UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

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

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2016

 

OR

 

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

 

For the transition period from _________to_________

 

Commission File Number

000-23115

CTI INDUSTRIES CORPORATION

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Illinois   36-2848943
(State or other jurisdiction of   (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
incorporation or organization)    
     
22160 N. Pepper Road    
Lake Barrington, Illinois   60010
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

  (847) 382-1000  
  (Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)  

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes þ     No ¨

 

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

 

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

 

  Large accelerated filer ¨ Accelerated filer ¨ Non-accelerated filer ¨ Smaller Reporting Company þ

 

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

 

The number of shares outstanding of the Registrant’s common stock as of November 1, 2016 was 3,524,354.

 

 

 

 

INDEX

 

Part I – Financial Information  
       
Item No. 1   Financial Statements  
    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2016 (unaudited) and December 31, 2015 1
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income  (unaudited) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and  September 30, 2015 2
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015 3
    Condensed Consolidated Earnings per Share (unaudited) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015 4
    Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) 5
Item No. 2   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 16
Item No. 3   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures Regarding Market Risk 24
Item No. 4   Controls and Procedures 25
       
Part II – Other Information  
       
Item No. 1   Legal Proceedings 25
Item No. 1A   Risk Factors 25
Item No. 2   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 26
Item No. 3   Defaults Upon Senior Securities 26
Item No. 4   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 26
Item No. 5   Other Information 26
Item No. 6   Exhibits 27
       
    Signatures 28
       
    Exhibit 31.1  
    Exhibit 31.2  
    Exhibit 32  

 

 

 

 

PART 1 - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

CTI Industries Corporation and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

   September 30, 2016   December 31, 2015 
   (unaudited)     
ASSETS          
Current assets:          
Cash and cash equivalents (VIE $111,000 and $82,000, respectively)  $623,880   $346,404 
Accounts receivable, (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $132,000 and $126,000, respectively) (VIE $54,000 and $4,000, respectively)   10,180,931    11,410,999 
Inventories, net (VIE $1,292,000 and $1,264,000, respectively)   22,942,341    17,869,911 
Net deferred income tax asset   749,089    761,096 
Prepaid expenses (VIE $17,000 and $17,000, respectively)   957,138    1,057,464 
Other current assets (VIE $51,000 and $33,000, respectively)   845,198    991,297 
           
Total current assets   36,298,577    32,437,171 
           
Property, plant and equipment:          
Machinery and equipment (VIE $0 and $546,000, respectively)   26,582,044    26,847,110 
Building   3,378,006    3,360,017 
Office furniture and equipment (VIE $120,000 and $66,000, respectively)   3,614,814    3,512,613 
Intellectual property   482,088    482,088 
Land   250,000    250,000 
Leasehold improvements   405,306    624,902 
Fixtures and equipment at customer locations   3,187,724    3,174,535 
Projects under construction   629,731    773,985 
    38,529,713    39,025,250 
Less : accumulated depreciation and amortization (VIE $27,000 and $150,000, respectively)   (33,010,749)   (32,471,694)
           
Total property, plant and equipment, net   5,518,964    6,553,556 
           
Other assets:          
Deferred financing costs, net   67,528    112,615 
Goodwill (VIE $440,000 and $440,000, respectively)   1,473,176    1,473,176 
Net deferred income tax asset   1,171,071    986,181 
Other assets (due from related party $47,000 and $46,000, respectively)   467,813    242,270 
           
Total other assets   3,179,588    2,814,242 
           
TOTAL ASSETS  $44,997,129   $41,804,969 
           
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY          
Current liabilities:          
Checks written in excess of bank balance (VIE $19,000 and $8,000, respectively)  $1,513,387   $1,481,827 
Trade payables (VIE $235,000 and $238,000, respectively)   7,420,049    4,271,860 
Line of credit (VIE $426,000 and $484,000, respectively)   10,362,330    10,952,924 
Notes payable - current portion (net discount of $158,000 and $171,000, respectively) (VIE $0 and $311,000, respectively)   1,754,281    501,710 
Notes payable - officers, current portion   900,000    - 
Notes payable - affiliates, current portion   8,435    8,670 
Capital Lease - current portion   41,623    41,204 
Accrued liabilities (VIE $964,000 and $655,000, respectively)   2,968,488    2,942,481 
           
Total current liabilities   24,968,593    20,200,676 
           
Long-term liabilities:          
Notes payable - affiliates   223,539    266,835 
Notes payable, net of current portion (net of deferred financing fees of $0 and $113,000, respectively) (VIE $357,000 and $200, respectively)   5,356,747    6,665,700 
Notes payable - officers, subordinated   1,392,268    1,323,139 
Capital lease   14,283    45,351 
Deferred gain   346,074    - 
           
Total long-term debt, net of current portion   7,332,911    8,301,025 
           
Warrants Payable   893,506    714,245 
           
Total long-term liabilities   8,226,417    9,015,270 
           
Equity:          
CTI Industries Corporation stockholders’ equity:          
Preferred Stock - no par value, 2,000,000 shares authorized, 0 shares issued and outstanding   -    - 
Common stock - no par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized, 3,568,012 shares issued and 3,524,354 shares outstanding   13,898,494    13,775,994 
Paid-in-capital   2,244,849    1,577,807 
Accumulated earnings   1,414,146    1,670,788 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (4,916,462)   (4,076,318)
Less:  Treasury stock, 75,627 shares   (160,784)   (160,784)
           
Total CTI Industries Corporation stockholders’ equity   12,480,243    12,787,487 
           
Noncontrolling interest   (678,124)   (198,464)
           
Total Equity   11,802,119    12,589,023 
           
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY  $44,997,129   $41,804,969 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated unaudited financial statements

 

 1 

 

 

CTI Industries Corporation and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)

 

   For the Three Months Ended September 30,   For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 
   2016   2015   2016   2015 
                 
Net Sales  $13,476,157   $14,880,820   $42,831,655   $43,476,981 
                     
Cost of Sales   10,064,066    10,775,500    31,661,039    31,863,004 
                     
Gross profit   3,412,091    4,105,320    11,170,616    11,613,977 
                     
Operating expenses:                    
General and administrative   1,808,299    1,840,643    5,470,523    5,300,418 
Selling   977,928    862,587    3,162,083    2,425,677 
Advertising and marketing   581,143    689,244    1,643,852    2,005,643 
Loss (gain) on sale of assets   (27,700)   -    (27,700)   - 
                     
Total operating expenses   3,339,670    3,392,474    10,248,758    9,731,738 
                     
Income from operations   72,421    712,846    921,858    1,882,239 
                     
Other (expense) income:                    
Interest expense   (358,643)   (350,960)   (1,074,295)   (1,067,895)
Interest income   -    5,952    -    30,729 
Change in fair value of warrants   47,617    -    (179,261)   - 
Foreign currency gain   9,663    43,932    77,341    47,230 
                     
Total other expense, net   (301,363)   (301,076)   (1,176,215)   (989,936)
                     
Net (loss) income before taxes   (228,942)   411,770    (254,357)   892,303 
                     
Income tax (benefit) expense   (28,655)   161,280    (16,804)   386,514 
                     
Net (loss) income   (200,287)   250,490    (237,553)   505,789 
                     
Less: Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest   (19,812)   41,237    19,089    (39,754)
                     
Net (loss) income attributable to CTI Industries Corporation  $(180,475)  $209,253   $(256,642)  $545,543 
                     
Other Comprehensive (Loss)                    
Foreign currency adjustment   (236,133)   (547,475)   (840,144)   (1,009,986)
Comprehensive (loss)  $(416,608)  $(338,222)  $(1,096,786)  $(464,443)
                     
Basic (loss) income per common share  $(0.05)  $0.06   $(0.07)  $0.17 
                     
Diluted (loss) income per common share  $(0.05)  $0.06   $(0.07)  $0.16 
                     
Weighted average number of shares and equivalent shares of common stock outstanding:                    
Basic   3,541,582    3,301,116    3,541,582    3,301,116 
                     
Diluted   3,714,239    3,446,808    3,703,732    3,447,938 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated unaudited financial statements

 

 2 

 

 

CTI Industries Corporation and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

 

   For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 
   2016   2015 
         
Cash flows from operating activities:          
Net income  $(237,553)  $505,789 
Adjustment to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:          
Depreciation and amortization   1,153,688    1,379,031 
Amortization of debt discount   125,689    107,681 
Change in fair value of warrants   179,261    - 
Stock based compensation   28,719    25,486 
Amortization of deferred gain on sale/leaseback   (27,700)   - 
Provision for losses on accounts receivable   28,685    32,557 
Provision for losses on inventories   (31,259)   179,901 
Deferred income taxes   (170,653)   92,208 
Change in assets and liabilities:          
Accounts receivable   807,687    664,907 
Inventories   (5,597,774)   (688,340)
Prepaid expenses and other assets   (77,839)   106,515 
Trade payables   3,461,400    923,251 
Accrued liabilities   102,981    61,424 
           
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities   (254,668)   3,390,410 
           
           
Cash flows from investing activities:          
Proceeds from equipment sale-leaseback   783,134    - 
Cash used in investment in subsidiary   (87,500)   - 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment   (555,961)   (465,443)
           
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities   139,673    (465,443)
           
Cash flows from financing activities:          
Change in checks written in excess of bank balance   31,560    (460,401)
Net change in revolving line of credit   (590,594)   (1,911,937)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt   1,180,000    4,715 
Repayment of long-term debt (related parties $0 and $2,000)   (652,903)   (395,609)
Proceeds from issuance of stock   638,324    - 
Cash paid for deferred financing fees   -    (8,050)
Dividends Paid   -    (10,000)
Redemption of Variable Interest Entity members   (455,000)   - 
Contributions received by Variable Interest Entity   288,750    - 
           
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities   440,137    (2,781,282)
           
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash   (47,666)   (21,474)
           
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents   277,476    122,211 
           
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period   346,404    150,332 
           
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period  $623,880   $272,543 
           
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:          
Cash payments for interest  $910,414   $929,324 
           
Supplemental Disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activity          
Property, Plant & Equipment acquisitions funded by liabilities  $35,012   $47,837 
Contributed Capital to Clever Container          
Stock  $122,500   $- 
Debt  $43,750   $- 
Accounts Receivable  $183,750   $- 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated unaudited financial statements

 

 3 

 

 

CTI Industries Corporation and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Earnings per Share (unaudited)

 

   For the Three Months Ended September 30,   For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 
   2016   2015   2016   2015 
Basic                    
Average shares outstanding:                    
Weighted average number of common shares  outstanding   3,541,582    3,301,116    3,541,582    3,301,116 
                     
Net income:                    
Net (loss) income attributable to CTI Industries Corporation  $(180,475)  $209,253   $(256,642)  $545,543 
                     
Per share amount  $(0.05)  $0.06   $(0.07)  $0.17 
                     
Diluted                    
Average shares outstanding:                    
Weighted average number of common shares  outstanding   3,541,582    3,301,116    3,541,582    3,301,116 
                     
Effect of dilutive shares   172,657    145,692    162,150    146,822 
                     
Weighted average number of shares and equivalent shares of common stock outstanding   3,714,239    3,446,808    3,703,732    3,447,938 
                     
Net income:                    
Net (loss) income attributable to CTI Industries Corporation  $(180,475)  $209,253   $(256,642)  $545,543 
                     
Per share amount  $(0.05)  $0.06   $(0.07)  $0.16 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated unaudited financial statements

 

 4 

 

 

CTI Industries Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 1 – Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying condensed (a) consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2015, which has been derived from audited consolidated financial statements, and (b) the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared and, in the opinion of management, contain all the adjustments (consisting of those of a normal recurring nature) considered necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position and the consolidated statements of comprehensive income and consolidated cash flows for the periods presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles for interim consolidated financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 8 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2016. It is suggested that these condensed consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.

 

Principles of consolidation and nature of operations:

 

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CTI Industries Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, CTI Balloons Limited and CTI Supply, Inc., its majority-owned subsidiaries, Flexo Universal, S. de R.L. de C.V. and CTI Europe gmbH, as well as the accounts of Venture Leasing S. A. de R. L., Venture Leasing L.L.C and Clever Container Company, L.L.C. (the “Company”). The last three entities have been consolidated as variable interest entities. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company (i) designs, manufactures and distributes balloon products throughout the world, (ii) operates systems for the production, lamination, coating and printing of films used for food packaging and other commercial uses and for conversion of films to flexible packaging containers and other products, and (iii) distributes vacuum sealing products and home organization products in the United States.

 

Variable Interest Entities (“VIE’s”):

 

The determination of whether or not to consolidate a variable interest entity under U.S. GAAP requires a significant amount of judgment concerning the degree of control over an entity by its holders of variable interest. To make these judgments, management has conducted an analysis of the relationship of the holders of variable interest to each other, the design of the entity, the expected operations of the entity, which holder of variable interests is most “closely associated” to the entity and which holder of variable interests is the primary beneficiary required to consolidate the entity. Upon the occurrence of certain events, management reviews and reconsiders its previous conclusion regarding the status of an entity as a variable interest entity. There are three entities that have been consolidated as variable interest entities.

 

 5 

 

 

Use of estimates:

 

In preparing condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amount of revenue and expenses during the reporting period in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from those estimates. The Company’s significant estimates include reserves for doubtful accounts, reserves for the lower of cost or market of inventory, reserves for deferred tax assets and recovery value of goodwill.

 

Earnings per share:

 

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each period.

 

Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing the net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock and equivalents (stock options and warrants), unless anti-dilutive, during each period.

 

As of September 30, 2016 and 2015, shares to be issued upon the exercise of options and warrants aggregated 288,048 and 343,548, respectively. The number of anti-dilutive shares (not included in the determination of earnings on a diluted basis) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were 0 and 174,000, respectively, all of which were represented by options.

 

Significant Accounting Policies:

 

The Company’s significant accounting policies are summarized in Note 2 of the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015. There were no significant changes to these accounting policies during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016.

 

Reclassification:

 

Certain 2015 amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2016 presentation.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements:

 

In 2014, the FASB issued guidance on revenue recognition, which provides for a single five-step model to be applied to all revenue contracts with customers. The guidance also requires additional financial statement disclosures that will enable users to understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows relating to customer contracts. The guidance provides an option to use either a retrospective approach or a cumulative effect adjustment approach to implement the guidance. In 2015, the FASB issued a deferral of the effective date of the guidance to 2018, with early adoption permitted in 2017. In 2016, the FASB issued final amendments clarifying the implementation guidance for principal versus agent considerations, identifying performance obligations and the accounting of intellectual property licenses. In addition, the FASB introduced practical expedients related to disclosures of remaining performance obligations, as well as other amendments to guidance on collectibility, non-cash consideration and the presentation of sales and other similar taxes. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our financial statements and the timing of adoption, and have not yet selected a transition approach.

 

 6 

 

 

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Cost . The ASU requires debt issuance costs associated with a recognized debt liability to be presented on the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the corresponding debt liability. This new guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. An entity should apply the new guidance on a retrospective basis. We adopted this ASU effective with the first quarter of fiscal year 2016. The adoption of this accounting standard update did not have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements.

 

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory . Under this ASU, inventory will be measured at the “lower of cost and net realizable value” and options that currently exist for “market value” will be eliminated. The ASU defines net realizable value as the “estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation.” No other changes were made to the current guidance on inventory measurement. ASU 2015-11 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early application is permitted and should be applied prospectively. We do not expect the adoption of this accounting standard update to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes , to eliminate the current requirements to classify deferred income tax assets and liabilities between current and noncurrent. To simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes, the amendments in this update require that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. For public business entities, the amendments in this update are effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. Earlier application is permitted for all entities as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. We are continuing to evaluate the impact of ASU 2015-17 on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases ( Topic 842), aimed at making leasing activities more transparent and comparable. The new standard requires substantially all leases be recognized by lessees on their balance sheet as a right-of-use asset and corresponding lease liability, including today’s operating leases. For public business entities, the standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years, although early adoption is allowed. For all other entities, the standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. Early application is permitted for all entities. We are continuing to evaluate the impact of ASU 2016-02 on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

 

On March 30, 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Updated No. 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2016-09”). Among other things, ASU 2016-09 requires that entities recognize tax benefits and deficiencies related to employee share-based payment transactions as income tax expense or benefit. ASU 2016-09 also eliminates the requirement to reclassify excess tax benefits and deficiencies from operating activities to financing activities in the statement of cash flows. The guidance is effective for the annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

On August 26, 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230), a consensus of the FASB’s Emerging Issues Task Force (“ASU 2016-15”). The new guidance amends Accounting Standards Codification No. 230 (“ASC 230”) to add or clarify guidance on the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows. ASC 230 lacks consistent principles for evaluating the classification of cash payments and receipts in the statement of cash flows. This has led to diversity in practice and, in certain circumstances, financial statement restatements. Therefore, the FASB issued the ASU 2016-15 with the intent of reducing diversity in practice with respect to eight types of cash flows. ASU 2016-15 is effective for annual and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and is effective for the Company for the year ending December 31, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the implementation of this standard will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

 7 

 

 

Note 2 – Stock-Based Compensation; Changes in Equity

 

The Company has adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 718 which requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the condensed consolidated financial statements based on their grant-date fair values.

 

The Company has applied the Black-Scholes model to value stock-based awards and issued warrants related to notes payable. That model incorporates various assumptions in the valuation of stock-based awards relating to the risk-free rate of interest to be applied, the estimated dividend yield and expected volatility of our common stock. The risk-free rate of interest is the related U.S. Treasury yield curve for periods within the expected term of the option at the time of grant. The dividend yield on our common stock is estimated to be 0%, as the Company did not issue dividends during 2016 and 2015. The expected volatility is based on historical volatility of the Company’s common stock.

 

The Company’s net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and net income in 2015 includes approximately $5,000 and $7,000, respectively, of compensation costs related to share based payments. The Company’s net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and net income in 2015 includes approximately $29,000 and $25,000, respectively, of compensation costs related to share based payments. As of September 30, 2016 there is $31,000 of unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock option grants and stock grants. We expect approximately $5,000 of additional stock-based compensation expense to be recognized over the remainder of 2016, $15,000 to be recognized during 2017, $7,000 to be recognized during 2018, $3,000 to be recognized during 2019 and $1,000 to be recognized during 2020.

 

As of September 30, 2016, the Company had three stock-based compensation plans pursuant to which stock options were, or may be, granted. The Plans provide for the award of options, which may either be incentive stock options (“ISOs”) within the meaning of Section 422A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) or non-qualified options (“NQOs”) which are not subject to special tax treatment under the Code, as well as for stock grants.

 

 8 

 

 

On April 10, 2009, the Board of Directors approved for adoption, and on June 5, 2009, the shareholders of the Corporation approved, a 2009 Stock Incentive Plan (“2009 Plan”). The 2009 Plan authorizes the issuance of up to 250,000 shares of stock or options to purchase stock of the Company (including cancelled shares reissued under the plan.) As of September 30, 2016, options for 250,000 shares had been granted and options for 148,000 shares remain outstanding.

 

A summary of the Company’s stock option activity and related information is as follows:

 

   Shares
under
Option
   Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
   Weighted
Average 
Remaining
Contractual
Life
   Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
 
Balance at December 31, 2015   154,000   $5.25    2.9   $1,450 
Granted   -                
Cancelled/Expired   (6,000)  $5.96           
Exercised   -                
Outstanding at September 30, 2016   148,000   $5.22    2.2   $172,850 
                     
Exercisable at September 30, 2016   88,000   $5.20    1.5   $104,658 

 

On July 17, 2012, the Company entered into a Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement with BMO Private Equity (U.S.), Inc. (“BMO Equity”) pursuant to which (i) BMO Equity advanced to the Company the sum of $5 million and (ii) the Company issued to BMO Equity a warrant to purchase up to Four Percent (4%) of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company on a fully-diluted basis (140,048 shares of common stock of the Company) at the price of One Cent ($0.01) per share. The term of the loan provided for in this Agreement is five and a half years. Interest is payable on the outstanding balance of the loan at the rate of 11.5% per annum. As of September 30, 2016, the Company was in compliance with all of the financial covenants under the Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement.

 

 9 

 

 

On July 29, 2016, the Company and certain accredited investors entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement wherein the investors purchased 152,850 shares of common stock of the Company at a price of $6.00 per share. As additional consideration for the purchases of the shares in the offering, each investor received, with each share of common stock purchased, one-half of a warrant, with one warrant entitling the investor to purchase one share of the Company’s common stock at the price of $7.00. The warrants are exercisable between six months and three years from the investment date. As a result of the completion of the sale under the Purchase Agreement, warrants to purchase 76,425 shares of common stock at $7.00 per share were issued.

 

In addition to the Purchase Agreement, the Company and each of the investors entered into a Registration Rights Agreement pursuant to which the Company agreed to file a Registration Statement with the SEC to register the common stock sold to the investors.

 

A summary of the Company’s stock warrant activity and related information is as follows:

 

   Shares
under
Warrant
   Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
   Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life
   Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
 
Balance at December 31, 2015   140,048   $0.01    6.55   $714,245 
Granted   76,675   $7.00    2.8    - 
Cancelled                    
Exercised                    
Outstanding at September 30, 2016   216,723   $2.48    4.75   $893,506 
                     
Exercisable at September 30, 2016   -    -    -    - 

 

A summary of the Company’s stock option activity by grant date as of September 30, 2016 is as follows:

 

   Options Outstanding   Options Vested 
Options by
Grant Date
  Shares   Weighted
Avg.
   Remain.
Life
   Intrinsic
Val
   Shares   Weighted
Avg.
   Remain.
Life
   Intrinsic Val 
Dec 2005   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    - 
Dec 2010   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    - 
Jan 2011   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    - 
Nov 2012   94,000   $5.17    1.2   $114,680    75,200   $5.17    1.2   $91,744 
Nov 2013   5,000   $5.75    2.1   $3,200    3,000   $5.75    2.1   $1,920 
Dec 2015   49,000   $5.27    4.3   $54,970    9,800   $5.27    4.3   $10,994 
TOTAL   148,000   $5.22    2.2   $172,850    88,000   $5.20    1.5   $104,658 

 

The aggregate intrinsic value in the tables above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the last trading day of the quarter ended September 30, 2016 and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holders had all the holders exercised their options on September 30, 2016.

 

Note 3 – Legal Proceedings

 

The Company is party to certain claims or actions arising in the normal course of business. The ultimate outcome of these matters is unknown but, in the opinion of management, the resolution of these matters is not expected to have a significant effect on the future financial position or results of operations of the Company.

 

Note 4 – Other Comprehensive Loss

 

In the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 the company incurred other comprehensive losses of $236,000 and $840,000, respectively, all from foreign currency translation adjustments.

 

 10 

 

 

The following table sets forth the accumulated balance of other comprehensive loss and each component.

 

   Foreign Currency Items   Total Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Loss
 
         
Beginning balance as of January 1, 2016  $(4,076,318)  $(4,076,318)
           
Current period change, net of tax   (840,144)   (840,144)
           
Ending Balance as of September 30, 2016   (4,916,462)   (4,916,462)

 

Note 5 – Inventories, Net

 

   September 30,
2016
   December 31,
2015
 
Raw materials  $3,793,301   $2,770,636 
Work in process   2,366,341    2,198,981 
Finished goods   17,563,321    13,723,090 
Allowance for excess quantities   (780,622)   (822,796)
Total inventories  $22,942,341   $17,869,911 

 

Note 6 – Geographic Segment Data

 

The Company has determined that it operates primarily in one business segment that designs, manufactures and distributes film and film related products for use in packaging, storage and novelty balloon products. The Company operates in foreign and domestic regions. Information about the Company’s operations by geographic area is as follows:

 

 11 

 

 

   Net Sales to Outside Customers   Net Sales to Outside Customers 
   For the Three Months Ended   For the Nine Months Ended 
   September 30,   September 30, 
   2016   2015   2016   2015 
                 
United States  $10,392,000   $11,377,000   $33,527,000   $33,904,000 
Europe   761,000    374,000    1,927,000    1,031,000 
Mexico   1,723,000    2,606,000    5,438,000    6,867,000 
United Kingdom   600,000    524,000    1,940,000    1,675,000 
   $13,476,000   $14,881,000   $42,832,000   $43,477,000 

 

   Total Assets at 
   September 30,   December 31, 
   2016   2015 
         
United States  $33,121,000   $30,772,000 
Europe   2,391,000    1,562,000 
Mexico   7,871,000    7,680,000 
United Kingdom   1,594,000    1,791,000 
   $44,977,000   $41,805,000 

 

Note 7 – Concentration of Credit Risk

 

Concentration of credit risk with respect to trade accounts receivable is generally limited due to the large number of entities comprising the Company’s customer base. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations and provides an allowance for potential credit losses against the portion of accounts receivable which is estimated to be uncollectible. Such losses have historically been within management’s expectations. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, there were two customers whose purchases represented more than 10% of the Company’s consolidated net sales, respectively. Sales to these customers for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 are as follows:

 

   Three Months Ended   Three Months Ended 
   September 30, 2016   September 30, 2015 
Customer  Net Sales   % of Net
Sales
   Net Sales   % of Net
Sales
 
Customer A  $3,088,000    22.9%  $3,256,000    21.9%
Customer B  $3,070,000    22.8%  $2,282,000    15.3%

 

 12 

 

 

   Nine Months Ended   Nine Months Ended 
   September 30, 2016   September 30, 2015 
Customer  Net Sales   % of Net
Sales
   Net Sales   % of Net
Sales
 
Customer A  $11,859,000    27.7%  $11,660,000    26.8%
Customer B  $7,870,000    18.4%  $6,091,000    14.0%

 

As of September 30, 2016, the total amounts owed to the Company by these customers were approximately $1,411,000 or 13.9%, and $2,653,000 or 26.1%, of the Company’s consolidated net accounts receivable, respectively. The amounts owed at September 30, 2015 by these customers were approximately $1,957,000 or 19.3%, and $1,972,000 or 19.5% of the Company’s consolidated net accounts receivable, respectively.

 

Note 8 – Related Party Transactions

 

Stephen M. Merrick, President of the Company, is of counsel to the law firm of Vanasco Genelly and Miller PC which provides legal services to the Company. Legal fees paid by the Company to this firm for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, were $57,000 and $22,000. Legal fees paid by the Company to this firm for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, were $128,000 and $114,000.

 

Interest payments have been made or accrued to John H. Schwan, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, for loans made to the Company. During the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, these interest accruals totaled $23,000 and $22,000, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, these interest accruals totaled $69,000 and $64,000, respectively.

 

On July 1, 2011, Flexo Universal, S.R.L. de C.V. (“Flexo”) entered into a lease agreement with Venture Leasing S.A. de R.L. (“Venture Leasing Mexico”) for the lease of balloon production equipment financed and owned by Venture Leasing Mexico and used by Flexo for the production of latex balloons. Venture Leasing Mexico is wholly owned by entities owned by John H. Schwan, Chief Executive Officer of the Company and Stephen M. Merrick, President of the Company. Venture Leasing Mexico and Venture Leasing L.L.C., also owned by entities owned by Mr. Schwan and Mr. Merrick, are deemed variable interest entities and are consolidated with the accounts of the Company. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, Flexo made lease payments to Venture Leasing Mexico totaling $0 and $65,000. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, Flexo made lease payments to Venture Leasing Mexico totaling $36,000 and $108,000. In May 2016, Flexo purchased the balloon production equipment from Venture Leasing Mexico and the lease was terminated.

 

John H. Schwan, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, through an investment entity, and Stephen M. Merrick, President of the Company, also through an investment entity own, in aggregate, a 50% interest in Clever Container Company L.L.C., an Illinois limited liability company (“Clever Container”). The Company owns a 28.5% interest in Clever Container. During the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, Clever Container purchased various products from the Company in the amount of $191,000 and $127,000, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, Clever Container purchased various products from the Company in the amount of $669,000 and $352,000, respectively. As of September 30, 2016 and 2015, the balance of accounts receivable from Clever Container to the Company were $192,000 and $498,000, respectively.

 

On September 30, 2016, John H. Schwan advanced to the Company the sum of $530,000 and on the same date, Stephen M. Merrick advanced to the Company the sum of $370,000 to provide short-term working capital to the Company to fund the Company’s obligation to purchase and produce inventory for a substantial order for vacuum sealing systems to be delivered in November 2016. In consideration of such advances, the Company issued a Promissory Note to Mr. Schwan in the principal amount of $530,000 and to Mr. Merrick in the amount of $370,000 dated September 30, 2016 and bearing interest at the rate of 6% per annum. Effective on the same date, Mr. Schwan and Mr. Merrick entered into Subordination Agreements with BMO Harris and BMO equity pursuant to which each of them agreed to subordinate the Company’s obligation to them under the Promissory Notes to the Company’s obligations to BMO Harris and BMO Equity, subject to certain rights of payment as provided in the Agreements. Further, effective on September 30, 2016, the Company and BMO Harris entered into Amendment No. 9 to the Credit Agreement and the Company and BMO Equity entered into Amendment No. 4 to the Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement pursuant to which each of BMO Harris and BMO Equity agreed to consent to payments of principal and interest to Mr. Schwan and Mr. Merrick under the Promissory Notes out of the proceeds received by the Company from the sale of vacuum sealing machines to a major retail chain in a promotional program.

 

 13 

 

 

Note 9 – Derivative Instruments; Fair Value

 

The following tables represents information about the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, and indicate the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Company to determine such fair value:

 

   Amount as of             
Description  9/30/2016   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3 
                 
Warrant Liability  $894,000    -   $894,000    - 
                     
   $894,000    -   $894,000    - 

 

   Amount as of             
Description  12/31/2015   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3 
                 
Warrant Liability  $714,000    -   $714,000    - 
                     
   $714,000        $714,000      

  

 14 

 

 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

Forward Looking Statements

 

This quarterly report includes both historical and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future results. Words such as “may,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” or similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Although we believe that our opinions and expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements, and our actual results may differ substantially from the views and expectations set forth in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q. We disclaim any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date of this quarterly report to conform such statements to actual results or to changes in our opinions or expectations.

 

Overview

 

We produce film products for novelty, packaging and container applications. These products include foil balloons, latex balloons and related latex toy products, films for packaging and custom product applications, and flexible containers for packaging and consumer storage applications. We produce all of our film products for packaging, container applications and foil balloons at our plant in Lake Barrington, Illinois. We produce all of our latex balloons and latex products at our facility in Guadalajara, Mexico. Substantially all of our film products for packaging and custom product applications are sold to customers in the United States. We market and sell our novelty items and flexible containers for consumer use in the United States, Mexico, Latin America, and Europe. We also market and sell vacuum sealing machines which we purchase from a supplier and we market and sell home organizing and container products.

 

Results of Operations

 

Net Sales. For the three months ended September 30, 2016, net sales were $13,476,000 compared to net sales of $14,881,000 for the same period of 2015, a decrease of 9.4%. For the quarters ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, net sales by product category were as follows:

 

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   Three Months Ended 
   September 30, 2016   September 30, 2015 
   $   % of   $   % of 
Product Category  (000) Omitted   Net Sales   (000) Omitted   Net Sales 
                 
Foil Balloons   6,178    46%   5,253    35%
                     
Latex Balloons   1,875    14%   2,613    18%
                     
Vacuum Sealing Products   2,594    19%   3,983    27%
                     
Film Products   1,137    8%   1,409    9%
                     
Home Organization Products   1,288    10%   1,121    8%
                     
Other Sales   404    3%   502    3%
                     
Total   13,476    100%   14,881    100%

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, net sales were $42,832,000 compared to net sales of $43,477,000 for the same period of 2015, a decrease of 1.5%. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, net sales by product category were as follows:

 

   Nine Months Ended 
   September 30, 2016   September 30, 2015 
   $   % of   $   % of 
Product Category  (000) Omitted   Net Sales   (000) Omitted   Net Sales 
                 
Foil Balloons   20,540    48%   18,607    43%
                     
Latex Balloons   6,182    14%   7,221    17%
                     
Vacuum Sealing Products   7,362    17%   9,446    22%
                     
Film Products   3,508    8%   3,289    8%
                     
Home Organization Products   4,243    10%   2,690    5%
                     
Other Sales   997    3%   2,224    5%
                     
Total   42,832    100%   43,477    100%

 

Foil Balloons. During the three months ended September 30, 2016, revenues from the sale of foil balloons increased by 17.6% compared to the prior year period from $5,253,000 to $6,178,000. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, revenues from the sale of foil balloons increased by 10.4% compared to the prior year period from $18,607,000 to $20,540,000. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, foil balloon sales to our largest customer increased to $11,825,000 from $11,335,000 for the same period last year. Sales of foil balloons to other customers increased by 19.8% to $8,715,000 from $7,272,000 for the same period last year. These sales to various customers include sales in the United States, Mexico, the United Kingdom and Europe.

 

Latex Balloons. During the three months ended September 30, 2016, revenues from the sale of latex balloons decreased by 28.2% compared to the prior year period from $2,613,000 to $1,875,000. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, revenues from the sale of latex balloons decreased by 14.4% compared to the prior year period from $7,221,000 to $6,182,000. The decline in sales is attributable principally to (i) the reduced Dollar value of sales denominated in the Mexican Peso during those periods due to the decline of the Peso in relation to the Dollar, (ii) a reduction in sales to customers in Central and South America, and (iii) production shortfalls during portions of the period.

 

 17 

 

 

Vacuum Sealing Products. During the three months ended September 30, 2016, revenues from the sale of pouches and vacuum sealing machines decreased by 34.8% compared to the prior year from $3,983,000 to $2,594,000. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, revenues from the sale of pouches and vacuum sealing machines decreased by 22.1% compared to the prior year from $9,446,000 to $7,362,000. The decline in revenues for the nine month period is attributable to the decline in sales of zippered pouches from $2,060,000 in the first nine months of 2015 to $122,000 in the first nine months of 2016. Most of the sales of zippered pouches were to a principal customer. Sales to that customer ceased after the first quarter of this year and the customer has advised us that they will not be purchasing the product on an ongoing basis. However, we are introducing a new line of zippered pouch products under the brand Clever Fresh™ to be sold through Clever Container from which we anticipate new revenues of zippered pouch product. With respect to our branded vacuum sealing systems, sales for the quarter decreased to $2,594,000 from $3,137,000 for the same period last year and sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 decreased to $7,240,000 from $7,386,000 in the same period last year. We have received orders for vacuum sealing system products for the fourth quarter exceeding $8 million and anticipate that our sales of branded vacuum sealing systems will reach at least $17 million for 2016 compared to 2015 sales in that line of $10,624,000.

 

Films. During the three months ended September 30, 2016, revenues from the sale of laminated film products decreased by 19.3% compared to the prior year period from $1,409,000 to $1,137,000. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, revenues from the sale of laminated film products increased by 6.7% compared to the prior year period from $3,289,000 to $3,508,000. Virtually all of the sales of this product line were to a single long-term customer.

 

Home Organizing Products. During the three months ended September 30, 2016, revenues from the sale of home organizing products increased by 14.9% compared to the prior year period from $1,121,000 to $1,288,000. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, revenues from the sale of home organizing products increased by 57.7% compared to the prior year period from $2,690,000 to $4,243,000. We engage in direct sales of home organizing products through Clever Container Company, LLC. We now have a 28.5% direct ownership interest in Clever Container and the results of its operations are consolidated with those of the Company as a variable interest entity. Clever Container engages in the direct sales of home organizing products and containers (including certain products produced by the Company) through a network of independent consultants throughout the United States.

 

Other Revenues. During the three months ended September 30, 2016, revenues from the sale of various other products decreased by 19.5% to $404,000 compared to revenues from other products in the same period in 2015 of $502,000. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, revenues from the sale of various other products decreased by 55.2% to $997,000 compared to revenues from other products in the same period in 2015 of $2,224,000. The revenues from the sale of other products during 2016 include (i) sales of a line of “Candy Blossoms” and “Candy Loons” consisting of candy and small inflated balloons sold in small containers and (ii) the sale of accessories and supply items related to balloon products.

 

Sales to a limited number of customers continue to represent a large percentage of our net sales. The table below illustrates the impact on sales of our top three and ten customers for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015.

 

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   Three Months Ended September 30,   Nine Months Ended September 30, 
   % of Sales   % of Sales 
   2016   2015   2016   2015 
                 
Top 3 Customers   53.9%   46.5%   54.0%   48.3%
                     
Top 10 Customers   70.0%   68.6%   68.3%   67.2%

 

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, there were two customers whose purchases represented more than 10% of the Company’s consolidated net sales. Sales to these customers for the three months ended September 30, 2016 were $3,088,000 or 22.9%, and $3,070,000 or 22.8%, of consolidated net sales, respectively. Sales to these customers for the three months ended September 30, 2015 were $3,256,000 or 21.9%, and $2,282,000 or 15.3%, of consolidated net sales, respectively. Sales to these customers for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 were $11,859,000 or 27.7%, and $7,870,000 or 18.4%, of consolidated net sales, respectively. Sales to these customers for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 were $11,660,000 or 26.8%, and $6,091,000 or 14.0%, of consolidated net sales, respectively. The amounts owed at September 30, 2016 by these customers were $1,411,000 or 15.7%, and $2,653,000 or 29.4%, of the Company’s consolidated net accounts receivable, respectively. As of September 30, 2015, the total amounts owed to the Company by these customers were $1,957,000 or 19.3% and $1,972,000 or 19.5% of the Company’s consolidated net accounts receivable, respectively.

 

Cost of Sales. During the three months ended September 30, 2016, the cost of sales represented 74.7% of net sales compared to 72.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2015. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the cost of sales represented 73.9% of net sales compared to 73.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The increase in the cost of sales is the result principally of the decline in gross margins we have experienced in relation to the sale of latex balloons, resulting from the decline in the value of the Mexican Peso in relation to the dollar.

 

General and Administrative. During the three months ended September 30, 2016, general and administrative expenses were $1,808,000 or 13.4% of net sales, compared to $1,840,000 or 12.4% of net sales for the same period in 2015. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, general and administrative expenses were $5,471,000 or 12.8% of net sales, compared to $5,300,000 or 12.2% of net sales for the same period in 2015.

 

Selling. During the three months ended September 30, 2016, selling expenses were $978,000 or 7.3% of net sales, compared to $863,000 or 5.8% of net sales for the same period in 2015. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, selling expenses were $3,162,000 or 7.4% of net sales, compared to $2,426,000 or 5.6% of net sales for the same period in 2015. The increase in selling expense is attributable principally to an increase in commissions to clever container consultants.

 

Advertising and Marketing. During the three months ended September 30, 2016, advertising and marketing expenses were $581,000 or 4.3% of net sales for the period, compared to $689,000 or 4.6% of net sales for the same period of 2015. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, advertising and marketing expenses were $1,644,000 or 3.8% of net sales for the period, compared to $2,006,000 or 4.6% of net sales for the same period of 2015.

 

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Other Income (Expense). During the three months ended September 30, 2016, the Company incurred interest expense of $359,000, compared to interest expense during the same period of 2015 in the amount of $345,000. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company incurred interest expense of $1,074,000, compared to interest expense during the same period of 2015 in the amount of $1,037,000. In addition to interest expense, there is a variable charge relating to the change in value of our outstanding warrants issued in connection with our mezzanine loan by reason of change in market price of our common stock. The amount of that change was ($48,000) in the third quarter compared to $18,000 in the third quarter of 2015.

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2016, the Company had a foreign currency transaction gain of $10,000 compared to a foreign currency transaction gain of $44,000 during the same period of 2015. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company had a foreign currency transaction gain of $77,000 compared to a foreign currency transaction gain of $47,000 during the same period of 2015.

 

Income Taxes. For the three months ended September 30, 2016, the Company reported a consolidated income tax benefit of $29,000, compared to a consolidated income tax expense of $161,000 for the same period of 2015. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company reported a consolidated income tax benefit of $17,000, compared to a consolidated income tax expense of $387,000 for the same period of 2015.

 

Net Income. For the three months ended September 30, 2016, the Company had net loss of ($180,000) or ($0.05) per share (basic and diluted,) compared to net income of $209,000 for the same period of 2015 or $0.06 per share (basic and diluted.) For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company had net loss of ($257,000) or ($0.07) per share (basic and diluted,) compared to net income of $546,000 for the same period of 2015 or $0.17 per share (basic) and $0.16 per share (diluted.) For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company had income from operations of $922,000 compared to income from operations during the same period in 2015 of $1,882,000.

 

Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Cash Flow Items.

 

Operating Activities. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, net cash used in operations was $255,000, compared to net cash provided by operations during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 of $3,390,000.

 

Significant changes in working capital items during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 included:

 

·A decrease in accounts receivable of $808,000 compared to a decrease in accounts receivable of $665,000 in the same period of 2015.
·An increase in inventory of $5,598,000 compared to an increase in inventory of $688,000 in 2015.

 

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·An increase in prepaid expenses of $78,000 compared to a decrease in prepaid expenses of $107,000 in 2015.
·An increase in trade payables of $3,461,000 compared to an increase in trade payables of $923,000 in 2015.
·An increase in accrued liabilities of $107,000 compared to an increase in accrued liabilities of $61,000 in 2015.

 

The increase in inventory is attributable principally to the purchase and production of inventory for a significant sale of vacuum sealing systems in the fourth quarter, as well as the purchase of raw materials and production of inventory for anticipated balloon sales in the fourth quarter. We anticipate significant reductions in inventory and trade payables, and significant increases in receivables during the fourth quarter as we fulfill large orders for vacuum sealing systems and balloons during that period.

 

Investing Activity. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, cash provided by investing activity was $140,000, compared to cash used in investing activity for the same period of 2015 in the amount of $465,000. Substantially all of these proceeds are related to the sale of equipment.

 

Financing Activities. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, cash provided by financing activities was $440,000 compared to cash used in financing activities for the same period of 2015 in the amount of $2,781,000.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources. At September 30, 2016, the Company had cash balances of $624,000 compared to cash balances of $273,000 for the same period in 2015 and there was $2,830,000 available to advance under the Company’s revolving line of credit.

 

At September 30, 2016, the Company had a working capital balance of $11,332,000 compared to a working capital balance of $12,236,000 at December 31, 2015.

 

The Company’s liquidity is dependent significantly on its bank financing and the Company relies on its revolving line of credit to maintain liquidity. On April 29, 2010, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement with BMO Harris Bank N.A. (“BMO Harris”). Under the Credit Agreement, BMO Harris agreed to provide loans and credits to the Company in the aggregate maximum amount of $14,417,000. The arrangement included:

 

i.A revolving credit line up to a maximum amount of $9,000,000 based upon a borrowing base of 85% of eligible receivables and 60% of eligible inventory (up to a maximum of $5,000,000);
ii.A mortgage loan in the principal amount of $2,333,350, amortized over 25 years;
iii.A term loan in the principal amount of $583,333 maturing in monthly principal installments of $58,333; and
iv.An equipment loan commitment in the amount of up to $2,500,000 providing for loan advances from time to time until April 29, 2012 based upon 100% of the purchase price of equipment purchased, the loans to be amortized on a five year basis commencing April 29, 2012.

 

The Credit Agreement included various representations, warranties and covenants of the Company, including various financial covenants.

 

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In connection with the Credit Agreement, the Company executed and delivered to BMO Harris, a Term Loan Note, a Mortgage Loan Note, an Equipment Note and a Revolving Note, as well as a form of Mortgage, Security Agreement, Pledge Agreement (pursuant to which shares of capital stock of the Registrant’s Mexico subsidiary were pledged as security for the loans), Patent Security Agreement and Trademark Security Agreement. Two officers and principal shareholders of the Company, John H. Schwan and Stephen M. Merrick each executed Subordination Agreements with respect to obligations of the Company to them.

 

The Credit Agreement, as amended, provides that the outstanding balance of all loans under the agreement will bear interest with reference to a base rate or, at the option of the Company, with reference to an adjusted LIBOR. At September 30, 2016, the effective rate on the outstanding loan balances was 3.75%.

 

As of September 30, 2016, the outstanding balances on the loans with BMO Harris were: (i) revolving line of credit, $9,936,522, (ii) mortgage loan, $1,734,457, and (iii) equipment loan, $133,937.

 

On July 17, 2012, the Company entered into Amendment Number 3 to the Credit Agreement among the Company and BMO Harris pursuant to which (i) the amount of the loan commitment on the revolver loan of BMO Harris was increased from $9 million to $12 million, (ii) BMO Harris consented to a transaction among the Company and BMO Private Equity (U.S.), Inc. (“BMO Equity”) and (iii) the term of credit and loans to the Company provided in the Credit Agreement and BMO Harris was extended to July 17, 2017.

 

Also, on July 17, 2012, the Company entered into a Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement with BMO Equity pursuant to which (i) BMO Equity advanced to the Company the sum of $5 million and (ii) the Company issued to BMO Equity a warrant to purchase up to Four Percent (4%) of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company on a fully-diluted basis (140,048 shares of common stock of the Company) at the price of One Cent ($0.01) per share. The term of the loan provided for in this Agreement is five and a half years. Interest is payable on the outstanding balance of the loan at the rate of 11.5% per annum.

 

The Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement included provisions for:

 

(i)         a closing fee of $100,000

 

(ii)        payment of the principal amount in five and a half years with optional prepayment subject to certain prepayment premiums;

 

(iii)       security for the note obligations in all assets of the Company junior to the security interest of BMO Harris;

 

(iv)      various representations and warranties and covenants of the Company;

 

(v)       financial covenants including an applicable senior leverage ratio, fixed charge coverage ratio and tangible net worth amount.

 

On April 12, 2013, the Company entered into Amendment No. 4 to the Credit Agreement among the Company and BMO Harris, and Amendment No. 1 to the Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement among the Company and BMO Equity. In the Amendments, non-compliance with financial covenants prior to the date of the Amendments was waived and both the Credit Agreement and the Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement were amended (i) to modify the Senior Leverage Ratio and Total Leverage Ratio requirements for the fiscal quarter ending June 30, 2013 and each quarter thereafter during the term of the Credit Agreement and the Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement and (ii) to modify the definitions of EBITDA and Total Funded Debt in the Credit Agreement and the Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement.

 

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On December 23, 2014, the Company entered into Amendment No. 5 to the Credit Agreement among the Company and BMO Harris, and Amendment No. 2 to the Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement among the Company and BMO Equity. In the Amendments, BMO Harris and BMO Equity waived certain anticipated events of default as of December 31, 2014 by the Company with respect the amount of capital expenditures and the change of name of a subsidiary, and both the Credit Agreement and the Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement were amended (i) to exclude from the definition of Senior Funded Debt and Total Funded Debt certain indebtedness of a variable interest entity, (ii) to require the Company to provide financial reports and variance reports to the Bank within 45 days after the end of each calendar month, (iii) to change the Senior Leverage Ratio and Total Leverage Ratio requirements for fiscal quarters ending December 31, 2014 and for each fiscal quarter thereafter to the maturity of the loans, and (iv) to provide for the engagement by the Company of a financial consultant to provide business financial planning and advisory services to the Company.

 

On October 13, 2015, the Company entered into Amendment No. 6 to the Credit Agreement among the Company and BMO Harris. Pursuant to the terms of the Amendment, the company will be able to obtain advances under the revolving line of credit with BMO Harris in the amount provided for in the borrowing base formula plus an overadvance amount of up to $1 million, up to a total maximum amount under the revolving line of credit of $12 million. The provision for the overadvance amount is available to the company for the period from October 1, 2015 to April 30, 2016. On April 29, 2016, the term under which the overadvance of $1 million is available to the Company was extended to July 31, 2016.

 

On July 29, 2016, the Company and certain accredited investors entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement in which the investors purchased 152,850 shares of common stock at the price of $6.00 per share. As additional consideration for the purchase of shares in the Company, each investor received one-half of a warrant, with one warrant entitling the investor to purchase one share of common stock at the price of $7.00 per share. The warrants are exercisable between six months and three years from the investment date. In addition to the Purchase Agreement, the Company and the investors entered into a Registration Rights Agreement under which the Company agreed to file a Registration Statement with the SEC on or before August 29, 2016 to register the common stock purchased by the investors.

 

The issuance of shares in this placement resulted in gross proceeds to the Company of $917,000, and after commissions and fees, net proceeds to the Company of approximately $638,328. The Company is using these proceeds for general working capital purposes.

 

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On August 5, 2016, the Company entered into Amendment No. 8 to the Credit Agreement among the Company and BMO Harris and Amendment No. 3 to the Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement among the Company and BMO Equity. In the Amendments, (i) for the period from August 1, 2016 through February 28, 2017, the Bank agreed to increase the revolving credit commitment from $12 million to $14 million, (ii) for the period from August 1, 2016 through November 2016, the Bank agreed to increase the borrowing base inventory cap from $6.5 million to $9 million, (iii) for the quarters ended September 30 and December 31, 2016, BMO Harris agreed to increase the senior leverage ratio to 3.5 to 1, for the quarter ended September 30, 2016, the total leverage ratio to 4.75 to 1, and for the quarter ended December 31, 2016, the total leverage ratio to 4.50 to 1 and (iv) for the periods ended September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2016, BMO Equity agreed to increase the senior leverage ratio for BMO Equity to 3.85 to 1, for the periods ended September 30, 2016, to increase the total leverage ratio to 5.225 to 1 and for December 31, 2016 to raise the total leverage ratio to 4.95 to 1.

 

On September 30, 2016, John H. Schwan advanced to the Company the sum of $530,000 and on the same date, Stephen M. Merrick advanced to the Company the sum of $370,000 to provide short-term working capital to the Company to fund the Company’s obligation to purchase and produce inventory for a substantial order for vacuum sealing systems to be delivered in November 2016. In consideration of such advances, the Company issued a Promissory Note to Mr. Schwan in the principal amount of $530,000 and to Mr. Merrick in the amount of $370,000 dated September 30, 2016 and bearing interest at the rate of 6% per annum. Effective on the same date, Mr. Schwan and Mr. Merrick entered into Subordination Agreements with BMO Harris and BMO equity pursuant to which each of them agreed to subordinate the Company’s obligation to them under the Promissory Notes to the Company’s obligations to BMO Harris and BMO Equity, subject to certain rights of payment as provided in the Agreements. Further, effective on September 30, 2016, the Company and BMO Harris entered into Amendment No. 9 to the Credit Agreement and the Company and BMO Equity entered into Amendment No. 4 to the Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement pursuant to which each of BMO Harris and BMO Equity agreed to consent to payments of principal and interest to Mr. Schwan and Mr. Merrick under the Promissory Notes out of the proceeds received by the Company from the sale of vacuum sealing machines to a major retail chain in a promotional program.

 

Management believes that, with the foregoing financing, funds available under the Credit Agreement, as amended, as well as internally generated funds will be sufficient for the Company to meet its working capital needs for at least the next 12 months.

 

As of September 30, 2016, the Company was in compliance with all of the financial covenants under the Credit Agreement and the Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement.

 

Seasonality

 

In the foil balloon product line, sales have historically been seasonal with approximately 40% occurring in the period from December through March of the succeeding year and 24% being generated in the period July through October in recent years. Vacuum sealing product sales are also seasonal; approximately 60% of sales in this product line occur in the period from July through December.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

Please see pages 25-28 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 for a description of policies that are critical to our business operations and the understanding of our results of operations. The impact and any associated risks related to these policies on our business operations is discussed throughout Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations where such policies affect our reported and expected financial results. No material changes to such information have occurred during the three months ended September 30, 2016.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures Regarding Market Risk

 

Not applicable.

 

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Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

In the course of review of our preliminary financial statements for the period ending June 30, 2016, our audit firm identified a transaction involving the sale and leaseback of certain equipment by our Mexico subsidiary, Flexo Universal, which was not properly recorded under U.S. GAAP. This error was identified and corrected prior to completion of the financial statements. Upon review by management and our Audit Committee, it was determined that information respecting the transaction, and the accounting for it, was not provided to management on a timely basis to enable proper review of the transaction prior to its being recorded.

 

During the third quarter, the Company developed and implemented new internal control procedures and documentation covering financial commitments, contracts and other transactions involving financial commitments to remediate the identified weaknesses in controls and procedures. Based upon this remediation, our management, acting under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has reviewed and evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2016. Based on such review and evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2016, to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (a) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and (b) is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Except for the foregoing, there have been no material changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended September 30, 2016 that have materially affected or are likely to materially affect our internal controls over financial reporting.

 

Part II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

The Company is party to certain claims or actions arising in the normal course of business. The ultimate outcome of these matters is unknown but, in the opinion of management, the resolution of these matters is not expected to have a significant effect on the future financial position or results of operations of the Company.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

Not applicable.

 

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Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 5. Other Information

 

The Certifications of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of the Company Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached as Exhibits to this Report on Form 10-Q.

 

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Item 6. Exhibits

 

The following are being filed as exhibits to this report:

 

Exhibit
Number
  Description
     
3.1   Third Restated Certificate of Incorporation of CTI Industries Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit A contained in Registrant’s Schedule 14A Definitive Proxy Statement for solicitation of written consent of shareholders, as filed with Commission on October 25, 1999).
3.2   By-laws of CTI Industries Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 contained in Registrant’s Form SB-2 Registration Statement (File No. 333-31969) effective November 5, 1997).
10.1   Promissory Note between CTI Industries and Stephen M. Merricle dated September 30, 2016.
10.2   Promissory Note between CTI Industries and John H. Schwan dated September 30, 2016.
10.3   Amendment No. 9 to Credit Agreement between BMO Harris Bank, N.A. and the Company dated September 30, 2016.
10.4   Amendment No. 4 to Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement between BMO Private Equity (U.S.), Inc. and the Company dated September 30, 2016.
10.5   Subordination Agreement between CTI Industries, Stephen M. Merrick, John H. Schwan and BMO Harris Bank N.A. effective September 30, 2016.
10.6   Subordination Agreement between CTI Industries, Stephen M. Merrick, John H. Schwan and BMO Private Equity (U.S.), Inc. effective September 30, 2016.
31.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended (filed herewith).
31.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended (filed herewith).
32   Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).
101   Interactive Data Files, including the following materials from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2016, formatted in XBRL: (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (iv) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

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

 

Dated: November 14, 2016

 

  CTI INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
     
     
  By: /s/ John H. Schwan
    John H. Schwan
    Chief Executive Officer
     
     
  By: /s/ Stephen M. Merrick
    Stephen M. Merrick
   

President

     
     
  By: /s/ Timothy S. Patterson
    Timothy S. Patterson
    Chief Financial Officer
   

Senior Vice President Finance

 

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Exhibit Index

 

Exhibit
Number
  Description
3.1   Third Restated Certificate of Incorporation of CTI Industries Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit A contained in Registrant’s Schedule 14A Definitive Proxy Statement for solicitation of written consent of shareholders, as filed with Commission on October 25, 1999).
3.2   By-laws of CTI Industries Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 contained in Registrant’s Form SB-2 Registration Statement (File No. 333-31969) effective November 5, 1997).
10.1   Promissory Note between CTI Industries and Stephen M. Merricle dated September 30, 2016.
10.2   Promissory Note between CTI Industries and John H. Schwan dated September 30, 2016.
10.3   Amendment No. 9 to Credit Agreement between BMO Harris Bank, N.A. and the Company dated September 30, 2016.
10.4   Amendment No. 4 to Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement between BMO Private Equity (U.S.), Inc. and the Company dated September 30, 2016.
10.5   Subordination Agreement between CTI Industries, Stephen M. Merrick, John H. Schwan and BMO Harris Bank N.A. effective September 30, 2016.
10.6   Subordination Agreement between CTI Industries, Stephen M. Merrick, John H. Schwan and BMO Private Equity (U.S.), Inc. effective September 30, 2016.
31.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended (filed herewith).
31.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended (filed herewith).
32   Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).
101   Interactive Data Files, including the following materials from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2016, formatted in XBRL: (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (iv) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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