SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


                                   FORM 10-QSB


              Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)15 (d) of
                       The Securities Exchange Act of 1934


For the Quarterly Period Ended:                           Commission File Number
       May 31, 1997November 30, 2000                                          1-11038

                 NORTHERN TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

        Delaware                                        41-0857886
(State of Incorporation)                 (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

                    6680 N. Highway 49, Lino Lakes, MN 55014
                    (Address of principal executive offices)

                                 (612)(651) 784-1250
                         (Registrant's telephone number)


Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d)15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant
was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.

                             YES  __X___X_        NO  ________

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

           Class                            Outstanding as of July 9, 1997December 31, 2000
           -----                            -----------------------------------
Common Stock, $.02 par value                            4,202,308


                                             This3,796,951

                                            "This document consists of eleven12 pages.
                                            No exhibits are being filed."





PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NORTHERN TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NORTHERN TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) MAY 31,NOVEMBER 30, AUGUST 31, MAY 31, 1997 1996 1996 ------------ ------------ ------------ ASSETS2000 2000 ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and cash equivalents $ 3,605,5053,565,043 $ 3,707,520 $ 3,392,6123,840,057 Receivables: Trade, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $29,000, $26,000,$36,000 and $26,500,$30,000, respectively 1,294,850 1,127,975 979,167 Corporate1,535,059 1,390,264 International corporate joint ventures 484,650 524,577 409,817576,877 608,136 Inventories 573,536 584,212 627,264921,880 929,661 Prepaid expenses and other 51,708 78,603 59,23850,402 51,066 Deferred income taxes 170,000 170,000 110,000 ------------220,000 220,000 ------------ ------------ Total current assets 6,180,249 6,192,887 5,578,0986,869,261 7,039,184 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net 977,666 980,816 809,8151,298,562 1,219,189 OTHER ASSETS: Investments in international corporate joint ventures 2,145,571 1,726,328 1,448,1613,492,335 3,602,692 Investment in European holding company 254,375 -- -- Investment in foreign company 159,879 159,879 155,068 Trading investment 250,000 -- --196,641 243,598 Deferred income taxes 90,000 90,000 100,000310,000 310,000 Other 114,140 164,140 103,092770,771 703,631 ------------ ------------ ------------ 3,013,965 2,140,347 1,806,321 ------------4,769,747 4,859,921 ------------ ------------ $ 10,171,88012,937,570 $ 9,314,050 $ 8,194,234 ============13,118,294 ============ ============ LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES: Accounts payable $ 118,338100,789 $ 154,859 $ 116,591221,236 Income taxes 222,414 463,700 180,295payable 36,810 313,806 Dividends payable 644,972 - Accrued liabilities: Payroll 141,326 177,381 63,073and related benefits 176,945 224,445 Other 134,691 112,544 60,916 ------------182,240 201,003 ------------ ------------ Total current liabilities 616,769 908,484 420,8751,141,756 960,490 DEFERRED GROSS PROFIT 118,000 109,000 100,50050,000 50,000 STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY: Preferred stock, no par value, authorized 10,000 shares, none issued Common stock, $.02 par value per share; authorized 10,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 4,206,308, 4,199,275,3,796,951 and 4,216,190 shares,3,803,118, respectively 84,126 83,985 84,32475,939 76,062 Additional paid-in capital 5,193,207 5,158,344 5,183,7174,533,482 4,532,550 Retained earnings 4,418,164 3,143,526 2,500,443 Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments (128,579) 40,518 34,182 ------------ ------------ ------------ 9,566,918 8,426,373 7,802,666 Notes and related interest receivable from purchase of common stock (129,807) (129,807) (129,807) ------------7,849,205 8,093,286 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (see Note 7) (712,812) (594,094) ------------ ------------ Total stockholders' equity 9,437,111 8,296,566 7,672,859 ------------11,745,814 12,107,804 ------------ ------------ $ 10,171,88012,937,570 $ 9,314,050 $ 8,194,234 ============13,118,294 ============ ============
See notes to financial statements. 2 NORTHERN TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED) THREE MONTHS ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 2000 AND 1999 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NORTHERN TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED) THREE MONTHS ENDED NINE MONTHS ENDED MAY 31 MAY 31 -------------------------- -------------------------- 1997 1996 1997 19962000 1999 SALES $ 2,518,5822,500,312 $ 1,751,478 $ 6,532,957 $ 4,977,3962,831,864 COST OF GOODS SOLD 1,201,326 809,361 3,084,004 2,330,574 ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------1,288,410 1,348,520 ------------- -------------- GROSS PROFIT 1,317,256 942,117 3,448,953 2,646,8221,211,902 1,483,344 OPERATING EXPENSES: Selling 241,033 191,778 832,336 597,862434,646 451,409 General and administrative 529,735 315,945 1,349,132 830,773512,346 679,798 Research, engineering, and technical support 107,199 108,959 326,627 297,883 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- 877,967 616,682 2,508,095 1,726,518 ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------156,848 115,173 ------------- -------------- 1,103,840 1,246,380 ------------- -------------- OPERATING INCOME 439,289 325,435 940,858 920,304108,062 236,964 INTERNATIONAL CORPORATE JOINT VENTURES AND FOREIGNEUROPEAN HOLDING COMPANY: Equity in income of international corporate joint ventures and foreignEuropean holding company 185,740 116,214 469,828 338,84592,754 159,317 Fees for technical assistancesupport and other service provided to international corporate joint ventures 573,841 344,094 1,555,212 1,017,072 Corporate601,605 696,572 Expenses incurred in support of international corporate joint venture expense (127,034) (97,678) (379,029) (386,226) ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- 632,547 362,630 1,646,011 969,691 OTHER INCOME: Interest income 36,311 41,519 101,505 112,921 Other income 113 7,455 7,997 11,182 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- 36,424 48,974 109,502 124,103 ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------ventures (186,288) (163,979) ------------- -------------- 508,071 691,910 INTEREST INCOME 38,393 34,917 ------------- -------------- INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 1,108,260 737,039 2,696,371 2,014,098654,526 963,791 INCOME TAXES 375,000 230,000 900,000 630,000 ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------200,000 290,000 ------------- -------------- NET INCOME $ 733,260454,526 $ 507,039 $ 1,796,371 $ 1,384,098 =========== =========== =========== ===========673,791 ============= ============= NET INCOME PER COMMON AND COMMON EQUIVALENT SHARE $ .17SHARE: Basic $ .12 $ .42.17 ============= ============== Diluted $ .32 =========== =========== =========== ===========.12 $ .17 ============= ============== WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON AND COMMON EQUIVALENT SHARES OUTSTANDING 4,274,164 4,300,718 4,266,742 4,310,226 =========== =========== =========== ===========OUTSTANDING: Basic 3,796,175 3,867,379 ============= ============== Diluted 3,804,058 3,870,919 ============= ==============
See notes to financial statements. 3 NORTHERN TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) THREE MONTHS ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 2000 AND 1999 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NORTHERN TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) NINE MONTHS ENDED MAY 31 -------------------------- 1997 19962000 1999 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income $ 1,796,371454,526 $ 1,384,098673,791 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation 86,175 57,76052,371 37,379 Equity in income of international corporate joint ventures and foreignEuropean holding company (469,828) (338,845)(92,754) (159,317) Dividends received from international corporate joint ventures 39,555 184,101 Deferred gross profit 9,000 --226,660 362,549 Change in current assets and liabilities: Receivables: Trade (166,875) (147,730) Corporate(144,795) (239,736) International corporate joint ventures 39,927 (3,187)31,259 (130,206) Income tax receivable - (175,412) Inventories 10,676 (96,670)7,781 (59,846) Prepaid expenses and other 76,895 (3,375)(19,519) (7,102) Accounts payable (36,521) (17,952)(120,447) (2,552) Income taxes (241,286) 37,915payable (276,996) (307,188) Accrued liabilities 1,468 (101,416) ----------- -----------(66,263) 100,492 ------------- -------------- Total adjustments (650,814) (429,399) ----------- -----------(402,703) (580,939) ------------- -------------- Net cash provided by operating activities 1,145,557 954,69951,823 92,852 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Purchase of property and equipment (83,025) (525,326) Trading investment (250,000) -- Investment in European holding company (254,375) -- Investment ininternational corporate joint ventures (158,067) -- Payment on note receivable from purchase(142,267) (50,000) Additions to property (131,744) (64,332) Increase in other assets - (56,661) ------------- -------------- Net cash used in investing activities (274,011) (170,993) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Repurchase of common stock -- 743,875 ----------- -----------(72,825) - Issuance of common stock 19,999 8,332 ------------- -------------- Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (745,467) 218,549 CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from exercise of stock options and warrants 27,228 39,960 Dividends paid (504,733) (424,877) Repurchase of common stock (24,600) (227,020) ----------- ----------- Net cash used in financing activities (502,105) (611,937) ----------- -----------(52,826) 8,332 ------------- -------------- NET (DECREASE) INCREASEDECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (102,015) 561,311(275,014) (69,809) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD 3,707,520 2,831,301 ----------- -----------3,840,057 2,750,209 ------------- -------------- CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD $ 3,605,5053,565,043 $ 3,392,612 =========== ===========2,680,400 ============= ==============
See notes to financial statements. 4 NORTHERN TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) THREE MONTHS ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 2000 AND 1999 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all necessary adjustments, which are of a normal recurring nature, to present fairly the consolidated financial position of Northern Technologies International Corporation and Subsidiaries as of May 31, 1997November 30, 2000 and 1996, the results of their operations for the three and nine months ended May 31, 1997 and 1996, and thetheir cash flows for the ninethree months ended May 31, 1997November 30, 2000 and 1996,1999, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Operating results for the nine months ended May 31, 1997 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending August 31, 1997. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes as of and for the year ended August 31, 19962000 contained in the Company's filing on Form 10-KSB dated November 26, 199617, 2000 and with Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations appearing on pages 78 through 910 of this quarterly report. 2. RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS On September 1, 2000, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 133, ACCOUNTING FOR DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES. SFAS No. 133 requires companies to record derivatives on the balance sheet as assets and liabilities, measured at fair value. Gains or losses resulting from changes in the values of those derivatives would be accounted for depending on the use of the derivative and whether it qualifies for hedge accounting. Implementation of SFAS No. 133 did not have a material impact on the Company's financial position or the results of its operations. In December 1999, the Securities and Exchange Commission released Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 101 that provides the staff's views in applying generally accepted accounting principles to selected revenue recognition issues. The Company is required to modify its revenue recognition policy to comply with SAB No. 101, as amended, no later than August 31, 2001. Management has not yet determined the effects of SAB No. 101 will have on the Company's financial position or the results of its operations. 3. INVENTORIES
Inventories consist of the following: May 31, August 31, May 31, 1997 1996 1996 Production materials $ 142,395 $ 150,139 $ 125,453 Work in process 20,205 22,619 31,363 Finished goods 410,936 411,454 470,448 ----------- ----------- ----------- $ 573,536 $ 584,212 $ 627,264 =========== =========== =========== 3. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT Property and equipment consist of the following: May 31, August 31, May 31, 1997 1996 1996 Land $ 246,097 $ 246,097 $ 241,196 Buildings and improvements 1,044,996 979,369 553,907 Machinery and equipment 604,935 587,537 587,657 Deposits - - 249,083 ----------- ----------- ----------- 1,896,028 1,813,003 1,631,843 Less accumulated depreciation 918,362 832,187 822,028 ----------- ----------- ----------- $ 977,666 $ 980,816 $ 809,815 ===========Inventories consist of the following: November 30, August 31, 2000 2000 Production materials $ 230,434 $ 267,175 Work in process 19,991 23,947 Finished goods 671,455 638,539 ----------- ----------- $ 921,880 $ 929,661 =========== ===========
5 4. INVESTMENTSPROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT Property and equipment consist of the following: November 30, August 31, 2000 2000 Land $ 246,097 $ 246,097 Buildings and improvements 1,217,363 1,180,938 Machinery and equipment 1,264,131 1,168,812 ------------- -------------- 2,727,591 2,595,847 Less accumulated depreciation 1,429,029 1,376,658 ------------- -------------- $ 1,298,562 $ 1,219,189 ============= ============== 5. INVESTMENT IN INTERATIONAL CORPORATE JOINT VENTURES AND EUROPEAN HOLDING COMPANY During the nine months ended May 31, 1997, the Company invested $158,067 in foreign joint ventures. The Company has a 50% ownership interest in each entity. The entities had no significant operations prior to the Company's investment. During the nine months ended May 31, 1997, the Company invested $254,375 for a 50% ownership interest in a European holding company. To date, the entity has been inactive. 5. TRADING INVESTMENT During the three months ended November 30, 1996,2000, the Company entered intoinvested an agreement (the Agreement) with a company to start a day trading program. The program's objectives generally are to make purchases and sales of shares on the New York Stock Exchange involving turnover of market positions within a trading day. The Agreement required the Company to deposit $250,000additional $142,267 in a trading account at a broker for an indefinite period of time.existing international corporate joint ventures. 6. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY During the ninethree months ended May 31, 1997, the Company acquired and retired 5,000 shares of common stock for $24,600. In November 1996, the Company declared a cash dividend of $.12 per share payable on December 20, 1996 to shareholders of record on December 6, 1996. In November 1996, six employees received a total of 3,000 shares of common stock for services provided in fiscal 1996. The fair value of the common stock issued was determined based on the fair market value of the Company's common stock on the grant date and was accrued in fiscal 1996. During the nine months ended May 31, 1997,30, 2000, stock options for the purchase of 9,0333,333 shares of the Company's common stock were exercised at prices between $3.00$5.00 and $3.13.$6.25 per share. During the three months ended November 30, 2000, the Company acquired and retired 9,500 shares of common stock for $72,825. 7. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME The Company's comprehensive income were as follows:
Three Months Ended November 30 2000 1999 Net income $ 454,526 $ 673,791 Other comprehensive loss - foreign currency translation adjustment (118,718) (25,157) ----------- ----------- Total comprehensive income $ 335,808 $ 648,634 =========== ===========
8. INCOME PER SHARE IncomeBasic income per common and common equivalent share wasis computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares of common and common equivalent shares outstanding during each period. Common equivalent shares include common stock equivalents of 63,334 and 67,950 foroutstanding. Diluted income per share assumes the nine months ended May 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively, and 67,856 and 65,413 for the third quarter of fiscal 1997 and 1996, respectively, from the assumed exercise of outstanding warrants andstock options using the treasury stock method.method, if dilutive. 6 9. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION During the three months ended November 30, 2000, the Company declared a cash dividend of $.17 per share payable on December 15, 2000 to shareholders of record on December 6, 2000. During the three months ended November 30, 1999, the Company declared a cash dividend of $.16 per share payable on December 17, 1999 to shareholders of record on December 3, 1999. 7 ITEM 2 - MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS RESULTS OF OPERATIONS GENERAL - The Company conducts all foreign transactions based on the U.S. dollar, except for its investments in foreign joint ventures. The exchange rate differential relating to investments in foreign joint ventures is accounted for under the requirements of SFAS No. 52. SALES - Net sales increaseddecreased by $767,104 or 44% in$331,552 during the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal 1997 as compared to2001 from those in the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal 1996. Net sales increased by $1,555,561 or 31%2000. This decrease was due to a decrease in the nine months ended May 31, 1997 as compared to the same period of fiscal 1996. These increases in sales aredemand for materials science based industrial packaging products. The decrease was due to the volume of corrosion inhibiting products sold to new and existing customers. Fiscal 1997 year to date sales to an existing customer increased significantly over fiscal 1996 and represents approximately 13% of total net salesslow down in fiscal 1997. There has been no change in product pricing or introduction of new products during fiscal 1997.the industrial sector we serve. COST OF SALES - Cost of goods sold as a percentage of net sales was 52% for the first quarter of fiscal 2001 compared to 48% for the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal 1997 as compared to 46% for the third quarter of fiscal 1996.2000. The cost of goods sold percentage was 47% for the nine months ended May 31, 1997 and 1996. Variations arevariation is primarily due primarily to the mix of product sales. OPERATING EXPENSES - As a percentage of net sales, total operating expenses remained consistent at 35%was 44% in the thirdfirst quarters of fiscal 19962001 and 1997. Operating expenses were 38% and 35% of net sales for the nine months ended May 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.2000. Operating expense classification percentages of net sales were as follows: Three Months Nine Months Ended Ended May 31 May 31 -------------- -------------- 1997 1996 1997 1996November 30 2000 1999 Selling expenses 10% 11% 13% 12%17% 16% General and administrative 21% 18% 20% 17%24% Research, engineering, and technical support 4% 6% 5% 6%4% Selling expenses increased indecreased for the third quarterfirst three months of fiscal 19972001 as compared to the same period in fiscal 19962000 due primarily to a decrease in commissions partially offset by increases in distributor commissions, salaries,sales promotion expense, trade show expense, travel expense, and travel. Selling expenses increased for the nine months ended May 31, 1997 as compared to the same period in fiscal 1996 due to increases in promotional expenses in addition to the factors impacting the third quarter. Sellingemployee benefit expense. Such expenses as a percentage of net sales increased for the ninefirst three months ended May 31, 1997of fiscal 2001 as compared to the same period in fiscal 19962000 due to the increaseddecreased level of net sales in fiscal 1997 not fully offsetting the effect of increased fiscal 1997 selling expenses.2001. General and administrative expenses increaseddecreased for the first three and nine months ended May 31, 1997of fiscal 2001 as compared to the same periodsperiod in 19962000 due primarily to a decrease in consulting fees partially offset by increases in salaries, travel, legal expense, general insurance expense, depreciation expense, and real estate taxes and other expenses associated with the Company's expanded warehouse facility completed in December 1996. General and administrativegeneral office expense. Such expenses as a percentage of net sales increaseddecreased for the first three and nine months ended May 31, 1997of fiscal 2001 as compared to the same periodsperiod in 1996fiscal 2000 due to the increaseddecrease in expenses offsetting the decreased level of net sales in fiscal 1997 not fully offsetting the effect of increased fiscal 1997 general and administrative expenses.2001. Research, engineering and technical support expenses inincreased for the third quarterfirst three months of fiscal 1997 were comparable2001 compared to the same period in 1996. Such expenses for the nine month period ended May 31, 1997 increased over the comparable fiscal 1996 period2000 due primarily to increases in salaries, employee benefit expense, and travel. Research, engineering and technical supportconsulting fees. Such expenses as a percentage of sales were substantially unchangedincreased for the first three and nine months ended May 31, 1997of fiscal 2001 as compared to the same periodsperiod in 1996.fiscal 2000 due to the increase in expenses and the decreased level of sales in fiscal 2001. INTERNATIONAL CORPORATE JOINT VENTURES AND FOREIGNEUROPEAN HOLDING COMPANY - Net earnings from international corporate joint ventures and foreignEuropean holding company were $632,547decreased in the first three months of fiscal 2001 to $508,071 from $691,910 in the first three months of fiscal 2000. This net decrease is 8 due to decreased sales of some of the international corporate joint ventures resulting in a decrease in fees for technical support and $1,646,011 forother services and higher expenses incurred by some of the threeinternational corporate joint ventures. The decrease in net earnings is a result of the general slowing of the industrial sector served and the nine months ended May 31, 1997, respectively,strengthening of the U.S. Dollar compared to $362,630 and $969,691 for the three and the nine months ended May 31, 1996, respectively. The net increases primarily reflect increased sales volume and net earnings at the Company's corporate joint ventures.foreign currencies. INCOME TAXES - Income tax expense for the three and nine months ended May 31, 1997November 30, 2000 and 19961999 was calculated based onupon management's estimate of the Company's annual effective rates. The effective income tax rate. The Company's effective income tax rate isrates for fiscal 2001 and 2000 are lower than the statutory rate primarily due to the Company's equity in income of international corporate joint ventures and foreign company being recognized based on an after tax earnings ofbasis for these entities. To the extent the joint ventureventures' undistributed earnings are distributed to the Company, it does not result in any material additional income tax liability after the application of foreign tax credits. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES At May 31, 1997,November 30, 2000, the Company's working capital was $5,563,480,$5,727,505, including $3,605,505$3,565,043 in cash and cash equivalents, compared to working capital of $5,284,403$6,078,694 including cash and $5,157,223 atcash equivalents of $3,840,057 as of August 31, 1996 and May 31, 1996, respectively.2000. Net cash provided from past operations has been sufficient to meet liquidity requirements, capital expenditures, research and development costs and expansion of operations of the Company's international corporate joint ventures operations.ventures. Cash flowflows from operations for the ninethree months ended May 31, 1997 and 1996November 30, 2000 was $1,145,557 and $954,699, respectively.$51,823. The net cash flow from operations for the ninethree months ended May 31, 1997November 30, 2000 was principally from net income and 1996dividends received from international corporate joint ventures offset by equity in income of international corporate joint ventures and European holding company and decreases in current liabilities. Cash flows from operations for the three months ended November 30, 1999 was $92,852. The net cash flow from operations for the three months ended November 30, 1999 resulted principally from net income and dividends received from international corporate joint venture dividendsventures offset by equity income of international corporate joint ventures and European holding company and increases in trade receivables. During the nine months ended May 31, 1997, net cash flow from operations was further reduced by payments onreceivables and income tax liabilities. Net cashpayments. Cash used in investing activities for the ninethree months ended May 31, 1997November 30, 2000 was $745,467$274,011, which resulted from investments in international corporate joint ventures and additions to property. Cash used in investing activities for the three months ended November 30, 1999 was $170,993, which resulted principally from investments in corporate joint ventures, and a European holding company, purchases of property and equipment and deposit to a trading investment account. Net cash provided by investing activities for the nine months ended May 31, 1996 was $218,549 of which $743,875 related to the payments received on notes receivable offset by additions to property, of $525,326. Net cashand an investment in a corporation owning real estate. Cash used in financing activities for the ninethree months ended May 31, 1997November 30, 2000 was $502,105$52,826, which resulted from the payment of dividends to stockholders of $504,733 and the repurchase of common stock of $24,600$72,825 offset by proceeds from the exercise of stock options of $27,228. Net cash used in$19,999. Cash provided by financing activities for the ninethree months ended May 31, 1996November 30, 1999 was $8,332, which resulted from the payment of dividends to stockholders of $424,877 and the repurchase of common stock of $227,020 offset by proceeds of $39,960payments received from the exercise of stock options. The Company expects to meet future liquidity requirements with its existing cash and cash equivalents and from cash flows of future operating earnings and distributions of earnings and fees for technical assistance feessupport and other services from the international corporate joint venture investments. The Company has no long-term debt and no material lease commitments at May 31, 1997.November 30, 2000, except for an office, manufacturing, laboratory, and warehouse lease requiring monthly payments of $13,194, which can be adjusted annually according to the annual consumer price index through November 2014. The Company has no postretirement benefit plan and does not anticipate establishing any postretirementpost retirement benefit program. RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARD In October 1995,9 EURO CURRENCY ISSUE On January 1, 1999, eleven of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 123, ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION. SFAS No. 123 encourages companiesfifteen member countries of the European Union established fixed conversion rates between their respective existing currencies and the Euro and to adopt athe Euro as their common legal currency on that date (the Euro Conversion). Following the Euro Conversion, however, the previously existing currencies of the participating countries are scheduled to remain legal tender in the participating countries between January 1, 1999 and January 2002. During this transition period, public and private parties may pay for goods and services using either the Euro or the previously existing currencies. Beginning January 1, 2002, the participating countries will issue new accounting method that accountsEuro-denominated bills and coins for stock compensation awards baseduse in cash transactions. No later than July 1, 2002, the participating countries will withdraw all bills and coins denominated in the previously existing currencies making Euro Conversion complete. The Company, its international corporate joint ventures, and the European holding company have been evaluating the potential impact the Euro Conversion to the Euro Currency may have on their estimated fair value at the date they are granted. However, companies are permitted to continue following current accounting requirements for employee stock-based transactions, which generally do not result in an expense charge for most options if the exercise price is at least equal to the fair market valueresults of the stock at the date of grant. Companies that continue to follow existing standards would be required to disclose in a note to theoperations, liquidity or financial statements the effect on net income and net income per share had the Company recognized expense for options issued to employees based on SFAS No. 123. SFAS No. 123 is effective for the Company's fiscal year ending August 31, 1997 and will require disclosure information in those financial statements about stock options granted in fiscal 1996 and thereafter.condition. The Company has determined that itexpected costs for compliance will not adoptbe material to its results of operations, liquidity, financial condition or capital expenditures. However, significant noncompliance by the fair value method prescribed byCompany's international corporate joint ventures and their customers or suppliers could adversely impact the Company's results of operations, liquidity or financial condition. Accordingly, until the Company completes its assessment of the Euro Conversion impact, there can be no assurance that the Euro Conversion will not have a material impact on the overall business operations of the Company. RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS On September 1, 2000, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 133, ACCOUNTING FOR DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES. SFAS No. 123 for employee stock-based transactions. The "as if " disclosures will be included133 requires companies to record derivatives on the balance sheet as assets and liabilities, measured at fair value. Gains or losses resulting from changes in the Company's annual financial statementsvalues of those derivatives would be accounted for depending on the year ending August 31, 1997. In February 1997,use of the FASB issued SFAS No. 128, EARNINGS PER SHARE, which is effectivederivative and whether it qualifies for interim and annual reporting periods ending after December 15, 1997. SFAS No. 128 supersedes Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 15, EARNINGS PER SHARE, and replaces the presentation of primary earnings per share with a presentation of basic earnings per share. It also requires dual presentation for all entities with complex capital structures and provides guidance on other computational changes. The implementationhedge accounting. Implementation of SFAS No. 128133 did not have a material impact on the Company's financial position or the results of its operations. In December 1999, the Securities and Exchange Commission released Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 101 that provides the staff's views in applying generally accepted accounting principles to selected revenue recognition issues. The Company is expectedrequired to increase earnings per share by an immaterial amount.modify its revenue recognition policy to comply with SAB No. 101, as amended, no later than August 31, 2001. Management has not yet determined the effects of SAB No. 101 will have on the Company's financial position or the results of its operations. 10 PART II - OTHER INFORMATION ITEM 1 - LEGAL PROCEEDINGS None ITEM 2 - CHANGES IN SECURITIES None ITEM 3 - DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES None ITEM 4 - SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS None ITEM 5 - OTHER INFORMATION None ITEM 6 - EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K None 11 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. NORTHERN TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION July 11, 1997 /S/ Loren M. Ehrmanntraut ----------------------------------------------- Loren M. EhrmanntrautJanuary 12, 2001 /s/ Matjaz Korosec --------------------------- Matjaz Korosec Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary12