|
ITEM 2.
|
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
|
This Management’s Discussion and Analysis provides material
historical and prospective disclosures intended to enable investors and other users to assess NTIC’s financial condition
and results of operations. Statements that are not historical are forward-looking and involve risks and uncertainties discussed
under the heading “
Part I. Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Forward-Looking
Statements
” in this report and under “
Part 1. Item 1A. Risk Factors
” in our annual report on Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017. The following discussion of the results of the operations and financial condition
of NTIC should be read in conjunction with NTIC’s consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto included
under the heading “
Part I. Item 1. Financial Statements
.”
Business Overview
NTIC develops and markets proprietary environmentally beneficial
products and services in over 60 countries either directly or via a network of subsidiaries, joint ventures, independent distributors
and agents. NTIC’s primary business is corrosion prevention marketed mainly under the ZERUST
®
brand. NTIC
has been selling its proprietary ZERUST
®
products and services to the automotive, electronics, electrical, mechanical,
military and retail consumer markets for over 40 years, and in recent years, has targeted and expanded into the oil and gas industry.
NTIC also markets and sells a portfolio of biobased and certified compostable (fully biodegradable) polymer resin compounds and
finished products under the Natur-Tec
®
brand. These products are intended to reduce NTIC’s customers’
carbon footprint and provide environmentally sound waste disposal options.
NTIC’s ZERUST
®
rust and corrosion inhibiting
products include plastic and paper packaging, liquids, coatings, rust removers, cleaners, and diffusers as well as engineered solutions
designed specifically for the oil and gas industry. NTIC also offers worldwide on-site technical consulting for rust and corrosion
prevention issues. NTIC’s technical service consultants work directly with the end users of NTIC’s ZERUST
®
rust and corrosion inhibiting products to analyze their specific needs and develop systems to meet their performance requirements.
In North America, NTIC sells its ZERUST
®
corrosion prevention solutions through a network of independent distributors
and agents supported by a direct sales force. Internationally, NTIC sells its ZERUST
®
corrosion prevention solutions
through its wholly-owned subsidiary in China, NTIC (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (NTIC China), its majority-owned joint venture holding
company for NTIC’s joint venture investments in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region, NTI Asean LLC
(NTI Asean) its majority-owned subsidiary in Brazil, Zerust Prevenção de Corrosão S.A. (Zerust Brazil), and
its wholly-owned subsidiary in Mexico, ZERUST-EXCOR MEXICO, S. de R.L. de C.V (Zerust Mexico), and joint venture arrangements in
North America, Europe and Asia. NTIC also sells products directly to its joint venture partners through its wholly-owned subsidiary
in Germany, NTIC Europe GmbH (NTI Europe).
One of NTIC’s strategic initiatives is to expand into
and penetrate other markets for its ZERUST
®
corrosion prevention technologies. Consequently, for the past several
years, NTIC has focused significant sales and marketing efforts on the oil and gas industry, as the infrastructure that supports
that industry is typically constructed using metals that are highly susceptible to corrosion. NTIC believes that its ZERUST
®
corrosion prevention solutions will minimize maintenance downtime on critical oil and gas industry infrastructure, extend the life
of such infrastructure and reduce the risk of environmental pollution due to corrosion leaks.
NTIC markets and sells its ZERUST
®
rust and corrosion
prevention solutions to customers in the oil and gas industry across several countries either directly, through its subsidiaries
or through its joint venture partners and other strategic partners. The sale of ZERUST
®
corrosion prevention solutions
to customers in the oil and gas industry typically involves long sales cycles, often including multi-year trial periods with each
customer and a slow integration process thereafter.
Natur-Tec
®
biobased and compostable plastics
are manufactured using NTIC’s patented and/or proprietary technologies and are intended to replace conventional petroleum-based
plastics. The Natur-Tec
®
biopolymer resin compound portfolio includes formulations that have been optimized for
a variety of applications including blown-film extrusion, extrusion coating, injection molding, and engineered plastics. These
resin compounds are certified to be fully biodegradable in a composting environment and are currently being used to produce finished
products including can liners, shopping and grocery bags, lawn and leaf bags, pet waste collection bags, cutlery and coated paper
products. In North America, NTIC markets its Natur-Tec
®
resin compounds and finished products primarily through
a network of regional and national distributors as well as independent agents. NTIC continues to see significant opportunities
for finished bioplastic products and, therefore, continues to strengthen and expand its North American distribution network for
finished Natur-Tec
®
bioplastic products. Internationally, NTIC sells its Natur-Tec
®
resin compounds
and finished products both directly and through its majority-owned subsidiary in India, Natur-Tec India Private Limited (Natur-Tec
India), and through distributors and certain joint ventures.
NTIC’s Subsidiaries and Joint Venture Network
NTIC has ownership interests in six subsidiaries in North America,
South America, Europe and Asia. The following table sets forth a list of NTIC’s operating subsidiaries as of February 28,
2018, the country in which the subsidiary is organized and NTIC’s ownership percentage in each subsidiary:
Subsidiary Name
|
|
Country
|
|
NTIC
Percent (%) Ownership
|
NTIC (Shanghai) Co., Ltd
|
|
China
|
|
100%
|
NTI Asean LLC
|
|
United States
|
|
60%
|
Zerust Prevenção de Corrosão S.A.
|
|
Brazil
|
|
85%
|
ZERUST-EXCOR MEXICO, S. de R.L. de C.V
|
|
Mexico
|
|
100%
|
Natur-Tec India Private Limited
|
|
India
|
|
90%
|
NTIC Europe GmbH
|
|
Germany
|
|
100%
|
The results of these subsidiaries are fully consolidated in
NTIC’s consolidated financial statements.
NTIC participates in 20 active joint venture arrangements in
North America, Europe and Asia. Each of these joint ventures generally manufactures and markets products in the geographic territory
to which it is assigned. While most of NTIC’s joint ventures exclusively sell rust and corrosion inhibiting products, some
of the joint ventures also sell NTIC’s Natur-Tec® resin compounds. NTIC has historically funded its investments in joint
ventures with cash generated from operations.
NTIC’s receipt of funds from its joint ventures is dependent
upon fees for services that NTIC provides to its joint ventures, based primarily on the net sales of the individual joint ventures,
and NTIC’s receipt of dividend distributions from the joint ventures. The fees for services provided to joint ventures are
determined based on either a flat fee or a percentage of sales depending on local laws and tax regulations. With respect to NTIC’s
joint venture in Germany (EXCOR), NTIC recognizes an agreed upon quarterly fee for such services. NTIC recognizes equity income
from each joint venture based on the overall profitability of the joint venture. Such profitability is subject to variability from
quarter to quarter which, in turn, subjects NTIC’s earnings to variability from quarter to quarter. The profits of each joint
venture are shared by the respective joint venture owners in accordance with their respective ownership percentages. NTIC typically
directly or indirectly owns 50% or less of each of its joint venture entities and thus does not control the decisions of these
entities regarding whether to pay dividends and, if paid, how much they should be in a given year. The payment of a dividend by
an entity is determined by a joint vote of the owners and is not at the sole discretion of NTIC.
NTIC accounts for the investments and financial results of its
joint ventures in its financial statements utilizing the equity method of accounting.
NTIC considers EXCOR to be individually significant to NTIC’s
consolidated assets and income; and therefore, provides certain additional information regarding EXCOR in the notes to NTIC’s
consolidated financial statements and in this section of this report.
Financial Overview
NTIC’s management, including its chief executive officer
who is NTIC’s chief operating decision maker, reports and manages NTIC’s operations in two reportable business segments
based on products sold, customer base and distribution center: ZERUST® products and services and Natur-Tec® products.
NTIC’s consolidated net sales increased 39.7% and 28.8%
during the three and six months ended February 28, 2018, respectively, compared to the three and six months ended February 28,
2017. These increases were primarily a result of an increase in sales of ZERUST® rust and corrosion inhibiting packaging products,
sales to joint ventures and sales of Natur-Tec® products.
During the three and six months ended February 28, 2018, 83.4%
and 83.0% of NTIC’s consolidated net sales, respectively, were derived from sales of ZERUST® products and services, which
increased 41.0% and 28.8% to $10,191,459 and $19,719,196, respectively, compared to $7,228,027 and $15,312,705 during the three
and six months ended February 28, 2017, respectively. These increases were due to higher sales from existing customers for new
and existing products as a result of increased demand. NTIC has focused its sales efforts of ZERUST® products and services
by strategically targeting customers with specific corrosion issues in new market areas, including the oil and gas industry and
other industrial sectors that offer sizable growth opportunities. NTIC’s consolidated net sales for the six months ended
February 28, 2018 included $862,860 of sales made to customers in the oil and gas industry compared to $952,240 for the six months
ended February 28, 2017. Overall demand for ZERUST® products and services depends heavily on the overall health of the markets
in which NTIC sells its products, including the automotive, oil and gas, agriculture, and mining markets in particular.
During the three and six months ended February 28, 2018, 16.6%
and 17.0% of NTIC’s consolidated net sales, respectively, were derived from sales of Natur-Tec® products compared to
17.3% and 17.0% during the three and six months ended February 28, 2017, respectively. Net sales of Natur-Tec® products increased
33.5% and 28.9% during the three and six months ended February 28, 2018, respectively, compared to the three and six months ended
February 28, 2017 primarily due to an increase in finished product sales in North America and finished product sales at NTIC’s
majority-owned subsidiary in India, Natur-Tec India Private Limited (Natur-Tec India).
Cost of goods sold as a percentage of net sales decreased to
65.6% during the three months ended February 28, 2018 compared to 67.1% during the three months ended February 28, 2017 and decreased
to 66.9% during the six months ended February 28, 2018 compared to 67.7% during the prior fiscal year period primarily as a result
of increased net sales and cost reductions realized on the raw materials associated with NTIC’s ZERUST® industrial products.
NTIC’s equity in income from joint ventures increased
30.6% and 33.5% to $1,805,997 and $3,547,325 during the three and six months ended February 28, 2018, respectively, compared to
$1,383,139 and $2,657,143 during the three and six months ended February 28, 2017, respectively. These increases were primarily
due to corresponding increases in net sales at the joint ventures, which increased 31.6% and 24.5% to $30,220,550 and $58,719,261
during the three and six months ended February 28, 2018, respectively, compared to 14.1% and 12.3% to $22,962,599 and $47,163,046
during the three and six months ended February 28, 2017, respectively, as well as a strengthened Euro and other currencies compared
to the U.S. Dollar. These increases in net sales of NTIC’s joint ventures were due primarily to higher sales from existing
customers for new and existing products as a result of increased demand. The increases in net sales of NTIC’s joint ventures
resulted in corresponding increases in fees for services provided to joint ventures as such fees are a function of net sales of
NTIC’s joint ventures.
NTIC’s total operating expenses increased 11.2% and 10.1%
to $5,371,598 and $10,990,023 during the three and six months ended February 28, 2018, respectively, compared to $4,831,047 and
$9,984,433 for the three and six months ended February 28, 2017. This increase was primarily due to an increase in NTIC’s
personnel expenses, including an increase in the management bonus accrual of $695,000. Operating expenses, as a percent of net
sales, for the three months ended February 28, 2018 were 44.0%, compared to 55.3% for the same period last fiscal year and for
the six months ended February 28, 2018 were 46.1%, compared to 54.1% for the same period last fiscal year. This reduction was primarily
due to higher net sales and lower general and administrative expenses, partially offset by higher selling and research and development
expenses.
NTIC spent $922,746 and $1,721,477 during the three and six
months ended February 28, 2018 compared to $742,037 and $1,384,559 during the three and six months ended February 28, 2017, respectively,
in connection with its research and development activities. NTIC anticipates that it will spend a total of between $3,000,000 and
$3,400,000 in fiscal 2018 on research and development activities.
Net income attributable to NTIC increased to $1,332,847, or
$0.29, per diluted common share, for the three months ended February 28, 2018 compared to $386,966, or $0.09, per diluted common
share, for the three months ended February 28, 2017, an increase of $945,881 or $0.20 per diluted share. Net income attributable
to NTIC increased to $2,416,473, or $0.52 per diluted common share, for the six months ended February 28, 2018 compared to $684,605,
or $0.15 per diluted common share, for the six months ended February 28, 2017, an increase of $1,731,868 or $0.37 per diluted share.
These increases were primarily the result of the increases in net sales and corresponding gross profit, as well as the increases
in income from joint venture operations. These increases were partially offset by the significant impact of the $700,000 one-time
provisional adjustment related to the Tax Reform Act, as described in more detail below, and the increase in operating expenses,
as previously described.
NTIC anticipates that its quarterly net income or loss will
continue to remain subject to significant volatility primarily due to the financial performance of its subsidiaries and joint ventures
and sales of its ZERUST® products and services into the oil and gas industry and Natur-Tec® bioplastics products, which
sales fluctuate more on a quarterly basis than the traditional ZERUST® business. NTIC also anticipates that its operating results
during the next few quarters will remain volatile primarily as a result of the changes in its Chinese operations.
NTIC’s working capital, as defined as current assets less
current liabilities, was $22,194,306 at February 28, 2018, including $5,067,087 in cash and cash equivalents and $3,268,426 in
available for sale securities, compared to $21,173,001 at August 31, 2017, including $6,360,201 in cash and cash equivalents and
$3,766,984 in available for sale securities.
On January 24, 2018, NTIC’s Board of Directors declared
a quarterly cash dividend of $0.10 per share of NTIC’s common stock, paid on February 21, 2018 to stockholders of record
on February 8, 2018. On November 24, 2017, NTIC’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.10 per share
of NTIC’s common stock, payable on December 21, 2017 to stockholders of record on December 8, 2017. No cash dividends were
declared by NTIC’s Board of Directors during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017. Although NTIC’s Board of Directors
intends to continue to declare regular quarterly cash dividends, the declaration of future dividends is not guaranteed and will
be determined by NTIC’s Board of Directors in light of conditions then existing, including NTIC’s earnings, financial
condition, cash requirements, restrictions in financing agreements, business conditions and other factors.
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth NTIC’s results of operations
for the three and six months ended February 28, 2017 and 2017.
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
|
February 28,
2018
|
|
% of
Net Sales
|
|
February 28,
2017
|
|
% of
Net Sales
|
|
$
Change
|
|
%
Change
|
Net sales, excluding joint ventures
|
|
$
|
11,399,853
|
|
|
|
93.3
|
%
|
|
$
|
8,309,586
|
|
|
|
95.0
|
%
|
|
$
|
3,090,267
|
|
|
|
37.2
|
%
|
Net sales, to joint ventures
|
|
|
814,122
|
|
|
|
6.7
|
%
|
|
|
433,317
|
|
|
|
5.0
|
%
|
|
|
380,805
|
|
|
|
87.9
|
%
|
Cost of goods sold
|
|
|
8,012,836
|
|
|
|
65.6
|
%
|
|
|
5,870,186
|
|
|
|
67.1
|
%
|
|
|
2,142,650
|
|
|
|
36.5
|
%
|
Equity in income from joint ventures
|
|
|
1,805,997
|
|
|
|
14.8
|
%
|
|
|
1,383,139
|
|
|
|
15.8
|
%
|
|
|
422,858
|
|
|
|
30.6
|
%
|
Fees for services provided to joint ventures
|
|
|
1,608,890
|
|
|
|
13.2
|
%
|
|
|
1,184,028
|
|
|
|
13.5
|
%
|
|
|
424,862
|
|
|
|
35.9
|
%
|
Selling expenses
|
|
|
2,643,636
|
|
|
|
21.6
|
%
|
|
|
2,246,482
|
|
|
|
25.7
|
%
|
|
|
397,154
|
|
|
|
17.7
|
%
|
General and administrative expenses
|
|
|
1,805,216
|
|
|
|
14.8
|
%
|
|
|
1,842,528
|
|
|
|
21.1
|
%
|
|
|
(37,312
|
)
|
|
|
(2.0
|
)%
|
Research and development expenses
|
|
|
922,746
|
|
|
|
7.6
|
%
|
|
|
742,037
|
|
|
|
8.5
|
%
|
|
|
180,709
|
|
|
|
24.4
|
%
|
|
|
Six Months Ended
|
|
|
February 28,
2018
|
|
% of
Net Sales
|
|
February 28,
2017
|
|
% of
Net Sales
|
|
$
Change
|
|
%
Change
|
Net sales, excluding joint ventures
|
|
$
|
22,435,260
|
|
|
|
94.4
|
%
|
|
$
|
17,191,551
|
|
|
|
93.2
|
%
|
|
$
|
5,243,709
|
|
|
|
30.5
|
%
|
Net sales, to joint ventures
|
|
|
1,321,753
|
|
|
|
5.6
|
%
|
|
|
1,253,375
|
|
|
|
6.8
|
%
|
|
|
68,378
|
|
|
|
5.5
|
%
|
Cost of goods sold
|
|
|
15,901,306
|
|
|
|
66.9
|
%
|
|
|
12,482,952
|
|
|
|
67.7
|
%
|
|
|
3,418,354
|
|
|
|
27.4
|
%
|
Equity in income from joint ventures
|
|
|
3,547,325
|
|
|
|
14.9
|
%
|
|
|
2,657,143
|
|
|
|
14.4
|
%
|
|
|
890,182
|
|
|
|
33.5
|
%
|
Fees for services provided to joint ventures
|
|
|
3,116,032
|
|
|
|
13.1
|
%
|
|
|
2,499,619
|
|
|
|
13.6
|
%
|
|
|
616,413
|
|
|
|
24.7
|
%
|
Selling expenses
|
|
|
5,243,585
|
|
|
|
22.1
|
%
|
|
|
4,285,566
|
|
|
|
23.2
|
%
|
|
|
958,019
|
|
|
|
22.4
|
%
|
General and administrative expenses
|
|
|
4,024,961
|
|
|
|
16.9
|
%
|
|
|
4,314,308
|
|
|
|
23.4
|
%
|
|
|
(289,347
|
)
|
|
|
(6.7
|
)%
|
Research and development expenses
|
|
|
1,721,477
|
|
|
|
7.2
|
%
|
|
|
1,384,559
|
|
|
|
7.5
|
%
|
|
|
336,918
|
|
|
|
24.3
|
%
|
Net Sales
. NTIC’s consolidated net sales increased
39.7% and 28.8% to $12,213,975 and $23,757,013 during the three and six months ended February 28, 2018, respectively, compared
to the three and six months ended February 28, 2017. NTIC’s consolidated net sales to unaffiliated customers excluding NTIC’s
joint ventures increased 37.2% and 30.5% to $11,399,853 and $22,435,260 during the three and six months ended February 28, 2018,
respectively, compared to the same respective periods in fiscal 2017. These increases were primarily a result of increased demand
from the addition of new customers in North America and China and an increase in sales of Natur-Tec® products. Net sales to
joint ventures increased 87.9% and 5.5% to $814,122 and $1,321,753, respectively, during the three and six months ended February
28, 2018 compared to the same respective periods in fiscal 2017. These increases were primarily a result of increased demand.
The following table sets forth NTIC’s net sales by product
segment for the six months ended February 28, 2018 and 2017 by segment:
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
Six Months Ended
|
|
|
February 28,
2018
|
|
February 28,
2017
|
|
February 28,
2018
|
|
February 28,
2017
|
Total ZERUST® sales
|
|
$
|
10,191,459
|
|
|
$
|
7,228,027
|
|
|
$
|
19,719,196
|
|
|
$
|
15,312,705
|
|
Total Natur-Tec® sales
|
|
|
2,022,516
|
|
|
|
1,514,876
|
|
|
|
4,037,817
|
|
|
|
3,132,221
|
|
Total net sales
|
|
$
|
12,213,975
|
|
|
$
|
8,742,903
|
|
|
$
|
23,757,013
|
|
|
$
|
18,444,926
|
|
During the three and six months ended February 28, 2018, 83.4%
and 83.0% of NTIC’s consolidated net sales, respectively, were derived from sales of ZERUST
®
products and
services, which increased 41.0% and 28.8% to $10,191,459 and $19,719,196 during the three and six months ended February 28, 2018,
respectively, compared to $7,228,027 and $15,312,705 during the three and six months ended February 28, 2017, respectively. These
increases were due to increased demand from existing customers and the addition of new customers primarily in the industrial market,
partially offset by a decrease in ZERUST
®
joint venture net sales and ZERUST
®
oil and gas net sales.
NTIC has strategically focused its sales efforts for ZERUST
®
products and services on customers with sizeable corrosion
problems in industry sectors that offer sizable growth opportunities, including the oil and gas sector. Overall demand for ZERUST
®
products and services depends heavily on the overall health of the market segments to which NTIC sells its products, including
the automotive, oil and gas, agriculture, and mining markets in particular.
The following table sets forth NTIC’s net sales of ZERUST
®
products for the three and six months ended February 28, 2018 and 2017:
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
|
February 28,
2018
|
|
February 28,
2017
|
|
$
Change
|
|
%
Change
|
ZERUST® industrial net sales
|
|
$
|
8,798,319
|
|
|
$
|
6,588,801
|
|
|
$
|
2,209,518
|
|
|
|
33.5
|
%
|
ZERUST® joint venture net sales
|
|
|
814,122
|
|
|
|
433,317
|
|
|
|
380,805
|
|
|
|
87.9
|
%
|
ZERUST® oil & gas net sales
|
|
|
579,018
|
|
|
|
205,909
|
|
|
|
373,109
|
|
|
|
181.2
|
%
|
Total ZERUST® net sales
|
|
$
|
10,191,459
|
|
|
$
|
7,228,027
|
|
|
$
|
2,963,432
|
|
|
|
41.0
|
%
|
|
|
Six Months Ended
|
|
|
February 28,
2018
|
|
February 28,
2017
|
|
$
Change
|
|
%
Change
|
ZERUST® industrial net sales
|
|
$
|
17,534,583
|
|
|
$
|
13,107,090
|
|
|
$
|
4,427,493
|
|
|
|
33.8
|
%
|
ZERUST® joint venture net sales
|
|
|
1,321,753
|
|
|
|
1,253,375
|
|
|
|
68,378
|
|
|
|
5.5
|
%
|
ZERUST® oil & gas net sales
|
|
|
862,860
|
|
|
|
952,240
|
|
|
|
(89,380
|
)
|
|
|
(9.4
|
)%
|
Total ZERUST® net sales
|
|
$
|
19,719,196
|
|
|
$
|
15,312,705
|
|
|
$
|
4,406,491
|
|
|
|
28.8
|
%
|
NTIC’s net sales to the oil and gas industry sector during
the three months and six months ended February 28, 2018 compared to the prior fiscal year periods continue to be very volatile
due to the average order size and the timing of sales. NTIC anticipates that its sales of ZERUST® products and services into
the oil and gas industry will continue to remain subject to significant volatility from quarter to quarter as sales are recognized,
specifically due to the volatility of oil prices. Demand for oil and gas products around the world depends primarily on market
acceptance and the reach of NTIC’s distribution network. Because of the typical size of individual orders and overall size
of NTIC’s net sales derived from sales of oil and gas products, the timing of one or more orders can materially affect NTIC’s
quarterly sales compared to prior fiscal year quarters.
During the three and six months ended February 28, 2018, 16.6
% and 17.0% of NTIC’s consolidated net sales, respectively, were derived from sales of Natur-Tec® products, which increased
33.5% and 28.9% to $2,022,516 and $4,037,817 during the three and six months ended February 28, 2018, respectively, compared to
the three and six months ended February 28, 2017. These increases were primarily due to an increase in finished product sales in
North America and finished product sales at NTIC’s majority-owned subsidiary in India, Natur-Tec India Private Limited (Natur-Tec
India).
Cost of Goods Sold
. Cost of goods sold increased 36.5%
and 27.4% for the three and six months ended February 28, 2018, respectively, compared to the three and six months ended February
28, 2017. These increases were primarily as a result of the corresponding increased sales levels. Cost of goods sold as a percentage
of net sales decreased to 65.6% during the three months ended February 28, 2018 compared to 67.1% the three months ended February
28, 2017 and decreased to 66.9% during the six months ended February 28, 2018 compared to 67.7% during the six months ended February
28, 2017. These decreases were primarily as a result of increased net sales and cost reductions realized on the raw materials associated
with NTIC’s ZERUST® industrial products.
Equity in Income from Joint Ventures.
NTIC’s equity
in income from joint ventures increased 30.6% and 33.5% to $1,805,997 and $3,547,325 during the three and six months ended February
28, 2018, respectively, compared to $1,383,139 and $2,657,143 during the three and six months ended February 28, 2017, respectively.
These increases were primarily a result of improved profitability at the joint ventures. Of the total equity in income from joint
ventures, NTIC had equity in income from joint ventures of $2,580,571 attributable to EXCOR during the six months ended February
28, 2018 compared to $2,006,441 during the six months ended February 28 2017. NTIC had equity in income of all other joint ventures
of $966,754 during the six months ended February 28, 2018 compared to $650,702 during the six months ended February 28, 2017.
Fees for Services Provided to Joint Ventures
. NTIC recognized
fee income for services provided to joint ventures of $1,608,890 and $3,116,032 during the three and six months ended February
28, 2018, respectively, compared to $1,184,028 and $2,499,619 during the three and six months ended February 28, 2017, respectively,
representing increases of 35.9% and 24.7%, respectively. Fee income for services provided to joint ventures is traditionally a
function of the sales made by NTIC’s joint ventures. Total net sales of NTIC’s joint ventures increased to $30,220,550
and $58,719,261 during the three and six months ended February 28, 2018, respectively, compared to $22,962,599 and $47,163,046
during the three and six months ended February 28, 2017, respectively, representing increases of $7,257,951 and $11,556,215, respectively.
Net sales of NTIC’s joint ventures are not included in NTIC’s consolidated financial statements. Of the total fee income
for services provided to joint ventures, fees of $456,574 were attributable to EXCOR during the six months ended February 28, 2018
compared to $402,509 attributable to EXCOR during the six months ended February 28, 2017.
Selling Expenses
. NTIC’s selling expenses increased
17.7% and 22.4% for the three and six months ended February 28, 2018, respectively, compared to the same respective periods in
fiscal 2017 due primarily to increases in operating expenses associated with ZERUST® sales efforts, consisting primarily of
selling and personnel expense. Selling expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased slightly to 21.6% and 22.1% for the three
and six months ended February 28, 2018, respectively, from 25.7% and 23.2% for the three and six months ended February 28, 2017,
respectively, primarily due to the increase in selling expenses offset by the increase in sales, as previously described.
General and Administrative Expenses
. NTIC’s general
and administrative expenses decreased 2.0% and 6.7% for the three and six months ended February 28, 2018, respectively, compared
to the same respective periods in fiscal 2017 primarily due to cost savings initiatives related to personnel costs and decreased
legal expenses. As a percentage of net sales, general and administrative expenses decreased to 14.8% and 16.9% for the three and
six months ended February 28, 2018, respectively, from 21.1% and 23.4% for the same respective periods in fiscal 2017, respectively.
The decreases in general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales for the three and six-month comparisons were
due primarily to the increase in net sales and decreases in general and administrative expenses, as previously described.
Research and Development Expenses
. NTIC’s research
and development expenses increased 24.4% and 24.3% for the three and six months ended February 28, 2018, respectively, compared
to the same respective periods in fiscal 2017 due primarily to increased research and development activities during the current
fiscal year periods.
Interest Income
. NTIC’s interest income increased
to $24,883 and $48,939 during the three and six months ended February 28, 2018, respectively, compared to $4,516 and $8,079 during
the three and six months ended February 28, 2017, respectively, due to increased levels of invested cash.
Interest Expense
. NTIC’s interest expense increased
to $5,779 and $10,868 during the three and six months ended February 28, 2018, respectively, compared to $3,470 and $8,093 during
the three and six months ended February 28, 2017, respectively.
Income Before Income Tax Expense
. NTIC incurred income
before income tax expense equal to $2,263,532 and $3,567,112 for the three and six months ended February 28, 2018, respectively,
compared to $609,883 and $1,134,289 for the three and six months ended February 28, 2017, respectively.
Income Tax Expense
. Income tax expense was $841,909 and
$946,900 for the three and six months ended February 28, 2018, respectively, compared to income tax expense of $124,909 and $242,622
during the three and six months ended February 28, 2017, respectively. Income tax expense is calculated based on management’s
estimate of NTIC’s annual effective income tax rate. The effective tax rate for the three and six months ended February 28,
2018 was 37.2% and 26.5%, respectively, compared to 20.5% and 21.3% for the three and six months ended February 28, 2017, respectively.
These increases were primarily due to one-time provisional adjustments related to the Tax Reform Act. The Tax Reform Act, among
other things, reduced the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018, generally eliminated U.S.
federal income taxes on dividends received from foreign subsidiaries and joint ventures after December 31, 2017, and imposed a
one-time deemed repatriation tax on certain unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries and joint ventures. As a result of the
change in the tax law, a one-time non-cash tax provisional charge of $700,000 related to the re-measurement of deferred tax assets
and liabilities was recorded in the three months ended February 28, 2018. The impact of this non-cash tax charge increased NTIC’s
effective rate by approximately 30.3% for the three months ended February 28, 2018. The $700,000 income tax expense and corresponding
decrease in net deferred tax assets represents a provisional estimate based on NTIC’s current interpretation of the Tax Reform
Act and may change as NTIC receives additional clarification and implementation guidance. NTIC continues to analyze the impact
of other provisions of the Tax Reform Act on its financial statements and operations, including the impact of the global intangible
low-taxed income (GILTI) rules, and the impact of the Tax Reform Act on NTIC’s indefinite reinvestment assertion with respect
to the undistributed earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries and joint ventures. Any additional impacts from the enactment of
the Tax Reform Act will be recorded as they are identified during the measurement period as provided for in accordance with SAB
No. 118.
Net Income Attributable to NTIC
. Net income attributable
to NTIC increased to $1,332,847, or $0.29, per diluted common share, for the three months ended February 28, 2018 compared to $386,966,
or $0.09, per diluted common share, for the three months ended February 28, 2017, an increase of $945,881 or $0.20 per diluted
share. Net income attributable to NTIC increased to $2,416,473, or $0.52 per diluted common share, for the six months ended February
28, 2018 compared to $684,605, or $0.15 per diluted common share, for the six months ended February 28, 2017, an increase of $1,731,868
or $0.37 per diluted share. These increases were primarily the result of the increases in net sales and corresponding gross profit,
as well as the increases in income from joint venture operations. These increases were partially offset by the significant impact
of the $700,000 one-time provisional adjustment related to the Tax Reform Act and the increase in operating expenses. As previously
mentioned, the impact from the enactment of the Tax Reform Act was driven by the provisional re-measurement of deferred tax assets
and liabilities, which resulted in a non-cash discrete tax charge of $700,000. Excluding the impact of the Tax Reform Act, net
income attributable to NTIC would have been $1,645,881 higher than the net income attributable to NTIC for the three months ended
February 28, 2018 and would have been $2,431,868 higher than the net income attributable to NTIC for the six months ended February
28, 2018.
Other Comprehensive Income - Foreign Currency Translations
Adjustment.
The changes in the foreign currency translations adjustment was due to the fluctuations of the U.S. dollar compared
to the Euro and other foreign currencies during the three and six months ended February 28, 2018 compared to the same period in
fiscal 2017.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Sources of Cash and Working Capital
. NTIC’s working
capital was $22,241,306 at February 28, 2018, including $5,067,087 in cash and cash equivalents and $3,268,426 in available for
sale securities, compared to $21,173,001 at August 31, 2017, including $6,360,201 in cash and cash equivalents and $3,766,984 in
available for sale securities.
As of February 28, 2018, NTIC had a revolving line of credit
with PNC Bank of $3,000,000, with no amounts outstanding. The line of credit is evidenced by an amended and restated committed
line of credit note in the principal amount of up to $3,000,000. The line of credit has a $1,200,000 standby letter of credit sub-facility,
with any standby letters of credit issued thereunder being at the sole discretion of PNC Bank. Any lines of credit issued by PNC
Bank would decrease the availability under the revolving line of credit.
The line of credit is subject to standard covenants, including
affirmative financial covenants, such as the maintenance of a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, and negative covenants, which,
among other things, limit the incurrence of additional indebtedness, loans and equity investments, disposition of assets, mergers
and consolidations and other matters customarily restricted in such agreements. Under the loan agreement, NTIC is subject to a
minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.10:1.00. As of February 28, 2018, NTIC was in compliance with all debt covenants.
On January 5, 2018, NTIC and PNC Bank extended the maturity
date of the line of credit from January 7, 2018 to January 7, 2019. All other terms of the line of credit and the loan agreement
and other documents evidencing the line of credit remain the same. It is anticipated that, as historically has been the practice,
the line of credit will be renewed each year for one additional year for the immediate foreseeable future.
NTIC believes that a combination of its existing cash and cash
equivalents, available for sale securities, forecasted cash flows from future operations, anticipated distributions of earnings,
anticipated fees to NTIC for services provided to its joint ventures, and funds available through existing or anticipated financing
arrangements, will be adequate to fund its existing operations, investments in new or existing joint ventures or subsidiaries,
capital expenditures, debt repayments, cash dividends and any stock repurchases for at least the next 12 months. During the remainder
of fiscal 2018, NTIC expects to continue to invest in NTIC China, research and development and in marketing efforts and resources
for the application of its corrosion prevention technology in the oil and gas industry and its Natur-Tec® bio-plastics business,
although the amounts of these various investments are not known at this time. In order to take advantage of such new product and
market opportunities to expand its business and increase its revenues, NTIC may decide to finance such opportunities by borrowing
under its revolving line of credit or raising additional financing through the issuance of debt or equity securities. There is
no assurance that any financing transaction will be available on terms acceptable to NTIC or at all, or that any financing transaction
will not be dilutive to NTIC’s current stockholders.
NTIC traditionally has used the cash generated from its operations,
distributions of earnings from joint ventures and fees for services provided to its joint ventures to fund NTIC’s new technology
investments and capital contributions to new and existing subsidiaries and joint ventures. NTIC’s joint ventures traditionally
have operated with little or no debt and have been self-financed with minimal initial capital investment and minimal additional
capital investment from their respective owners. Therefore, NTIC believes there is limited exposure by NTIC’s joint ventures
that could materially impact their respective operations and/or liquidity.
Uses of Cash and Cash Flows
. Net cash used in operating
activities during the six months ended February 28, 2018 was $516,199, which resulted principally from NTIC’s equity in income
from joint ventures, increases in trade receivables excluding joint ventures, inventories, prepaid expenses and other, and accrued
liabilities, partially offset by NTIC’s net income, dividends received from joint ventures, and increases in accounts payable,
depreciation and amortization. Net cash used in operating activities during the six months ended February 28, 2017 was $823,425,
which resulted principally from NTIC’s equity in income from joint ventures, increases in trade receivables, inventory, prepaid
expenses and income tax payable, partially offset by NTIC’s net income, dividends received from joint ventures, depreciation
and amortization.
NTIC’s cash flows from operations are impacted by significant
changes in certain components of NTIC’s working capital, including inventory turnover and changes in receivables. NTIC considers
internal and external factors when assessing the use of its available working capital, specifically when determining inventory
levels and credit terms of customers. Key internal factors include existing inventory levels, stock reorder points, customer forecasts
and customer requested payment terms, and key external factors include the availability of primary raw materials and sub-contractor
production lead times. NTIC’s typical contractual terms for trade receivables excluding joint ventures are traditionally
30 days and for trade receivables from its joint ventures are 90 days. Before extending unsecured credit to customers, excluding
NTIC’s joint ventures, NTIC reviews customers’ credit histories and will establish an allowance for uncollectible accounts
based upon factors surrounding the credit risk of specific customers and other information. Accounts receivable over 30 days are
considered past due for most customers. NTIC does not accrue interest on past due accounts receivable. If accounts receivables
in excess of the provided allowance are determined uncollectible, they are charged to selling expense in the period that determination
is made. Accounts receivable are deemed uncollectible based on NTIC exhausting reasonable efforts to collect. NTIC’s typical
contractual terms for receivables for services provided to its joint ventures are 90 days. NTIC records receivables for services
provided to its joint ventures on an accrual basis, unless circumstances exist that make the collection of the balance uncertain
in which case the fee income will be recorded on a cash basis until there is consistency in payments. This determination is handled
on a case by case basis.
NTIC experienced an increase in trade receivables and inventory
as of February 28, 2018 compared to August 31, 2017. Trade receivables excluding joint ventures as of February 28, 2018 increased
$2,397,412 compared to August 31, 2017, primarily related to the timing of collections and the increase in sales.
Outstanding trade receivables excluding joint ventures balances
as of February 28, 2017 increased 10 days to an average of 66 days from balances outstanding from these customers as of August
31, 2017.
Outstanding trade receivables from joint ventures as of February
28, 2018 decreased $244,372 compared to August 31, 2017 primarily due to the timing of payments. Outstanding balances from trade
receivables from joint ventures decreased an average of 8 days from an average of 58 days from balances outstanding from these
customers compared to August 31, 2017. The average days outstanding of trade receivables from joint ventures as of February 28,
2018 were primarily due to the receivables balances at NTIC’s joint ventures in South Korea and Thailand.
Outstanding receivables for services provided to joint ventures
as of February 28, 2018 increased $62,381 compared to August 31, 2017, which resulted in an decrease of 3 days of fees receivable
outstanding as of February 28, 2018 to an average of 76 days compared to August 31, 2017.
Net cash provided by investing activities for the six months
ended February 28, 2018 was $246,587, which was primarily the result of proceeds from the sale of available for sale securities,
partially offset by additions to property and equipment, and additions to patents. Net cash provided by investing activities for
the six months ended February 28, 2017 was $810,588, which was primarily the result of proceeds from the sale of available for
sale securities, partially offset by additions to property and equipment and additions to patents.
Net cash used in financing activities for the six months ended
February 28, 2018 was $1,079,346, which resulted from dividends paid on NTIC common stock and a dividend paid to a non-controlling
interest, partially offset by proceeds from stock option exercises and purchases under NTIC’s employee stock purchase plan.
Net cash used in financing activities for the six months ended February 28, 2017 was $315,207, which resulted from a dividend paid
to a non-controlling interest and stock repurchases, partially offset by proceeds from purchases under NTIC’s employee stock
purchase plan.
Share Repurchase Plan
. On January 15, 2015, NTIC’s
Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $3,000,000 in shares of NTIC common stock through open market purchases or
unsolicited or solicited privately negotiated transactions. This program has no expiration date but may be terminated by NTIC’s
Board of Directors at any time. No repurchases occurred during the six months ended February 28, 2018. As of February 28, 2018,
up to $2,640,548 in shares of NTIC common stock remained available for repurchase under NTIC’s stock repurchase program.
Cash Dividends
. On January 24, 2018, NTIC’s Board
of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.10 per share of NTIC’s common stock, paid on February 21, 2018 to stockholders
of record on February 8, 2018. Although NTIC’s Board of Directors intends to declare regular quarterly cash dividends going
forward, the declaration of future dividends is not guaranteed and will be determined by NTIC’s Board of Directors in light
of conditions then existing, including NTIC’s earnings, financial condition, cash requirements, restrictions in financing
agreements, business conditions and other factors.
Capital Expenditures and Commitments
. NTIC spent $207,350
on capital expenditures during the six months ended February 28, 2018, which related primarily to the purchase of new equipment.
NTIC expects to spend an aggregate of approximately $300,000 to $600,000 on capital expenditures during fiscal 2018, which it expects
will relate primarily to the purchase of new equipment.
Contractual Obligations
There has been no material
change to NTIC’s contractual obligations as provided in “
Part II. Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Contractual Obligations
,” included in NTIC’s annual report
on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
NTIC does not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities
or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, which would have
been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet financial arrangements. As such, NTIC is not materially exposed
to any financing, liquidity, market or credit risk that could arise if NTIC had engaged in such arrangements.
Inflation and Seasonality
Inflation in the United States and abroad historically has had
little effect on NTIC. Although NTIC’s business historically has not been seasonal, NTIC believes there is now some seasonality
in its business. NTIC believes its net sales in second fiscal quarter were adversely affected by the long Chinese New Year, the
North American holiday season and overall less corrosion taking place at lower winter temperatures worldwide.
Market Risk
NTIC is exposed to some market risk stemming from changes in
foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices and interest rates.
Because the functional currency of NTIC’s foreign operations
and investments in its foreign joint ventures is the applicable local currency, NTIC is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate
risk arising from transactions in the normal course of business. NTIC’s principal exchange rate exposure is with the Euro,
the Japanese Yen, Indian Rupee, Chinese Renminbi, South Korean Won and the English Pound against the U.S. Dollar. NTIC’s
fees for services provided to joint ventures and dividend distributions from these foreign entities are paid in foreign currencies
and thus fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could result in declines in NTIC’s reported net income. Since NTIC’s
investments in its joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method, any changes in foreign currency exchange rates would
be reflected as a foreign currency translation adjustment and would not change NTIC’s equity in income from joint ventures
reflected in its consolidated statements of operations. NTIC does not hedge against its foreign currency exchange rate risk.
Some raw materials used in NTIC’s products are exposed
to commodity price changes. The primary commodity price exposures are with a variety of plastic resins.
At the option of NTIC, outstanding advances under NTIC’s
$3,000,000 revolving line of credit with PNC Bank bear interest at either (a) an annual rate based on LIBOR plus 2.15% for the
applicable LIBOR interest period selected by NTIC or (b) at the rate publicly announced by PNC Bank from time to time as its prime
rate, and thus may subject NTIC to some market risk on interest rates. As of February 28, 2018, NTIC had no borrowings under the
line of credit.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
There have been no material changes to NTIC’s critical
accounting policies and estimates from the information provided in “
Part II. Item 7, Management’s Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Policies
,” included in NTIC’s
annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 2 to NTIC’s consolidated financial statements
for a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements.
Forward-Looking Statements
This quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains not only historical
information, but also forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are subject to the safe harbor created by those sections. In
addition, NTIC or others on NTIC’s behalf may make forward-looking statements from time to time in oral presentations, including
telephone conferences and/or web casts open to the public, in press releases or reports, on NTIC’s Internet web site or otherwise.
All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this report or expressed by NTIC orally from time to time
that address activities, events or developments that NTIC expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are
forward-looking statements including, in particular, the statements about NTIC’s plans, objectives, strategies and prospects
regarding, among other things, NTIC’s financial condition, results of operations and business, the outcome of contingencies
such as legal proceedings and the effect of the liquidation of Tianjin Zerust and the operations of NTIC China. NTIC has identified
some of these forward-looking statements in this report with words like “believe,” “can,” “may,”
“could,” “would,” “might,” “forecast,” “possible,” “potential,”
“project,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,”
“predict,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “approximate,” “outlook” or “continue”
or the negative of these words or other words and terms of similar meaning. The use of future dates is also an indication of a
forward-looking statement. Forward-looking statements may be contained in the notes to NTIC’s consolidated financial statements
and elsewhere in this report, including under the heading “
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations
.”
Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations
about future events affecting NTIC and are subject to uncertainties and factors that affect all businesses operating in a global
market as well as matters specific to NTIC. These uncertainties and factors are difficult to predict and many of them are beyond
NTIC’s control. The following are some of the uncertainties and factors known to us that could cause NTIC’s actual
results to differ materially from what NTIC has anticipated in its forward-looking statements:
|
·
|
The effect of current worldwide economic conditions and any turmoil and disruption in the global credit and financial markets
on NTIC’s business;
|
|
·
|
The variability in NTIC’s sales of ZERUST® products and services into oil and gas industry and Natur-Tec
®
products and NTIC’s equity income of joint ventures, which variability in sales and equity in income from joint venture in
turn, subject NTIC’s earnings to quarterly fluctuations;
|
|
·
|
Risks associated with NTIC’s international operations and exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates
and import duties and taxes;
|
|
·
|
The effect of United Kingdom’s process to exit the European Union on NTIC’s operating results, including in particular
future net sales of NTIC’s European and other joint ventures;
|
|
·
|
The health of the U.S. automotive industry on NTIC’s business;
|
|
·
|
NTIC’s dependence on the success of its joint ventures and fees and dividend distributions that NTIC receives from them;
|
|
·
|
NTIC’s relationships with its joint ventures and its ability to maintain those relationships, especially in light of
anticipated succession planning issues;
|
|
·
|
Fluctuations in the cost and availability of raw materials, including resins and other commodities;
|
|
·
|
The success of and risks associated with NTIC’s emerging new businesses and products and services, including in particular
NTIC’s ability and the ability of NTIC’s joint ventures to sell ZERUST® products and services into oil and gas
industry and Natur-Tec
®
products and the often lengthy and extensive sales process involved in selling such products
and services;
|
|
·
|
NTIC’s ability to introduce new products and services that respond to changing market conditions and customer demand;
|
|
·
|
Market acceptance of NTIC’s existing and new products, especially in light of existing and new competitive products;
|
|
·
|
Maturation of certain existing markets for NTIC’s ZERUST
®
products and services and NTIC’s ability
to grow market share and succeed in penetrating other existing and new markets;
|
|
·
|
Increased competition, especially with respect to NTIC’s ZERUST
®
products and services, and the effect
of such competition on NTIC’s and its joint ventures’ pricing, net sales and margins;
|
|
·
|
NTIC’s reliance upon and its relationships with its distributors, independent sales representatives and joint ventures;
|
|
·
|
NTIC’s reliance upon suppliers;
|
|
·
|
Oil prices, which may affect sales of NTIC’s ZERUST
®
products and services into the oil and gas industry;
|
|
·
|
NTIC’s operations in China, the termination of the joint venture agreements with Tianjin Zerust, and the anticipated
liquidation of Tianjin Zerust and the effect of all these events on NTIC’s business and future operating results;
|
|
·
|
The costs and effects of complying with laws and regulations and changes in tax, fiscal, government and other regulatory policies,
including rules relating to environmental, health and safety matters;
|
|
·
|
Unforeseen product quality or other problems in the development, production and usage of new and existing products;
|
|
·
|
Unforeseen production expenses incurred in connection with new customers and new products;
|
|
·
|
Loss of or changes in executive management or key employees;
|
|
·
|
Ability of management to manage around unplanned events;
|
|
·
|
Pending and future litigation;
|
|
·
|
NTIC’s reliance on its intellectual property rights and the absence of infringement of the intellectual property rights
of others;
|
|
·
|
NTIC’s ability to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting, especially in light of its joint venture
arrangements;
|
|
·
|
Changes in applicable laws or regulations and NTIC’s failure to comply with applicable laws, rules and regulations;
|
|
·
|
Changes in generally accepted accounting principles and the effect of new accounting pronouncements;
|
|
·
|
Fluctuations in NTIC’s effective tax rate, including from the recently enacted Tax Cuts and Jobs Act;
|
|
·
|
Effect of extreme weather conditions on NTIC’s operating results; and
|
|
·
|
NTIC’s reliance upon its management information systems.
|
For more information regarding these and other uncertainties
and factors that could cause NTIC’s actual results to differ materially from what NTIC has anticipated in its forward-looking
statements or otherwise could materially adversely affect its business, financial condition or operating results, see NTIC’s
annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017 under the heading “
Part I. Item 1A. Risk Factors
.”
All forward-looking statements included in this report are expressly
qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements. NTIC wishes to caution readers not to place undue reliance
on any forward-looking statement that speaks only as of the date made and to recognize that forward-looking statements are predictions
of future results, which may not occur as anticipated. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking
statements and from historical results, due to the uncertainties and factors described above, as well as others that NTIC may consider
immaterial or does not anticipate at this time. Although NTIC believes that the expectations reflected in its forward-looking statements
are reasonable, NTIC does not know whether its expectations will prove correct. NTIC’s expectations reflected in its forward-looking
statements can be affected by inaccurate assumptions NTIC might make or by known or unknown uncertainties and factors, including
those described above. The risks and uncertainties described above are not exclusive and further information concerning NTIC and
its business, including factors that potentially could materially affect its financial results or condition, may emerge from time
to time. NTIC assumes no obligation to update, amend or clarify forward-looking statements to reflect actual results or changes
in factors or assumptions affecting such forward-looking statements. NTIC advises you, however, to consult any further disclosures
NTIC makes on related subjects in its annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K
NTIC files with or furnishes to the Securities and Exchange Commission.