Northern Technologies International Corporation Fiscal 2019 First Quarter Investor Presentation
Forward Looking Statements Statements contained in this presentation that are not historical information are forward-looking statements as defined within the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about NTIC s future financial performance and targets; the future estimated market sizes, growth rates, demand for and sales of NTIC s products, and such other statements which can be identified by words such as expect, anticipate, estimate, will, would, could, targets, words of similar meaning, future dates and any other statements that are not historical facts. Such forward-looking statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of NTIC s management and are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or implied. Such potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, in no particular order: the success of NTIC China and its ability to generate significant sales; 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; effect of the recent referendum vote of the United Kingdom to exit the European Union on NTIC s operating results, including in particular future net sales of NTIC s European and other joint ventures; risks related to the European sovereign debt crisis, economic slowdown and political unrest; risks associated with NTIC s international operations; exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; the health of the U.S. and worldwide economies, including in particular the U.S. automotive industry; the level of growth in NTIC s markets; NTIC s investments in research and development efforts; acceptance of existing and new products; timing of NTIC s receipt of purchase orders under supply contracts; variability in oil and gas, and Natur-Tec sales, and the effect on NTIC s quarterly financial results; increased competition; the costs and effects of complying with changes in tax, fiscal, government and other regulatory policies, including rules relating to environmental, health and safety matters; and NTIC s reliance on its intellectual property rights and the absence of infringement of the intellectual property rights of others. More detailed information on these and additional factors which could affect NTIC s results is described in NTIC s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent annual report on Form 10-K and subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. NTIC urges all interested parties to read these reports to gain a better understanding of the many business and other risks that the company faces. Additionally, NTIC undertakes no obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements, which may be made to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Non-GAAP Financial Measures In addition to financial measures prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), NTIC uses certain non-gaap financial measures in this presentation. NTIC uses non-gaap financial measures as supplemental measures of performance and believes these measures facilitate operating performance comparisons from period to period and company to company by factoring out potential differences caused by non-recurring, unusual or infrequent charges not related to NTIC s regular, ongoing business, variations in capital structure, tax positions, depreciation, non-cash charges and certain large and unpredictable charges. NTIC believes that the presentation of certain non-gaap financial measures provides useful information to investors in evaluating its operations, period over period. Non-GAAP measures have limitations as analytical tools, and should not be considered in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of NTIC s results as reported under GAAP. When analyzing NTIC s operating performance, investors should not consider NTIC s net income, as adjusted, for example, as a substitute for NTIC s net income prepared in accordance with GAAP or any other non-gaap financial measure as a substitute for the comparable GAAP financial measure. Investors should note that any non-gaap financial measures used by NTIC may not be the same non-gaap financial measures, and may not be calculated in the same manner, as that of other companies. Whenever NTIC uses non-gaap financial measures, it provides a reconciliation of the non-gaap financial measure to the most closely applicable GAAP financial measure. Investors are encouraged to review the related GAAP financial measures and the reconciliation of these non-gaap financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measure. Industry Information Information regarding market and industry statistics contained in this presentation is based on information available to NTIC that NTIC believes is accurate. It is generally based on publications that are not produced for these purposes or economic analysis. 2
Northern Technologies International Corporation (Nasdaq: NTIC) Northern Technologies International Corporation develops leading corrosion inhibiting products and services, as well as bio-based and biodegradable polymer compounds. Leading Brands Solving Large Global Problems Core Zerust VCI (Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor) Protection Technology 3 3
NTIC At A Glance Business Stock Data (January 31, 2019) $30.38 4.54 Mil. $138 Mil. Founded 1970 Global Presence Through 20 JVs and 3 Subsidiaries Approximately 136 Global Employees Recent Stock Price Shares Outstanding Market Cap Strong Balance Sheet (November 30, 2018) Growth $6.2 Mil. >$13.0 Mil. Total Cash Position (1) Cash at JVs (2) No Debt (1) Includes cash and cash equivalents and securities available for sale (2) Of the $23.1 mil. of investments in JVs, about 56% is cash, with the remaining balance invested in working capital 15.6% CAGR in Net Sales from FY 2010-2018 Oil & Gas and Bioplastics Growth Catalysts 4
Long-Term Growth Initiatives FY19 Annual Financial Targets Enhance Market Share $40 Sales (in millions) $51 $61 FY 2017* FY 2018* FY 2019 E Increase Core Industrial Corrosion Business Develop New Corrosion Prevention Solutions Enhance JVs Earnings Per Share (diluted) Develop New Business Opportunities $0.75 $1.43 $2.05 FY 2017* FY 2018* FY 2019 E *Actual results Continue to Scale New Chinese Subsidiary Grow Oil & Gas Business Accelerate Natur-Tec Business 5
Annual Sales $65 $55 $45 $35 $25 $15 $5 $200 $150 NTIC Reported Net Sales Growth FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19E Low end of FY 2019 annual net sales guidance High end of FY2019 annual net sales guidance *Annual guidance communicated on January 8, 2019. The fact that NTIC includes this guidance in this presentation should not be taken to confirm its guidance as of any subsequent date. Worldwide Net Sales (Includes JVs and NTIC Sales) NTIC has a unique financial model, as sales through JVs are not consolidated on the company s income statement Management expects fiscal 2019 reported net sales to be up 16.7 19.6% compared to the prior fiscal year Fiscal 2018 annual worldwide net sales driven by: Healthy global demand of ZERUST corrosion inhibiting solutions in North America, Ramping NTIC China sales as well as growth across most of NTIC s joint ventures, The contribution of growing Natur-Tec sales, and Stable foreign currency. $100 $50 NTIC continues to proactively work with JVs to strengthen market share and improve performance globally $- FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19E (Charts in millions, fiscal year ends August 31) 6
Joint Venture Network Overview Joint Venture Overview Joint Venture Financial Overview 20 international joint ventures Generally 50/50 ownership with local JV partner Local Partner Capital Investment Joint Venture NTIC Capital Investment NTIC receives ~7% fee on JV sales and 50% of JV dividend distributions after year end JV Financial Model Equity method accounting on GAAP financial statements Equity in income is reported on GAAP income statement Gross JV sales not included in NTIC s net sales but disclosed in notes to consolidated financial statements Direct expenses to support JVs are relatively fixed, representing significant operating leverage on incremental JV sales Management Fees Local partners provide: Direct sales Product support Local marketing Equity in Income JV Sales - COGS & Expenses = JV Net Income Cash Dividend Royalty & Service Fees Equity in Income Retained Earnings 7
Chinese Operations Sales continuing to ramp as subsidiary establishes significant market presence. Starting in Fiscal 2017 Q4, NTIC China is operating profitably For fiscal 2018, sales in China grew 73.1% to $12.5 million compared with the same period last fiscal year $16,000 $14,000 $12,000 $10,000 $8,000 $6,000 $4,000 Wholly-Owned Chinese Subsidiary Net Sales Ramp (in thousands) $2,000 $- FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017 FY 2018 FY 2019 E 8
Corrosion is a Big and Expensive Problem Solutions Coatings Cathodic Chemical Inhibitors A 2016 study (1) Common Corrosion Markets is the industry template on the costs and control of corrosion worldwide. The report estimated annual direct global costs of corrosion to the economy to be $2.5 trillion. It further estimated that corrosion control practices could realize a savings of between 15-35% of the cost. (1) NACE International initiated the International Measures of Prevention, Application, and Economics of Corrosion Technologies (IMPACT) Study Water & Wastewater Infrastructure Pipelines Oil & Gas Maritime Defense Corrosion not only damages the appearance of metal products and components, but also negatively impacts their mechanical performance. 9
NTIC Operates in Compelling Niche Markets (1) Corrosion Markets Bioplastic Market Annual Market Potential $520 million Est. Annual Growth Rate 5-10% Market Growth Drivers: Global trade and manufacturing demand Complex long-distance global supply chains Annual Market Potential $2.5 billion Est. Annual Growth Rate 10% Market Growth Drivers: Increasing focus on cost containment Expensive alternative products Annual Market Potential $1 billion Est. Annual Growth Rate >25% Market Growth Drivers: Heightened social concern for the global environment Increased environmental regulations (1) Annual Market Size and Growth Rates are NTIC s estimates 10
Research & Development In 1979, NTIC developed and patented the first polyolefin (plastic) based industrial corrosion-inhibiting packing material in the world Annual R&D Spend and Percent of Reported Net Sales (in thousands) R&D activities focused on improving existing products, developing new products, reducing costs and improving quality assurance through improved testing of NTIC s products NTIC expects to invest $3.2 million to $3.6 million in fiscal 2019 on R&D activities $5,000 $4,500 $4,000 $3,500 $3,000 $2,500 25.0% 20.0% 15.0% Research facilities located in Circle Pines, Minnesota; Beachwood, Ohio; and Dresden, Germany $2,000 $1,500 10.0% Strategic relationship with the premier Biomaterials Research Institute at Michigan State University $1,000 $500 5.0% 12 Patents and 50 Trademarks $- FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017* FY 2018 0.0% *The FY17 reduction in R&D expenses is due to the transition of expenses that were previously treated as R&D expenses to SG&A expenses, specifically as they relate to Natur-Tec and the ZERUST oil and gas business since most of the expenses related to these business units are no longer in R&D phase of product development. 11
Zerust Excor Pioneers in Corrosion Management Zerust VCI technology proven effective for 40+ Years Growth Opportunities Expansion of non-automotive segments with core Zerust products and services such as Military, Electrical/electronics, Marine and Agriculture Grow liquid and powder applications Product and service revenue model Leading Customer Relationships 20% Reduces costs up to 20% while increasing process yields 100% of major global automotive suppliers use Zerust Fiscal 2019 Q1 Zerust Industrial Sales decreased 1.6% to $8.6 million (61% of Total Net Sales) Gross Profit Profile is Approximately 35% 12
Corrosion Solutions Differentiated Solutions Product Examples Zero rust on metal products during shipment and storage Environmentally responsible corrosion protection services Zerust High Strength VCI Film VCI Weapon Bags VCI Coated Poly Kraft Paper Worldwide on-site technical consulting for rust and corrosion prevention issues Water Based Coatings Rust Preventative Vapor Diffusers NTIC s core business continues to be Zerust Industrial Sales. A portion of the operating cash flows this segment produces is used to fund the start-up and R&D investments of NTIC s Oil & Gas business. 13
Zerust Oil & Gas: Tank Bottom Solutions Compelling Opportunity NTIC s solutions produce meaningful cost savings by minimizing maintenance downtime on critical oil and gas industry infrastructure Memberships and Credentials Tank bottom solutions need to be recharged every five years Large, growing addressable global market Zerust Flange Saver Zerust ReCAST-R TM 2012: Winner of the MP Readers choice NACE Corrosion Innovation of the Year Award Fiscal 2019 Q1 Oil & Gas Sales increased 247.4% to approximately $1 million (7.0% of Total Net Sales) Gross Profit Profile is Approximately 59% 14
Evolving Oil & Gas Performance Quarterly Net Sales Performance Product Examples $1,800 $1,600 $1,400 $1,200 $1,000 $800 Oil Storage Tank Bottom Protection Oil Storage Tank Top Protection Outdoor Preservation VCI Film $600 $400 $200 $- FY17 Q1 FY17 Q2 FY17 Q3 FY17 Q4 FY18 Q1 FY18 Q2 FY18 Q3 FY18 Q4 FY19 Q1 Zerust Oil & Gas Quarterly Sales (Includes Brazil), in Thousands Zerust Flange Saver AutoFog VCI Sachets Liquid Rust Removal Oil & Gas sales are inherently volatile, but compelling gross margins within this segment offer a lower breakeven than other NTIC products. 15
Advanced Bioplastics NTIC Bioplastics Competitive Advantages Natur-Tec s patented process is easier to manufacture, less expensive, and better performance Strong presence in Janitorial/Sanitorial and Food Service market segments Broad product portfolio provides one-stop bioplastic solutions. Accelerating Results During fiscal 2018, Natur-Tec continued its 30% + year-over-year growth as a profitable business segment Global Growth Opportunities Asia: Adoption of sustainable packaging solutions Italy: Legislation mandating use of biodegradable shopping bags Europe: Demand for compostable packaging for foodservice and fastmoving consumer goods North America: Demand for agricultural and mulch film applications Fiscal 2019 Q1 Natur-Tec Sales Increased 100% to $4 million (28.6% of Total Net Sales) Gross Profit Profile is Approximately 28% 16
Building Leading Bioplastics Company Ramping Bioplastics Net Sales Product Examples $4,500 $4,000 $3,500 $3,000 $2,500 $2,000 $1,500 Customized Resins Food Packaging Industrial Finished Products $1,000 $500 $- Natur-Tec Quarterly Net Sales (Includes Natur-Tec India), in Thousands Biodegradable Packaging for Branded Garments Retail Consumer Products Natur Tec started contributing to operating profits in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 17
Sales Composition FY 2016 FY 2017 FY 2018 (Guidance) FY 2019 U.S. North America $ 17.0 $ 18.3 $ 20.6 $ 20.9-5.0% 7.7% 12.6% 1.3% NTI China 4.1 7.2 12.0 13.5 284.4% 75.6% 65.7% 12.8% Zerust Brazil 2.0 2.3 2.6 3.0 US - Sales to JVs 2.7 3.2 2.9 3.2 ZERUST SALES 25.8 31.1 38.1 40.6 7.0% 20.2% 22.8% 6.4% Natur-Tec North America 4.3 5.4 6.7 8.6 Natur-Tec NTI China - - 0.5 1.5 Natur-Tec India 1.1 1.4 2.9 6.5 NATUR TEC SALES 5.4 6.8 10.1 16.6 25.1% 26.7% 48.1% 64.7% OIL & GAS SALES 1.7 1.7 3.1 4.1-7.5% -1.5% 78.3% 32.9% NTIC SALES (GAAP) 32.9 39.6 51.3 61.2 8.6% 20.1% 29.5% 19.4% Joint Venture Sales 90.7 101.3 120.2 129.8-8.5% 11.7% 18.7% 8.0% $70.0 $60.0 $50.0 $40.0 $30.0 $20.0 $10.0 $- NTIC Sales* (GAAP) FY 2016 FY 2017 FY 2018 FY 2019 (Est) U.S. North America NTI China Brazil US - Sales to JVs Natur Tec Oil & Gas WORLDWIDE SALES $ 123.6 $ 140.8 171.5 191.1-4.5% 14.0% 21.8% 11.4% Notes: Dollars, in millions * Annual guidance communicated on January 8, 2019. The fact that NTIC includes this guidance in this presentation should not be taken to confirm its guidance as of any subsequent date. 18
Strong Balance Sheet and Capital Structure Enterprise Value (in thousands) Market Cap (1) $ 137,991 Total Debt (2) 0 Total Cash (2) $ 6,231 Enterprise Value $ 131,760 Common Shares Outstanding (2) 4,542,177 (1) Common stock outstanding and priced at January 31, 2019 (2) At November 30, 2018 Total cash does not include $23.1 million of investments in joint ventures, of which approximately 56.7% or $13.0 million is cash, with the remaining balance invested in working capital Profits NTIC earns from its JVs are accumulated on the balance sheet in investments in joint ventures until remitted as a cash dividend. No debt Highlights (at November 30, 2018) Only $6.2 million in total liabilities Total equity of $57.1 million, or $12.69 per share outstanding NTIC has $2.7 million remaining under its January 15, 2015 stock repurchase program NTIC currently pays a $0.48 annualized quarterly cash dividend 19
Limited Capital Requirements Free Cash Flow Investments in Property & Equipment $8,000 $2,000 $6,000 $4,000 $2,000 $1,500 $1,000 $- $(2,000) $(4,000) FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017 FY 2018 $500 $- FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017 FY 2018 Working Capital Inventories $25,000 $20,000 $15,000 $10,000 $5,000 $- FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017 FY 2018 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% $10,000 $8,000 $6,000 $4,000 $2,000 $- FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017 FY 2018 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Working Capital % of Sales Inventories, net % of Working Capital 20
Fiscal 2019 Financial Outlook* (in millions, except per share data) Annual: FY 2019 Year-Over-Year Growth FY 2018 Low - High Low - High Net Sales $ 51.4 $ 60.0 - $ 61.5 16.7% - 19.6% Net Income $ 6.7 $ 9.4 - $ 9.8 40.3% - 46.3% Earnings per Diluted Share $ 1.43 $ 2.00 - $ 2.10 39.9% - 46.9% Fiscal 2018 net income and earnings per diluted share includes the $0.15 per diluted share one-time charge associated with U.S. tax reform NTIC expects both Natur-Tec and NTIC China will continue to scale and produce continued operating profits throughout fiscal 2019 and beyond Net sales and profitability in both North America and at NTIC s JVs have traditionally increased in the second half of the fiscal year compared to the first half, and management expects this trend to continue in fiscal 2019 *Annual guidance communicated on January 8, 2019. The fact that NTIC includes this guidance in this presentation should not be taken to confirm its guidance as of any subsequent date. 21