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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
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FORM 10-KSB
(Mark one)
[X] ANNUAL REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 1998 COMMISSION FILE NO. 1-11038
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
NORTHERN TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
(Exact name of small business issuer as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE 41-0857886
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
6680 N. HIGHWAY 49, LINO LAKES, MINNESOTA 55014
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (612) 784-1250
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class Name of each exchange on which registered
COMMON STOCK, $.02 PAR VALUE AMERICAN STOCK EXCHANGE
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
NONE.
Check whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be
filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the
preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required
to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for
the past 90 days.
YES [X] NO [ ]
Check if there is no disclosure of delinquent filers in response to
Item 405 of Regulation S-B contained herein, and no disclosure will be
contained, to the best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or
information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-KSB
or any amendment to this Form 10-KSB. [ ]
The Registrant's revenues for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1998
were $10,077,494.
As of November 18, 1998, 3,871,459 shares of Common Stock of the
Registrant were outstanding, and the aggregate market value of the Common Stock
of the Registrant as of that date (based upon the closing price of the Common
Stock at that date as reported on the American Stock Exchange) excluding
outstanding shares beneficially owned by directors and executive officers, was
approximately $15,449,088.
Documents incorporated by reference: None.
Transitional Small Business Disclosure Format (check one):
YES [ ] NO [X]
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PART I
THIS FORM 10-KSB CONTAINS CERTAIN FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. FOR
THIS PURPOSE, ANY STATEMENTS CONTAINED IN THIS FORM 10-KSB THAT ARE NOT
STATEMENTS OF HISTORICAL FACT MAY BE DEEMED TO BE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS.
WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, WORDS SUCH AS "MAY," "WILL," "EXPECT,"
"BELIEVE," "ANTICIPATE," "ESTIMATE" OR "CONTINUE" OR COMPARABLE TERMINOLOGY ARE
INTENDED TO IDENTIFY FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. THESE STATEMENTS BY THEIR
NATURE INVOLVE SUBSTANTIAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES, AND ACTUAL RESULTS MAY
DIFFER MATERIALLY DEPENDING ON A VARIETY OF FACTORS, INCLUDING THOSE SET FORTH
IN THE SECTION BELOW ENTITLED "CERTAIN IMPORTANT FACTORS" AND IN "MANAGEMENT'S
DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS" IN
THIS REPORT.
ITEM 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS.
(a) BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT.
Northern Instruments, Inc., a predecessor to Northern Technologies
International Corporation, was incorporated in the State of Minnesota on August
4, 1970. In 1976, Northern Instruments, Inc. changed its name to Northern
Instruments Corporation. In 1978, Northern Instruments Corporation, a Minnesota
corporation, was merged with and into Northern Instruments Corporation, a
newly-formed Delaware corporation. In 1993, Northern Technologies International
Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary, was merged into Northern Instruments
Corporation. As a result of such merger, Northern Instruments Corporation
changed its name to Northern Technologies International Corporation, hereafter
referred to as the "Company" or "NTIC."
(b) BUSINESS OF THE COMPANY.
GENERAL
The Company is a developer, manufacturer and marketer of proprietary
corrosion inhibiting products, materials science based packaging materials and
electronic sensing instruments. The Company's dry corrosion inhibiting products,
marketed under the name ZERUST(R) ("ZERUST"), are utilized in protective
packaging serving a wide variety of companies in industries such as
transportation, nuclear and fossil fuel power generation, electronics,
aerospace, on-and off-road automotive equipment, agriculture and metal
processing. The ZERUST product line accounted for approximately 98% of the
Company's sales during its fiscal year ended August 31, 1998.
The Company's electronic sensing instruments include portable oil
quality analyzers for on-site evaluation of oils and fluids, instruments that
provide for on- and off-line measurement of fiber denier and critical tubing
measurements and measurement devices for materials and moisture testing which
utilize microwave technology.
JOINT VENTURES, FOREIGN TRADING COMPANY AND EUROPEAN HOLDING COMPANY
The Company participates in an expanding number of international joint
venture arrangements that provide for the manufacturing, marketing and
distributing of corrosion inhibiting products based upon the Company's
technology. The Company manufactures and supplies the proprietary ingredient
that makes the finished product functional, but the actual manufacturing of the
finished product generally takes place in the foreign countries in which the
Company has a joint venture or similar relationship. Manufacturing the product
in foreign countries lowers shipping costs and improves on-time delivery to
foreign customers. The joint venture arrangements allow the Company to
successfully market and sell its products in foreign
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countries through the marketing efforts of joint venture partners without the
Company having to develop its own international sales force. The Company's joint
venture partners are knowledgeable in the applicable environmental, labor, tax
and other laws of the respective foreign countries, as well as the local customs
and business practices, and have a vested interest in making the joint venture a
success.
All of the Company's joint ventures are owned at least 50% by the
Company, except where the Company has allowed a related third party to purchase
from a joint venture a portion of the ownership that the Company would otherwise
have purchased. The Company owns 25% of the joint venture in South Korea, and
Taiyo Petroleum Gas Co. Ltd., the Company's Japanese joint venture partner, also
owns 25% of that entity. The Company organized NTI Asean LLC, a Nevada limited
liability company, for its joint venture investments in the Asean region. NTI
Asean LLC is owned 50% by the Company and 50% by Taiyo Petroleum Gas Co. Ltd.
The Company has established the following corporate joint ventures:
Date of
Country Investment
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Japan 1987
Taiwan 1990
France 1990
Germany 1991
Sweden 1991
Singapore 1991
Brazil 1993
Russia 1994
South Korea 1994
Finland 1995
Italy 1996
United Kingdom 1997
Czech-Republic 1997
Poland 1998
Indonesia 1998
Thailand 1998
In addition to the Company's investments in the corporate joint
ventures listed above, the Company acquired a 50% ownership interest in a
European holding company during fiscal year 1997; however, to date, this entity
has been inactive.
The Company also holds a 50% ownership interest in a foreign trading
company located in Austria. The trading company sells merchandise directly and
serves as an intermediary in the arrangement of sales of goods on which it
receives commissions. The trading company's transactions include sales of ZERUST
products produced by one of the Company's international corporate joint
ventures.
In fiscal year 1998, the Company made an investment in an entity known
as the Ghana Development Fund Ltd. for the purpose of exploring business
opportunities for the Company in West Africa.
While the Company is not aware of any specific potential risk beyond
its initial investment and undistributed earnings of the joint ventures, there
can be no assurance that the Company will not be subject to lawsuits based on
product liability claims or other claims arising out of the activities of the
joint ventures.
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To protect against such an occurrence, the Company maintains liability insurance
specifically applicable to its ownership positions in the international joint
venture arrangements in excess of any insurance the joint ventures maintain.
PRODUCTS
The Company operates in two industry segments: corrosion inhibiting and
other materials science based industrial packaging products and electronic
sensing instruments. Corrosion inhibiting packaging products accounted for
approximately 98% of the Company's sales in fiscal year 1998.
CORROSION INHIBITING PACKAGING PRODUCTS. Corrosion negatively affects
products and components in the manufacturing industry. This applies to the
corrosion of ferrous (iron and steel) metals as well as the deterioration of
nonferrous (aluminum, copper, brass, etc.) metals. In combatting corrosion, the
traditional approach has been to apply oils and greases to protect metal parts.
This approach commonly requires specialized application equipment. In addition,
the oils and greases may pose unacceptable health and fire hazards and also may
collect and trap dirt and debris that, in some cases, may actually initiate
corrosion. For the removal of such oils and greases, chemical solvents and
specialized safety equipment may be necessary that typically introduce
additional health and hazardous waste disposal problems.
ZERUST volatile corrosion inhibiting ("VCI") products contain
proprietary chemical systems that emit a nontoxic vapor that is diffused
throughout an enclosure. Electron scanning instrumentation shows that the
VCI-rich atmosphere causes VCI molecules to condense in a microscopic layer on
all surfaces they reach. The inhibiting layer is maintained so long as the
product remains within the ZERUST package. Electron scanning further shows that
once the contents are removed from the ZERUST package, the VCI layer
revolatilizes from the contents' surfaces within two hours, leaving a clean, dry
and corrosion-free product. This mechanism of corrosion protection enables the
Company's customers to package and ship metal parts so that they arrive ready
for use. Furthermore, by eliminating costly greasing and degreasing processes,
ZERUST VCI technology provides significant savings in labor, material and space
compared to traditional methods of corrosion prevention.
In 1980, the Company developed a means of combining ZERUST VCI systems
with polyethylene and polypropylene resins. Subsequently, a line of flexible
packaging products in the form of low and high density polyethylene bags and
shroud film, stretch, shrink, skin and bubble cushioning film, woven scrim and
foam sheeting was introduced to United States industry. This gave packaging
engineers an opportunity to ship and store ferrous, nonferrous and mixed
multi-metal products in a clean, dry and corrosion-free condition, with an
attendant overall savings in total packaging cost.
The Company subsequently expanded the ZERUST product line to include a
range of rigid plastic products in the form of profile and corrugated board,
thermoformed dunnage trays and bins, injection and blow molded products and flat
netting. The Company also has developed additives in liquid form to imbue
corrugated cardboard, solid fibre and chipboard packaging materials with VCI
corrosion protection properties.
ELECTRONIC SENSING INSTRUMENTS. The Company's electronic sensing
instruments accounted for approximately 2% of the Company's sales in fiscal year
1998. The Company's electronic sensing instruments include oil quality
analyzers, fiber monitors and testers and a tubing monitor. The Company's
electronic sensing instruments are based on the measurement of the change in
dielectric properties of different liquids and fibers by means of capacitance
sensors. The instrument product line also includes measurement devices for
materials and moisture testing based upon microwave technology.
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MANUFACTURING
The Company produces certain proprietary corrosion inhibiting products
and electronic sensing instruments at its facility in Lino Lakes, Minnesota. The
Company's corrosion inhibiting end products include flexible packaging and other
products that are produced to customer specification by selected contractors who
are supplied with the necessary corrosion inhibiting additives by the Company.
The Company has achieved ISO 9001 certification with respect to its
corrosion inhibiting operations. The Company believes that the process of ISO
9001 certification serves as an excellent tool for quality improvement, enabling
the Company to provide consistency and excellence in its products. Also, because
potential customers may prefer or require manufacturers to have achieved ISO
certification, such ISO certification may provide the Company with certain
competitive advantages.
SALES AND MARKETING OF CORROSION INHIBITING PACKAGING PRODUCTS
In the United States, the Company markets its corrosion inhibiting
packaging products principally to industrial users by a direct sales force and
through a network of distributors and sales representatives. The Company's
technical service representatives work directly with the end users of the
Company's products to meet their technical requirements.
Internationally, the Company has entered into joint ventures and
similar arrangements with foreign partners pursuant to which the Company sells
certain corrosion inhibiting formulations to the foreign joint venture entities
constituted thereby, which provide for the manufacture and marketing of ZERUST
finished products. The Company receives fees for providing technical and other
support to the joint ventures in accordance with the terms of the joint venture
arrangements.
COMPETITION
The Company is aware of other organizations that manufacture and market
corrosion inhibiting packaging products which compete with the Company's ZERUST
products. The Company evaluates competing products on an ongoing basis and is
satisfied that none of the competing products on the market at this time are
superior to the Company's products. In previous reports, the Company has
commented on corrosion inhibiting paper marketed in competition with the
Company's film products. During fiscal year 1998, the Company completed
development of and introduced a line of volatile corrosion inhibiting papers.
This new product line, based on early market response, indicates that the
Company's VCI papers may establish themselves in this highly competitive market
sector. However, to date, the Company has experienced limited sales of this
product.
The Company is aware of competitors in the "Lubri-Sensor" oil quality
analyzer area; however, the Company does not have any knowledge as to the
business effectiveness of such competitors and believes that the Company's
products are competitive with all other products currently on the market. In the
"Foodoil Sensor" oil quality analyzer area, the Company is aware of a competitor
who does not provide an analysis instrument but instead provides a paper test
strip. Although the Company believes that its product offers significant
advantages over paper test strips, the Company believes that sales of the
Foodoil Sensor have historically been limited by price sensitivity rather than
differences in product capabilities.
Some of the Company's competitors, in both the corrosion inhibiting
area and the electronic instrument area, are established companies that may have
financial and other resources greater than those of
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the Company. Additionally, some of these companies may have achieved significant
market impact and brand recognition. The Company competes with such companies by
providing high quality products and by attempting to provide the highest level
of customer service, including delivery of its products on a timely basis at a
competitive price.
SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS
One customer accounted for approximately 16% and 14% of net sales for
the fiscal years ended August 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. No customer of
the Company accounted for 10% or more of the Company's net sales for the fiscal
year ended August 31, 1996.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Domestic research and development expenditures, including engineering
and technical support, were $487,456, $432,943 and $370,045 in fiscal years
1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The Company's research and development
activities are conducted at its Minnesota headquarters. The Company's research
and development activities are directed at the improvement of existing products,
new product development and quality assurance through testing of the Company's
contract manufactured corrosion inhibiting products.
In 1997, the Company, together with the Company's corporate joint
venture in Germany, Excor GmbH, established a wholly-owned subsidiary, Excor
Korrosionsforschung GmbH. This Excor research center works in conjunction with
the domestic research and development operation on the improvement of existing
products and new product development.
PATENTS AND TRADEMARKS
The Company currently owns one United States patent, which will expire
in 2000, relating to its corrosion inhibiting products. Although the Company has
sought patent protection for its technology and products, it does not believe
such protection is critical to its commercial success. The Company is committed
to the timely and continual upgrading of its product line and the introduction
of new products, developed in-house or via exclusive technology licenses. The
Company believes that trade secrets and proprietary (albeit unpatented) know-how
are at least as important as patent protection in establishing and maintaining a
competitive advantage. The Company also has several trademarks in the United
States and certain foreign countries. The Company's trademarks have a life,
subject to periodic maintenance, of 10 to 20 years, which may be extended.
BACKLOG
The Company did not have a significant order backlog as of August 31,
1998. Customers generally place orders on an "as needed" basis and expect
delivery within a relatively short period of time.
WORKING CAPITAL AND AVAILABILITY OF MATERIALS
The Company does not carry excess quantities of raw materials or
purchased parts because of widespread availability thereof from various
suppliers. The Company has sufficient working capital to meet all obligations
when due.
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EMPLOYEES
As of August 31, 1998, the Company had 22 full-time direct employees in
the United States, including five engaged in administration, eight in sales and
marketing, two in research and development and seven in operations. There are no
unions representing the Company's employees and the Company believes that its
relations with employees are good. There are no pending or threatened labor or
employment disputes or work interruptions.
CERTAIN IMPORTANT FACTORS
In addition to the factors identified above, there are several
important factors that could cause the Company's actual results to differ
materially from those anticipated by the Company or which are reflected in any
forward-looking statements of the Company. These factors, which impact on the
success of the Company's operations and its ability to achieve its goals,
include the following:
(1) the Company's ability to make investments in existing and
future joint ventures to generate a positive rate of return
and demonstrate a pattern of growth consistent with current
performance; and
(2) the Company's ability to continue to enter into international
markets in a timely fashion; and
(3) the Company's ability to maintain gross margins at a level
consistent with the technological advantages of its
proprietary products.
ITEM 2. DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY.
The Company's office, production facilities and research and
development operations are located at 6680 North Highway 49, Lino Lakes,
Minnesota 55014. The Company owns approximately 3.5 acres at this site and three
buildings thereon. The main building, consisting of approximately 15,300 square
feet, is used for office, production, research and development and shipping and
receiving. A second building of approximately 7,200 square feet and a third
building of approximately 4,800 square feet are used for warehouse space. In
1995, the Company acquired an approximately 10 acre parcel of land located in
Forest Lake, Minnesota, approximately six miles from the Company's offices. On
this parcel, the Company built a warehouse of approximately 18,000 square feet
that was completed in November 1996. The parcel of land on which this warehouse
is located is of sufficient size should the Company choose to relocate its
entire facility to this location, although the Company has no current plans to
do so.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
There is no material pending or threatened legal, governmental,
administrative or other proceeding to which the Company is a party or of which
any of its property is the subject.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
No matter was submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth
quarter of the fiscal year covered by this Report.
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PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED
STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
Effective September 10, 1993, the Company's Common Stock commenced
trading on, and it continues to trade on, the American Stock Exchange under the
symbol NTI.
COMMON STOCK
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HIGH LOW
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1998:
Fourth fiscal quarter............ $ 8 $6 7/16
Third fiscal quarter............. 9 7/8 7 3/8
Second fiscal quarter............ 11 1/4 8 1/2
First fiscal quarter............. 12 3/4 9 1/4
1997:
Fourth fiscal quarter............ $12 1/2 $7
Third fiscal quarter............. 8 7/16 6 3/8
Second fiscal quarter............ 8 1/8 5 1/2
First fiscal quarter............. 7 4 3/4
The Company declared Common Stock cash dividends of $.12 per share to
shareholders of record on December 6, 1996; $.15 per share to shareholders of
record on December 1, 1997; and $.15 per share to shareholders of record on
December 4, 1998. The Company's Board of Directors will continue to evaluate the
payment of dividends based on the Company's net income and operating cash
requirements.
As of August 31, 1998, the Company's Common Stock was held by 510
shareholders of record.
ITEM 6. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
FISCAL YEAR 1998 COMPARED TO FISCAL YEAR 1997
NORTHERN TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
NET SALES AND COST OF SALES. The Company's net sales originating in the
United States of $10,077,494 in fiscal year 1998 increased by $1,348,176 or
15.4% from net sales of $8,729,318 in fiscal year 1997. The increase in net
sales is primarily due to an increase in the volume of corrosion inhibiting
products sold to new and existing customers. Fiscal year 1998 sales to an
existing customer increased to 16% of total sales in fiscal year 1998 from 14%
of total sales in fiscal year 1997. The cost of sales increased as a percentage
of sales to 49.1% in fiscal year 1998 from 47.4% in fiscal year 1997. The
variation in the cost of sales percentage reflects changes in product mix. The
Company anticipates that its annual cost of sales percentage for fiscal year
1999 will not vary significantly under its current pricing structure.
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SELLING EXPENSES. The Company's selling expenses increased by $168,328
or 15.4% to $1,260,608 in fiscal year 1998 from $1,092,280 in fiscal year 1997.
The increase in selling expenses in fiscal year 1998 was primarily related to
increases in salaries and related expenses and travel. As a percentage of sales
these costs were 12.5% in fiscal years 1998 and 1997.
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. The Company's general and
administrative expenses decreased by $439,235 or 23.3% to $1,446,781 in fiscal
year 1998 from $1,886,016 in fiscal year 1997. The decrease in general and
administrative expenses in fiscal year 1998 was primarily due to decreases in
salaries and related expenses, various professional fees and real estate and
other expenses associated with the Company's expanded warehouse facility
completed in fiscal year 1997. As a percentage of sales these costs decreased to
14.4% in fiscal year 1998 from 21.6% in fiscal year 1997 due to the increased
level of net sales in fiscal year 1998 and the decrease in fiscal year 1998
general and administrative expenses.
RESEARCH, ENGINEERING, AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT EXPENSES. The Company's
research, engineering, and technical support expenses increased by $54,513 or
12.6% to $487,456 in fiscal year 1998 from $432,943 in fiscal year 1997. The
increase in research, engineering and technical support expenses in fiscal year
1998 was primarily due to increases in salaries and related expenses and
increases in expenses for research, engineering and technical support supplies.
As a percentage of sales these costs decreased to 4.8% in fiscal year 1998 from
5.0% in fiscal year 1997 due to the increased level of net sales in fiscal year
1998 offsetting the effect of increased fiscal year 1998 research, engineering,
and technical support expenses. The Company anticipates that its fiscal year
1999 research, engineering, and technical support expenses will approximate
expenses incurred in fiscal year 1998.
OPERATIONS OF INTERNATIONAL JOINT VENTURES
CORPORATE JOINT VENTURES, FOREIGN COMPANY AND EUROPEAN HOLDING COMPANY.
The Company continues its business program of establishing corporate joint
venture arrangements in international markets. The Company manufactures and
supplies patented and proprietary ingredients, which make the finished products
functional and enable manufacturing of the finished products to take place in
the foreign countries. The corporate joint ventures market the finished products
and the corporate joint ventures' profit is shared by the respective corporate
joint venture shareholders in accordance with share ownership. The Company also
has an investment in a foreign company that operates as a trading company and an
investment in a European holding company. The Company's investments in corporate
joint ventures, the foreign company, and the European holding company are
accounted for using the equity method and resulted in income to the Company of
$549,875 and $712,244 for fiscal years 1998 and 1997, respectively. In addition,
the Company received fees for technical and other support to the corporate joint
ventures based on the revenues of the individual corporate joint ventures. The
Company recognized fees for such assistance of $1,868,938 and $2,213,228 for
fiscal years 1998 and 1997, respectively. The decrease in equity in corporate
joint ventures, the foreign company and the European holding company, and fees
for technical and other support to corporate joint ventures was primarily due to
the strengthening of the U.S. dollar when compared to the local currencies of
the Company's corporate joint ventures, and decreased sales volume at certain of
the Company's corporate joint ventures located in the Pacific Rim. Sales of the
corporate joint ventures in fiscal year 1998 decreased $111,708 or 0.6% to
$18,797,758. Net income of the corporate joint ventures in fiscal year 1998 of
$1,199,233 represents a 19.5% decrease from fiscal year 1997. The Company and
NTI Asean LLC ("NTI Asean") anticipate that in the future they will enter into
joint ventures in other foreign
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countries. The Company maintains a 50% ownership interest in NTI Asean, with the
remaining 50% ownership interest owned by Taiyo Petroleum Gas Co. Ltd., which
also owns the other 50% ownership interest in the Company's corporate joint
venture located in Japan. The Company recognized expenses related to corporate
joint ventures, the foreign company, and the European holding company of
$566,051 and $457,263 in fiscal years 1998 and 1997, respectively. The expenses
consist primarily of legal fees regarding the development of new joint ventures
and travel, meetings and technical services regarding existing joint ventures.
The Company anticipates that expenses relating to corporate joint ventures will
continue to increase in the future due to the development of new corporate joint
ventures and the Company providing ongoing technical and other support to
existing joint ventures.
INCOME TAXES
INCOME TAXES. The Company's effective income tax rates were 33.5% and
31.5% for fiscal years 1998 and 1997, respectively. The effective income tax
rate was lower than the statutory rate primarily due to equity in income of
corporate joint ventures, the foreign company and the European holding company
being recognized based on after tax earnings of these entities. To the extent
the corporate joint ventures' and the foreign company's undistributed earnings
were distributed to the Company during fiscal years 1998 and 1997, it did not
result in material additional income tax liability after the application of
foreign tax credits.
FISCAL YEAR 1997 COMPARED TO FISCAL YEAR 1996
NORTHERN TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
NET SALES AND COST OF SALES. The Company's net sales originating in the
United States of $8,729,318 in fiscal year 1997 increased by $1,860,134, or
27.1% from net sales of $6,869,184 in fiscal year 1996. The increase in net
sales is primarily due to an increase in the volume of corrosion inhibiting
products sold to new and existing customers. Fiscal year 1997 sales to an
existing customer increased significantly over fiscal year 1996 and represent
approximately 14% of total net sales in fiscal year 1997. The cost of sales
increased as a percentage sales to 47.4% in fiscal year 1997 from 45.2 % in
fiscal year 1996. The variation in the cost of sales percentages reflects
changes in product mix.
SELLING EXPENSES. The Company's selling expenses increased by $257,630
or 30.9% to $1,092,280 in fiscal year 1997 from $834,650 in fiscal year 1997.
The increase in selling expenses in fiscal year 1997 was primarily related to
increases in distributor commissions, salaries, travel, and various promotional
expenses. As a percentage of sales these costs increased to 12.5% in fiscal year
1997 from 12.2% in fiscal year 1996 due to the increased level of net sales in
fiscal year 1997 not fully offsetting the effect of increased fiscal year 1997
selling expenses.
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. The Company's general and
administrative expenses increased by $491,983 or 35.3% to $1,886,016 in fiscal
year 1997 from $1,394,033 in fiscal year 1996. The increase in general and
administrative expenses in fiscal year 1997 was primarily due to increases in
salaries and related expenses, various professional fees, insurance, and real
estate and other expenses associated with the Company's expanded warehouse
facility completed in fiscal year 1997. As a percentage of sales these costs
increased to 21.6% in fiscal year 1997 from 20.3% in fiscal year 1996 due to the
increased level of net sales in fiscal year 1997 not fully offsetting the effect
of increased fiscal year 1997 general and administrative expenses.
RESEARCH, ENGINEERING, AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT EXPENSES. The Company's
research, engineering, and technical support expenses increased by $62,898 or
17.0% to $432,943 in fiscal year 1997 from
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$370,045 in fiscal year 1996. The increase in research, engineering and
technical support expenses in fiscal year 1997 was primarily due to increases in
salaries and related expenses and travel. As a percentage of sales these costs
decreased to 5.0% in fiscal year 1997 from 5.4% in fiscal year 1996 due to the
increased level of net sales in fiscal year 1997 offsetting the effect of
increased fiscal year 1997 research, engineering, and technical support
expenses.
OPERATIONS OF INTERNATIONAL JOINT VENTURES
CORPORATE JOINT VENTURES, FOREIGN COMPANY AND EUROPEAN HOLDING COMPANY.
The Company's investments in corporate joint ventures, the foreign company, and
the European holding company are accounted for using the equity method and
resulted in income to the Company of $712,244 and $488,969 for fiscal years 1997
and 1998, respectively. In addition, the Company received fees for technical and
other support to the corporate joint ventures based on the revenues of the
individual corporate joint ventures. The Company recognized fees for such
assistance of $2,213,228 and $1,659,792 for fiscal years 1997 and 1996,
respectively. The increase in equity in corporate joint ventures, the foreign
company and the European holding company and fees for technical and other
support to corporate joint ventures was primarily due to the corporate joint
ventures' increasing revenues and profitability as they progress. Sales of the
corporate joint ventures in fiscal year 1997 increased $4,701,791 or 33.1% to
$18,909,466. Net income of the corporate joint ventures in fiscal year 1997 of
$1,489,856 represents a 27.5% increase from fiscal year 1996. The Company
recognized expenses related to corporate joint ventures, the foreign company,
and the European holding company of $457,263 and $346,677 in fiscal years 1997
and 1996, respectively. The expenses consist primarily of legal fees regarding
the development of new joint ventures and travel, meetings and technical
services regarding existing joint ventures. The Company anticipates that
expenses relating to corporate joint ventures will continue to increase in the
future due to the development of new corporate joint ventures and the Company
providing ongoing technical and other support to existing joint ventures.
INCOME TAXES
INCOME TAXES. The Company's effective income tax rates were 31.5% and
34.3% for fiscal years 1997 and 1996, respectively. The effective income tax
rate was lower than the statutory rate primarily due to equity in income of
corporate joint ventures, the foreign company and the European holding company
being recognized based on after tax earnings of these entities. To the extent
the corporate joint ventures' and foreign company's undistributed earnings were
distributed to the Company during fiscal years 1997 and 1996, it did not result
in material additional income tax liability after the application of foreign tax
credits.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
At August 31, 1998, the Company's working capital was $4,567,334
including $2,200,490 in cash and cash equivalents, with a current ratio of
14.2:1. At August 31, 1997, the Company's working capital was $5,826,590,
including $3,945,567 in cash and cash equivalents, with a current ratio of
7.1:1.
Net cash provided from operations has been sufficient to meet liquidity
requirements, capital expenditures, research and development cost, and expansion
of operations of the Company's joint ventures. Cash flow from operations totaled
$2,048,207, $1,753,483, and $1,672,589 for the fiscal years 1998, 1997 and 1996,
respectively. The net cash flow from operations for fiscal years 1998, 1997 and
1996 resulted principally from net income and joint venture dividends offset by
equity income of corporate joint ventures.
11
<PAGE>
Net cash used in investing activities totaled $91,682, $985,457 and
$98,151 for fiscal years 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The primary uses of
cash in fiscal years 1998 and 1996 were investments in corporate joint ventures
and additions to property. The primary uses of cash in fiscal year 1997 were
investments in corporate joint ventures and the European holding company,
trading investments, property development and the issuance of a loan to a joint
venture partner pursuant to a note. In fiscal years 1998 and 1996, the Company's
expenditures of cash for investing activities were offset by proceeds from the
sale of trading investments and payments of $743,875 on notes receivable from
the purchase of common stock, respectively.
Net cash used in financing activities was $3,701,602, $529,979 and
$698,219 for fiscal years 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The primary uses of
cash resulted from the payment of dividends and the repurchase of common stock.
The primary source of cash provided by financing activities was proceeds from
the exercise of stock options.
The Company expects to meet future liquidity requirements with its
existing cash and cash equivalents and cash flows from future operating earnings
and distributions of earnings and technical assistance fees from the corporate
joint venture investments.
The Company has no long-term debt and no material lease commitments at
August 31, 1998.
The Company has no postretirement benefit plan and does not anticipate
establishing any postretirement benefit program.
Inflation historically has had little effect on the Company.
IMPACT OF YEAR 2000
Computer programs have historically been written to abbreviate dates by
using two digits instead of four digits to identify a particular year. The
so-called "year 2000 problem" or "millennium bug" is the inability of computer
software or hardware (collectively, "Systems") to recognize or properly process
dates ending in "00" and dates after the year 2000. Significant attention is
being focused as the year 2000 approaches on updating or replacing such Systems
in order to avoid System failures, miscalculations or business interruptions
that might otherwise result. The Company believes it is taking the steps
necessary to insure that this potential problem does not adversely affect the
Company's operating results in the future, and is continuing the as-yet
incomplete assessment of the impact of the year 2000 problem on the Company.
The Company has taken, and will continue to take, actions intended to
minimize the impact of the year 2000 problem and maximize the Company's state of
readiness for the year 2000. However, it is impossible to eliminate year 2000
risks entirely. Unfortunately, there is no single test that can be used to
conclusively determine whether Systems are year 2000 compliant. To the contrary,
the technology community identifies additional potential year 2000 risks
regularly. Also impeding year 2000 testing is the high degree of integration
between various Systems and the difficulty in conducting full-scale live
testing. Consequently, interrelated Systems believed secure in a test
environment could conceivably fail when operating together under real-time
workloads.
12
<PAGE>
The Company's state of readiness for the year 2000, the Company's
estimated costs associates with year 2000 issues, the risks the Company faces
associated with year 2000 issues and the Company's year 2000 contingency plans
are summarized below.
STATE OF READINESS. All major internal information technology ("IT")
systems have been replaced. Year 2000 issues were addressed when selecting and
implementing these new systems, and the Company believes they are year 2000
compliant. The Company has also reviewed its major non-IT systems, including
hardware, software, phone and security systems, and the Company believes they
are year 2000 compliant. The Company anticipates continuing to invest in IT and
non-IT technology to accommodate the Company's future growth, and the Company
expects these investments and upgrades to be year 2000 compliant. The Company is
currently implementing a testing program of its other various Systems, and
expects to substantially complete this testing before August 31, 1999. The
Company is in the process of reviewing the year 2000 readiness of the corporate
joint ventures and the foreign company.
COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH YEAR 2000 ISSUES. Until the Company completes its
System testing, it will be unable to quantify the total expected costs
associated with year 2000 issues. The Company believes that these costs will not
have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition,
results of operations and cash flows. The total amount the Company has expended
on year 2000 issues through August 31, 1998 was approximately $15,000. The
Company anticipates that future costs associated with year 2000 issues will be
financed with cash flows from operations.
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH YEAR 2000 ISSUES. The Company is dependent on
computer processing in its business activities and the year 2000 problem creates
the risk of unforeseen problems in the Company's Systems and the Systems of
third parties with whom the Company does business. The failure of the Company's
Systems and/or third parties' Systems could have a material adverse effect on
the Company's results of operations, liquidity, and financial condition. Due to
the general uncertainty inherent in the year 2000 problem, resulting in part
from the uncertainty of the year 2000 readiness of third-party suppliers and
customers, the Company is unable to determine at this time whether the
consequences of year 2000 failures will have a material impact on the Company's
results of operations, liquidity, or financial condition. The Company believes
that it may need to temporarily reduce its operations if third party suppliers
are not year 2000 compliant. The Company is also unable at this time to
determine what the reasonably likely worst case year 2000 scenario is for the
Company.
CONTINGENCY PLANS. The Company has not yet developed specific
contingency plans for the millennium bug because its assessment of year 2000
issues is incomplete. The Company plans on developing, to the extent
practicable, a business interruption contingency plan to address internal and
external issues specific to the year 2000 problem before August 31, 1999.
However, the Company believes that due to the widespread nature of the year 2000
problem, the contingency planning process is an ongoing one which will require
modifications as the Company obtains additional information regarding the
Company's internal systems and equipment and the status of third-party year 2000
readiness.
13
<PAGE>
EURO CURRENCY ISSUE
On January 1, 1999, eleven of the fifteen member countries of the
European Union are scheduled to establish fixed conversion rates between their
respective existing currencies and the Euro and to adopt the Euro as their
common legal currency on that date (the "Euro Conversion"). Following the Euro
Conversion, however, the previously existing currencies of the participating
countries are scheduled to remain legal tender in the participating countries
between January 1, 1999 and January 2002. During this transition period, public
and private parties may pay for goods and services using either the Euro or the
previously existing currencies. Beginning January 1, 2002, the participating
countries will issue new Euro-denominated bills and coins for use in cash
transactions. No later than July 1, 2002, the participating countries will
withdraw all bills and coins denominated in the previously existing currencies
making Euro Conversion complete.
The Company, the corporate joint ventures and the foreign company have
been evaluating the potential impact the Euro Conversion and the Euro currency
may have on their results of operations, liquidity or financial condition. The
Company has determined that expected costs for compliance will not be material
to its results of operations, liquidity, financial condition or capital
expenditures. Significant noncompliance by the Company's corporate joint
ventures, and their customers or suppliers could adversely impact the Company's
results of operations, liquidity or financial condition. Accordingly, until the
Company completes its assessment of the Euro Conversion impact, there can be no
assurance that the Euro Conversion will not have a material impact on the
overall business operations of the Company.
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued
SFAS No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income," which establishes standards for
reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components in a full set
of general purpose financial statements. Comprehensive income will include all
changes in stockholders' equity except those resulting from investments by and
distributions to owners. The Company will be required to adopt SFAS No. 130 in
fiscal year 1999.
In June 1997, the FASB also issued SFAS No. 131, "Disclosure about
Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information." SFAS No. 131 redefines how
operating segments are determined and requires disclosures of certain financial
and descriptive information about a company's operating segments. The Company
anticipates the adoption of SFAS No. 131 will result in the Company continuing
to operate in two segments. The Company will be required to adopt SFAS No. 131
in fiscal year 1999.
In June 1998, the FASB issued SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities." SFAS No. 133 requires companies to record
derivatives on the balance sheet as assets and liabilities, measured at fair
value. Gains or losses resulting from changes in the values of those derivatives
would be accounted for depending on the use of the derivative and whether it
qualifies for hedge accounting. SFAS No. 133 is effective for fiscal years
beginning after June 15, 1999, with earlier adoption encouraged. The Company has
not yet determined the effects SFAS No. 133 will have on its financial position
or the results of its operations.
14
<PAGE>
ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following items are included herein:
Financial Statements: Page
-------------------- ----
Independent Auditors' Report on Financial Statements........... 16
Balance Sheets as of August 31, 1998 and 1997.................. 17
Statements of Income for the years ended
August 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996............................. 18
Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended
August 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996............................. 19
Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended
August 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996............................. 20
Notes to Financial Statements.................................. 21 - 31
15
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
Northern Technologies International Corporation
Lino Lakes, Minnesota
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Northern Technologies
International Corporation (the Company) as of August 31, 1998 and 1997 and the
related statements of income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of
the three years in the period ended August 31, 1998. These financial statements
are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such financial statements present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of Northern Technologies International
Corporation at August 31, 1998 and 1997 and the results of its operations and
its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended August 31, 1998,
in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
November 20, 1998
16
<PAGE>
NORTHERN TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
BALANCE SHEETS
AUGUST 31, 1998 AND 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 2,200,490 $ 3,945,567
Receivables:
Trade, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $25,000 and $27,000, respectively 1,042,428 1,164,660
Corporate joint ventures 352,164 517,551
Inventories (Note 2) 969,520 841,618
Prepaid expenses and other 118,259 77,196
Deferred income taxes (Note 8) 230,000 240,000
------------ ------------
Total current assets 4,912,861 6,786,592
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net (Note 3) 955,010 962,328
OTHER ASSETS:
Investments in corporate joint ventures (Note 4) 2,611,185 2,291,600
Investment in foreign company (Note 4) 142,980 132,000
Investment in European holding company (Note 4) 247,869 254,639
Deferred income taxes (Note 8) 120,000 130,000
Other 357,106 625,544
------------ ------------
3,479,140 3,433,783
------------ ------------
$ 9,347,011 $ 11,182,703
============ ============
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable $ 156,604 $ 162,477
Income taxes 66,416 376,867
Accrued liabilities:
Payroll 3,132 230,951
Other 119,375 189,707
------------ ------------
Total current liabilities 345,527 960,002
DEFERRED GROSS PROFIT 120,000 118,000
CONTINGENCIES (Note 9)
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Note 5):
Preferred stock, no par value; authorized 10,000 shares; none issued
Common stock, $.02 par value per share; authorized 10,000,000 shares;
issued and outstanding 3,847,452 and 4,202,508 shares, respectively 76,949 84,050
Additional paid-in capital 4,477,167 5,185,828
Retained earnings 4,850,696 5,217,221
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments (393,521) (252,591)
------------ ------------
9,011,291 10,234,508
Notes and related interest receivable from purchase of common stock (129,807) (129,807)
------------ ------------
Total stockholders' equity 8,881,484 10,104,701
------------ ------------
$ 9,347,011 $ 11,182,703
============ ============
</TABLE>
See notes to financial statements.
17
<PAGE>
NORTHERN TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1998, 1997, AND 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
<S> <C> <C> <C>
SALES (Note 6) $ 10,077,494 $ 8,729,318 $ 6,869,184
COST OF GOODS SOLD 4,947,816 4,141,704 3,106,913
------------ ------------ ------------
GROSS PROFIT 5,129,678 4,587,614 3,762,271
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Selling 1,260,608 1,092,280 834,650
General and administrative 1,446,781 1,886,016 1,394,033
Research, engineering, and technical support 487,456 432,943 370,045
------------ ------------ ------------
3,194,845 3,411,239 2,598,728
------------ ------------ ------------
OPERATING INCOME 1,934,833 1,176,375 1,163,543
CORPORATE JOINT VENTURES, FOREIGN COMPANY, AND
EUROPEAN HOLDING COMPANY:
Equity in income of corporate joint ventures, foreign company, and
European holding company (Note 4) 549,875 712,244 488,969
Fees for technical and other support to corporate joint ventures (Note 4) 1,868,938 2,213,228 1,659,792
Corporate joint venture expense (Note 4) (566,051) (457,263) (346,677)
------------ ------------ ------------
1,852,762 2,468,209 1,802,084
OTHER INCOME:
Interest income 151,720 160,396 197,216
Other income -- 15,868 14,908
------------ ------------ ------------
151,720 176,264 212,124
------------ ------------ ------------
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 3,939,315 3,820,848 3,177,751
INCOME TAXES (Note 8) 1,320,000 1,205,000 1,090,000
------------ ------------ ------------
NET INCOME $ 2,619,315 $ 2,615,848 $ 2,087,751
============ ============ ============
NET INCOME PER SHARE:
Basic $ .64 $ .62 $ .49
============ ============ ============
Diluted $ .63 $ .61 $ .49
============ ============ ============
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:
Basic 4,084,408 4,204,602 4,233,269
============ ============ ============
Diluted 4,157,721 4,273,500 4,290,099
============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
See notes to financial statements.
18
<PAGE>
NORTHERN TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NOTES AND
RELATED
INTEREST
CUMULATIVE RECEIVABLE
FOREIGN FROM TOTAL
COMMON STOCK ADDITIONAL CURRENCY PURCHASE OF COMMON
------------------ PAID-IN RETAINED TRANSLATION COMMON STOCKHOLDERS'
SHARES AMOUNT CAPITAL EARNINGS ADJUSTMENTS STOCK EQUITY
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE AT AUGUST 31, 1995 4,244,773 $ 84,895 $ 5,197,633 $ 1,700,982 $ 99,565 $ (873,682) $ 6,209,393
Repurchase of common stock (61,165) (1,223) (91,748) (220,330) -- -- (313,301)
Payments received on notes
receivable -- -- -- -- -- 743,875 743,875
Issuance of common stock
for services provided 2,500 50 12,763 -- -- -- 12,813
Stock options exercised 13,167 263 39,696 -- -- -- 39,959
Dividends on common stock -
$.10 per share -- -- -- (424,877) -- -- (424,877)
Foreign currency translation
adjustment -- -- -- -- (59,047) -- (59,047)
Net income -- -- -- 2,087,751 -- -- 2,087,751
--------- --------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
BALANCE AT AUGUST 31, 1996 4,199,275 83,985 5,158,344 3,143,526 40,518 (129,807) 8,296,566
Repurchase of common stock (9,000) (180) (15,500) (37,420) -- -- (53,100)
Issuance of common stock
for services provided 3,000 60 15,315 -- -- -- 15,375
Stock options exercised 9,233 185 27,669 -- -- -- 27,854
Dividends on common stock -
$.12 per share -- -- -- (504,733) -- -- (504,733)
Foreign currency translation
adjustment -- -- -- -- (293,109) -- (293,109)
Net income -- -- -- 2,615,848 -- -- 2,615,848
--------- --------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
BALANCE AT AUGUST 31, 1997 4,202,508 84,050 5,185,828 5,217,221 (252,591) (129,807) 10,104,701
Repurchase of common stock (374,765) (7,495) (775,131) (2,364,042) -- -- (3,146,668)
Stock options exercised 19,709 394 66,470 -- -- -- 66,864
Dividends on common stock -
$.15 per share -- -- -- (621,798) -- -- (621,798)
Foreign currency translation
adjustment -- -- -- -- (140,930) -- (140,930)
Net income -- -- -- 2,619,315 -- -- 2,619,315
--------- --------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
BALANCE AT AUGUST 31, 1998 3,847,452 $ 76,949 $ 4,477,167 $ 4,850,696 $ (393,521) $ (129,807) $ 8,881,484
========= ========= ============ ============ ============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
See notes to financial statements.
19
<PAGE>
NORTHERN TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (NOTE 10)
YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1998, 1997, AND 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income $ 2,619,315 $ 2,615,848 $ 2,087,751
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided
by operating activities:
Depreciation 118,127 100,497 88,411
Equity in income of corporate joint ventures, foreign
company, European holding company (549,875) (712,244) (488,969)
Dividends received from corporate joint ventures
and foreign company 284,461 69,147 161,583
Deferred income taxes 20,000 (110,000) (50,000)
Deferred gross profit 2,000 9,000 8,500
Change in assets and liabilities:
Receivables:
Trade receivables 122,232 (36,685) (296,538)
Corporate joint ventures 165,387 7,026 (117,947)
Inventories (127,902) (257,406) (53,618)
Prepaid expenses and other 8,937 1,407 (72,740)
Accounts payable (5,873) 7,618 20,316
Income taxes (310,451) (86,833) 321,320
Accrued liabilities (298,151) 146,108 64,520
----------- ----------- -----------
Total adjustments (571,108) (862,365) (415,162)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash provided by operating activities 2,048,207 1,753,483 1,672,589
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Additions to property (110,809) (82,009) (726,978)
Investments in corporate joint ventures and European
holding company (199,311) (442,044) (104,000)
Decrease (increase) in other assets 218,438 (461,404) (11,048)
Payments on notes receivable from purchase
of common stock -- -- 743,875
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash used in investing activities (91,682) (985,457) (98,151)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Dividends paid (621,798) (504,733) (424,877)
Repurchase of common stock (3,146,668) (53,100) (313,301)
Issuance of common stock 66,864 27,854 39,959
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash used in financing activities (3,701,602) (529,979) (698,219)
----------- ----------- -----------
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND
CASH EQUIVALENTS (1,745,077) 238,047 876,219
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING
OF YEAR 3,945,567 3,707,520 2,831,301
----------- ----------- -----------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR $ 2,200,490 $ 3,945,567 $ 3,707,520
=========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
See notes to financial statements.
20
<PAGE>
NORTHERN TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1998, 1997, AND 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. NATURE OF BUSINESS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
BUSINESS OPERATIONS - Northern Technologies International Corporation
(the Company) is engaged in the development, manufacture, and marketing
of proprietary corrosion-inhibiting products and electronic sensing
instruments.
CASH EQUIVALENTS - The Company considers investments with an original
maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
INVENTORIES - Inventories are recorded at the lower of cost (first-in,
first-out basis) or market.
PROPERTY AND DEPRECIATION - Property and equipment are stated at cost.
Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method at rates based
on the estimated service lives of the various assets as follows:
Buildings and improvements 5-20 years
Machinery and equipment 2-10 years
INVESTMENTS IN CORPORATE JOINT VENTURES - Investments in corporate joint
ventures are accounted for using the equity method. Intercompany profits
on inventories held by the corporate joint ventures which were purchased
from the Company have been eliminated based on the Company's ownership
percentage in each corporate joint venture.
INVESTMENTS IN FOREIGN AND EUROPEAN HOLDING COMPANIES - Investments in
foreign and European holding companies are accounted for using the
equity method.
RECOVERABILITY OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS - The Company reviews its long-lived
assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying
amount of the assets may not be recoverable. The Company determines
potential impairment by comparing the carrying value of the assets with
expected net cash flows expected to be provided by operating activities
of the business or related products. Should the sum of the expected
future net cash flows be less than the carrying value, the Company would
determine whether an impairment loss should be recognized. An impairment
loss would be measured by comparing the amount by which the carrying
value exceeds the fair value of the asset based on market value that is
based on the discounted cash flows expected to be generated by the
asset.
INCOME TAXES - The Company utilizes the liability method of accounting
for income taxes as set forth in Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards (SFAS) No. 109, ACCOUNTING FOR INCOME TAXES. SFAS No. 109
requires an asset and liability approach to financial accounting and
reporting for income taxes. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities
are computed annually for differences between the financial statement
and tax basis of assets and liabilities that will result in taxable or
deductible amounts in the future based on enacted tax laws and rates
applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to
affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are
21
<PAGE>
established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount
expected to be realized. Income tax expense is the tax payable or
refundable for the period plus or minus the change during the period in
deferred tax assets and liabilities.
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION - The functional currency of the corporate
joint ventures and the foreign company is the applicable local currency.
The translation of the applicable foreign currencies into U.S. dollars
is performed for balance sheet accounts using current exchange rates in
effect at the balance sheet date and for revenue and expense accounts
using an average monthly exchange rate. Translation gains or losses are
excluded from net income and accumulated in a separate component of
stockholders' equity.
REVENUE RECOGNITION - Revenue is recognized when the products are
shipped. A portion of the gross profit on products shipped to the
Company's corporate joint ventures is deferred until such products are
sold by the corporate joint ventures.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT - Research and development expenditures are
expensed as incurred. Total research and development expenses were
$487,456, $432,943, and $370,045 for the years ended August 31, 1998,
1997, and 1996, respectively.
FEES FOR TECHNICAL AND OTHER SUPPORT TO CORPORATE JOINT VENTURES - Fees
for technical and other support to corporate joint ventures are
recognized at the time the service is provided.
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - The Company has adopted SFAS No. 123,
ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION. This statement defines a fair
value based method of accounting for an employee stock option or similar
equity instrument and encourages all entities to adopt that method of
accounting for all of their employee stock compensation plans. However,
it also allows an entity to continue to measure compensation cost for
those plans using the intrinsic value based method of accounting
prescribed by Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25,
ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK ISSUED TO EMPLOYEES. Under the fair value based
method, compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the
value of the award and is recognized over the service period, which is
usually the vesting period. Under the intrinsic value based method,
compensation cost is the excess, if any, of the quoted market price of
the stock at the grant date or other measurement date over the amount an
employee must pay to acquire the stock. The Company accounts for stock
options grants and awards to employees in accordance with APB Opinion
No. 25 and related interpretations.
NET INCOME PER SHARE - Effective December 15, 1997, the Company adopted
SFAS No. 128, EARNINGS PER SHARE. Per share amounts for the years ended
August 31, 1997 and 1996 have been restated for the adoption of SFAS No.
128. The per share amounts reported under SFAS No. 128 are not
materially different than those calculated and presented under APB
Opinion No. 15. Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net
income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding.
Diluted net income per share assumes the exercise of stock options using
the treasury stock method, if dilutive. Diluted net income per share is
computed by dividing net income by the weighted average common and
common equivalent shares outstanding. For the years ended August 31,
1998, 1997, and 1996, the assumed exercise of stock options increased
the weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding by
73,313, 68,898, and 56,830 shares, respectively. Options to purchase
11,575, 0, and 3,800 shares of common stock as of August 31, 1998, 1997,
and 1996, respectively, were not included in the computations of diluted
net income per share because the options' exercise prices were greater
than the average market price of the Company's common stock during the
respective periods.
22
<PAGE>
USE OF ESTIMATES - The preparation of the financial statements in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires
management 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 the financial statements and the reported
amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual
results could differ from those estimates.
FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Cash and cash
equivalents, receivables, and current liabilities are carried at amounts
which reasonably approximate their fair value due to their short-term
nature.
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS - In June 1997, the Financial Accounting
Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 130, REPORTING COMPREHENSIVE
INCOME, which establishes standards for reporting and display of
comprehensive income and its components in a full set of general purpose
financial statements. Comprehensive income will include all changes in
stockholders' equity except those resulting from investments by and
distributions to owners. The Company will be required to adopt SFAS No.
130 in fiscal 1999.
In June 1997, the FASB also issued SFAS No. 131, DISCLOSURE ABOUT
SEGMENTS OF AN ENTERPRISE AND RELATED INFORMATION. SFAS No. 131
redefines how operating segments are determined and requires disclosures
of certain financial and descriptive information about a company's
operating segments. The Company anticipates the adoption of SFAS No. 131
will result in the Company continuing to operate in two segments. The
Company will be required to adopt SFAS No. 131 in fiscal 1999.
In June 1998, the FASB issued SFAS No. 133, ACCOUNTING FOR DERIVATIVE
INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES. SFAS No. 133 requires companies to
record derivatives on the balance sheet as assets and liabilities,
measured at fair value. Gains or losses resulting from changes in the
values of those derivatives would be accounted for depending on the use
of the derivative and whether it qualifies for hedge accounting. SFAS
No. 133 is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 1999,
with earlier adoption encouraged. The Company has not yet determined the
effects SFAS No. 133 will have on its financial position or the results
of its operations.
2. INVENTORIES
Inventories at August 31 consist of the following:
1998 1997
Production materials $163,177 $276,631
Work-in-process 32,334 21,301
Finished goods 774,009 543,686
-------- --------
$969,520 $841,618
======== ========
23
<PAGE>
3. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment at August 31 consist of the following:
1998 1997
Land $ 246,097 $ 246,097
Buildings and improvements 1,077,670 1,044,996
Machinery and equipment 674,002 603,919
---------- ----------
1,997,769 1,895,012
Less accumulated depreciation 1,042,759 932,684
---------- ----------
$ 955,010 $ 962,328
========== ==========
4. INVESTMENTS IN CORPORATE JOINT VENTURES, FOREIGN COMPANY, AND EUROPEAN
HOLDING COMPANY
JOINT VENTURES - The Company participates in various corporate joint
ventures in countries outside the United States and in similar
noncontractual arrangements in various other countries. All joint
ventures are owned at least 50% by the Company except where the Company
has allowed a related third party to purchase from a joint venture a
portion of the ownership that the Company would otherwise have
purchased. A related third party owns 25% of the joint venture in South
Korea. The joint ventures provide for the manufacturing, marketing, and
distributing of corrosion-inhibiting products. The Company also has a
50% ownership interest in a limited liability company for its joint
venture investments in the Asean region. A related party owns the
remaining 50% ownership interest in this company. The Company has
established corporate joint ventures as follows:
Date of
Country Investment
Japan 1987
Taiwan 1990
France 1990
Germany 1991
Sweden 1991
Singapore 1991
Brazil 1993
Russia 1994
South Korea 1994
Finland 1995
Italy 1996
United Kingdom 1997
Czech Republic 1997
Indonesia 1998
Poland 1998
Thailand 1998
Fees earned from the corporate joint ventures under licenses and
technical and other support agreements were $1,868,938, $2,213,228, and
$1,659,792 for the years ended August 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996,
respectively.
24
<PAGE>
The Company incurred expenses associated with corporate joint ventures
of $566,051, $457,263, and $346,677 for the years ended August 31, 1998,
1997, and 1996, respectively. These expenses consist primarily of legal
fees regarding the development of new joint ventures and travel and
technical services regarding existing joint ventures.
Summarized financial information from the audited and unaudited
financial statements of joint ventures carried on the equity basis is as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
August 31
--------------------------
1998 1997
<S> <C> <C>
Current assets $9,043,726 $9,098,272
Total assets 9,853,066 9,807,218
Current liabilities 4,220,449 4,745,910
Noncurrent liabilities 15,715 34,191
Stockholders' equity 5,616,902 5,027,117
Northern Technologies International Corporation's
share of corporate joint ventures' equity 2,611,185 2,291,600
<CAPTION>
Years Ended August 31
---------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Sales $18,797,758 $18,909,466 $14,207,675
Gross profit 9,429,139 10,224,861 7,743,600
Net income 1,199,233 1,489,856 1,168,273
Northern Technologies International
Corporation's share of equity in income
of corporate joint ventures 548,205 708,598 483,181
</TABLE>
FOREIGN COMPANY - The Company has a 50% interest in a foreign trading
company in Austria. The trading company sells merchandise directly and
serves as an intermediary in the arrangement of sales of goods on which
it receives commissions.
25
<PAGE>
Summarized financial information from the unaudited financial statements
of the foreign company carried on the equity basis is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
August 31,
--------------------------
1998 1997
<S> <C> <C>
Current assets $ 320,480 $ 443,818
Total assets 541,956 661,971
Current liabilities 255,996 397,971
Stockholders' equity 285,960 264,000
Northern Technologies International Corporation's
share of foreign company's equity 142,980 132,000
<CAPTION>
Years Ended August 31,
------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Sales $ 780,237 $ 848,620 $1,514,567
Gross profit 501,745 582,915 819,988
Net income 16,878 7,292 11,576
Northern Technologies International Corporation's
share of equity income of foreign company 8,439 3,646 5,788
</TABLE>
EUROPEAN HOLDING COMPANY - During 1997, the Company invested $254,639
for a 50% ownership interest in a European holding company. To date, the
entity has been inactive and its assets as of August 31, 1998 and 1997
consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents.
5. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
During 1998, 1997, and 1996, the Company acquired and retired 374,765,
9,000, and 61,165 shares of common stock for $3,146,668, $53,100, and
$313,301, respectively.
During 1997 and 1996, certain employees received 3,000 and 2,500 shares
of common stock, respectively, in return for services provided and
expensed in 1996 and 1995, respectively. The value of the common stock
issued, $15,375 and $12,813 in 1997 and 1996, respectively, was
determined based on the market value of the Company's common stock.
A note receivable of $129,807 (including accrued interest of $4,432)
resulting from the exercise of warrants has been shown as a reduction of
stockholders' equity. The note receivable bears interest at a rate of
11% and is due on demand. The increase in accrued interest receivable on
the outstanding note receivable as of August 31, 1998 and 1997 has been
fully reserved for, due to the uncertainty as to when the interest would
be paid.
During 1994, the Company's Board of Directors and shareholders approved
a stock option plan (the Plan) providing for the granting of options to
purchase 250,000 shares of common stock. Under the Plan, incentive stock
options and nonqualified stock options may be granted to directors,
officers, nonofficer employees, and others. The options have a term of
five years and become exercisable ratably over a three- or four-year
period beginning on the first annual anniversary date of the grant.
Options are granted at prices equal to the market value of the stock on
the date of grant.
26
<PAGE>
A summary of the status of the Company's stock options for the years
ended August 31 is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
----------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------
Wgtd Avg Wgtd Avg Wgtd Avg
Shares Exer Price Shares Exer Price Shares Exer Price
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Outstanding at beginning of year 132,370 $ 3.46 133,203 $ 3.34 133,390 $ 3.02
Granted 11,575 11.81 12,000 5.00 13,870 6.13
Exercised (19,709) 3.39 (9,233) 3.02 (13,167) 3.04
Canceled -- -- (3,600) 5.50 (890) 3.00
------- ------- -------
Outstanding at end of year 124,236 $ 4.24 132,370 $ 3.46 133,203 $ 3.34
======= ========= ======= ======== ======= ========
Options exercisable at year-end 101,909 $ 3.25 85,608 $ 3.16 57,005 $ 3.02
======= ========= ======= ======== ======= ========
</TABLE>
The following table summarizes information about stock options
outstanding at August 31, 1998:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Options Outstanding
-----------------------------------------
Weighted Options Exercisable
Average -------------------------
Remaining Weighted Weighted
Range of Contractual Average Average
Exercise Number Life Exercise Number Exercise
Prices Outstanding (Years) Price Exercisable Price
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$3.00 - $3.13 93,350 .77 $ 3.01 93,350 $ 3.01
$5.00 - $6.75 19,311 2.70 4.01 8,559 5.85
$10.63 - $12.00 11,575 4.03 11.81 -- --
------- -------
$3.00 - $12.00 124,236 1.38 $ 4.24 101,909 $ 3.25
======= ==== ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
If compensation cost for the Company's stock option plan had been
determined based on the fair value at the grant date for awards in the
years ended August 31, consistent with the provisions of SFAS No. 123,
the Company's net income would have changed to the pro forma amounts
indicated below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net income, as reported $ 2,619,315 $ 2,615,848 $ 2,087,751
Net income, pro forma 2,594,076 2,603,869 2,081,235
Basic net income per common share, as reported $ .64 $ .62 $ .49
Basic net income per common share, pro forma .64 .62 .49
Diluted net income per share, as reported $ .63 $ .61 $ .49
Diluted net income per share, pro forma .62 .61 .49
</TABLE>
27
<PAGE>
The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the grant date using
the Black-Sholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions and
results for the grants:
1998 1997 1996
Dividend yield 2.0% 2.0% 2.0%
Expected volatility 49.0% 49.8% 47.6%
Expected life of option 5 5 5
Risk-free interest rate 6.16% 6.50% 5.98%
Fair value of options on grant date $5.09 $2.27 $2.81
6. SALES INFORMATION
Sales by geographic location as a percentage of total sales were as
follows:
1998 1997 1996
U.S.A. to unaffiliated customers 81% 74% 75%
Outside the U.S.A. to:
Corporate joint ventures in which the
Company is a shareholder directly
and indirectly 14 17 16
Unaffiliated customers 5 9 9
--- --- ---
100% 100% 100%
=== === ===
One customer accounted for approximately 16% and 14% of net sales for
the years ended August 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. No single
customer accounted for more than 10% of net sales for the year ended
August 31, 1996.
7. RETIREMENT PLAN
The Company has a 401(k) employee savings plan. Employees who meet
certain age and service requirements may elect to contribute up to 15%
of their salaries. The Company contributes the lesser of 50% of the
participant's contributions or 3 1/2% of the employee's salary. The
Company recognized expense for the savings plan of $40,000, $36,000, and
$34,000 for the years ended August 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996,
respectively.
28
<PAGE>
8. INCOME TAXES
The provisions for income taxes for the years ended August 31 consist of
the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Current:
Federal $ 1,180,000 $ 1,200,000 $ 1,040,000
State 120,000 115,000 100,000
------------- ------------- --------------
1,300,000 1,315,000 1,140,000
Deferred:
Federal 18,000 (101,000) (46,000)
State 2,000 (9,000) (4,000)
------------- ------------- --------------
20,000 (110,000) (50,000)
------------- ------------- --------------
$ 1,320,000 $ 1,205,000 $ 1,090,000
============= ============= ==============
</TABLE>
Reconciliations of the expected federal income tax at the statutory rate
with the provisions for income taxes for the years ended August 31 are
as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Tax computed at statutory rates $ 1,379,000 $ 1,337,000 $ 1,112,000
State income tax, net of federal benefit 80,000 71,000 63,000
Equity in income of joint ventures (187,000) (242,000) (166,000)
Other 48,000 39,000 81,000
------------- ------------- -------------
$ 1,320,000 $ 1,205,000 $ 1,090,000
============= ============= =============
</TABLE>
The Company has not recognized a deferred tax liability relating to
investments in foreign corporate joint ventures, foreign company, and
European holding company that are essentially permanent in duration of
$740,000 and $650,000 at August 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. If some
or all of the undistributed earnings of the foreign corporate joint
ventures, foreign company, and European holding company are remitted to
the Company in the future, income taxes, if any, after the application
of foreign tax credits will be provided at that time.
29
<PAGE>
The tax effect of the temporary differences and tax carryforwards
comprising the net deferred taxes shown on the balance sheets at August
31 are as follows:
1998 1997
Current:
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 9,000 $ 10,000
Inventory costs 18,000 22,000
Prepaid expenses and other 70,000 73,000
Accrued expenses 90,000 92,000
Deferred gross profit 43,000 43,000
----------- -----------
Total current $ 230,000 $ 240,000
=========== ===========
Noncurrent:
Excess of book over tax depreciation $ 35,000 $ 37,000
Investment write-offs 568,000 568,000
Joint venture expenses 47,000 60,000
Interest receivable relating to notes 38,000 33,000
Valuation allowance (568,000) (568,000)
----------- -----------
Total noncurrent $ 120,000 $ 130,000
=========== ===========
9. CONTINGENCIES
The Company is involved in various legal actions arising in the normal
course of business. Management is of the opinion that any judgment or
settlement resulting from pending or threatened litigation would not
have a material adverse effect on the financial position or results of
operations of the Company.
10. STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information for the years ended
August 31 consist of:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash paid during the year for income taxes $ 1,610,451 $ 1,401,833 $ 818,680
Decrease in the Company's investment in joint
ventures and foreign company and cumulative
foreign currency translation adjustments due to
changes in exchange rates (140,930) (293,109) (59,047)
Issuance of common stock in exchange for services
provided in 1997 and 1996 and accrued for at August 31,
1997 and 1996, respectively -- 15,375 12,813
</TABLE>
30
<PAGE>
11. QUARTERLY INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Quarter Ended
------------------------------------------------------------
November 30 February 28 May 31 August 31
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Fiscal 1998:
Net sales $ 2,682,741 $ 2,532,442 $ 2,607,271 $ 2,255,040
Gross profit 1,295,226 1,290,781 1,339,228 1,204,443
Income before income taxes 814,006 788,928 1,012,775 1,323,606
Income taxes 250,000 250,000 320,000 500,000
Net income 564,006 538,928 692,775 823,606
Net income per share:
Basic $ .13 $ .13 $ .17 $ .21
Diluted .13 .13 .17 .20
Weighted average common shares
outstanding:
Basic 4,194,464 4,143,451 4,041,299 3,960,933
Diluted 4,284,746 4,219,147 4,111,299 4,018,205
Fiscal 1997:
Net sales $ 1,921,414 $ 2,092,961 $ 2,518,582 $ 2,196,361
Gross profit 1,008,712 1,122,985 1,317,256 1,138,661
Income before income taxes 731,322 856,789 1,108,260 1,124,477
Income taxes 210,000 315,000 375,000 305,000
Net income 521,322 541,789 733,260 819,477
Net income per share:
Basic $ .12 $ .13 $ .17 $ .19
Diluted .12 .13 .17 .19
Weighted average common shares
outstanding:
Basic 4,198,637 4,206,241 4,206,308 4,203,134
Diluted 4,251,801 4,275,224 4,274,164 4,288,835
</TABLE>
During the fourth quarters of 1998 and 1997, the Company adjusted the
carrying value of inventory as a result of a complete annual physical
count and valuation. This annual counting and pricing was more
comprehensive than that which had been conducted on an interim basis. As
a result, the Company decreased cost of sales by approximately $50,000
in the fourth quarters of 1998 and 1997, respectively. It is not
practicable to determine the periods of the fiscal year to which these
adjustments relate.
12. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On November 20, 1998, the Company's Board of Directors declared a $.15
per share dividend on all outstanding shares of the Company's common
stock to be distributed on December 18, 1998 to holders of record on
December 4, 1998.
31
<PAGE>
ITEM 8. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON
ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
None.
PART III
ITEM 9. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, PROMOTERS AND CONTROL PERSONS;
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(a) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT.
A. DIRECTORS OF THE REGISTRANT
The following table sets forth certain information as of November 18,
1998, which has been furnished to the Company by the directors named below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AGE PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION DIRECTOR SINCE
---- --- -------------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Sidney Dworkin 77 Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive 1979
Officer of Advanced Modular Systems, Inc.
Vincent J. Graziano 65 Co-Chief Executive Officer and President of 1979
the Company
Gerhard Hahn 54 General Manager of Knuppel KG 1996
Dr. Donald A. Kubik 58 Vice President of the Company 1995
Richard G. Lareau 70 Partner of Oppenheimer Wolff & Donnelly 1980
Philip M. Lynch 62 Co-Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of 1979
the Board of the Company and Executive
Vice President of Inter Alia Holding
Company
Haruhiko Rikuta 33 Corporate Officer of Taiyonic Limited and 1997
President of NTI Asean, LLC
Dr. Milan R. Vukcevich 61 Director of Materials Research and 1995
Development of Bicron Saint-Gobain
Industrial Ceramics
</TABLE>
Mr. Dworkin has been Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
of Advanced Modular Systems, Inc., a company which sells and leases modular
buildings, since 1988. In addition, since September 1987, Mr. Dworkin has been
an independent venture capitalist. Mr. Dworkin also serves as a director of CCA
Industries, Inc., Cragar Industries, Inc., Consolidated Healthcare, Inc.,
Entitle Design, Inc., QEP, Inc. and Interactive Technologies, Inc. and as
Chairman of the Board of Comtrex Systems Corp. and Marbledge Group, Inc.
32
<PAGE>
Mr. Graziano has been employed by the Company since 1976 and has been
President of the Company and a director of the Company since 1979. Prior to
joining the Company, Mr. Graziano served as Manager of Manufacturing Systems
with the management consulting department of Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co. in
Europe and the United States for nine years.
Mr. Hahn has been employed as General Manager by Knuppel KG, a German
packaging firm, since 1966. Mr. Hahn has also been employed by Excor
Korrosionsschutz-Technologien and Produkte GmbH (the Company's German joint
venture) since 1991. Mr. Hahn was appointed to the Board in April 1996.
Dr. Kubik has been employed by the Company since 1978, has been a Vice
President of the Chemical Division of the Company since 1979 and has been
Treasurer of the Company since 1998. Dr. Kubik was appointed as a director of
the Company in August 1995. During his employ as senior chemist with the
Company, Dr. Kubik was responsible for developing the patent that led to the
Company's introduction of protective plastic film and paper products
incorporating volatile corrosion inhibitors. Prior to joining the Company, Dr.
Kubik held a research and development position with 3M Company.
Mr. Lareau has been a partner of the law firm of Oppenheimer Wolff &
Donnelly LLP for more than five years. Mr. Lareau also serves as a director of
Ceridian Corporation, Merrill Corporation and Nash Finch Company, all public
companies, and as a trustee of Mesabi Trust.
Mr. Lynch has been Executive Vice President of Inter Alia Holding
Company, a financial and management consulting firm, for more than five years.
Mr. Lynch is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Fosbel Group of
Companies: Fosbel International (U.K.), Fosbel, Inc. (U.S.), Fosbel Japan, Ltd.
(Tokyo), Fosbel do Brasil (San Paulo), and Fosbel Europe BV, (operating in 17
Western and three Eastern European countries). The Fosbel Group is itself a
joint venture between multinational listed companies: Glaverbel S.A.,
(Bruxelles), a leading Belgian glass manufacturing company and an affiliate of
Asahi Glass Co., Ltd., and Burmah Castrol plc, an English petrochemical and
materials science company.
Mr. Rikuta was appointed to the Board of Directors in November 1997.
Mr. Rikuta, a citizen of Japan, has been employed at Taiyo Petroleum Gas Co.
Ltd. as Manager, ZERUST Department, since February 1993. From August 1991 to
January 1993, Mr. Rikuta served as a Sales Representative of the Company. Mr.
Rikuta received a B.A. degree in Economics from Seijo University in Tokyo, Japan
in March 1989. In May 1991, Mr. Rikuta received a B.A. degree in International
Relations from the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Dr. Vukcevich was appointed to the Board of Directors in 1995. Dr.
Vukcevich is employed as Director of Materials Research and Development of
Bicron Saint-Gobain Industrial Ceramics. Dr. Vukcevich was employed by GE
Lighting from 1973 to 1995, holding various positions including Chief Scientist,
Manager of Metallurgical Engineering and Coordinator of International Research
and Development in Materials Science.
33
<PAGE>
B. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The executive officers of the Company, their ages and the offices held,
as of November 18, 1998, are as follows:
NAME AGE POSITION IN THE COMPANY
---- --- -----------------------
Vincent J. Graziano 65 Co-Chief Executive Officer, President and Director
Philip M. Lynch 62 Chairman of the Board and Co-Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Donald A. Kubik 58 Vice President, Treasurer and Director
Loren M. Ehrmanntraut 71 Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
Elsie F. Gilles 57 Controller and Assistant Secretary
Constance M. Fason 50 Vice President - Domestic Marketing and Sales
Mr. Graziano has been employed by the Company since 1976 and has been
President of the Company and a director of the Company since 1979. Refer to
"Directors of the Registrant" for a more detailed discussion.
Mr. Lynch has been Executive Vice President of Inter Alia Holding
Company, a financial and management consulting firm, for more than five years.
Refer to "Directors of the Registrant" for a more detailed discussion.
Dr. Kubik has been employed by the Company since 1978, has been a Vice
President of the Company since 1979 and has been Treasurer of the Company since
1998. Refer to "Directors of the Registrant" for a more detailed discussion.
Mr. Ehrmanntraut has been employed by the Company since 1973. He has
served as Chief Financial Officer since 1997 and as Secretary of the Company
since 1978. From 1974 to March 1997, Mr. Ehrmanntraut served as Treasurer of the
Company. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Ehrmanntraut spent four years with
Bankers Mortgage Corporation and its subsidiaries performing accounting, finance
and personnel duties. Prior to his employ with Bankers Mortgage Corporation, Mr.
Ehrmanntraut served as controller for Physicians and Surgeons Underwriters
Insurance Company, office manager for Employers Overload Corporation,
accountant, auditor, and various personnel positions with American Hardware
Mutual Insurance Company and as an auditor with Ernst and Ernst.
Ms. Gilles has been employed by the Company since 1985, serving in a
variety of capacities in the areas of accounting and personnel. Ms. Gilles has
been Controller and Assistant Secretary since 1998.
Ms. Fason has been Vice President-Domestic Marketing and Sales of the
Company since September 1997. Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Fason spent 12
years at Cataphote, Inc., a company that manufactures and markets highway safety
products (pavement marking materials). Most recently, from February 1993 to
December 1996, Ms. Fason served as President and Chief Executive Officer of
Cataphote and from March 1990 to February 1993, Ms. Fason served as Executive
Vice President and General Manager of Cataphote.
34
<PAGE>
C. COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(a) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
requires the Company's directors and executive officers and all persons who
beneficially own more than 10% of the outstanding shares of the Company's Common
Stock to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission initial reports of
ownership and reports of changes in ownership of the Company's Common Stock.
Executive officers, directors and greater than 10% beneficial owners are also
required to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they
file. To the Company's knowledge, based upon a review of the copies of such
reports furnished to the Company and written representations that no other
reports were required, during the year ended August 31, 1998, none of the
Company's directors or officers or beneficial owners of greater than 10% of the
Company's Common Stock failed to file on a timely basis the forms required by
Section 16 of the Exchange Act.
ITEM 10. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
A. COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
DIRECTORS FEES. Each person who was a non-employee director received an
annual retainer of $7,500 in fiscal 1998 for services rendered as a director of
the Company. Each non-employee director of the Company receives $750 for each
Board meeting and $500 for each Board committee meeting attended. The Chairman
of the Board does not receive any Board or committee meeting fee. The Company
pays the premium on a group insurance policy for the Chairman of the Board.
AUTOMATIC OPTION GRANTS TO NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS. Pursuant to the
Company's 1994 Stock Incentive Plan (the "Plan"), each non-employee director of
the Company is automatically granted a non-qualified option to purchase 2,000
shares of Common Stock (a "Director Option") on the first day of each fiscal
year while serving as a non-employee director of the Company. Non-employee
directors who are elected or appointed to the Board following the first day of
the Company's fiscal year receive pro-rata portion of 2,000 shares of Common
Stock calculated by dividing the number of months remaining in the fiscal year
at the time of election or appointment divided by twelve.
On September 1, 1997, Messrs. Dworkin, Hahn, Lareau, Lynch and
Vukcevich each received a Director Option to purchase 2,000 shares of Common
Stock at an exercise price of $12.00 per share. On November 19, 1997, Mr. Rikuta
received a Director Option to purchase 1,575 shares of Common Stock at an
exercise price of $10.625 per share. On September 1, 1998, Messrs. Dworkin,
Hahn, Lareau, Lynch, Rikuta and Vukcevich each received a Director Option to
purchase 2,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $6.25 per share.
All of such Director Options granted vest in equal one-third installments over a
three-year period.
B. SUMMARY OF CASH AND CERTAIN OTHER COMPENSATION PAID TO EXECUTIVE
OFFICERS
The following table provides summary information concerning cash and
non-cash compensation paid or accrued by the Company to or on behalf of the
Company's Co-Chief Executive Officers and the most highly compensated executive
officers of the Company whose cash and non-cash salary and bonus exceeded
$100,000 in the fiscal year ended August 31, 1998 (the "Named Executive
Officers").
35
<PAGE>
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LONG-TERM
COMPENSATION
ANNUAL COMPENSATION ------------
----------------------- SECURITIES
UNDERLYING ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY($) BONUS($)(1) OPTIONS(#) COMPENSATION($)(2)
--------------------------- ---- -------- ---------- --------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Vincent J. Graziano 1998 $230,000 $55,000 0 $5,000
PRESIDENT AND CO-CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 1997 217,107 55,000 0 4,750
1996 190,443 45,000 0 4,750
Philip M. Lynch 1998 0 0 2,000 0(3)
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND CO-CHIEF 1997 0 0 2,000 0(3)
EXECUTIVE OFFICER 1996 0 0 2,000 0(3)
Donald A. Kubik 1998 200,000 55,000 0 5,000
VICE PRESIDENT 1997 176,082 55,000 0 4,750
1996 152,749 45,000 0 5,496
Loren M. Ehrmanntraut 1998 117,410 55,000 0 5,000
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AND SECRETARY 1997 117,410 55,000 0 5,013
1996 107,410 40,000 0 5,159
Constance M. Fason 1998 108,000 0 0 0
VICE PRESIDENT
</TABLE>
- -----------------------------
(1) Bonuses paid in 1998 were earned in 1997, bonuses paid in 1997 were
earned in 1996 and bonuses paid in 1996 were earned in 1995.
(2) Compensation hereunder consists of contributions to the 401(k) plans of
the Named Executive Officers.
(3) Does not include any commissions payable to Inter Alia Holding Company,
an entity of which Mr. Lynch is an officer and director, under a
certain Manufacturer's Representative Agreement. See "Item 12 - Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions."
C. OPTION GRANTS AND EXERCISES.
The following tables provide information for the year ended August 31,
1998 as to individual grants of options to purchase shares of the Common Stock,
exercises of options and the potential realizable value of the options held by
the Named Executive Officers at August 31, 1998.
OPTION GRANTS IN FISCAL 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERCENT OF TOTAL OPTIONS
GRANTED TO EMPLOYEES EXERCISE OR BASE
NAME OPTIONS GRANTED (1) IN FISCAL YEAR (2) PRICE ($/SHARE) EXPIRATION DATE
---- ------------------- ------------------ --------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Philip M. Lynch 2,000 0% $12.00 8/31/02
</TABLE>
- -----------------------------
(1) These options were granted under the Plan. The options vest in three
equal installments on the first, second and third anniversary of the
date of grant (September 1, 1997). To the extent not already
exercisable, options granted under the Plan become immediately
exercisable in full upon certain "changes in control" (as defined in
the Plan) of the Company.
(2) Mr. Lynch is not an employee of the Company. No options were granted to
any employees of the Company during fiscal 1998.
36
<PAGE>
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN FISCAL 1998 AND
FISCAL 1998 YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
NUMBER OF UNEXERCISED IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS
OPTIONS AT AUGUST 31, 1998(#) AT AUGUST 31, 1998(1)($)
--------------------------- ----------------------------
SHARES
ACQUIRED VALUE
NAME ON EXERCISE(#) REALIZED($) EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
---- -------------- ------------ ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Vincent J. Graziano 0 $ 0 38,000 0 $130,250 $ 0
Philip M. Lynch 0 0 6,000 4,000 14,449 1,916
Donald A. Kubik 10,000 28,541 5,000 0 17,118 0
Loren M. Ehrmanntraut 0 0 32,500 0 111,406 0
Constance M. Fason 0 0 0 0 0 0
</TABLE>
- -----------------------------
(1) Value is calculated as the excess of the fair market value of the
Common Stock on August 31, 1998 over the exercise price of the options.
On August 31, 1998, the fair market value of the Common Stock was
$6.4375 per share.
37
<PAGE>
ITEM 11. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND
MANAGEMENT.
The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial
ownership of the Common Stock of the Company as of November 18, 1998, unless
other noted, (a) by each stockholder who is known by the Company to own
beneficially more than 5% of the outstanding Common Stock, (b) by each director,
(c) each Named Executive Officer, and (d) by all executive officers and
directors of the Company as a group.
SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
BENEFICIALLY OWNED (1)
--------------------------------
NAME AMOUNT PERCENT OF CLASS(2)
Inter Alia Holding Company..................... 911,668(3) 23.6%
Sidney Dworkin................................. 54,501(4) 1.4
Constance M. Fason............................. 0 *
Elsie F. Gilles................................ 3,200 *
Vincent J. Graziano............................ 88,505(5) 2.3
Gerhard Hahn................................... 5,448 *
Dr. Donald A. Kubik............................ 103,340(6) 2.7
Richard G. Lareau.............................. 26,677(7) *
Philip M. Lynch................................ 3,001(8) *
Haruhiko Rikuta................................ 16,525(9) *
Dr. Milan R. Vukcevich......................... 3,931(10) *
Loren M. Ehrmanntraut.......................... 62,000(11) 1.6
All directors and executive officers
as a group (12 persons)........................ 1,299,811(12) 32.9
- ----------------------------
* Less than 1%.
(1) Shares not outstanding but deemed beneficially owned by virtue of the
right of a person or member of a group to acquire them within 60 days
are treated as outstanding only when determining the amount and percent
owned by such person or group. Unless otherwise noted, all of the
shares owned or held by individuals or entities possessing sole voting
and investment power with respect to such shares.
(2) Based on 3,871,459 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of November
18, 1998.
(3) Includes 911,668 shares held of record by Inter Alia Holding Company, a
financial and management consulting firm of which Mr. Lynch, the
Chairman of the Board of Directors and the Co-Chief Executive Officer
of the Company, is an officer and director.
(4) Does not include 21,015 shares held by Sidelmar, a partnership in which
Mr. Dworkin, a director of the Company, is a general partner. Includes
6,001 shares of Common Stock which may be acquired within 60 days
pursuant to the exercise of options.
(5) Includes 35,000 shares of Common Stock which may be acquired within 60
days pursuant to the exercise of options.
38
<PAGE>
(6) Includes 1,900 shares of Common Stock which may be acquired within 60
days pursuant to the exercise of options.
(7) Includes 4,001 shares of Common Stock which may be acquired within 60
days pursuant to the exercise of options.
(8) Does not include 911,668 shares held of record or beneficially owned by
Inter Alia Holding Company, of which Mr. Lynch is an officer and
director. Includes 3,001 shares of Common Stock which may be acquired
within 60 days pursuant to the exercise of options.
(9) Includes 525 shares of Common Stock which may be acquired within 60
days pursuant to the exercise of options.
(10) Includes 1,867 shares of Common Stock which may be acquired within 60
days pursuant to the exercise of options.
(11) Includes 30,000 shares of Common Stock which may be acquired within 60
days pursuant to the exercise of options.
(12) Includes (i) 911,668 shares held of record by Inter Alia Holding
Company, a financial and management consulting firm of which Mr. Lynch,
the Chairman of the Board of Directors and the Co-Chief Executive
Officer of the Company, is an officer and director, (ii) 21,015 shares
held of record by Sidelmar, a partnership in which Mr. Dworkin, a
director of the Company, is a general partner, and (iii) options to
purchase 82,295 shares which are held by officers and directors of the
Company which are exercisable within 60 days.
39
<PAGE>
ITEM 12. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.
On October 1, 1976, the Company entered into a Manufacturer's
Representative Agreement with The Saxxon Organization, Incorporated (the
"Agreement"). The Agreement has no expiration date and may be terminated by
either party upon 60 days written notice. Effective January 9, 1980, the
Agreement was assigned to Inter Alia Holding Company, a financial and management
consulting firm of which Philip M. Lynch, the Chairman of the Board of Directors
of the Company, is an officer and director. Under the Agreement, Inter Alia
Holding Company (or the "Representative") is entitled to commissions from the
Company on the net proceeds of sales of the Company's product generated by Inter
Alia Holding Company. The Representative acts as an independent manufacturer's
representative of the Company. It has a non-exclusive worldwide right to offer
for sale and solicit orders for the Company's products in accordance with prices
determined by the Company. The Representative is responsible for all of its own
operating expenses with no entitlement for reimbursement from the Company. The
Representative has not effected any sales within the United States. The
Representative has developed sales outside the United States which resulted in
commissions of approximately $51,754, $42,582 and $52,950 for the fiscal years
ended August 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. In light of the Company's
own domestic sales effort and its distributor network within the United States,
the Company does not anticipate the Representative developing any sales within
the United States. Additionally, the Company's expanding international joint
venture program may also limit opportunities abroad for the Representative.
Thus, the Company does not anticipate that the Representative will develop any
significant sales volume for the Company.
On August 31, 1984, Inter Alia Holding Company purchased 119,083 shares
of the Common Stock and paid therefor by signing a promissory note. The
promissory note (the "Note") has a face value of $125,375 and bears interest at
11% per year. The Note was originally due on December 31, 1992 and is currently
due on demand. The outstanding balance of the Note, including accrued interest
of $105,543, was $230,919 at August 31, 1998.
Gerhard Hahn, a director of the Company, is a shareholder and General
Manager of Knuppel KG. Knuppel KG is a 50% partner with the Company in a joint
venture in Germany. The German joint venture entity has granted a loan of
750,000 DM to Knuppel KG. The loan is secured by Knuppel KG's equity in the
German joint venture and bears interest at 7.5% per annum.
ITEM 13. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
(a) EXHIBITS
Reference is made to the Exhibit Index hereinafter contained, at page
43 of this Report.
A copy of any exhibits listed or referred to herein will be furnished
at a reasonable cost to any person who is a stockholder upon receipt from any
such person of a written request for any such exhibit. Such request should be
sent to: Mr. Loren M. Ehrmanntraut, 6680 N. Highway 49, Lino Lakes, Minnesota
55014; Attn: Stockholder Information.
40
<PAGE>
The following is a list of each management contract or compensatory
plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit to this Annual Report on
Form 10-KSB pursuant to Item 13(a):
A. Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Annual Report on
Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1993).
B. Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Annual Report on
Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1993).
C. 1994 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for
the year ended August 31, 1993).
(b) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
The Company did not file any Current Reports on Form 8-K during the
fourth quarter of fiscal 1998.
41
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15 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.
NORTHERN TECHNOLOGIES
INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
Dated: November 20, 1998 By: /s/ Vincent J. Graziano
--------------------------------
Vincent J. Graziano
President
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
Registrant on November 20, 1998 in the capacities indicated.
NAME TITLE
- ---- -----
/s/ Vincent J. Graziano Co-Chief Executive Officer,
- -------------------------------- President and Director
Vincent J. Graziano (principal executive officer)
/s/ Loren M. Ehrmanntraut Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
- -------------------------------- (principal financial officer and principal
Loren M. Ehrmanntraut accounting officer)
/s/ Philip M. Lynch Co-Chief Executive Officer and
- -------------------------------- Chairman of the Board of Directors
Philip M. Lynch
/s/ Sidney Dworkin Director
- --------------------------------
Sidney Dworkin
/s/ Gerhard Hahn Director
- --------------------------------
Gerhard Hahn
/s/ Donald A. Kubik, Ph.D. Director and Treasurer
- --------------------------------
Donald A. Kubik, Ph.D.
/s/ Richard G. Lareau Director
- --------------------------------
Richard G. Lareau
/s/ Haruhiko Rikuta Director
- --------------------------------
Haruhiko Rikuta
/s/ Milan R. Vukcevich, Ph.D. Director
- --------------------------------
Milan R. Vukcevich, Ph.D.
42
<PAGE>
NORTHERN TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
EXHIBIT INDEX TO ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-KSB
FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Item No. Item Method of Filing
- -------- ---- ----------------
<S> <C> <C>
3.1 Certificate of Incorporation Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1
contained in the Registration Statement
on Form 10 (File No. 0-19331).
3.2 Bylaws Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2
contained in the Registration Statement
on Form 10 (File No. 0-19331).
10.1 Form of Incentive Stock Option Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to
Agreement the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for
the fiscal year ended August 31, 1993.
10.2 Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to
Agreement the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for
the fiscal year ended August 31, 1993.
10.3 1994 Stock Incentive Plan Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to
the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for
the year ended August 31, 1993.
21.1 Subsidiaries of the Registrant Filed herewith electronically.
23.1 Independent Auditors' Consent Filed herewith electronically.
27.1 Financial Data Schedule Filed herewith electronically.
</TABLE>
43
EXHIBIT 21.1
SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT
State or Other
Jurisdiction of Names Under Which
Incorporation or Subsidiary Does
Name of Subsidiary Organization Ownership Interest Business
------------------ ------------ ------------------ --------
Special Control Systems, Inc. Ohio 100% Same
EXHIBIT 23.1
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements of
Northern Technologies International Corporation on Form S-8 relating to the
Northern Technologies International Corporation 1994 Stock Incentive Plan of our
report dated November 20, 1998, appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-KSB of
Northern Technologies International Corporation for the fiscal year ended August
31, 1998.
/S/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
November 20, 1998
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> AUG-31-1998
<PERIOD-START> SEP-01-1997
<PERIOD-END> AUG-31-1998
<CASH> 2,200,490
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 1,419,592
<ALLOWANCES> 25,000
<INVENTORY> 969,520
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 4,912,861
<PP&E> 1,997,769
<DEPRECIATION> 1,042,759
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 9,347,011
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 345,527
<BONDS> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 76,949
<OTHER-SE> 8,804,535
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 9,347,011
<SALES> 10,077,494
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 10,077,494
<CGS> 4,947,816
<TOTAL-COSTS> 4,947,816
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<INCOME-PRETAX> 3,939,315
<INCOME-TAX> 1,320,000
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 2,619,315
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 2,619,315
<EPS-PRIMARY> .64
<EPS-DILUTED> .63
</TABLE>
