash  $1,964   $1,655 
Restricted cash   244    - 
Accounts receivable, less allowance for credit losses of $205 and $161, respectively   17,823    16,998 
Inventories, net   23,561    20,695 
Contract assets   16,010    15,184 
Prepaid assets and other assets   1,071    1,618 
Total current assets   60,673    56,150 
Property and equipment, net   5,077    5,203 
Operating lease assets, net   6,720    7,016 
Deferred tax assets   3,753    3,394 
Other intangible assets, net   151    156 
Deferred line of credit issuance costs   266    - 
Total assets  $76,640   $71,919 
           
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
Current liabilities:          
Lines of credit  $7,485   $7,000 
Current portion of term loan   433    - 
Accounts payable   14,645    12,809 
Accrued payroll and commissions   2,708    1,822 
Customer deposits   4,672    5,386 
Current portion of operating leases   1,309    1,332 
Current portion of finance lease obligations   259    274 
Other accrued liabilities   1,487    1,221 
Total current liabilities   32,998    29,844 
Long-term liabilities:          
Term loan   1,743    - 
Long-term operating lease obligations   6,186    6,476 
Long-term finance lease obligations   577    626 
Other long-term liabilities   428    426 
Total long-term liabilities   8,934    7,528 
Total liabilities   41,932    37,372 
Shareholders’ equity:          
Preferred stock, $1 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; 250,000 shares issued and outstanding   250    250 
Common stock - $0.01 par value; 9,000,000 shares authorized; 2,786,134 and 2,786,134 shares issued and outstanding, respectively   28    28 
Additional paid-in capital   17,981    17,855 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (640)   (709)
Retained earnings   17,089    17,123 
Total shareholders’ equity   34,708    34,547 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity  $76,640   $71,919 

 

See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

4
 

 

NORTECH SYSTEMS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

(IN THOUSANDS)

 

         
   THREE MONTHS ENDED 
   MARCH 31, 
   2026   2025 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES          
Net loss  $(34)  $(1,316)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:          
Depreciation and amortization   303    347 
Compensation on stock-based awards   126    118 
Change in allowance for credit losses   44    35 
Change in inventory reserves   (257)   231 
Deferred taxes   (359)   - 
Changes in current operating items:          
Accounts receivable   (822)   (814)
Inventories   (2,610)   487 
Contract assets   (826)   388 
Prepaid expenses and other assets   460    (1,588)
Accounts payable   1,917    (1,441)
Accrued payroll and commissions   883    674 
Customer deposits   (713)   (112)
Other accrued liabilities   327    61 
Net cash used in operating activities   (1,561)   (2,930)
           
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES          
Purchases of property and equipment   (228)   (268)
Net cash used in investing activities   (228)   (268)
           
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES          
Proceeds from lines of credit   9,960    25,970 
Payments to line of credit   (9,472)   (22,710)
Proceeds from term loan   2,200    - 
Payments of debt issuance costs   (290)   - 
Proceeds from notes payable   -    219 
Principal payments on financing leases   (62)   (52)
Stock award exercises   -    19 
Net cash provided by financing activities   2,336    3,446 
           
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and restricted cash   6    (2)
           
Net change in cash and restricted cash   553    246 
Cash and restricted cash - beginning of period   1,655    916 
Cash and restricted cash - end of period  $2,208   $1,162 
           
Reconciliation of cash and restricted cash reported within the condensed consolidated balance sheets:          
Cash  $1,964   $1,162 
Restricted cash   244    - 
Total cash and restricted cash reported in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows  $2,208   $1,162 

 

5
 

 

NORTECH SYSTEMS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

(IN THOUSANDS)

 

   THREE MONTHS ENDED 
   MARCH 31, 
   2026   2025 
         
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:          
Cash paid for interest  $167   $203 
Cash (received) paid for income taxes  $(325)  $179 
           
Supplemental noncash investing and financing activities:          
Property and equipment purchases in accounts payable  $16   $42 

 

See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

6
 

 

NORTECH SYSTEMS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(UNAUDITED)

(IN THOUSANDS)

 

                       Accumulated         
                   Additional   Other       Total 
   Preferred Stock   Common Stock   Paid-In   Comprehensive   Retained   Shareholders’ 
   Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount   Capital   Loss   Earnings   Equity 
Balance as of December 31, 2024   250   $250    2,761   $28   $17,329   $(977)  $17,375   $34,005 
Net loss   -    -    -    -    -    -    (1,316)   (1,316)
Foreign currency translation adjustment   -    -    -    -    -    6    -    6 
Stock option exercises   -    -    -    -    19    -    -    19 
Compensation on stock-based awards   -    -    -    -    118    -    -    118 
Balance as of March 31, 2025   250   $250    2,761   $28   $17,466   $(971)  $16,059   $32,832 
                                         
Balance as of December 31, 2025   250   $250    2,786   $28   $17,855   $(709)  $17,123   $34,547 
                                         
Net loss   -    -    -    -    -    -    (34)   (34)
Foreign currency translation adjustment   -    -    -    -    -    69    -    69 
Compensation on stock-based awards   -    -    -    -    126    -    -    126 
Balance as of March 31, 2026   250   $250    2,786   $28   $17,981   $(640)  $17,089   $34,708 

 

See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

7
 

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)

(UNAUDITED)

 

NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the interim periods have been prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, the Company has omitted footnote disclosures that would substantially duplicate the disclosures contained in the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read together with the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2025, and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the SEC.

 

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Nortech Systems Incorporated and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. All dollar amounts are stated in thousands of U.S. dollars.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our condensed consolidated financial statements. Estimates also affect the reported amounts of net sales and expenses during each reporting period. Significant items subject to estimates and assumptions include the lower of cost or net realizable value reserves for inventories, allowance for credit losses, realizability of deferred tax assets and long-lived asset recovery. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Tarriff Legislation

 

In February 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (“IEEPA”) does not authorize the President to impose tariffs, resulting in the termination of all IEEPA-based tariffs effective February 24, 2026. Following this ruling, the Administration imposed a temporary 10% global tariff on most imported products under Section 122 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, effective February 24, 2026, for a 150-day period.

 

These new tariffs apply broadly to manufactured goods and component parts. The Company is evaluating the potential impact of these tariff actions on future material costs and sourcing decisions. The Company is actively seeking reimbursement of IEEPA tariffs from the federal government and the Company’s vendors.

 

Recently Issued New Accounting Standards

 

In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU No. 2024-03, Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income – Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses (“ASU No. 2024-03”), which requires disaggregated expense information in the notes to the financial statements related to purchases of inventory, employee compensation, depreciation, intangible asset amortization and selling expenses for each statement of earnings line item that contains those expenses. ASU No. 2024-03 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim reporting periods within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027. The guidance is to be applied on a prospective basis with the option to apply the standard retrospectively; this ASU allows for early adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this ASU on its consolidated financial statements disclosures.

 

Adoption of New Accounting Standard

 

In July 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-05, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses for Accounts Receivable and Contract Assets (“ASU No. 2025-05”), which reduces the complexity of applying credit losses to current accounts receivable and current contract assets arising from transactions accounted for under Topic 606 (revenue from contracts with customers). ASU 2025-05 is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2025. The Company has adopted this ASU and it did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

 

8
 

 

Restricted Cash

 

Cash classified as restricted cash on our consolidated balance sheets relates to contractual cash dominion provisions under the Company’s financing arrangements, which at March 31, 2026 were governed by the new Associated Bank facility. As of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, we had restricted cash of $244 and $0, respectively.

 

The restricted cash balance at March 31, 2026 primarily represents customer deposits that are temporarily restricted due to timing at period end and are subject to the cash dominion provisions of the financing arrangement. These customer deposits are applied against the Company’s line of credit on the next business day.

 

Inventories

 

Inventories are as follows:

 

   March 31,   December 31, 
   2026   2025 
Raw materials  $23,015   $20,575 
Work in process   1,290    1,003 
Finished goods   852    970 
Reserves   (1,596)   (1,853)
Inventories, net  $23,561   $20,695 

 

Other Intangible Assets

 

Other intangible assets as of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025 are as follows:

 

   Patents 
Balances as of December 31, 2025  $156 
Amortization   (5)
Balances as of March 31, 2026  $151 

 

Intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. The weighted average remaining amortization period of our intangible assets is 3.8 years. Of the patents’ value as of March 31, 2026, $67 are being amortized and $84 are in process and a patent has not yet been issued.

 

Amortization expense of finite life intangible assets for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025 was $5 and $5, respectively.

 

As of March 31, 2026, estimated future annual amortization expense related to these assets is as follows:

 

Year  Amount 
Remainder of 2026  $14 
2027   18 
2028   18 
2029   12 
2030   4 
Thereafter   1 
Total  $67 

 

Property and Equipment

 

The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset group may not be recoverable. At March 31, 2026, the Company determined that no triggering events existed that would require an impairment assessment.

 

9
 

 

NOTE 2. CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK AND MAJOR CUSTOMERS

 

Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash, accounts receivable, and contract assets. We maintain our excess cash balances in checking accounts primarily at two financial institutions, one in the United States and one in China. The account in the United States may at times exceed federally insured limits. The Company’s $1,964 cash balance as of March 31, 2026, included approximately $612 and $78 that was held at banks located in China and Mexico, respectively. We grant credit to customers in the normal course of business and generally do not require collateral on our accounts receivable.

 

We have certain customers whose revenue individually represented 10% or more of net sales, or whose accounts receivable balances or contract asset balances individually represented 10% or more of gross accounts receivable.

 

Customers who represent 10% or more of net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025 are as follows:

  

         
  

Three Months Ended

March 31,

 
   2026   2025 
Customer A   32%   31%
Customer B   13%   11%
Total   45%   42%

 

Customers who represent 10% or more of accounts receivable and contract assets for the periods ended March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025 are as follows:

 SCHEDULE OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK AND MAJOR CUSTOMERS 

         
   Accounts Receivable 
  

March 31,

2026

  

December 31,

2025

 
Customer A   26%   20%

 

 SCHEDULE OF CONTRACT ASSETS CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK AND MAJOR CUSTOMERS

         
   Contract Assets 
  

March 31,

2026

  

December 31,

2025

 
Customer A   34%   36%
Customer C   12%   13%
Total   46%   49%

 

Export sales from the U.S. represented approximately 3% and 2% of net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively.

 

10
 

 

NOTE 3. NET SALES

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Revenue under contract manufacturing agreements that was recognized over time, excluding noncash consideration, accounted for 75% and 74% of net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively. The following tables summarize our net sales by market for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively:

  

                 
   Three Months Ended March 31, 2026 
  

Product/ Service Transferred

Over Time

  

Product Transferred at Point

in Time

   Noncash Consideration1   Total Net Sales by Market 
Medical Device  $6,679   $1,490   $742   $8,911 
Medical Imaging   8,006    1,867    3    9,876 
Industrial   3,689    3,018    175    6,882 
Aerospace and Defense   4,254    356    37    4,647 
Total net sales  $22,628   $6,731   $957   $30,316 

 

             
   Three Months Ended March 31, 2025 
  

Product/ Service Transferred

Over Time

  

Product Transferred at Point

in Time

  

Noncash

Consideration1

   Total Net Sales by Market 
Medical Device  $5,772   $1,730   $568   $8,070 
Medical Imaging   6,708    1,873    7    8,588 
Industrial   4,706    2,132    107    6,945 
Aerospace and Defense   2,782    478    32    3,292 
Total net sales  $19,968   $6,213   $714   $26,895 

 

1 Noncash consideration represents material provided by the customer used in the manufacturing of the product.

 

11
 

 

Contract Assets

 

Contract assets, recorded in the condensed consolidated balance sheets, consist of unbilled amounts related to revenue recognized over time. Significant changes in the contract assets balance during the three months ended March 31, 2026 were as follows:

  

Balance as of December 31, 2025  $15,184 
Increase (decrease) attributed to:     
Amounts transferred over time to contract assets   22,628 
Allowance for current expected credit losses   - 
Amounts invoiced during the period   (21,802)
Balance outstanding as of March 31, 2026  $16,010 

 

We expect substantially all the remaining performance obligations for the contract assets recorded as of March 31, 2026 to be transferred to receivables within 90 days, with any remaining amounts to be transferred within 180 days. We bill our customers upon shipment with payment terms of up to 120 days.

 

Contract Liabilities

 

Contract liabilities, recorded as customer deposits, were $4,672 and $5,386 at March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, respectively. Contract liabilities primarily relate to customer prepayments, generally to purchase customer-specific inventory, and billings in advance of the Company satisfying its performance obligations. Revenue recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2026 that was included in the contract liability balance at January 1, 2026 was $565. Changes between periods represent the timing of customer deposits and the satisfaction of performance obligations.

 

NOTE 4. FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS

 

Associated Bank Financing Arrangement

 

On March 20, 2026, the Company entered into a new Credit and Security Agreement with Associated Bank, National Association, which provides for a revolving credit facility of up to $15,000, subject to a borrowing base based on eligible accounts receivable and inventory, and a $2,200 term loan (the “Associated Facility”). The Associated Facility includes a sublimit of $1,500 for letters of credit and is secured by substantially all of our assets in the United States of America. The Associated Facility matures in March 2029. The Company is required to pay a 25-basis point fee per annum, paid monthly, on the unused portion of the revolving credit facility. The term loan requires monthly principal payments of $37 plus interest. Borrowings under the Associated Facility bear interest, at the Company’s option, at a defined base rate derived from the Bank’s prime rate, or at one-month or three-month Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate, referred to as SOFR, plus 2.00% in the case of revolving credit borrowings, and plus 2.25% in the case of the term loan. At March 31, 2026, the revolving credit facility and term loan accrued interest at 8.52% and 8.00%, respectively. At March 31, 2026, there was $7,196 outstanding under the revolving credit facility and $3,500 of unused availability. Borrowings under the Associated Facility may be prepaid at any time without penalty. The Associated Facility does not contain prepayment premiums, make-whole provisions, or other features that would require separate accounting as embedded derivatives.

 

The Associated Facility contains customary affirmative and negative covenants that restrict or limit our ability to incur additional indebtedness, create liens, make investments, sell assets, pay dividends or engage in certain transactions without lender consent. This agreement also requires us to comply with financial covenants, including maintaining a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of 1.10 to 1.00, which measures the ratio of EBITDA, as defined to exclude certain other non-cash items, and less unfunded capital expenditures, to fixed charges such as interest as well as debt and capital lease principal payments. The Company was in compliance with all covenants under the Associated Facility as of March 31, 2026.

 

The Associated Facility agreement includes broad and customary events of default such as non-payment of obligations, breaches of representations or covenants, unauthorized liens, insolvency events, material adverse changes, cross-defaults to other significant indebtedness, and change-of-control triggers. Additional events include unsatisfied judgments, loss of lender lien priority, defaults under material business agreements, impairment of key intellectual property, destruction of collateral, and certain ERISA, hedging, or legal compliance violations. Upon an event of default, including the lender’s determination that a material adverse event has occurred, as defined by the Associated Facility agreement, the lender may accelerate all obligations, terminate the commitments, and exercise its full rights and remedies against the collateral.

 

The Company incurred $290 of debt issuance costs related to the Associated Facility, of which $266 was classified as a long-term asset as of March 31, 2026 as it is related to the revolving facility.

 

The table below reflects scheduled principal repayments of the term loan. Amounts outstanding under the revolving credit facility, if any, are due at maturity in March 2029.

 

Year  Amount 
Remainder of 2026  $330 
2027   440 
2028   440 
2029   990 
Thereafter   - 
Total  $2,200 

 

Bank Of America Revolver

 

On February 29, 2024, we closed on a $15,000 Senior Secured Revolving Line of Credit with Bank of America (the “BOA Revolver”). On February 27, 2026, the Company entered into a Waiver and Amendment. Under the Waiver and Amendment, Bank of America waived certain financial covenant defaults related to the Company’s Consolidated Leverage Ratio, Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, and Consolidated EBITDA for the quarter ended December 31, 2025. The BOA Revolver was fully repaid and terminated on March 20, 2026.

 

Interim Funding Agreement

 

The Company had an interim funding agreement with a bank related to deposits made on equipment purchases funded through a finance lease when the equipment was received and operational. The equipment was received, and the lease agreements were finalized during the second quarter of 2025. As of March 31, 2026, we have no amounts outstanding on the interim funding agreement for equipment.

 

China Financing Agreement

 

Our China operation has a financing agreement with China Construction Bank which provides for a line of credit arrangement of 10 million Renminbi (RMB) (approximately $1,400 ) that expires in August 2026. The Company had $289 outstanding as of March 31, 2026 that is classified as current debt. No amounts were outstanding under this financing arrangement as of December 31, 2025. The agreement does not include material cross-default provisions with the Associated Facility. The variable interest rate as of March 31, 2026 was approximately 4%.

 

12
 

 

 

NOTE 5. LEASES

 

We have operating leases for certain manufacturing sites, office space, and equipment. Most leases include the option to renew, with renewal terms that can extend the lease term from one to five years or more. Right-of-use lease assets and lease liabilities are recognized at the commencement date based on the present value of the remaining lease payments over the lease term which includes renewal periods we are reasonably certain to exercise. Our leases do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. We have financing leases for certain property and equipment used in the normal course of business.

 

The components of lease expense were as follows:

 

         
   Three Months Ended March 31, 
Lease Cost  2026   2025 
Operating lease cost  $588   $565 
Finance lease interest cost   14    6 
Finance lease amortization expense   62    42 
Total lease cost  $664   $613 

 

Supplemental condensed consolidated balance sheet information related to leases was as follows:

 

   Balance Sheet Location 

March 31,

2026

  

December 31,

2025

 
Assets             
Finance lease assets  Property and equipment, net  $668   $714 
Operating lease assets  Operating lease assets, net   6,720    7,016 
Total leased assets     $7,388   $7,730 
              
Liabilities             
Current             
Current operating lease liabilities  Current portion of operating lease obligations  $1,309   $1,332 
Current finance lease liabilities  Current portion of finance lease obligations   259    274 
Noncurrent             
Long-term operating lease liabilities  Long-term operating lease obligations, net of current portion   6,186    6,476 
Long-term finance lease liabilities  Long-term finance lease obligations, net of current portion   577    626 
Total lease liabilities     $8,331   $8,708 

 

13
 

 

Supplemental condensed consolidated statements of cash flows information for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025 related to leases was as follows:

  

   March 31,   March 31, 
   2026   2025 
Operating Leases          
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities  $471   $433 

 

Future annual payments of lease liabilities as of March 31, 2026 were as follows:

  

  

Operating

Leases

  

Finance

Leases

   Total 
Remainder of 2026  $1,406   $248   $1,654 
2027   1,580    211    1,791 
2028   1,569    211    1,780 
2029   979    196    1,175 
2030   900    76    976 
Thereafter   3,769    -    3,769 
Total lease payments  $10,203   $942   $11,145 
Less: imputed interest   (2,708)   (106)   (2,814)
Present value of lease liabilities  $7,495   $836   $8,331 

 

The lease term and discount rate as of March 31, 2026 and 2025 were as follows:

  

  

March 31,

2026

  

March 31,

2025

 
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years)          
Operating leases   7.0    7.6 
Finance leases   3.7    3.3 
Weighted-average discount rate          
Operating leases   8.1%   7.8%
Finance leases   6.6%   5.7%

 

NOTE 6. STOCK BASED AWARDS

 

Stock-based compensation expense of $126 and $118 for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively, was reported in the condensed consolidated statements of operations within general and administrative expenses.

 

Stock Options

 

Under the 2017 Stock Incentive Plan (“2017 Plan”), as amended, there are an aggregate of 775,000 shares authorized for issuance. As of March 31, 2026, there were 35,136 remaining authorized shares available for grant. On March 18, 2026, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the 2026 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2026 Plan”), subject to shareholder approval at the upcoming annual meeting in May 2026. The 2026 Plan would succeed the Company’s 2017 Stock Incentive Plan and authorize 250,000 shares for various equity- and cash-based awards.

 

14
 

 

The Company granted 30,000 stock options under the 2017 Plan which vest over 5 years. Weighted average stock option fair value assumptions and the weighted average grant date fair value of stock options granted were as follows:

  

   2026 
Stock option fair value assumptions:     
Risk-free interest rate   3.99%
Expected life (years)   6.2 
Dividend yield   -%
Expected volatility   58%
Weighted average grant date fair value of stock options granted  $7.14 

 

Total compensation expense related to stock options was $77 and $54 for the three months ended March 31, 2026, and 2025 respectively. As of March 31, 2026, there was $1,035 of unrecognized compensation related to stock options which will be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.4 years.

 

Following is a summary of stock option activity as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025:

  

   Shares  

Weighted-

Average

Exercise Price

Per Share

  

Weighted-

Average

Remaining

Contractual

Term

(in years)

  

Aggregate

Intrinsic Value

 
Outstanding – December 31, 2024   453,400   $6.79    5.70   $1,654 
Granted   -    -           
Exercised   (200)   9.37           
Forfeited   (4,400)   8.98           
Outstanding – March 31, 2025   448,800   $6.77    5.45   $1,508 
                     
Outstanding – December 31, 2025   490,182   $6.91    5.14   $828 
Granted   30,000    12.19           
Exercised   -    -           
Forfeited   (4,200)   9.94           
Outstanding – March 31, 2026   515,982   $6.65    4.77   $2,584 
Exercisable on March 31, 2026   331,100   $5.63    9.4   $2,180 

 

Restricted Stock Units

 

Total compensation expense related to restricted stock units (“RSUs”) was $49 and $64 for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively. No RSUs were granted during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2026 and 2025. As of March 31, 2026, total unrecognized compensation expense related to the 43,664 outstanding RSUs was $207, which will vest over a weighted average period of 1.0 years. On March 18, 2026 these RSU’s were modified to allow full vesting upon a change of control, as defined in the amendment. Management concluded that no incremental compensation cost was required, as the added change-in-control provision did not impact the fair value of the awards at the modification date.

 

15
 

 

NOTE 7. NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE DATA

 

Basic net income (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Dilutive net income (loss) per common share assumes the exercise and issuance of all potential common stock equivalents in computing the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding using the treasury stock method, unless their effect is anti-dilutive. Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding were as follows:

  

         
  

Three Months Ended

March 31,

 
   2026   2025 
Basic weighted average shares outstanding   2,786,134    2,760,929 
Dilutive effect of outstanding stock options and non-vested restricted stock units1   -    - 
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding   2,786,134    2,760,929 

 

1 The following items were excluded from the computation of diluted weighted-average shares outstanding as their inclusion would be anti-dilutive:

 

  a. For the three months ended March 31, 2026, restricted stock units and stock options totaling 602,446.
  b. For the three months ended March 31, 2025, restricted stock units and stock options totaling 472,941.

 

NOTE 8. INCOME TAXES

 

On a quarterly basis, we estimate what our effective tax rate will be for the full fiscal year and record a quarterly income tax provision based on the anticipated rate. As the year progresses, we refine our estimate based on the facts and circumstances, including discrete events.

 

16
 

 

Our effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2026 was 84%, compared to 28% for the three months ended March 31, 2025. The primary drivers of the change in the effective tax rate are the differences in pretax book income (loss) by jurisdiction and taxes on foreign entities.

 

NOTE 9. SEGMENT INFORMATION

 

Our results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025 represent a single operating and reporting segment referred to as Contract Manufacturing within the EMS industry. The Company operates in the Medical Device, Medical Imaging, Aerospace and Defense, and Industrial markets with over 50% of its net sales coming from the medical-related markets. We strategically direct production between our various manufacturing facilities based on several considerations to best meet our customers’ needs. Our plants generate net sales over several of the markets the Company serves. We share resources for sales, marketing, engineering, supply chain, information services, human resources, payroll, and all corporate accounting functions. Our chief operating decision maker (the “CODM”) is the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer. The CODM regularly evaluates financial information prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP on a consolidated basis to assess performance and allocate resources.

 

The Company’s net sales were located as follows:

 

         
  

Three Months Ended

March 31,

 
   2026   2025 
United States  $17,464   $16,310 
Mexico   7,342    6,580 
China   5,510    4,005 
Total net sales  $30,316   $26,895 

 

The Company’s long-lived tangible assets, including the Company’s operating lease assets recognized on the condensed consolidated balance sheets were located as follows:

 

  

  

March 31,

2026

  

December 31,

2025

 
United States  $8,727   $8,876 
Mexico   1,858    2,015 
China   1,212    1,328 
Total long-lived tangible assets  $11,797   $12,219 

 

NOTE 10. RESTRUCTURING CHARGES

 

During 2024, we recorded restructuring charges of $571 related to the closure and consolidation of our Blue Earth, Minnesota production facility, which was completed in the fourth quarter of 2024. As of December 31, 2024, $154 of facility consolidation expenses related to the Blue Earth closure were accrued and paid in the first quarter of 2025. During the three months ended March 31, 2025, the Company incurred $266 of restructuring charges, in connection with activities related to the Blue Earth facility and additional staff reductions in the first quarter of 2025.

 

The following table summarizes the related activity for the three months ended March 31, 2025:

 

 

   Facility Consolidation   Workforce Reductions   Total 
             
December 31, 2024  $154   $-   $154 
Charges   31    235    266 
Cash payments   (185)   (235)   (420)
March 31, 2025  $-   $-   $- 

 

We did not record any restructuring charges or restructuring charge activity in the three months ended March 31, 2026.

 

17
 

 

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Overview

 

We are a Minnesota, United States based full-service global EMS contract manufacturer in the Medical Device, Medical Imaging, Aerospace and Defense and Industrial markets offering a full range of value-added engineering, technical and manufacturing services and support including project management, design, testing, prototyping, manufacturing, supply chain management and post-market services. Our products are complex electromedical and electromechanical products including medical devices, wire and cable assemblies, printed circuit board assemblies, complex higher-level assemblies and other box builds for a wide range of industries. As of December 31, 2025, we have facilities in Minnesota: Bemidji, Mankato, Milaca and Maple Grove. We closed our facility in Blue Earth, Minnesota in December 2024 and sold this facility in July 2025. We also have facilities in Monterrey, Mexico and Suzhou, China.

 

Our net sales are derived from complex designed products built to the customers’ specifications. The products we manufacture are engineered and designed products that require sophisticated manufacturing support. Quality, on-time delivery, and reliability are of upmost importance. Our goal is to expand and diversify our customer base by focusing on sales and marketing efforts that fit our value-added service, early engagement design, and development strategy. We continue to focus on lean manufacturing initiatives, quality and on-time delivery improvements to increase asset utilization, reduce lead times and provide competitive pricing.

 

Our strategic investments have positioned us to capitalize on growth opportunities in the medical markets and improve our competitiveness by expanding our global footprint. Our industrial and defense markets are focused on improving our asset utilization and profitability while transforming to a value added, solution-sell business model that supports early engagement, design for manufacturability and rapid prototyping.

 

All dollar amounts are stated in thousands of U.S. dollars.

 

Results of Operations

 

Net Sales. Net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025 were $30,316 and $26,895, respectively, a comparative period increase of $3,421 or 12.7%. Net sales in the three months ended March 31, 2026 were positively impacted in Aerospace and Defense from the receipt of customer approvals for products transferred from our Blue Earth facility to our Bemidji facility during 2025 as well as manufacturing and plant utilization efficiencies gained related to our 2025 facility optimization. The following is a summary of net sales by our major industry markets:

 

   Three Months Ended March 31,     
   2026   2025   Increase (Decrease) 
Medical Device  $8,911   $8,070   $841    10.4%
Medical Imaging   9,876    8,588    1,288    15.0%
Industrial   6,882    6,945    (63)   (0.9)%
Aerospace and Defense   4,647    3,292    1,355    41.2%
Total net sales  $30,316   $26,895   $3,421    12.7%

 

18
 

 

  Medical Device: Net sales to our medical customers increased $841, or 10.4%, in the three months ended March 31, 2026 as compared with the same period in 2025. The increase was primarily due to the ramp up of production post our 2025 facility optimization.
     
  Medical Imaging: Net sales to our Medical Imaging customers increased $1,288, or 15.0%, in the three months ended March 31, 2026 as compared with the same period in 2025. The increase was primarily due to higher sales volume to existing customers.
     
  Industrial: Net sales to our industrial customers remained relatively flat with a decrease of $63, or 0.9%, in the three months ended March 31, 2026 as compared with the same period in 2025.
     
  Aerospace and Defense: Net sales to our aerospace and defense customers increased $1,355, or 41.2%, in the three months ended March 31, 2026 as compared with the same period in 2025. The increase primarily relates to the positive impact from receipt of customer approvals for products transferred from our Blue Earth facility to our Bemidji facility.

 

Backlog. Our 90-day shipment backlog as of March 31, 2026 was $31,475, an increase of 15.3% from $27,288 at the beginning of the quarter, and a 17.7% increase from March 31, 2025. Our 90-day backlog consists of firm purchase orders we expect to ship in the next 90 days, with any remaining amounts to be shipped within 180 days.

 

Our total order backlog as of March 31, 2026, was $90,802, representing a 17.4% increase from $77,343 at the beginning of the quarter and a 32.9% increase compared to the same period in the prior year; this year over year growth was primarily driven by an increase in Aerospace and Defense orders.

 

90-day shipment and total backlog by our major industry markets are as follows:

 

   March 31, 2026   December 31, 2025   March 31, 2025 
   90 Day   Total   90 Day   Total   90 Day   Total 
Medical Device  $10,512   $27,332   $8,733   $27,094   $5,735   $19,925 
Medical Imaging   6,509    9,476    5,725    9,032    7,526    10,020 
Industrial   4,842    13,113    4,697    11,404    5,999    10,005 
Aerospace and Defense   9,612    40,881    8,133    29,813    7,482    28,382 
Total backlog  $31,475   $90,802   $27,288   $77,343   $26,742   $68,332 

 

The 90-day and total backlog as of March 31, 2026 includes orders already recognized in net sales and included in the contract asset value of $16,010.

 

19
 

 

Operating Costs and Expenses.

 

Net sales, cost of goods sold, gross profit, and operating costs were as follows:

 

   Three Months Ended March 31, 
   2026   2025   Increase/(Decrease) 
Net sales  $30,316   $26,895   $3,421    12.7%
Cost of goods sold   25,614    23,817    1,797    7.5%
Gross profit   4,702    3,078    1,624    52.8%
Gross margin percentage (1)   15.5%   11.4%   410bpc(2)     
Selling   1,331    1,184    147    12.4%
% of Net sales   4.4%   4.4%          
General and administrative   3,014    2,915    99    3.4%
% of Net sales   9.9%   10.8%          
Research and development   310    326    (16)   (4.9)%
% of Net sales   1.0%   1.2%          
Restructuring charges   -    266    (266)   (100)%
% of Net sales   -%   0.9%          
Operating income (loss)   47    (1,613)   1,660    102.9%
% of Net sales   0.2%   (6.0)%          

 

  (1) Gross margin percentage is defined as gross profit as a percentage of net sales.
  (2) Basis points change in gross margin percentage.

 

20
 

 

Gross profit and gross margin percentage. Gross margin percentage was 15.5% and 11.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2026, and 2025, respectively. The increase in gross margin percentage was the result of improved plant utilization primarily from our restructuring activities and higher sales on a fixed cost base.

 

Selling expenses. Selling expenses, as measured as a percentage of net sales, were 4.4% for both the three months ended March 31, 2026, and 2025.

 

General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses, as measured as a percentage of net sales, were 9.9% and 10.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively. This decrease as a percentage of net sales was primarily the result of higher sales on a fixed cost base.

 

Restructuring charges. Restructuring charges were $0 and $266 in the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively. During the first quarter of 2025, we incurred $235 of severance charges for a February 2025 reduction in force to align staffing to our forecasted net sales and $31 of expenses related to our closed Blue Earth facility.

 

Operating income (loss). Operating income was $47 for the three months ended March 31, 2026 or 0.2% of net sales and operating loss was $(1,613) or (6.0)% of net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2025. The improvement was primarily driven by higher gross margin percentage, which increased operating income by $1,234, and higher net sales, which contributed an additional $390.

 

Interest expense, net. Interest expense, net was $256 and $214 for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively. This increase was driven by the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs of $88 associated with our prior financing arrangement that was refinanced in the period. Refer to “Liquidity and Capital Resources” for further discussion of financing arrangements.

 

Income taxes. Our effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025 was 84% and 28%, respectively. The primary drivers of the change in the effective tax rate were differences in pretax book income (loss) by jurisdiction and taxes on foreign entities.

 

Cash Flow Operating Results

 

The following is a summary of cash flow results:

 

   Three Months Ended March 31, 
   2026   2025 
Cash provided by (used in):          
Operating activities  $(1,561)  $(2,930)
Investing activities   (228)   (268)
Financing activities   2,336    3,446 
Effect of exchange rates on changes in cash and restricted cash   6    (2)
Net change in cash and restricted cash  $553   $246 

 

Operating Activities. Cash used in operating activities was $1,561 in the first three months of 2026, compared with $2,930 in the same prior-year period. Significant changes in operating assets and liabilities affecting cash flows during these periods included:

 

  Cash used by accounts receivable and contract assets was $1,648 in the three months ended March 31, 2026 as compared with cash used of $426 in the same prior-year period. This use of cash is largely due to timing of customer shipments and cash collections in both periods and by an increase in contract assets in the current year period to support future customer shipments.
  Cash used by inventory was $2,610 in the three months ended March 31, 2026 as compared with cash provided of $487 in the prior-year period. The increase in the current-year period cash usage was the result of normal timing variances of inventory purchases and timing of product shipments.
  Cash provided by changes in accounts payable was $1,917 in the current-year period as compared with cash used of $1,441 in the same prior-year period, primarily related to the timing of cash payments.

 

Investing Activities. Cash used in investing activities was $228 in the first three months of 2026, compared with $268 in the same prior-year period, both due from the purchases of property and equipment.

 

Financing Activities. Cash provided by financing activities was $2,336 in the first three months of 2026 and $3,446 in the same prior-year period. The cash provided by financing activities in both periods resulted from the line of credit advances for working capital and operations as well as the term loan borrowing in the first three months of 2026.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources 

 

We believe that our existing financing arrangements, anticipated cash flows from operations, and cash on hand will be sufficient to satisfy our working capital needs, capital expenditures and debt repayments for the next year from the date of this filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

On March 20, 2026, the Company entered into a new Credit and Security Agreement with Associated Bank, National Association, which provides for a revolving credit facility of up to $15,000, subject to a borrowing base based on eligible accounts receivable and inventory in the United States of America (“U.S.”), and a $2,200 term loan (the “Associated Facility”). The Associated Facility includes a sublimit of $1,500 for letters of credit and is secured by substantially all of our assets in the U.S. The Associated Facility matures in March 2029. The Company is required to pay a 25-basis point fee per annum, paid monthly, on the unused portion of the revolving credit facility. The term loan requires monthly principal payments of $37 plus interest. Borrowings under the Associated Facility bear interest, at the Company’s option, at a defined base rate derived from the Bank’s prime rate, or at one-month or three-month Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate, referred to as SOFR, plus 2.00% in the case of revolving credit borrowings, and plus 2.25% in the case of the term loan. At March 31, 2026, the revolving credit facility and term loan accrued interest at 8.52% and 8.00%, respectively. At March 31, 2026, there was $7,196 outstanding under the revolving credit facility and $3,500 of unused availability. Borrowings under the Associated Facility may be prepaid at any time without penalty. The Associated Facility does not contain prepayment premiums, make-whole provisions, or other features that would require separate accounting as embedded derivatives.

 

The Associated Facility contains customary affirmative and negative covenants that restrict or limit our ability to incur additional indebtedness, create liens, make investments, sell assets, pay dividends or engage in certain transactions without lender consent. This agreement also requires us to comply with financial covenants, including maintaining a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of 1.10 to 1.00, which measures the ratio of EBITDA, as defined to exclude certain other non-cash items, and less unfunded capital expenditures, to fixed charges such as interest as well as debt and capital lease principal payments. The Company was in compliance with all covenants under the Associated Facility as of March 31, 2026.

 

The Associated Facility agreement includes broad and customary events of default such as non-payment of obligations, breaches of representations or covenants, unauthorized liens, insolvency events, material adverse changes, cross-defaults to other significant indebtedness, and change-of-control triggers. Additional events include unsatisfied judgments, loss of lender lien priority, defaults under material business agreements, impairment of key intellectual property, destruction of collateral, and certain ERISA, hedging, or legal compliance violations. Upon an event of default, including the lender’s determination that a material adverse event has occurred, as defined by the Associated Facility agreement, the lender may accelerate all obligations, terminate the commitments, and exercise its full rights and remedies against the collateral.

 

Our ability to comply with these covenants depends in part on our ability to generate sufficient EBITDA and operating cash flow. If our EBITDA or cash flows declines due to any factor, we may not remain in compliance with our financial covenants under the Associated Facility.

 

21
 

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We have not engaged in any off-balance sheet activities as defined in Item 303(a)(4) of Regulation S-K.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

Those statements in the foregoing report that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

 

  Volatility in the marketplace which may affect market supply, demand of our products or currency exchange rates;
  Whether our existing financing arrangements, anticipated cash flows from operations and cash on hand will be sufficient to satisfy our working capital needs, capital expenditures and debt repayments for the next twelve months;
  Supply chain disruption and unreliability;
  Lack of supply of sufficient human resources to produce our products;
  Increased competition from within the EMS industry or the decision of OEMs to cease or limit outsourcing;
  Changes in the reliability and efficiency of our operating facilities or those of third parties;
  Increases in certain raw material costs such as copper and oil;
  Commodity and energy cost instability;
  Risks related to FDA noncompliance;
  The loss of a major customer;
  General economic, financial and business conditions that could affect our financial condition and results of operations;
  Increased or unanticipated costs related to compliance with securities and environmental regulation;
  Disruption of global or local information management systems due to natural disaster or cyber-security incident; and
  Outbreaks of epidemic, pandemic, or contagious diseases, such as the recent novel coronavirus that affect our operations, our customers’ operations or our suppliers’ operations.

 

The factors identified above are believed to be important factors (but not necessarily all of the important factors) that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement made by us. Unpredictable or unknown factors not discussed herein could also have material adverse effects on forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements included in this Form 10-Q are expressly qualified in their entirety by the forgoing cautionary statements. We undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statement (or its associated cautionary language) whether as a result of new information or future events.

 

Please refer to forward-looking statements and risks as previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025.

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

In accordance with Rule 13a-15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, our management evaluated, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act). These controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s Exchange Act reports is (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported in a timely manner, and (2) accumulated and communicated to management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based upon their evaluation of these disclosure controls and procedures as of the date of the evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting during our most recently completed fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

22
 

 

PART II

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

We are subject to various legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

 

We are affected by the risks specific to us as well as factors that affect all businesses operating in a global market. The significant factors known to us that could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or operating results or could cause our actual results to differ materially from our expectations are described in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended under the heading “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors.” There have been no material changes in the risk factors from those disclosed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025.

 

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

None.

 

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS ON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

None.

 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

 

None.

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

Exhibits    
     
10.1   Second Amendment to Lease dated 15th day of May 2024 by and between Sri Management and Consulting LLC, a Minnesota limited liability company, as management agent for the property owners and Nortech Systems, Inc., a Minnesota corporation.
     
31.1*   Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a), promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
     
31.2*   Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a), promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
     
32*   Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
101*   Financial statements from the quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, formatted in XBRL: (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss), (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (iv) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
     
104   Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).

 

*Filed herewith

 

23
 

 

Signatures

 

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

 

  Nortech Systems Incorporated and Subsidiaries
   
Date: May 13, 2026 by /s/ Jay D. Miller
    Jay D. Miller
    Chief Executive Officer and President
    Nortech Systems Incorporated
     
Date: May 13, 2026 by /s/ Andrew D. C. LaFrence
    Andrew D. C. LaFrence
    Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of Finance
    Nortech Systems Incorporated

 

24

 

FAQ

How did Nortech Systems (NSYS) perform financially in the quarter ended March 31, 2026?

Nortech Systems reported net sales of $30,316, up from $26,895 a year earlier, and a small net loss of $34 versus a $1,316 loss. Higher gross margin and improved plant utilization drove the better overall performance.

What happened to Nortech Systems (NSYS) gross margin in Q1 2026?

Gross margin improved to 15.5% in Q1 2026 from 11.4% in Q1 2025. This came from higher sales, better plant utilization and benefits from prior restructuring, which together increased gross profit to $4,702 from $3,078.

How strong is Nortech Systems (NSYS) order backlog as of March 31, 2026?

The 90-day shipment backlog was $31,475 and total backlog reached $90,802 as of March 31, 2026. Both measures increased double digits versus the beginning of the quarter and prior year, with Aerospace and Defense orders a key contributor.

What new credit facility did Nortech Systems (NSYS) put in place in March 2026?

On March 20, 2026, Nortech entered a new Associated Bank agreement with a $15,000 revolving credit facility and a $2,200 term loan maturing in March 2029. The facility is secured by U.S. assets and includes financial covenants like a 1.10x fixed charge coverage ratio.

How did cash flow from operations trend for Nortech Systems (NSYS) in Q1 2026?

Cash used in operating activities was $1,561 in Q1 2026 compared with $2,930 used in Q1 2025. Working capital movements in receivables, contract assets, inventory and payables drove the outflow, while still showing an improvement versus the prior-year period.

Which end markets drove Nortech Systems (NSYS) sales growth in Q1 2026?

Medical Device sales increased $841 and Medical Imaging sales rose $1,288 year over year. Aerospace and Defense was especially strong, with sales up $1,355 or 41.2%, helped by approvals for products moved from the Blue Earth facility to Bemidji.