Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

____________

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

x

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

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018

OR

 

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)

 

Illinois36-2848943

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization) 

(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
incorporation or organization)
  
22160 N. Pepper Road 
Lake Barrington, Illinois60010
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)

 

(847) 382-1000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area 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, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer ¨Accelerated filer ¨Non-accelerated filer ¨Smaller Reporting Company þ
Emerging growth company¨

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

 

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

 

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

 

The number of shares outstanding of the Registrant’s common stock as of NovemberMay 1, 20172018 was 3,525,227.3,530,227.

 

 

 

INDEX

 

Part I – Financial Information 
   
Item No. 1.

Financial Statements

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 (unaudited) and December 31, 20162017

1

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited) for the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017 and  September 30, 2016

2

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017 and September 30, 2016

3

 Condensed Consolidated Earnings per Share (unaudited) for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 20164

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

5

4

Item No. 2

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

16

13

Item No. 3

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures Regarding Market Risk

24

17

Item No. 4

Controls and Procedures

24

17

 

Part II – Other Information

Item No. 1

Legal Proceedings

24

17

Item No. 1A

Risk Factors

24

18

Item No. 2

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

24

18

Item No. 3

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

24

18

Item No. 4

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

24

18

Item No. 5

Other Information

24

18

Item No. 6

Exhibits

2519
 Signatures2620
Exhibit 31.1 
 Exhibit 31.2 
 Exhibit 32 

 


 

PART 1 -1. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

CTI Industries Corporation and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

 September 30, 2017  December 31, 2016  

March 31, 2018

  

December 31, 2017

 
 (unaudited)       

(unaudited)

     
ASSETS            
Current assets:                
Cash and cash equivalents (VIE $3,000 and $51,000, respectively) $324,712  $563,043 
Accounts receivable, (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $127,000 and $137,000, respectively) (VIE $29,000 and $6,000, respectively)  9,481,084   14,838,978 
Inventories, net (VIE $611,000 and $719,000, respectively)  19,348,108   18,348,011 
Prepaid expenses (VIE $39,000 and $18,000, respectively)  665,437   678,689 
Other current assets (VIE $200 and $0, respectively)  675,821   530,669 

Cash and cash equivalents (VIE $65,000 and $51,000, respectively)

 $595,605  $181,026 

Accounts receivable, (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $102,000 and $114,000, respectively)

  11,980,251   11,235,834 

Inventories, net (VIE $465,000 and $498,000, respectively)

  21,355,107   18,865,932 

Prepaid expenses (VIE $174,000 and $80,000, respectively)

  777,268   887,885 

Other current assets

  1,190,642   1,120,808 
                
Total current assets  30,495,162   34,959,390   35,898,873   32,291,485 
                
Property, plant and equipment:                
Machinery and equipment (VIE $0 and $0, respectively)  26,892,832   26,348,443 

Machinery and equipment

  23,545,121   23,439,781 
Building  3,387,323   3,379,636   3,367,082   3,367,082 
Office furniture and equipment (VIE $260,000 and $154,000, respectively)  3,277,226   3,597,158 

Office furniture and equipment (VIE $281,000 and $268,000, respectively)

  2,613,300   2,591,159 
Intellectual property  752,044   482,088   752,044   752,044 
Land  250,000   250,000   250,000   250,000 
Leasehold improvements  415,549   395,603   415,610   402,963 
Fixtures and equipment at customer locations  3,302,868   3,302,868   518,450   518,450 
Projects under construction  102,477   493,859   123,271   121,241 
  38,380,319   38,249,655   31,584,878   31,442,720 
Less : accumulated depreciation and amortization (VIE $35,000 and $29,000, respectively)  (33,416,436)  (32,938,267)

Less : accumulated depreciation and amortization (VIE $56,000 and $36,000, respectively)

  (27,383,679)  (26,886,139)
                
Total property, plant and equipment, net  4,963,883   5,311,388   4,201,199   4,556,581 
                
Other assets:                
Goodwill (VIE $440,000 and $440,000, respectively)  1,473,176   1,473,176   1,473,176   1,473,176 
Net deferred income tax asset  2,023,781   1,696,690 
Other assets (due from related party $50,000 and $47,000, respectively)  408,428   473,095 

Net deferred income tax asset (VIE $62,000 and $52,000, respectively)

  1,373,000   1,102,467 

Other assets

  583,931   560,329 
                
Total other assets  3,905,385   3,642,961   3,430,107   3,135,972 
                
TOTAL ASSETS $39,364,430  $43,913,739  $43,530,179  $39,984,038 
                
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY                
Current liabilities:                
Checks written in excess of bank balance $518,076  $1,688,675 
Trade payables (VIE $156,000 and $92,000, respectively)  6,101,567   5,861,932 
Line of credit (VIE $356,000 and $408,000, respectively)  8,567,174   11,263,531 
Notes payable - current portion (net discount of $0 and $113,000, respectively) (VIE $0 and $0, respectively)  7,445,091   1,709,220 
Notes payable officers - current portion  -   180,000 

Checks written in excess of bank balance (VIE $12,000 and $16,000, respectively)

 $11,858  $454,850 

Trade payables (VIE $233,000 and $144,000, respectively)

  7,196,038   5,414,497 

Line of credit (VIE $320,000 and $338,000, respectively)

  15,925,808   13,783,930 

Notes payable - current portion

  5,341,792   942,533 
Notes payable affiliates - current portion  10,109   8,141   10,721   9,615 
Capital Lease - current portion  14,283   40,660   731   7,562 
Accrued liabilities (VIE $147,000 and $140,000, respectively)  2,934,652   3,127,425 

Accrued liabilities (VIE $141,000 and $92,000, respectively)

  2,435,558   2,047,893 
                
Total current liabilities  25,590,952   23,879,584   30,922,506   22,660,880 
                
Long-term liabilities:                
Notes payable - affiliates  213,669   218,858   213,214   212,545 
Notes payable, net of current portion (net discount of $0 and $0, respectively) (VIE $196,000 and $301,000, respectively)  195,722   5,301,491 

Notes payable, net of current portion (VIE $68,000 and $83,000, respectively)

  137,554   4,951,581 
Notes payable - officers, subordinated  1,490,332   1,416,138   1,526,910   1,507,362 
Capital Lease  -   4,690 
Deferred gain (non current)  251,372   297,521   195,587   207,410 
        

Deferred income tax liability

  84,000     
Total long-term debt, net of current portion  2,151,095   7,238,698   2,157,265   6,878,898 
        
Warrants Payable  -   817,880 
                
Total long-term liabilities  2,151,095   8,056,578   2,157,265   6,878,898 
                
Equity:                
CTI Industries Corporation stockholders' equity:                
Preferred Stock -- no par value, 3,000,000 shares authorized, 0 shares issued and outstanding      -   -   - 
Common stock - no par value, 15,000,000 shares authorized, 3,568,885 shares issued and 3,525,227 shares outstanding  13,898,494   13,898,494 

Common stock - no par value, 15,000,000 shares authorized, 3,573,885 shares issued and 3,530,227 shares outstanding

  13,898,494   13,898,494 
Paid-in-capital  2,230,145   2,250,235   2,333,236   2,271,261 
Accumulated earnings  1,580,967   2,323,326   238,873   720,223 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (5,100,978)  (5,593,878)  (4,932,299)  (5,365,364)
Less: Treasury stock, 43,658 shares  (160,784)  (160,784)  (160,784)  (160,784)

Total CTI Industries Corporation stockholders' equity

  11,377,520   11,363,830 

Noncontrolling interest

  (927,112)  (919,570)

Total Equity

  10,450,408   10,444,260 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

 $43,530,179  $39,984,038 
         $-     
Total CTI Industries Corporation stockholders' equity  12,447,844   12,717,393 
        
Non controlling interest  (825,461)  (739,816)
        
Total Equity  11,622,383   11,977,577 
        
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY $39,364,430  $43,913,739 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated unaudited financial statements

 

1

Table of Contents

 

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,  

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

 
 2017 2016 2017 2016  

2018

  

2017

 
                 
Net Sales $13,225,954  $13,476,157  $41,397,288  $42,831,655  $13,979,177  $15,359,637 
                        
Cost of Sales  10,039,044   10,064,066   31,475,520   31,661,039   11,110,786   11,742,189 
                        
Gross profit  3,186,910   3,412,091   9,921,768   11,170,616   2,868,391   3,617,448 
                        
Operating expenses:                        
General and administrative  1,923,315   1,808,299   5,691,186   5,470,523   1,884,046   1,901,256 
Selling  861,856   977,928   2,771,150   3,162,083   858,537   721,390 
Advertising and marketing  454,927   581,143   1,548,709   1,643,852   296,880   556,409 
Gain on sale of assets  (27,426)  (27,700)  (119,127)  (27,700)  (24,414)  (69,300)
Other operating income  -   -   (1,416)  - 
                        
Total operating expenses  3,212,672   3,339,670   9,890,502   10,248,758   3,015,049   3,109,755 
                        
(Loss) Income from operations  (25,762)  72,421   31,266   921,858 

Income from operations

  (146,658)  507,693 
                        
Other (expense) income:                        
Interest expense  (367,391)  (358,643)  (1,100,038)  (1,074,295)  (564,060)  (377,211)

Interest income

  (345)  4,346 
Change in fair value of warrants  (3,809)  47,617   19,999   (179,261)  -   19,606 
Foreign currency loss  (11,430)  9,663   (92,382)  77,341   31,028   (30,525)
                        
Total other expense, net  (382,630)  (301,363)  (1,172,421)  (1,176,215)  (533,377)  (383,784)
                        
Net (loss) before taxes  (408,392)  (228,942)  (1,141,155)  (254,357)

Net income before taxes

  (680,035)  123,909 
                        
Income tax expense  (125,678)  (28,655)  (313,151)  (16,804)  (209,484)  75,637 
                        
Net (loss)  (282,714)  (200,287)  (828,004)  (237,553)

Net income

  (470,551)  48,272 
                        
Less: Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest  (8,014)  (19,812)  (85,645)  19,089   (7,543)  (10,197)
                        
Net loss attributable to CTI Industries Corporation $(274,700) $(180,475) $(742,359) $(256,642)

Net income attributable to CTI Industries Corporation

 $(463,008) $58,469 
                        
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)                        
Foreign currency adjustment  (260,469)  (236,133)  492,900   (840,144)  433,065   311,313 
Comprehensive Income (Loss) $(535,169) $(416,608) $(249,459) $(1,096,786) $(29,943) $369,782 
                        
Basic loss per common share $(0.08) $(0.05) $(0.20) $(0.07)

Basic income per common share

 $(0.13) $0.02 
                        
Diluted loss per common share $(0.08) $(0.05) $(0.20) $(0.07)

Diluted income per common share

 $(0.13) $0.02 
                        
Weighted average number of shares and equivalent shares of common stock outstanding:                        
Basic  3,641,439   3,541,582   3,641,439   3,541,582   3,530,227   3,591,947 
                        
Diluted  3,641,439   3,714,239   3,789,081   3,703,732   3,530,227   3,748,139 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated unaudited financial statements

 

2

Table of Contents

CTI Industries Corporation and Subsidiaries

2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

 

  

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

 
  

2018

  

2017

 
         

Cash flows from operating activities:

        

Net income

 $(470,551) $48,272 

Depreciation and amortization

  376,920   381,854 

Amortization of debt discount

  61,975   47,025 

Change in fair value of warrants

  -   (19,606)

Amortization of deferred gain on sale/leaseback

  (28,486)  (26,693)

Provision for losses on accounts receivable

  (17,781)  1,827 

Provision for losses on inventories

  (35,503)  20,099 

Deferred income taxes

  (133,982)  8,124 

Change in assets and liabilities:

        

Accounts receivable

  (465,865)  2,660,360 

Inventories

  (1,995,477)  815,593 

Prepaid expenses and other assets

  109,567   13,083 

Trade payables

  1,572,804   (20,172)

Accrued liabilities

  127,038   (846,643)
         

Net cash provided by operating activities

  (899,341)  3,083,123 
         

Cash flows from investing activities:

        

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

  63,533   (219,927)
         

Net cash used in investing activities

  63,533   (219,927)
         

Cash flows from financing activities:

        

Change in checks written in excess of bank balance

  (442,992)  (629,530)

Net change in revolving line of credit

  2,123,582   (1,835,972)

Repayment of long-term debt (related parties $0 and $2,000)

  (432,942)  (390,788)

Cash paid for deferred financing fees

  (24,568)  - 
         

Net cash used in financing activities

  1,223,080   (2,856,290)
         

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

  27,307   12,759 
         

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

  414,579   19,665 
         

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

  181,026   563,043 
         

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 $595,605  $582,708 
  $-     
         

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

        

Cash payments for interest

  408,001  $311,768 
         
         
         

Supplemental Disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activity

        

Property, Plant & Equipment acquisitions funded by liabilities

 $25,387  $63,474 

CTI Industries Corporation and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

  For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 
  2017  2016 
       
Cash flows from operating activities:        
Net (loss) income $(828,004) $(237,553)
Adjustment to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:        
Depreciation and amortization  1,163,736   1,153,688 
Amortization of debt discount  112,622   125,689 
Change in fair value of warrants  (19,999)  179,261 
Stock based compensation  -   28,719 
Amortization of deferred gain on sale/leaseback  (84,759)  -27700 
Provision for losses on accounts receivable  (20,882)  28,685 
Provision for losses on inventories  94,518   (31,259)
Deferred income taxes  (409,621)  (170,653)
Change in assets and liabilities:        
Accounts receivable  5,864,010   807,687 
Inventories  (324,813)  (5,597,774)
Prepaid expenses and other assets  16,362   (77,839)
Trade payables  (60,770)  3,461,400 
Accrued liabilities  (272,183)  102,981 
         
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $5,230,217  $(254,668)
         
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  (735,567)  (555,961)
         
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities $(735,567) $139,673 
         
Cash flows from financing activities:        
Change in checks written in excess of bank balance  (1,170,599)  31,560 
Net change in revolving line of credit  (2,758,809)  (590,594)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt  -   1,180,000 
Repayment of long-term debt (related parties $0 and $0)  (466,638)  (652,903)
Proceeds from issuance of stock  -   638,324 
Cash paid for deferred financing fees  (20,298)  - 
Contributions received by Variable Interest Entity  -   288,750 
Redemption of Variable Interest Entity members  -   (455,000)
         
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities $(4,416,344) $440,137 
         
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash  (316,637)  (47,666)
         
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents  (238,331)  277,476 
         
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period  563,043   346,404 
         
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $324,712  $623,880 
         
         
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:        
Cash payments for interest  934,057   910,414 
Cash payments for taxes  300,000   - 
         
         
Supplemental Disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activity        
Exchange of Note Payable for Warrants $797,881  $- 
Property, Plant & Equipment acquisitions funded by liabilities $19,580  $35,012 
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, 
  2017  2016  2017  2016 
Basic                
Average shares outstanding:                
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding  3,641,439   3,541,582   3,641,439   3,541,582 
                 
Net loss:                
Net loss attributable to CTI Industries Corporation $(274,700) $(180,475) $(742,359) $(256,642)
                 
Per share amount $(0.08) $(0.05) $(0.20) $(0.07)
                 
Diluted                
Average shares outstanding:                
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding  3,641,439   3,541,582   3,641,439   3,541,582 
                 
Effect of dilutive shares  -   172,657   147,642   162,150 
                 
Weighted average number of shares and equivalent shares of common stock outstanding  3,641,439   3,714,239   3,789,081   3,703,732 
                 
Net loss:                
Net loss attributable to CTI Industries Corporation $(274,700) $(180,475) $(742,359) $(256,642)
                 
Per share amount $(0.08) $(0.05) $(0.20) $(0.07)

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated unaudited financial statements

 

4
3

 

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, 2016, 2017, 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-Q10-Q and Article 8 of Regulation S-X.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 months ended September 30, 2017 March 31, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017. 2018. 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-K10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.2017.

 

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 and related novelty (candy and party related) 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
4

 

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, 2017 March 31, 2018 and 2016,2017, shares to be issued upon the exercise of options and warrants aggregated 205,144471,144 and 288,048,359,817, respectively. The number of anti-dilutive shares (not included in the determination of earnings on a diluted basis)basis for the three months ended September 30, 2017 March 31, 2018 and 20162017 were 281,819none and 0, respectively. The number of anti-dilutive shares (not included in76,675, respectively, as the determination of earnings on a diluted basis) for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 were 178,350 and 0, respectively.former would have been anti-dilutive.

 

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, 2016. 2017. There were no significant changes to these accounting policies during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017.March 31, 2018, except for the adoption of Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 606,Revenue from Contracts with Customers.  On January 1, 2018, we adopted ASC 606 using the modified retrospective method.  The adoption of ASC 606 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations, as our revenue arrangements generally consist of a single performance obligation to transfer promised goods at a fixed price.

 

Reclassification:Net sales include revenues from sales of products and shipping and handling charges, net of estimates for product returns.  Revenue is measured at the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for the transferred products.  Revenue is recognized at the point in time when we transfer the promised products to the customer and the customer obtains control over the products.  The Company recognizes revenue for shipping and handling charges at the time the goods are shipped to the customer, and the costs of outbound freight are included in cost of sales, as we have elected the practical expedient included in ASC 606.

 

Certain 2016 amountsThe Company provides for product returns based on historical return rates. While we incur costs for sales commissions to our sales employees and outside agents, we recognize commission costs concurrent with the related revenue, as the amortization period is less than one year and we have been reclassifiedelected the practical expedient included in ASC 606. We do not incur incremental costs to conform toobtain contracts with our customers. Our product warranties are assurance-type warranties, which promise the 2017 presentation. (See footnote regarding ASU 2015-17.)customer that the products are as specified in the contract. Therefore, the product warranties are not a separate performance obligation and are accounted for as described herein. Sales taxes assessed by governmental authorities are accounted for on a net basis and are excluded from net sales.

5

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements:

 

In August 2014, February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15,Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern. This guidance amended the existing requirements for disclosing information about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, requires management to assess an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and then to provide related disclosure in certain circumstances. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods ending after December 2016 and for annual and interim reporting periods thereafter. See Note 2 for management’s assessment of its ability to continue as a going concern.

6

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.

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. The Company has adopted the standard and the impact to our consolidated financial statements for the period ending September 30, 2017 is a reclassification of $779,000 in deferred tax assets to noncurrent, and a reclassification of $773,000 in deferred tax assets to noncurrent for the period ending December 31, 2016.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02,-02,Leases(Topic 842)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. 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. Whenpermitted for all entities. While we are currently evaluating the potential impact of this new standard, becomes effective, we expect that our property, plant and equipment will increase significantly due to the addition of assets currently under lease, and the lease liabilities will correspondingly increase. There is not expected to be a significant impact on the income statement.

 

7
6

 

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, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the implementation of this standard will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.Note 2 - Debt

 

Note 2 – LiquidityUntil December 2017, we had in place a series of credit facility and Going Concern

The Company’s primary sources of liquidity are cash and cash equivalents as well as availability under the Credit Agreementrelated agreements with BMO Harris. The Company has historically used availability under this revolving credit facility to fund operations.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company generated net cash from operating activities in the amount of $5,230,000, although the Company did incur a loss for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 of $275,000 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 of $742,000.

Assuming a continuation of the revolving credit under the Credit Agreement, the Company has forecast a profit for the fourth quarter of the year, which is expected to generate sufficient cash flow for the Company to meet its current obligations.

As of September 30, 2017, the Company was in compliance with all of the financial covenants under the Credit Agreement with Harris Bank, N.A. and the Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement with BMO Private Equity (U.S.), Inc.(collectively, “BMO”), in the aggregate amount of approximately $17 million. During December 2017, we terminated those agreements and fully repaid all amounts owed BMO under those agreements, including associated fees and costs related to termination, as we entered in new financing agreements with PNC Bank, National Association (“BMO Private Equity”PNC”). The “PNC Agreements” include a $6 million term loan and an $18 million revolving credit facility, with a termination date of December 2022.

Available credit under the Revolving Credit facility is determined by eligible receivables and inventory at CTI Industries (U.S.) and Flexo Universal (Mexico).

 

As of September 30, 2017, the Company had total borrowings outstanding under the Credit Agreement with BMO Harris of $9,852,000, including $8,211,000 on the revolving credit loan and $1,641,000 on the mortgage facility. In addition, the balanceCertain terms of the indebtednessPNC Agreements include:

Restrictive Covenants: The Credit Agreement includes several restrictive covenants under which we are prohibited from, or restricted in our ability to:

Borrow money;

Pay dividends and make distributions;

Make certain investments;

Use assets as security in other transactions;

Create liens;

Enter into affiliate transactions;

Merge or consolidate; or

Transfer and sell assets.

Financial Covenants: The Credit Agreement includes a series of financial covenants we are required to meet including:

We are required to maintain a "Leverage Ratio", which is defined as the ratio of (a) Funded Debt (other than the Shareholder Subordinated Loan) as of such date of determination to (b) EBITDA (as defined in the PNC Agreements) for the applicable period then ended. The highest values for this ratio allowed by the PNC Agreements are:

Fiscal Quarter Ratio

December 31, 2017

 4.75to1.00

March 31, 2018

 4.50to1.00

June 30, 2018

 4.25to1.00

September 30, 2018

 3.75to1.00

December 31, 2018

 3.50to1.00

March 31, 2019

 3.25to1.00

June 30, 2019

 3.00to1.00

September 30, 2019 and thereafter

 2.75to1.00

We are required to maintain a "Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio", which is defined as the ratio of (a) EBITDA for such fiscal period, minus Unfinanced Capital Expenditures made during such period, minus distributions (including tax distributions) and dividends made during such period, minus cash taxes paid during such period to (b) all Debt Payments made during such period. This ratio must not exceed 1.1 : 1.0 for any quarterly calculation.

7

 

The obligationscredit agreement provides for interest at varying rates in excess of the Credit Agreementprime rate, depending on the level of senior debt to BMO Harris wereEBITDA over time. We also entered into a swap agreement with PNC Bank to mature on July 17, 2017. The obligationsfix the interest for $3 million over 3 years. This contract was made at market value upon December 2017 execution and accounted for as a hedge.

Failure to comply with these covenants might cause us to pay a higher rate of interest (by 2% per the Agreements), or other penalties up to and including the availability of the Notecredit facility itself, and Warrant Purchase Agreement among thethus might negatively impact our ability to remain a going concern. We believe that we were in compliance as of December 31, 2017, but not in compliance as of March 31, 2018.  As a result, we have reclassified $4.4 million of noncurrent debt into current debt as of March 31, 2018.  The Company and BMO Equityits bank are to mature on January 18, 2018.

By Amendment tocurrently discussing the Credit Agreement dated July 18, 2017, BMO Harris agreed to extend the maturity date of the agreement to October 18, 2017. BMO Equity consentedappropriate actions going forward with respect to this extension in exchange for a fee and for the right to exercise at any time its put of warrants issued to it under the Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement. The extension provides retention by the Company of a consultant to advise as to planning, forecasting, cost management and financing.credit facility.

 

On August 17, 2017, BMO Equity exercised its put onSeptember 30, 2016, John H. Schwan advanced to the warrantsCompany the sum of $530,000 and Mr. Stephen M. Merrick advanced 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 Promissory Notes to BMO Equity a Warrant Conversion Note in the amount of $797,881 for the purchase of the warrants.Mr. Schwan and Mr. Merrick.  The principal balance of these notes were paid in December 2016 and January 2017.

Unrelated to the Warrant Conversion Note, plusabove, as of December 2017, Mr. Schwan was owed a total of $1,099,000, with additional accrued and unpaid interest thereon, is payable on January 18, 2018. The principal balanceof $400,000, by the Company. As part of the Warrant Conversion Note accruesDecember 2017 financing with PNC, Mr. Schwan executed a subordination agreement related to these amounts due him, as evidenced by a related note representing the amount owed to Mr. Schwan. No payments were issued to Mr. Schwan during the three months ended March 31, 2018, with $27,000 of interest at the rate of 11.5% per annum compounded daily.recorded as an expense.

 

On October 17, 2017, the Company and BMO Harris entered into Amendment No. 11 to the Credit Agreement in which (i) the Company acknowledged its indebtedness to the Bank for a Mortgage Loan balance in the amount of $1,664,456 and for a balance of $8,211,467 with respect to the Revolving Loans, (ii) the maturity date on the Mortgage Loan and the Revolving Credit were extended to November 30, 2017, and (iii) the Bank provided a temporary over advance line of $1,000,000 for the period from October 17, 2017 through November 30, 2017. Amendment No. 11 included certain additional covenants including that, on or before October 20, 2017, the Company would deliver to the Bank an executed letter of intent from a third-party financial institution providing for refinancing and payment of the Company’s debt obligations to the Bank. Also, on October 17, 2017, the Registrant entered into Amendment No. 6 to the Note and Warrant Agreement among Registrant and BMO Private Equity (U.S.) Inc. (BMO Private Equity). In the Amendment, (i) the Company acknowledged its indebtedness to BMO Private Equity for a subordinated note in the principal amount of $5,000,000 and, for a note issued in connection with the conversion by BMO Private Equity of warrants, in the amount of $815,139, (ii) BMO Private Equity agreed to defer payment of interest due on October 2, 2017 in the amount of $150,139 to December 1, 2017. Amendment No. 6 includes covenants similar to that of Amendment No. 11 with the Bank.

8

On October 19, 2017, the Company delivered to the Bank and to BMO Equity an executed non-binding Preliminary Memorandum of Terms and Conditions (“Preliminary Term Sheet”) from a financing institution providing for an aggregate of up to $24,000,000 in senior secured financing to (i) refinance existing senior bank and mezzanine debt, (ii) fund certain capital expenditures and (iii) provide for ongoing working capital needs of Registrant. The Preliminary Term Sheet is non-binding and is subject to diligence and to the execution of a definitive agreement.

Management’s Plans.

Management is engaged in efforts to obtain re-financing of its obligations to BMO Harris and BMO Private Equity, is in accordance with the Preliminary Term Sheet and is engaged in a diligence and loan documentation process. While no assurance can be given that the re-financing will be completed, management has a reasonable expectation that both the re-financing will be completed and that the Company will continue as a going concern.

Management is also engaged in efforts to implement cost and operational improvements and to fulfill strong order flow in order to achieve profitable operations for the fourth quarter.

Note 3 - 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.

8

Table of Contents

 

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 20172018 and 2016.2017. 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, 2017 March 31, 2018 and 20162017 includes approximately $2,000$62,000 and $5,000, respectively, of compensation costs related to share based payments. The Company’s net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 includes approximately $12,000 and $29,000,$5,000, respectively, of compensation costs related to share based payments. As of September 30, 2017, March 31, 2018, there is $13,000$302,000 of unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock option grants and stock grants. We expect approximately $2,000$110,000 of additional stock-based compensation expense to be recognized over the remainder of 2017, $7,0002018,$92,000 to be recognized during 2018, $3,0002019, and $56,000 to be recognized during 2019 and $1,000 to be recognized during 2020.

As of September 30, 2017, 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.

9

 

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 authorizesand subsequent awards categorized as inducement of employment authorized the issuance of up to 250,000510,000 shares of stock or options to purchase stock of the

Company (including cancelled shares reissued under the plan.) As of September 30, 2017, options for 250,000 sharesMarch 31, 2018, all underlying awards had been granted and options for 143,094471,144 shares remain outstanding.

 

A summary of the Company’s stock option activity, which includes grants of restricted stock, non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, warrants 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, 2016  143,094  $5.22   2.9  $89,494 
Granted  -   -   -   - 
Cancelled/Expired  14,625   5.14   -   - 
Exercised  -   -   -   - 
Outstanding at September 30, 2017  128,469  $5.23   1.3  $0 
                 
Exercisable at September 30, 2017  100,788  $5.21   0.8  $0 

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, 2017, the Company was in compliance with all of the financial covenants under the Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement.

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 76,675 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.

10
  

Shares

under

Option

  

Weighted

Average

Exercise

Price

 

Balance at December 31, 2017

  476,144  $3.97 

Granted

  -   - 

Cancelled/Expired

  -   - 

Exercised/Issued

  (5,000)  - 

Outstanding at March 31, 2018

  471,144  $4.01 
         

Exercisable at March 31, 2018

  103,463  $5.38 

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, 2016  216,723  $2.48   4.49  $817,880 
Granted  -   -   -   - 
Cancelled  -   -   -   - 
Exercised  140,048   0.01   -  $642,820 
Outstanding at September 30, 2017  76,675  $7.00   1.8  $- 
                 
Exercisable at September 30, 2017  76,675  $7.00   1.8  $- 

A summary of the Company’s stock option activity by grant date as of September 30, 2017 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  79,000  $5.17   0.2  $0   79,000  $5.17   0.2  $0 
Nov 2013  5,000  $5.75   1.1  $0   4,000  $5.75   1.1  $0 
Dec 2015  44,469  $5.29   3.3  $0   17,788  $5.27   3.3  $0 
TOTAL  128,469  $5.23   1.3  $0   100,788  $5.21   0.8  $0 

 

The instruments above have an aggregate intrinsic value in the tables aboveof $37,000, which 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, 2017 March 31, 2018 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, 2017.March 31, 2018.

 

Note 4 - Legal Proceedings

 

The Company ismay be party to certain claimslawsuits or actionsclaims arising in the normal course of business. The ultimate outcome of these matters is unknown but, in the opinion of management, the resolutionwe do not believe any of these matters is not expected toproceedings will have, individually or in the aggregate, a significantmaterial adverse effect on theupon our financial condition, cash flows or future financial position or results of operationsoperation.

9

In July, 2017, God’s Little Gift, Inc. (d\b\a) Helium and Balloons Across America and Gary Page (“Claimants”) filed an action against the Company in the North Carolina State Court. This action was removed to the United States District Court in North Carolina. The Company filed an answer and motion to dismiss this action. The Court stayed the action based upon an arbitration clause in the agreement on which part of the Company.action was based. On December 18, 2017, Claimants filed an arbitration claim against the Company before the American Arbitration Association in Chicago, Illinois. The Statement of Claim includes claims for alleged breach of two agreements among the parties, essentially for alleged failure by the Company to pay disputed commission amounts. Claimants also included counts for alleged unjust enrichment and tortious interference with contract. The Company has filed a response to the Statement of Claim denying all of the claims. The Company believes the claims are without merit and intends to defend all of the claims vigorously. The Company has not accrued any amounts in respect of this matter and cannot estimate the possible loss, if any, that the Company many incur with respect to it. The proceedings are at an early stage.

 

Note 5 - Other Comprehensive Income

 

In the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, March 31, 2018, the Company incurred other comprehensive loss and income of approximately ($260,000) and $493,000, respectively,$433,000, all from foreign currency translation adjustments.

 

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

 

11
  

Foreign Currency Items

  

Total

Accumulated Other

Comprehensive Income

 
         

Beginning balance as of January 1, 2018

 $(5,365,364) $(5,365,364)
         

Current period change, net of tax

  433,065   433,065 
         

Ending Balance as of March 31, 2018

  (4,932,299)  (4,932,299)

 

  Foreign Currency Items  Total
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income
 
       
Beginning balance as of January 1, 2017 $(5,593,878) $(5,593,878)
         
Current period change, net of tax  492,900   492,900 
         
Ending Balance as of September 30, 2017  (5,100,978)  (5,100,978)

Note 6-Inventories, Net

 

 

September 30,

2017

  December 31,
2016
  

March 31,

2018

  

December 31,

2017

 
Raw materials $3,485,026  $3,310,310  $3,060,291  $2,632,415 
Work in process  2,873,071   1,942,600   3,435,535   3,386,078 
Finished goods  13,881,057   13,889,328   15,325,399   13,347,620 
Allowance for excess quantities  (891,046)  (794,227)  (466,118)  (500,181)
Total inventories $19,348,108  $18,348,011  $21,355,107  $18,865,932 

 

Note 7 - 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:

 

12
  

Net Sales to Outside Customers

         
  

For the Three Months Ended

  

Total Assets at

 
  

March 31,

  

March 31,

  December 31, 
  

2018

  

2017

  

2018

  

2017

 
                 

United States

 $9,738,000  $11,647,000  $29,094,000  $27,784,000 

Europe

  1,362,000   947,000   3,142,000   2,989,000 

Mexico

  2,186,000   2,023,000   9,844,000   8,288,000 

United Kingdom

  693,000   743,000   1,450,000   923,000 
                 
  $13,979,000  $15,360,000  $43,530,000  $39,984,000 

 

  Net Sales to Outside Customers  Net Sales to Outside Customers 
  For the Three Months Ended  For the Nine Months Ended 
  September 30,  September 30, 
  2017  2016  2017  2016 
             
United States $9,039,000  $10,392,000  $30,165,000  $33,527,000 
Europe  1,261,000   761,000   3,125,000   1,927,000 
Mexico  2,627,000   1,723,000   6,605,000   5,438,000 
United Kingdom  299,000   600,000   1,502,000   1,940,000 
                 
  $13,226,000  $13,476,000  $41,397,000  $42,832,000 

  Total Assets at 
  September 30,  December 31, 
  2017  2016 
       
United States $27,689,000  $33,108,000 
Europe  3,176,000   2,418,000 
Mexico  9,020,000   7,064,000 
United Kingdom  847,000   1,324,000 
         
  $40,732,000  $43,914,000 

Note 8 - 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, 2017 March 31, 2018 and 2016,2017, 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 months ended September 30, 2017 March 31, 2018 and 20162017 are as follows:

 

  Three Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
  September 30, 2017  September 30, 2016 
Customer Net Sales  % of Net
Sales
  Net Sales  % of Net
Sales
 
Customer A $3,195,000   24.2% $3,088,000   22.9%
Customer B $2,283,000   17.3% $3,070,000   22.8%

13
  

Three Months Ended

  

Three Months Ended

 
  

March 31, 2018

  

March 31, 2017

 

Customer

 

Net Sales

  

% of Net

Sales

  

Net Sales

  

% of Net

Sales

 

Customer A

 $4,450,000   31.8%  $4,427,000   28.8% 

Customer B

 $2,471,000   17.7%  $2,609,000   17.0% 

  Nine Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
  September 30, 2017  September 30, 2016 
Customer Net Sales  % of Net
Sales
  Net Sales  % of Net
Sales
 
Customer A $11,489,000   27.8% $11,859,000   27.7%
Customer B $6,457,000   15.6% $7,870,000   18.4%

 

As of September 30, 2017, March 31, 2018, the total amounts owed to the Company by these customers were approximately $1,491,000$3,643,000 or 19.6%33.4%, and $1,631,000$2,657,000 or 21.5%24.3%, of the Company’s consolidated net accounts receivable, respectively. The amounts owed at September 30, 2016 March 31, 2017 by these customers were approximately $1,411,000$3,301,000 or 13.9%27.7%, and $2,653,000$2,657,000 or 26.1%22.3% of the Company’s consolidated net accounts receivable, respectively.

 

Note 9- Related Party Transactions

 

Stephen M. Merrick, PresidentChief Executive Officer 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, 2017 March 31, 2018 and 2016,2017, respectively, were $29,000$72,000 and $57,000. Legal fees paid by the Company to this firm for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, were $93,000 and $128,000.

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, 2017 and 2016, these interest accruals totaled $24,000 and $23,000, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, these interest accruals totaled $59,000 and $69,000, respectively.$26,000.

 

John H. Schwan, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, through an investment entity, and Stephen M. Merrick, PresidentChief Executive Officer 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”). During the three months ended September 30, 2017 March 31, 2018 and 2016,2017, Clever Container purchased various products from the Company in the amount of $262,000$237,000 and $191,000, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, Clever Container purchased various products from the Company in the amount of $716,000 and $669,000,$204,000, respectively. As of September 30, 2017 March 31, 2018 and 2016,2017, the balance of accounts receivable from Clever Container to the Company were $924,000$1,102,000 and $192,000,$711,000, respectively. The Company owns a 28.5% interest in Clever Container.

 

Note 10-Derivative Instruments; Fair Value

 

The following tables represents information aboutCompany accounts for derivative instruments in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires that all derivative instruments be recognized on the Company’s assets and liabilities measuredbalance sheet at fair value. We may enter into interest rate swaps to fix the interest rate on a portion of our variable interest rate debt to reduce the potential volatility in our interest expense that would otherwise result from changes in market interest rates. Our derivative instruments are recorded at fair value and are included in accrued liabilities of our consolidated balance sheet. Our accounting policies for these instruments are based on whether they meet our criteria for designation as hedging transactions, which include the instrument’s effectiveness, risk reduction and, in most cases, a recurring basisone-to-one matching of the derivative instrument to our underlying transaction. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we had one derivative instrument accounted for as a hedge, compared to no such instrument as of September 30, 2017March 31, 2017. Gains and losses from changes in fair values of derivatives that are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes are recognized in the consolidated statement of operations. We have no such derivative financial instruments as of December 31, 2016, and indicate the2017. Changes in fair value hierarchyfor the respective periods were recognized in the consolidated statement of the valuation techniques utilized by the Company to determine such fair value:operations.

 

The interest rate swap we entered into December 14, 2017 had a three year term (ending December 14, 2020) and a notional amount of $3 million. The Company purchased a 2.25% fixed rate in exchange for the variable rate on a portion of the notes payable under the PNC Agreements, which was 1.47% at time of execution. The fair value of the swap was insignificant as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

 

Amount as of
Description9/30/2017Level 1Level 2Level 3
Warrant Liability$--$--
$--$--

  Amount as of          
Description 12/31/2016  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3 
             
Warrant Liability $818,000   -  $818,000   - 
                 
  $818,000      $818,000     

Note 11 – Subsequent Events

On November 9, 2017, the Company and S.C. Johnson & Son Inc. entered into a Fourth Amendment to the Trademark License Agreement among them dated December, 2011, extending the term of the Trademark License Agreement to December 31, 2019.

15

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

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

 

Forward Looking StatementsStatements

 

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 most of our 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 whichand home organizing, container products, Candy Blossoms and party goods.

As of January 1, 2018, we purchaseadopted Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, using the modified retrospective method.  The adoption of ASC 606 did not have a suppliermaterial impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations, as our revenue arrangements generally consist of a single performance obligation to transfer promised goods at a fixed price. 

Net sales include revenues from sales of products and shipping and handling charges, net of estimates for product returns.  Revenue is measured at the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for the transferred products.  Revenue is recognized at the point in time when we transfer the promised products to the customer and the customer obtains control over the products.  We recognize revenue for shipping and handling charges at the time the goods are shipped to the customer, and the costs of outbound freight are included in cost of sales, as we have elected the practical expedient included in ASC 606.

We provide for product returns based on historical return rates. While we incur costs for sales commissions to our sales employees and outside agents, we recognize commission costs concurrent with the related revenue, as the amortization period is less than one year and we markethave elected the practical expedient included in ASC 606. We do not incur incremental costs to obtain contracts with our customers. Our product warranties are assurance-type warranties, which promise the customer that the products are as specified in the contract. Therefore, the product warranties are not a separate performance obligation and sell home organizingare accounted for as described herein. Sales taxes assessed by governmental authorities are accounted for on a net basis and container products.are excluded from net sales.

 

Results of Operations

 

Net Sales. For the three months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, net sales were $13,226,000$13,979,000 compared to net sales of $13,476,000$15,360,000 for the same period of 2016,2017, a decrease of 1.9%9%. We experienced short term order flow issues with two of our largest customers during January and February 2018 but had our largest sales month in our history in March (excluding only Black Friday promotional sales in November 2016).  Sales in April and May have continued at strong levels and we expect that sales for all of 2018 will exceed sales in 2017.  For the quarters ended September 30,March 31, 2018 and 2017, and 2016, net sales by product category were as follows:

 

16

  Three Months Ended 
  September 30, 2017  September 30, 2016 
  $  % of  $  % of 
Product Category (000) Omitted  Net Sales  (000) Omitted  Net Sales 
             
Foil Balloons  5,767   44%  6,178   46%
                 
Latex Balloons  2,620   20%  1,875   14%
                 
Vacuum Sealing Products  2,397   18%  2,594   19%
                 
Film Products  658   5%  1,137   8%
                 
Other Sales  1,784   13%  1,692   13%
                 
Total  13,226   100%  13,476   100%

For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, net sales were $41,397,000 compared to net sales of $42,382,000 for the same period of 2016, a decrease of 3.4%. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, net sales by product category were as follows:

 Nine Months Ended  

Three Months Ended

 
 September 30, 2017  September 30, 2016  

March 31, 2018

  

March 31, 2017

 
 $ % of $ % of  

$

  

% of

  

$

  

% of

 
Product Category (000) Omitted  Net Sales  (000) Omitted  Net Sales  

(000) Omitted

  

Net Sales

  

(000) Omitted

  

Net Sales

 
                         
Foil Balloons  21,447   52%  20,540   48%  7,766   56%  8,891   58%
                                
Latex Balloons  6,969   17%  6,182   14%  2,149   15%  2,105   14%
                                
Vacuum Sealing Products  5,668   14%  7,362   17%  1,589   11%  1,708   11%
                                
Film Products  2,194   5%  3,508   8%  438   3%  838   5%
                                
Other Sales  5,119   12%  5,240   13%  2,037   15%  1,818   12%
                                
Total  41,397   100%  42,832   100%  13,979   100%  15,360   100%

 

FoilBalloons. During the three months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, revenues from the sale of foil balloons decreased by 6.6%12.7% compared to the prior year period from $6,178,000$8,891,000 to $5,767,000. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, revenues from the sale of foil balloons increased by 4.4% compared to the prior year period, from $20,540,000 to $21,447,000. In that period, foil balloon sales$7,766,000.  Sales to our largest balloon customer decreased to $11,489,000increased from $9,958,000$4,427,000 in the first three quartersquarter of 2016. However, during that nine month period, sales2017 to $4,450,000 in the first quarter of foil balloons to other customers increased to $10,818,000 from $8,715,000 for the same period last year. These increased sales represent certain new customers but principally increases in sales to significant existing customers in each of the United States, Mexico, the United Kingdom and Europe.2018.  

 

Latex Balloons. During the three months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, revenues from the sale of latex balloons increased by 39.8%2.1% compared to the prior year period, from $1,875,000$2,105,000 to $2,620,000. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, revenues from the sale of latex balloons increased by 12.7% compared to the prior year period from $6,182,000 to $6,969,000. Substantially all of the increases in sales of latex balloons during the third quarter and the nine month period have been sales by Flexo Universal to existing and new customers principally in Mexico. These include sales to several major chains and to distributors.$2,149,000.

17

 

Vacuum SealingProducts. During the three months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, revenues from the sale of pouches and vacuum sealing machines decreased by 7.6%7% compared to the prior year, from $2,594,000$1,708,000 to $2,397,000. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, revenues from the sale of pouches and vacuum sealing machines decreased by 23.0% compared to the prior year from $7,362,000 to $5,668,000. We believe that sales were affected during both the first and second quarters by the selloff of excess inventory of vacuum sealing machines held by a principal customer due to a sales promotion the customer implemented during the fourth quarter of 2016 for which a large quantity of machines were purchased.$1,589,000.

 

Films. During the three months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, revenues from the sale of laminated film products decreased by 42.2%47.7% compared to the prior year period from $1,137,000$838,000 to $658,000. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, revenues from the sale of laminated film products decreased by 37.4% compared to the prior year period from $3,508,000 to $2,194,000. Virtually all of the sales of this product line were to a single long-term customer. Sales to the customer have declined due to the elimination of one product previously purchased. However, we continue to maintain a long term relationship with the customer with respect to other products.$438,000.

 

Other Revenues. During the three months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, revenues from the sale of various other products increased by 5.4%10% to $1,784,000$2,037,000 compared to revenues from other products in the same period in 20162017 of $1,692,000. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, revenues from the sale of various other products decreased by 2.3% to $5,119,000 compared to revenues from other products in the same period in 2016 of $5,240,000.$1,818,000. The revenues from the sale of other products during 2017the first quarter of 2018 include (i) sales of a line of “Candy Blossoms” and “Candy Loons” consisting of candy and small inflated balloons sold in small containers in the amount of $578,000, (ii) the sale of accessories and supply items related to balloon products, (iii) sales by Clever Container Company, L.L.C. which engages in the direct sale of container and organizing products through a network of independent distributors in the amount of $1,117,000 and (iv) sales of party goods in Mexico by Flexo Universal.Universal in the amount of $127,000.

 

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, 2017March 31, 2018 and 2016.2017.

 

 Three Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30,  

Three Months Ended March 31,

 
 % of Sales % of Sales  

% of Sales

 
 2017  2016  2017  2016  

2018

  

2017

 
                 
Top 3 Customers  47.5%  53.9%  48.5%  54.0%  54.1%  51.1%
                        
Top 10 Customers  66.1%  70.0%  65.4%  68.3%  69.6%  67.0%

 

18

 

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, 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, 2017March 31, 2018 were $3,195,000$4,450,000 or 24.2%31.8%, and $2,283,000$2,471,000 or 17.3%17.7%, of consolidated net sales, respectively. Sales to these customers for the three months ended September 30, 2016March 31, 2017 were $3,088,000$4,427,000 or 22.9%28.8%, and $3,070,000$2,609,000 or 22.8%, of consolidated net sales, respectively. Sales to these customers for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 were $11,489,000 or 27.8%, and $6,457,000 or 15.6%, 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%17%, of consolidated net sales, respectively. The amounts owed at September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 by these customers were $1,491,000$3,643,000 or 19.6%33.4%, and $1,631,000$2,657,000 or 21.5%24.3%, of the Company’s consolidated net accounts receivable, respectively. As of September 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, the total amounts owed to the Company by these customers were $1,411,000$3,301,000 or 15.7%27.7%, and $2,653,000$2,657,000 or 29.4%22.3% of the Company’s consolidated net accounts receivable, respectively.

 

Cost of Sales. During the three months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, the cost of sales represented 75.9% of net sales compared to 74.7%was $11,111,000, a 5.4% decrease from $11,742,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2016. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, theMarch 31, 2017. The reduction in cost of sales represented 76.0%was largely due to lower sales volume, net of net sales compared to 73.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The decline in gross margin both in the third quarter and for the nine month period is attributable principally to changes in the mix of products sold. Gross margin rates on latex balloon products are lower than certain of our other products so the increase in latex product sales in these periods have affected overall gross margins. Vacuum sealing products generally carry higher gross margins so the decline in sales of that line has tended to reduce the overall gross margin rate. We did not experience significant changes in the cost of raw materials or direct labor during the period.related inefficiencies.

 

General and Administrative. During the three months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, general and administrative expenses were $1,923,000 or 14.5%$1,884,000, a decrease of net sales,1% compared to $1,808,000 or 13.4% of net sales$1,901,000 for the same period in 2016. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, general and administrative expenses were $5,691,000 or 13.7% of net sales, compared to $5,471,000 or 12.8% of net sales for the same period in 2016. Some elements of general and administrative costs have declined during the third quarter and the nine month period ended September 30, 2017. These include items incorporated in our cost reduction program, in particular salaries (reduced by over $200,000 over the nine months.) However, we incurred additional costs related to our financing, including consulting fees of $184,000 for the third quarter and $316,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and legal fees of $54,000 for the third quarter and $138,000 for the nine month period.

We have initiated a program in which we expect to achieve overall reductions in general and administrative, selling, marketing and related expenses at the rate of at least $2.4 million on an annualized basis. Some of these expense reductions are reflected in the third quarter and will be reflected in the fourth quarter and throughout 2018.

 

Selling. During the three months ended September 30, 2017, selling expenses were $862,000 or 6.5% of net sales, compared to $978,000 or 7.3% of net sales for the same period in 2016. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, selling expenses were $2,771,000 or 6.7% of net sales, compared to $3,162,000 or 7.4% of net sales for the same period in 2016. The reduction in selling expenses reflects a reduction in salary expenses and service fees.

, Advertising and Marketing. During the three months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, selling, advertising and marketing expenses were $455,000 or 3.4% of net sales for the period,$1,155,000, a 9.6% decrease compared to $581,000 or 4.3% of net sales$1,278,000 for the same period of 2016. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, advertising and marketing expenses were $1,549,000 or 3.7% of net sales for the period, compared to $1,644,000 or 3.8% of net sales for the same period of 2016. The reduction reflects principally the elimination of a consulting expense as of June 30, 2017 which totals $133,000 to date.in 2017.

19

 

Other Income (Expense). During the three months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, the Company incurred interest expense of $367,000,$564,000, compared to interest expense during the same period of 20162017 in the amount of $359,000. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company incurred interest expense of $1,100,000, compared to interest expense during the same period of 2016 in the amount of $1,074,000. 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 $4,000 in the third quarter of 2017, compared to ($48,000) in the third quarter of 2016.$353,000.

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, the Company had a foreign currency transaction lossgain of $11,000$31,000 compared to a foreign currency transaction gainloss of $10,000$31,000 during the same period of 2016. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company had a foreign currency transaction loss of $92,000 compared to a foreign currency transaction gain of $77,000 during the same period of 2016.2017.

 

Income Taxes. For the three months ended September 30, 2017, the Company reported a consolidated income tax benefit

 

Net Income. For the three months ended September 30, 2017, the Company had net loss of ($275,000) or ($0.08) per share (basic and diluted,) compared to net loss of ($180,000) for the same period of 2016 or ($0.05) per share (basic and diluted.) For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company had net loss of ($742,000) or ($0.20) per share (basic and diluted,) compared to net loss of ($257,000) for the same period of 2016 or ($0.07) per share (basic and diluted.) For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company had income from operations of $38,000 compared to income from operations during the same period in 2016 of $922,000.

Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Cash Flow Items.

 

Operating Activities. During the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, net cash used in operations was $899,000, compared to net cash provided by operations was $5,230,000, compared to net cash used in operations during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2016March 31, 2017 of $255,000.$3,083,000.

20

 

Significant changes in working capital items during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 included:

 

·

A decrease

An increase in accounts receivable of $5,864,000$466,000 compared to a decrease in accounts receivable of $808,000$2,660,000 in the same period of 2016.2017. Sales volume increased substantially during March 2018, which resulted in increased accounts receivable as of March 31, 2018.

·

An increase in inventory of $325,000$1,995,000 compared to an increasea decrease in inventory of $5,598,000$816,000 in 2016.2017.

·

A

An increase in trade payables of $1,573,000 compared to a decrease in trade payables of $61,000 compared to an increase$20,000 in trade payables of $3,461,000 in 2016.2017.

·

A

An increase in accrued liabilities of $127,000 compared to a decrease in accrued liabilities of $272,000 compared to an increase$847,000 in accrued liabilities of $107,000 in 2016.2017.

 

Investing Activity. During the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, cash used inprovided by investing activity was $736,000,$64,000, compared to cash provided byused in investing activity for the same period of 20162017 in the amount of $140,000. Activity consisted principally of investment in equipment and equipment maintenance.$220,000.

 

Financing Activities. During the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, cash used inprovided by financing activities was $4,416,000$1,223,000 compared to cash provided byused in financing activities for the same period of 20162017 in the amount of $440,000.$2,856,000. Financing activity consisted principally of reductionchanges in the balances of revolving and long term debt.

 

Liquidity andCapital Resources and Going Concern. 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.

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, 2017, the effective rate on the outstanding loan balances was 4.5%.

As of September 30, 2017, the outstanding balances on the loans with BMO Harris were: (i) revolving line of credit, $8,211,000, (ii) mortgage loan, $1,641,000, and (iii) equipment loan, $0.

21

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. The loans subject to the Credit Agreement originally matured on July 17, 2017 and have been extended as noted below.

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. Interest is payable on the outstanding balance of the loan at the rate of 11.5% per annum. The loan matures on January 17, 2018.

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.

 

At September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, the Company had cash balances of $325,000$596,000 compared to cash balances of $624,000$583,000 for the same period of 2016.2017.

22

 

Also at September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, the Company had a working capital balance of $4,904,000$4,976,000 compared to a working capital balance of $11,080,000$9,631,000 on December 31, 2016.2017.

 

Further, asAs of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, the Company was not in compliance with all of thetwo financial covenants under the Credit Agreement and the Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement.

Asits credit facility. For this reason, $4.4 million of September 30, 2017, the Company had total borrowings outstanding under the Credit Agreement with BMO Harris of $9,852,000, including $8,211,000 on the revolving credit loan and $1,641,000 on the mortgage facility. In addition, the balance of the indebtedness of the Company to BMO Private Equitylong term debt was reclassified as current debt as of September 30, 2017 was approximately $5,965,000.

March 31, 2018.  The obligations of the Credit Agreement to BMO Harris were to mature on July 17, 2017. The obligations of the Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement among the Company and BMO Equityits bank are to mature on January 18, 2018.

By Amendment tocurrently discussing the Credit Agreement dated July 18, 2017, BMO Harris agreed to extend the maturity date of the agreement to October 18, 2017. BMO Equity consented to this extension in exchange for a fee and for the right to exercise at any time its put of warrants issued to it under the Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement. The extension provides retention by the Company of a consultant to advise as to planning, forecasting, cost management and financing.

On August 17, 2017, BMO Equity exercised its put on the warrants and the Company issued to BMO Equity a Warrant Conversion Note in the amount of $797,881 for the purchase of the warrants. The principal balance of the Warrant Conversion Note, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, is payable on January 18, 2018. The principal balance of the Warrant Conversion Note accrues interest at the rate of 11.5% per annum compounded daily.

On October 17, 2017, the Company and BMO Harris entered into Amendment No. 11 to the Credit Agreement in which (i) the Company acknowledged its indebtedness to the Bank for a Mortgage Loan balance in the amount of $1,664,456 and for a balance of $8,211,467appropriate actions going forward with respect to the Revolving Loans, (ii) the maturity date on the Mortgage Loanthis credit facility.  The Company expects to have sufficient capital to fund its operations through 2018 and the Revolving Credit were extended to November 30, 2017, and (iii) the Bank provided a temporary over advance line of $1,000,000 for the period from October 17, 2017 through November 30, 2017. Amendment No. 11 included certain additional covenants including that, on or before October 20, 2017, the Company would deliver to the Bank an executed letter of intent from a third-party financial institution providing for refinancing and payment of the Company’s debt obligations to the Bank. Also, on October 17, 2017, the Registrant entered into Amendment No. 6 to the Note and Warrant Agreement among Registrant and BMO Private Equity (U.S.) Inc. (BMO Private Equity). In the Amendment, (i) the Company acknowledged its indebtedness to BMO Private Equity for a subordinated note in the principal amount of $5,000,000 and, for the balance under a note issued in connection with the conversion by BMO Private Equity of warrants, in the amount of $797,881, (ii) BMO Private Equity agreed to defer payment of interest due on October 2, 2017 in the amount of $150,139 to December 1, 2017. Amendment No. 6 includes covenants similar to that of Amendment No. 11 with the Bank.beyond.

 

On October 19, 2017, the Company delivered to the Bank and to BMO Equity an executed non-binding Preliminary Memorandum

 

Management’s Plans.

Management is engaged in efforts to obtain re-financing of its obligations to BMO Harris and BMO Private Equity, is in accordance with the Preliminary Term Sheet and is engaged in a diligence and loan documentation process. While no assurance can be given that the re-financing will be completed, management has a reasonable expectation that both the re-financing will be completed and that the Company will continue as a going concern.

Management is also engaged in efforts to implement cost and operational improvements and to fulfill strong order flow in order to achieve profitable operations for the fourth quarter.

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 25-2823-26 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20162017 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, 2017.March 31, 2018.

23

 

Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures Regarding Market Risk

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 4.Controls and Procedures

 

As required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act, we conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under Security Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (a) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and (b) is accumulated and communicated to our management, including officers, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure. There were no material changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal controls over financial reporting.

 

Part II.OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.Legal Proceedings

 

The Company ismay be party to certain claimslawsuits or actionsclaims arising in the normal course of business. The ultimate outcome of these matters is unknown but, in the opinion of management, the resolutionwe do not believe any of these matters is not expected toproceedings will have, individually or in the aggregate, a significantmaterial adverse effect on theupon our financial condition, cash flows or future financial position or results of operationsoperation.

In July, 2017, God’s Little Gift, Inc. (d\b\a) Helium and Balloons Across America and Gary Page (“Claimants”) filed an action against the Company in the North Carolina State Court. This action was removed to the United States District Court in North Carolina. The Company filed an answer and motion to dismiss this action. The Court stayed the action based upon an arbitration clause in the agreement on which part of the Company.action was based. On December 18, 2017, Claimants filed an arbitration claim against the Company before the American Arbitration Association in Chicago, Illinois. The Statement of Claim includes claims for alleged breach of two agreements among the parties, essentially for alleged failure by the Company to pay disputed commission amounts. Claimants also included counts for alleged unjust enrichment and tortious interference with contract. The Company has filed a response to the Statement of Claim denying all of the claims. The Company believes the claims are without merit and intends to defend all of the claims vigorously. The Company has not accrued any amounts in respect of this matter and cannot estimate the possible loss, if any, that the Company many incur with respect to it. The proceedings are at an early stage.

 

Item 1A.Risk Factors

 

Not applicable.

 

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.

24

 

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.

 

Item 6.Exhibits

 

The following are being filed as exhibits to this report:

 

Exhibit

Number

Description

  

3.1

Restated Articles of Incorporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to Registrant’s Schedule 14A Definitive Proxy Statement filed April 29, 2015).

3.2

Amended and Restated By-Laws of CTI Industries Corporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2, contained in Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on March 17, 2017).

10.1

 31.1

Senior Secured Subordinated Warrant Conversion Note between BMO Private Equity (U.S.) Inc. and the Company dated August 17, 2017.
10.2Amendment No. 11 to Credit Agreement between BMO Harris Bank, N.A., BMO Private Equity (U.S.) Inc. and the Company dated October 17, 2017.
10.3Amendment No. 6 to Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement between BMO Private Equity (U.S.) Inc. and the Company dated October 17, 2017.
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, 2017,March 31, 2018, 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.

 

 

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, 2017May 15, 2018

CTI INDUSTRIES CORPORATION

By:/s/ John H. Schwan

By: 

John H. Schwan

 /s/ Stephen M. Merrick

Stephen M. Merrick

  Chief Executive Officer
   
 
  
By:/s/ Stephen M. Merrick /s/ Jeffrey S. Hyland
  Stephen M. MerrickJeffrey S. Hyland
  President
   
 
  
By:/s/ Timothy S. Patterson /s/ Frank J. Cesario
  Timothy S. PattersonFrank J. Cesario

Chief Financial Officer

Senior Vice President Finance

               

 

Exhibit Index

Exhibit

Number

Description

3.1

Restated Articles of Incorporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to Registrant’s Schedule 14A Definitive Proxy Statement filed April 29, 2015.)2015).

3.2

3.2

Amended and Restated By-Laws of CTI Industries Corporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2, contained in Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on March 17, 2017).

31.1

10.1Senior Secured Subordinated Warrant Conversion Note between BMO Private Equity (U.S.) Inc. and the Company dated August 17, 2017.
10.2Amendment No. 11 to Credit Agreement between BMO Harris Bank, N.A., BMO Private Equity (U.S.) Inc. and the Company dated October 17, 2017.
10.3Amendment No. 6 to Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement between BMO Private Equity (U.S.) Inc. and the Company dated October 17, 2017.
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

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

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

101

Interactive Data Files, including the following materials from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, 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.

 

27

21