UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

SONO TEK CORP

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

For the quarterly period ended:November 30, 20172023

OR

 

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

Commission File No.:0-16035000-16035

 

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

New York14-1568099
(State or other jurisdiction of(IRS Employer
incorporation or organization)Identification No.)

 

2012 Rt. 9W, Milton, NY12547

(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

 

Issuer's telephone no., including area code:(845)795-2020

 

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.01 par value per shareSOTKNASDAQ

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    NO Yes No

 

Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (section 229.405 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    NO Yes No

 

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

Large Accelerated Filer Accelerated Filer
Non-Accelerated FilerSmaller reporting company
Emerging Growth company

 

Large Accelerated Filer      Accelerated Filer      Smaller reporting company 

Non Accelerated Filer  (Do not check if a 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  Yes    No

APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:

 

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

 

 Outstanding as of January 12, 2024
ClassJanuary 9, 2018
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share14,982,31515,745,206

 

SONO-TEK CORPORATION

 

 

INDEX

 

Page
Part I - Financial InformationPage
  
Item 1 – Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements:1 – 3- 4
  
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets – November 30, 20172023 (Unaudited) and February 28, 201720231
  
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income – Nine Months and Three Months Ended November 30, 20172023 and 20162022 (Unaudited)2
  
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity – Nine and Three Months Ended November 30, 2023 and 2022 (Unaudited)3
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Nine Months Ended November 30, 20172023 and 20162022 (Unaudited)34
  
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements4 – 95 - 10
  
Item 2 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations10– 1911 –17
  
Item 3 – Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk1918
  
Item 4 – Controls and Procedures1918
  
Part II - Other Information2019
  
Signatures and Certifications21 – 2520

 

 

SONO-TEK CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

        
 November 30,
2023
(Unaudited)
 February 28,
2023
 
ASSETS        
        
Current Assets:        
Cash and cash equivalents $2,981,931  $3,354,601 
Marketable securities  9,609,444   8,090,000 
Accounts receivable (less allowance of $12,225)  1,762,309   1,633,866 
Inventories  4,252,550   3,242,909 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets  81,785   254,046 
Total current assets  18,688,019   16,575,422 
        
        
Land  250,000   250,000 
Buildings, equipment, furnishings and leasehold improvements, net  2,850,100   2,624,996 
Intangible assets, net  51,674   57,202 
Deferred tax asset  842,010   667,098 
        
TOTAL ASSETS $22,681,803  $20,174,718 
 Unaudited            
 November 30, February 28,         
 2017  2017         
ASSETS      
Current Assets:        
Cash and cash equivalents $1,698,721  $2,557,223 
Marketable Securities  4,447,496   2,342,184 
Accounts receivable (less allowance of $46,000 at November 30 and February 28)  978,336   1,150,801 
Inventories, net  1,503,228   1,340,684 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets  106,435   127,276 
Total current assets  8,734,216   7,518,168 
        
Land  250,000   250,000 
Buildings, net  1,826,311   1,875,074 
Equipment, furnishings and building improvements, net  563,521   624,197 
Intangible and other assets, net  140,644   153,326 
Deferred tax asset  315,171   315,171 
        
TOTAL ASSETS $11,829,863  $10,735,936 
                
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY                
                
Current Liabilities:                
Accounts payable $565,046  $336,561  $1,504,382  $810,863 
Accrued expenses  826,929   868,755   1,720,020   1,427,446 
Customer deposits  652,552   78,902   3,143,009   2,838,165 
Current maturities of long term debt  154,475   149,698 
Income taxes payable  52,174   14,619   248,152   381,421 
Total current liabilities  2,251,176   1,448,535   6,615,563   5,457,895 
                
        
Deferred tax liability  337,726   337,726      82,865 
Long term debt, less current maturities  910,096   1,026,650 
Total liabilities  3,498,998   2,812,911   6,615,563   5,540,760 
                
Commitments and Contingencies      
                
Stockholders’ Equity                
Common stock, $.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized, 14,976,644 and 14,961,076 shares issued and outstanding, at November 30 and February 28, respectively  149,767   149,611 
Common stock, $.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized, 15,745,206 and 15,742,073 shares issued and outstanding, respectively  157,452   157,421 
Additional paid-in capital  8,891,077   8,859,486   9,714,301   9,566,898 
Accumulated deficit  (863,366)  (1,128,322)
Accumulated other comprehensive income  153,387   42,250 
Accumulated earnings  6,194,487   4,909,639 
Total stockholders’ equity  8,330,865   7,923,025   16,066,240   14,633,958 
                
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY $11,829,863  $10,735,936  $22,681,803  $20,174,718 

 

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

SONO-TEK CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Unaudited)

 

 Unaudited  Unaudited          
 Nine Months Ended November 30,  Three Months Ended November 30,  Nine Months Ended
November 30,
 Three Months Ended
November 30,
 
 2017  2016  2017  2016  2023 2022 2023 2022 
                  
Net Sales $8,169,007  $7,149,766  $2,982,377  $2,599,104  $14,932,157  $11,401,029  $5,690,022  $3,586,165 
Cost of Goods Sold  4,132,799   3,861,651   1,507,500   1,359,704   7,428,348   5,574,035   2,764,013   1,761,797 
Gross Profit  4,036,208   3,288,115   1,474,877   1,239,400   7,503,809   5,826,994   2,926,009   1,824,368 
                                
                
Operating Expenses                                
Research and product development costs  922,460   924,056   318,037   307,645   2,221,712   1,543,310   776,013   520,187 
Marketing and selling expenses  1,866,204   1,654,806   660,050   575,737   2,700,327   2,359,430   955,017   792,710 
General and administrative costs  819,886   767,412   261,772   265,805   1,387,006   1,262,670   474,457   407,990 
Rental operations expense  111,017   117,578   36,648   36,007 
Total Operating Expenses  3,719,567   3,463,852   1,276,507   1,185,194   6,309,045   5,165,410   2,205,487   1,720,887 
                
                                
Operating Income  316,641   (175,737)  198,370   54,206   1,194,764   661,584   720,522   103,481 
                                
Interest Expense  (35,330)  (39,960)  (11,299)  (12,848)
Interest and Dividend Income  58,298   48,142   22,087   15,038   379,949   64,725   149,666   38,803 
Other income  17,790   208,015   25,652   5,946 
Net unrealized gain/(loss) on marketable securities  31,031   (40,256)  20,176   (9,231)
                                
Income from Operations Before Income Taxes  357,399   40,460   234,810   62,342 
Income Before Income Taxes  1,605,744   686,053   890,364   133,053 
                                
Income Tax Expense  92,443   12,000   40,368      320,896   113,396   200,195   28,155 
                                
                
Net Income $264,956  $28,460  $194,442  $62,342  $1,284,848  $572,657  $690,169  $104,898 
                                
Other Comprehensive Income                
Net unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities $111,137   61,097  $51,499  ($31,275)
Basic Earnings Per Share $0.08  $0.04  $0.04  $0.01 
                                
Comprehensive Income $376,093  $89,557  $245,941  $31,067 
                
Basic Earnings Per Share $0.02  $0.00  $0.01  $0.00 
                                
Diluted Earnings Per Share $0.02  $0.00  $0.01  $0.00  $0.08  $0.04  $0.04  $0.01 
                                
Weighted Average Shares - Basic  14,964,048   14,961,076   14,969,933   14,961,076   15,743,224   15,733,284   15,744,543   15,738,180 
                                
                
Weighted Average Shares - Diluted  15,073,576   15,015,370   15,113,389   15,038,794   15,775,675   15,764,351   15,776,972   15,773,370 

 

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

SONO-TEK CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Three and Nine Months Ended November 30, 2023

                
  Common Stock
Par Value $.01
  Additional
Paid – In
  Accumulated  Total
Stockholders’
 
  Shares  Amount  Capital  Earnings  Equity 
Balance, February 28, 2023  15,742,073  $157,421  $9,566,898  $4,909,639  $14,633,958 
Stock based compensation expense          48,295       48,295 
Net Income      -        53,406   53,406 
Balance, May 31, 2023 (unaudited)  15,742,073  $157,421  $9,615,193  $4,963,045  $14,735,659 
Stock based compensation expense          46,394       46,394 
Cashless exercise of stock options  1,410   14   (14)       
Net Income              541,273   541,273 
Balance, August 31, 2023 (unaudited)  15,743,483  $157,435  $9,661,573  $5,504,318  $15,323,326 
Stock based compensation expense          52,745       52,745 
Cashless exercise of stock options  1,723   17   (17)       
Net income              690,169   690,169 
Balance, November 30, 2023 (unaudited)  15,745,206  $157,452  $9,714,301  $6,194,487  $16,066,240 

Three and Nine Months Ended November 30, 2022

  Common Stock
Par Value $.01
  Additional
Paid – In
  Accumulated  Total
Stockholders’
 
  Shares  Amount  Capital  Earnings  Equity 
Balance, February 28, 2022  15,729,175  $157,292  $9,310,287  $4,273,734  $13,741,313 
Stock based compensation expense          69,369       69,369 
Net income      -        305,636   305,636 
Balance, May 31, 2022 (unaudited)  15,729,175  $157,292  $9,379,656  $4,579,370  $14,116,318 
Stock based compensation expense          43,032       43,032 
Cashless exercise of stock options  5,553   56   (56)       
Net income              162,123   162,123 
Balance, August 31, 2022 (unaudited)  15,734,728  $157,348  $9,422,632  $4,741,493  $14,321,473 
Stock based compensation expense          60,858       60,858 
Cashless exercise of stock options  7,345   73   (73)       
Net income              104,898   104,898 
Balance, November 30, 2022 (unaudited)  15,742,073  $157,421  $9,483,417  $4,846,391  $14,487,229 

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

SONO-TEK CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 

     
 Unaudited    
 Nine Months Ended November 30,  Nine Months Ended
November 30,
 
 2017  2016  2023 2022 
          
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:                
Net Income $264,956  $28,460  $1,284,848  $572,657 
        
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:                
Depreciation and amortization  279,848   365,640   428,345   366,238 
Stock based compensation expense  31,536   33,415   147,434   173,259 
Inventory reserve  77,601   56,979   41,475   (14,854)
(Increase) Decrease in:        
Unrealized (gain) loss on marketable securities  (31,031)  40,256 
Deferred tax benefit - net  (257,777)  (178,281)
Decrease (Increase) in:        
Accounts receivable  172,465   166,536   (128,443)  (348,693)
Inventories  (240,144)  174,287   (1,051,116)  (872,315)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets  20,841   24,670   172,261   172,673 
Increase (Decrease) in:        
Accounts payable and accrued expenses  186,659   (68,618)
Customer Deposits  573,650   238,272 
Income Taxes Payable  37,555   (42,877)
(Decrease) Increase in:        
Accounts payable  372,175   468,168 
Accrued expenses  292,574   (110,717)
Customer deposits  304,844   580,680 
Income taxes payable  (133,269)  145,487 
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities  1,404,967   976,764   1,442,320   994,558 
                
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:                
Purchase of equipment and furnishings  (157,727)  (170,659)
(Purchase) of marketable securities  (1,994,175)  (319,702)
Net Cash (Used In) Investing Activities  (2,151,902)  (490,361)
Purchase of equipment, furnishings and leasehold improvements  (326,577)  (413,521)
Sale of marketable securities  14,118,735   8,591,777 
Purchase of marketable securities  (15,607,148)  (10,837,335)
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities  (1,814,990)  (2,659,079)
                
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:        
Proceeds from exercise of stock options  210    
Repayments of notes payable and loans  (111,777)  (107,045)
Net Cash (Used In) Financing Activities  (111,567)  (107,045)
                
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS  (858,502)  379,358 
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS  (372,670)  (1,664,521)
                
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS                
Beginning of period  2,557,223   2,388,355   3,354,601   4,840,558 
End of period $1,698,721  $2,767,713  $2,981,931  $3,176,037 
                
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE:        
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURE:        
Interest paid $35,330  $39,960  $  $ 
Taxes Paid $58,969  $42,877 
Income Taxes Paid $712,092  $159,490 
        
Non-cash investing transactions:        
Purchases of equipment included in Accounts payable on the balance sheet $321,345    

 

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

34 

 

SONO-TEK CORPORATION

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial StatementsNOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Nine Months NovemberNINE MONTHS ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 20172023 and 20162022

(Unaudited)

 

NOTE 1: BUSINESS DESCRIPTION

 

Sono-Tek Corporation (the “Company”, “Sono-Tek”, “We” or “Our”) was incorporated in New York on March 21, 19751975. We are the world leader in the design and manufacture of ultrasonic coating systems for applying precise, thin film coatings to add functional properties, protect or strengthen surfaces on parts and components for the purpose of engagingmicroelectronics/electronics, alternative energy, medical, industrial and emerging research & development/other markets. We design and manufacture custom-engineered ultrasonic coating systems incorporating our patented technology, in combination with strong applications engineering knowledge, to assist our customers in achieving their desired coating solutions.

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the development, manufacture,United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information with the instructions for Form 10-Q and saleArticle 8 of ultrasonic liquid atomizing nozzles, whichRegulation S-X. Accordingly, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of the Company’s management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) have been included. The results for the interim periods are sold world-wide. Ultrasonic nozzle systems atomize low to medium viscosity liquids by converting electrical energy into mechanical motionnot necessarily indicative of what the results will be for the fiscal year. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements as of and for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2023 (“fiscal year 2023”) contained in the form of high frequency ultrasonic vibrations that break liquids into minute drops that can be applied to surfaces at low velocity.

BasedCompany’s 2023 Annual Report on its core technology of ultrasonic liquid atomizing nozzles,Form 10-K filed with the Company has developed intellectual property in the area of precision spray coating of liquids.SEC on May 25, 2023. The Company is presently engaged in the development, manufacture, sales, installation and servicing of diverse ultrasonic coating equipment for various manufacturing industries worldwide.Company’s current fiscal year ends on February 29, 2024 (“fiscal 2024”).

 

NOTE 2: SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Available-For-Sale Investments –The Company’s available for sale investments are carried at fair value with the unrealized gains or losses, net of tax, included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders’ equity. Realized losses and declines in value below cost judged to be other than temporary, if any, are included as a component of asset impairments expense in the consolidated statement of operations. The fair value of the available-for-sale investments are based on quoted market prices. The Company’s fair value determination method is discussed below in “Fair Value of Financial Instruments.”

Cash and Cash Equivalents -Cash and cash equivalents consist of money market mutual funds, short term commercial paper and short-term certificates of deposit with original maturities of 90 days or less.

At November 30, 2023, $2,666,264 of the Company’s bank deposits exceeded the insured limit provided by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

Consolidation - The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, Sono-Tek Industrial Park, LLC (“SIP”) in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). SIP operates as a real estate holding company for the Company’s real estate operations. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Earnings Per Share -Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock.

Equipment, Furnishings and Leasehold Improvements – Equipment, furnishings and leasehold improvements are stated at cost. Depreciation of equipment and furnishings is computed by use of the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from three to five years.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - The Company follows the guidance in the “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure Topic” of theapplies Accounting Standards Codification for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis. This guidance establishes a common definition for fair value to be applied to existing generally accepted accounting principles that require the use of fair value measurements,(“ASC”) 820, Fair Value Measurement (“ASC 820”), which establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure about suchclarifies the definition of fair value measurements. The guidancewithin that framework. ASC 820 defines fair value as an exit price, which is the price that would be received to sellfor an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the Company’s principal or most advantageous market in an orderly transaction between market participants aton the measurement date. Additionally, the guidanceThe fair value hierarchy established in ASC 820 generally requires the use of valuation techniques thatan entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. These inputs when measuring fair value. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability and are prioritizeddeveloped based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs reflect the entity’s own assumptions based on market data and the entity’s judgments about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability and are to be developed based on the best information available in the circumstances.

The carrying amounts of financial instruments reported in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for current assets and current liabilities approximate the fair value because of the immediate or short-term maturities of the financial instruments.

The valuation hierarchy is composed of three levels. The classification within the valuation hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The levels within the valuation hierarchy are described below:

Level 1 — Assets and liabilities with unadjusted, quoted prices listed on active market exchanges. Inputs to the fair value measurement are observable inputs, such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

Level 1: Quoted2 — Inputs to the fair value measurement are determined using prices in active markets.

Level 2: Observable market-basedfor recently traded assets and liabilities with similar underlying terms, as well as direct or indirect observable inputs, or unobservable inputssuch as interest rates and yield curves that are corroborated by market data.observable at commonly quoted intervals.

 

Level 3: Unobservable3 — Inputs to the fair value measurement are unobservable inputs, for which there issuch as estimates, assumptions, and valuation techniques when little or no market data which requireexists for the use of the reporting entity’s own assumptions.assets or liabilities.

 

The fair values of financial assets of the Company were determined using the following categories at November 30, 20172023 and February 28, 2017,2023, respectively:

 Schedule of Significant Accounting Policies - Fair values of financial assets of the Company

  Quoted Prices in Active Markets 
  (Level 1) 
  November 30,
2017
  February 28,
2017
 
         
Marketable Securities $4,447,496  $2,342,184 
  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total 
             
Marketable Securities – November 30, 2023 $9,259,000  $350,000  $  $9,609,000 
                 
Marketable Securities – February 28, 2023 $7,361,000  $729,000  $  $8,090,000 

 

Marketable Securities include mutual funds, certificates of $4,447,496deposit and $2,342,184US Treasury securities, totaling $9,609,000 and $8,090,000 that are considered to be highly liquid and easily tradeable as of November 30, 20172023 and February 28, 2017,2023, respectively. TheseMutual funds and US Treasury securities are valued using inputs observable in active markets for identical securities and are therefore classified as Level 1 and certificates of deposit are classified as Level 2 within the Company’s fair value hierarchy. The Company’s marketable securities are considered to be available-for-sale investments as defined under ASC 320 “Investments – Debt and Equity Securities.”

 

Income Taxes - The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences of "temporary differences" by applying enacted statutory tax rates applicable to future years to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of existing assets and liabilities. If it is more likely than not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized, a valuation allowance is recognized.

Intangible Assets -Include costs The Company uses a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for financial statement recognition and measurement of patent applications which are deferred and chargedtax positions taken or expected to operations over seventeen years for domestic patents and twelve years for foreign patents. The accumulated amortizationbe taken in a return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. As of patents is $147,000 and $139,000 at November 30, 20172023 and February 28, 2017, respectively. Annual amortization expense2023, there were no accruals for uncertain tax positions.

Inventories - Inventories are stated at the lower of such intangible assetscost or net realizable value. Cost is expecteddetermined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method for raw materials, subassemblies and work-in-progress and the specific identification method for finished goods. Management compares the cost of inventory with the net realizable value and, if applicable, an allowance is made for writing down the inventory to be approximately $11,000 per yearits net realizable value, if lower than cost. On an ongoing basis, inventory is reviewed for potential write-down for estimated obsolescence or unmarketable inventory based upon forecasts for future demand and market conditions.

Land and Buildings - Land and buildings are stated at cost. Buildings are being depreciated by use of the next fivestraight-line method based on an estimated useful life of forty years.

 

At November 30, 2023 and February 28, 2023, the Company had land stated at cost of $250,000.

At November 30, 2023 and February 28, 2023, the Company had buildings, equipment, furnishings and leasehold improvements totaling, $2,850,100 and $2,624,996, respectively, net of accumulated depreciation.

Interim Reporting

Management Estimates - The attached summarypreparation of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial information does not include all disclosures required to be included in a complete set of financial statements prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Such disclosures were included with the financial statements of the Company at February 28, 2017, and included in its report on Form 10-K. Such statements should be read in conjunction with the data herein.

The financial information reflects all adjustments, normal and recurring, which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principlesGAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The results for such interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year.

Inventories -Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method for raw materials, subassemblies and work-in-progress and the specific identification method for finished goods.

Land and Buildings –Land and buildings are stated at cost. Buildings are being depreciated by use of the straight-line method based on an estimated useful life of forty years.

Long-Lived Assets -The Company periodically evaluates the carrying value of long-lived assets, including intangible assets, when events and circumstances warrant such a review. The carrying value of a long-lived asset is considered impaired when the anticipated undiscounted cash flow from such asset is separately identifiable and is less than its carrying value. In that event, a loss is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair market value of the long-lived asset. Fair market value is determined primarily using the anticipated cash flows discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk involved.

Management Estimates -The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of theunaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

New Accounting Pronouncements-Pronouncements - In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13 - Financial Instruments-Credit Losses-Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses, have been released in November 2015,2018 (2018-19), November 2019 (2019-10 and 2019-11) and a January 2020 Update (2020-02) that provided additional guidance on this Topic. This guidance replaces the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-17, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classificationcurrent incurred loss impairment methodology with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of Deferred Taxes” (“a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. For SEC filers meeting certain criteria, the amendments in this ASU 2015-17”). The standard requires that deferred tax assets and liabilities be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet rather than being separated into current and noncurrent. ASU 2015-17 isare effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016.2019. For SEC filers that meet the criteria of a smaller reporting company (including this Company) and for non-SEC registrant public companies and other organizations, the amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2022. Early adoption iswill be permitted for all organizations for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company has evaluated the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements and the standard may be applied either retrospectively or on a prospective basisimpact is not material to all deferred tax assets and liabilities. The Company adopted ASU 2015-17 during the first quarter of fiscal year 2018 on a retrospective basis. Accordingly, the Company reclassified the current deferred taxes to noncurrent on its February 28, 2017 Consolidated Balance Sheet, which increased noncurrent deferred tax assets by $315,171. There was no impact on the results of operations as a result of the adoption of ASU 2015-17.Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

Other than Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-17, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes” (“ASU 2015-17”)2016-13 discussed above, all new accounting pronouncements issued but not yet effective have been deemed to be not applicable to the Company. Hence, the adoption of these new accounting pronouncements, once effective, areis not expected to have an impact on the Company.

 

Reclassifications –Product Warranty Where appropriate, certain reclassifications- Expected future product warranty expense is recorded when the product is sold.

Revenue Recognition - The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, the core principle of which is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for those goods or services. To determine revenue recognition for arrangements that the Company determines are within the scope of ASC 606, the Company performs the following five steps:

·Identification of the contract, or contracts, with a customer
·Identification of the performance obligations in the contract
·Determination of the transaction price
·Allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract
·Recognition of revenue when, or as, performance obligations are satisfied

Uncertainties - Although the World Health Organization declared in early May of 2023 that COVID-19 no longer constitutes a public health emergency the Company continues to actively monitor the COVID-19 developments and potential impact on the Company's employees, business and operations. The effects of COVID-19 did not have been madea significant impact on the Company's result of operations or financial condition for the three months ended November 30, 2023. However, given the evolution of the COVID-19 situation, and the global responses to curb its spread, the Company is not able to estimate the effects COVID-19 may have on future results of operations or financial condition.

NOTE 3: REVENUE RECOGNITION

A majority of the Company’s sales revenue is derived primarily from short term contracts with customers which are primarily in effect for less than twelve months. Sales revenue from manufactured equipment transferred at a single point in time accounts for a majority of the Company’s revenue.

Sales revenue is recognized when control of the Company’s manufactured equipment is transferred to its customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to receive based upon the agreed transaction price. The Company’s performance obligations are satisfied when its customers take control of the purchased equipment, which is based on the contract terms. Based on prior experience, the Company reasonably estimates its sales returns and warranty reserves. Sales are presented net of discounts and allowances. Discounts and allowances are determined when a sale is negotiated. The Company does not grant its customers or independent representatives, the ability to return equipment nor does it grant price adjustments after a sale is complete.

The Company does not capitalize any sales commission costs related to the prior periodacquisition of a contract. All commissions related to conform toa performance obligation that are satisfied at a point in time are expensed when the presentationscustomer takes control of the current period.purchased equipment.

The Company applies the practical expedient in paragraph ASC 606-10-50-14 and does not disclose information about remaining performance obligations that have original expected durations of one-year or less.

 

At November 30, 2023, the Company had received approximately $3,143,000 in cash deposits, representing contract liabilities, and had issued a Letter of Credit in the amount of $60,294 to secure a cash deposit submitted by a customer. At November 30, 2023, the Company was utilizing $60,294 of its available credit line to collateralize this letter of credit.

At February 28, 2023, the Company had received $2,838,000 in cash deposits for customer orders. During the nine months ended November 30, 2023, the Company recognized $2,633,000 of these deposits as revenue.

The Company’s sales revenue by product line is as follows:

Schedule of Revenue Recognition - Sales Revenue by Product Line

  Three Months Ended
November 30,
  Nine Months Ended
November 30,
 
  2023  % of total  2022  % of total  2023  % of total  2022  % of total 
Fluxing Systems $62,000   1%  $252,000   7%  $503,000   4%  $960,000   8% 
Integrated Coating Systems  1,418,000   25%   193,000   5%   2,579,000   17%   787,000   7% 
Multi-Axis Coating Systems  2,962,000   52%   1,493,000   42%   7,648,000   51%   4,962,000   44% 
OEM Systems  268,000   5%   503,000   14%   1,078,000   7%   1,819,000   16% 
Other  980,000   17%   1,145,000   32%   3,124,000   21%   2,873,000   25% 
TOTAL $5,690,000      $3,586,000      $14,932,000      $11,401,000     

NOTE 3: 4: INVENTORIES

 

Inventories consist of the following:

 Schedule of Inventory, Current

 November 30,
2017
  February 28,
2017
  November 30, February 28, 
      2023 2023 
Raw materials and subassemblies $1,153,908  $1,197,506  $2,030,752  $1,868,689 
Finished Goods  413,595   369,428 
Finished goods  975,447   613,915 
Work in process  268,036   28,460   1,246,351   760,305 
Total  1,835,539   1,595,394 
Less: Allowance  (332,311)  (254,710)
Net inventories $1,503,228  $1,340,684  $4,252,550  $3,242,909 

 

NOTE 4: STOCK OPTIONS AND WARRANTS

Stock Options – Under the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan ("2013 Plan"), options can be granted to officers, directors, consultantsThe Company maintains an allowance for slow moving inventory for raw materials and employees of the Company and its subsidiaries to purchase up to 2,500,000 shares of the Company's common stock. Under the 2013 Plan, options expire ten years after the date of grant. As offinished goods. The recorded allowances at November 30, 2017, there were 744,100 options outstanding under the 2013 Plan.

Under the 2003 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended ("2003 Plan")2023 and February 28, 2023, totaled $374,000 and $332,525, until May 2013, options were available to be granted to officers, directors, consultants and employees of the Company and its subsidiaries to purchase up to 1,500,000 shares of the Company's common stock. As of November 30, 2017, there were 173,500 options outstanding under the 2003 Plan, under which no additional options may be granted.respectively.

 

NOTE 5: STOCK BASEDSTOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Stock Options - Until May 2023, options were available to be granted to officers, directors, consultants and employees of the Company and its subsidiaries to purchase up to 2,500,000 shares of the Company's common stock, under the Company’s 2013 Stock Incentive Plan (the "2013 Plan"). Under the 2013 Plan options expire ten years after the date of grant. As of November 30, 2023, there were 247,483 options outstanding under the 2013 Plan, of which 171,704 are vested. No additional options may be granted under the 2013 Plan.

In August 2023, the Company’s shareholders approved the Company’s 2023 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2023 Plan”) under which 2,500,000 options may be granted to officers, directors, consultants and employees of the Company and its subsidiaries. As of November 30, 2023, there were 58,810 options outstanding under the 2023 Plan.

The Company accounts for stock based compensation under ASC 718, “Share Based Payments.” which requires companies to expense the value of employee stock options and similar awards.

During the nine months ended November 30, 2023, the Company granted options to acquire 47,830 shares to employees exercisable at prices ranging from $4.79 to $5.60 and options to acquire 18,380 shares to non-employee members of the board of directors with an exercise price of $4.79. The options granted to employees and directors vest over three years 3 and expire in ten 10 years. The options granted during the first nine months of fiscal 2024 had a combined weighted average grant date fair value of $3.06 per share.

 

The weighted-average fair value of options are estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes options-pricing model. The weighted-average Black-Scholes assumptions are as follows:

 

In computing the impact, the fair valueSchedule of each option is estimated on the date of grant based on theweighted-average Black-Scholes options-pricing model utilizing certain assumptions for a risk free interest rate; volatility; and expected remaining lives of the awards. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of share-based payment awards represent management’s best estimates, but these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management judgment. As a result, if factors change and the Company uses different assumptions, the Company’s stock-based compensation expense could be materially different in the future. In addition, the Company is required to estimate the expected forfeiture rate and only recognize expense for those shares expected to vest. In estimating the Company’s forfeiture rate, the Company analyzed its historical forfeiture rate, the remaining lives of unvested options, and the number of vested options as a percentage of total options outstanding. If the Company’s actual forfeiture rate is materially different from its estimate, or if the Company reevaluates the forfeiture rate in the future, the stock-based compensation expense could be significantly different from what the Company has recorded in the current period.

Nine Months Ended
November 30, 2023
Expected Life5 - 8 years
Risk free interest rate2.82% - 4.39%
Expected volatility55.02% - 62.48%
Expected dividend yield0%

 

For the three and nine months ended November 30, 20172023 and 2016,2022, net income and earnings per share reflect the actual deduction for stock-based compensation expense. The impact of applying ASC 718 approximated $32,000 and $33,000 in additional compensation expense during each ofFor the nine month periodsthree months ended November 30, 20172023 and 2016,2022, the Company recognized approximately $53,000 and $61,000 of stock based compensation expense, respectively. For the nine months ended November 30, 2023 and 2022, the Company recognized approximately $147,000 and $173,000 of stock based compensation expense, respectively. Such amounts are included in general and administrative expenses on the statementunaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. The expense for stock-based compensation is a non-cash expense item.income.

 

NOTE 6: EARNINGS PER SHARE

The denominators for the calculation of diluted earnings per share at November 30, 2017 and 2016 are calculated as follows:

  Nine Months Ended 
November 30,
  Three Months Ended
November 30,
 
  2017  2016  2017  2016 
             
Denominator for basic earnings per share  14,964,048   14,961,076   14,969,933   14,961,076 
                 
Dilutive effect of stock options  109,528   54,294   143,456   77,718 
                 
Denominator for diluted earnings per share  15,073,576   15,015,370   15,113,389   15,038,794 

NOTE 7: OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

As of November 30, 2017, certain of the Company’s marketable securities were in an unrealized gain position. Unrealized gains and losses are principally due to changes in fair value of the investments held as available-for-sale. Because the Company has the ability and intent to hold the securities for the foreseeable future as classified as available-for-sale, the Company does not deem these unrealized gains or losses to be other than temporary.

As of November 30, 2017, the unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities was $153,387.

 

The following table sets forth the changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Gain for the nine months ended November 30, 2017:computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

 

  Unrealized Gain on Available for Sale Securities 
Beginning Balance February 28, 2017 $42,250 
Current Period Unrealized Gains  111,137 
Ending Balance November 30, 2017 $153,387 

NOTE 8: LONG TERM DEBT

Long-term debt consistsSchedule of the following:Computation of basic and diluted earnings per share

  November 30,  February 28, 
  2017  2017 
Note payable, bank, collateralized by land and buildings, payable in monthly installments of principal and interest of $16,358 through January 2024.  Interest rate 4.15%.  10 year term.  1,064,571   1,176,348 
         
Total long term debt  1,064,571   1,176,348 
Due within one year  154,475   149,698 
Due after one year $910,096  $1,026,650 
             
  Nine Months Ended
November 30,
  Three Months Ended
November 30,
 
  2023  2022  2023  2022 
             
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share $1,284,848  $572,657  $690,169  $104,898 
                 
Denominator for basic earnings per share – weighted average  15,743,224   15,733,284   15,744,543   15,738,180 
                 
Effects of dilutive securities                
Stock options for employees and directors  32,451   31,067   32,429   35,190 
                 
Denominator for diluted earnings per share  15,775,675   15,764,351   15,776,972   15,773,370 
                 
Basic earnings per share $0.08  $0.04  $0.04  $0.01 
Diluted earnings per share $0.08  $0.04  $0.04  $0.01 

 

NOTE 9: 7: REVOLVING LINE OF CREDIT

 

The Company has a $750,000$1,500,000 revolving line of credit at prime which was 4.25%8.50% at November 30, 2017. 2023 and 7.75% at February 28, 2023. The revolving credit line of credit is collateralized by all of the assets of the Company, except for the landCompany’s accounts receivable and buildings.inventory. The revolving credit line of credit is payable on demand and must be retired for a 30-day period, once annually. If the Company fails to perform the 30-day annual pay down or if the bank elects to terminate the credit line, the bank may, at its option, convert the outstanding balance to a 36-month term note with payments including interest in 36 equal installments.

As of November 30, 2017,2023, $60,294 of the Company’s credit line was being utilized to collateralize letters of credit issued to customers that have remitted cash deposits to the Company on existing orders. The letters of credit expired in 2023. As of November 30, 2023, there were nooutstanding balance was $0,borrowings under the line of credit and the unused portion of the credit line was $750,000.

NOTE 10: SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company operates in two segments: ultrasonic spray coating systems, which is the business of developing, manufacturing, selling, installing and servicing ultrasonic spray coating equipment; and real estate operations, which is the business of owning and operating the Sono-Tek Industrial Park.

All inter-company transactions are eliminated in consolidation. For the nine and three months ended November 30, 2017 and 2016, segment information is as follows:

  Nine Months Ended November 30, 2017  Three Months Ended November 30, 2017 
  Ultrasonic
Spraying
  Rental
Real Estate
Operations
  Eliminations  Consolidated  Ultrasonic
Spraying
  Rental
Real Estate
Operations
  Eliminations  Consolidated 
Net Sales $8,114,007  $202,223  $147,223  $8,169,007  $2,959,577  $71,874  $49,074  $2,982,377 
Rent Expense $147,223  $  $(147,223) $  $49,074  $  $(49,074) $ 
Rental Operations Expense $  $57,850     $57,850  $  $18,794     $18,794 
Depreciation Expense $226,681  $53,167      $279,848  $61,218  $17,854      $79,072 
Interest Expense $  $35,330      $35,330  $  $11,299      $11,299 
Net Income (Loss) $356,303  $(91,347)     $264,956  $219,589  $(25,147)     $194,442 
Assets $9,470,747  $2,359,116      $11,829,863  $9,470,747  $2,359,116      $11,829,863 
Debt $  $1,064,571      $1,064,571  $  $1,064,571      $1,064,571 

  Nine Months Ended November 30, 2016  Three Months Ended November 30, 2016 
  Ultrasonic
Spraying
  Rental
Real Estate
Operations
  Eliminations  Consolidated  Ultrasonic
Spraying
  Rental
Real Estate
Operations
  Eliminations  Consolidated 
Net Sales $7,077,318  $219,671  $147,223  $7,149,766  $2,574,954  $73,224  $49,074  $2,599,104 
Rent Expense $147,223  $  $(147,223) $  $49,074  $  $(49,074) $ 
Rental Operations Expense $  $63,292      $63,292  $  $17,961      $17,961 
Depreciation Expense $311,354  $54,286      $365,640  $109,491  $18,046      $127,537 
Interest Expense $  $39,960      $39,960  $  $12,848      $12,848 
Net Income (Loss) $113,550  $(85,090)     $28,460  $87,047  $(24,705)     $62,342 
Assets $8,397,682  $2,414,558      $10,812,240  $8,397,682  $2,414,558      $10,812,240 
Debt $  $1,212,692      $1,212,692  $  $1,212,692      $1,212,692 

NOTE 11: SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

The Company has evaluated subsequent events for disclosure purposes.$1,439,706.

 

 

NOTE 8: CUSTOMER CONCENTRATIONS AND FOREIGN SALES

Export sales to customers located outside the United States and Canada were approximately as follows:

Schedule of Customer Concentrations and Foreign Sales

  Nine Months Ended
November 30,
  Three Months Ended
November 30,
 
  2023  2022  2023  2022 
Asia Pacific (APAC) $1,790,000  $2,367,000  $681,000  $834,000 
Europe, Middle East, Asia (EMEA)  3,057,000   2,557,000   1,476,000   731,000 
Latin America  1,097,000   1,301,000   112,000   436,000 
  $5,944,000  $6,225,000  $2,269,000  $2,001,000 

In the first nine months of fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023, sales to foreign customers accounted for approximately $5,944,000 and $6,225,000, or 40% and 55%, respectively, of total revenues.

During the third quarter of fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023, sales to foreign customers accounted for approximately $2,269,000 and $2,001,000, or 40% and 56%, respectively, of total revenues.

The Company had no customers that accounted for more than 10% of sales during the first nine months of fiscal 2024. The Company had one customer which accounted for 13% of sales during the third quarter of fiscal 2024. One customer accounted for 25% of the outstanding accounts receivables at November 30, 2023.

The Company had two customers which accounted for 14% of sales during the first nine months of fiscal 2023. The Company had two customers which accounted for 21% of sales during the third quarter of fiscal 2023. Four customers accounted for 44% of the outstanding accounts receivable at February 28, 2023.

NOTE 9: COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The Company did not have any material commitments or contingencies as of November 30, 2023.

The Company is subject, from time to time, to claims by third parties under various legal disputes. The defense of such claims, or any adverse outcome relating to any such claims, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s liquidity, financial condition, and cash flows. As of November 30, 2023, the Company did not have any pending legal actions.

10 

ITEM 2 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

Forward-Looking StatementsFORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

We discuss expectations regarding our future performance, such as our business outlook, in our annual and quarterly reports, pressnews releases, and other written and oral statements. These “forward-looking statements” are based on currently available competitive, financial and economic data and our operating plans. They are inherently uncertain, and investors must recognize that events could turn out to be significantly different from our expectations.expectations and could cause actual results to differ materially. These factors include, among other considerations, general economic and business conditions; political, regulatory, tax, competitive and technological developments affecting our operations or the demand for our products; inflationary and supply chain pressures; continued abatement of the COVID-19 pandemic and any residual effects; the recovery of the Electronics/Microelectronics and Medical markets following COVID-19 related slowdowns; and further adverse effects to our supply chain; maintenance of increased order backlog, including effects of any COVID-19 related cancellations; the imposition of tariffs; timely development and market acceptance of new products;products and continued customer validation of our coating technologies; adequacy of financing; capacity additions, the ability to enforce patentspatents; maintenance of operating leverage; maintenance of increased order backlog; consummation of order proposals; completion of large orders on schedule and on budget; continued sales growth in the abilitymedical and alternative energy markets; successful transition from primarily selling ultrasonic nozzles and components to achieve increaseda more complex business providing complete machine solutions and higher value subsystems; and realization of quarterly and annual revenues within the forecasted range of sales volume and continued profitability.guidance.

 

We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement.

 

Overview

 

We have developed a uniqueFounded in 1975, Sono-Tek Corporation designs and proprietary series ofmanufactures ultrasonic atomizing nozzles andcoating systems which are being used in an increasing variety of electronics, advanced energy (solar and fuel cells), medical device, glass, textiles and food applications. These nozzles are electrically driven and create a fine, uniform, low velocity spray of atomized liquid particles, in contrast to common pressure nozzles. These characteristics create a series of commercial applications that benefit from the precise, uniform, thin coatings that can be achieved. When combined with significant reductions in liquid waste and less overspray than can be achieved with ordinary pressure nozzle systems, there is lower environmental impact and lower energy use.

Ultrasonic nozzle systems atomize low to medium viscosity liquids by converting electrical energy into mechanical motion in the form of high frequency ultrasonic vibrations that break liquids into minute drops that can be applied to surfaces at low velocity. The principal advantage of these nozzle systems is that they use much less liquid than competitive nozzle systems to attain the required coatings on solar cells, fuel cells, glass, advanced textiles, food and food packaging, circuit boards, medical devices and many other coating applications. This advantage translates intoapply precise, thin films and lower costs for materials, less costly liquid consumption, less energy required for subsequent drying operations and less release into the environment of spray that would typically bounce back and scatter while using competitive nozzle systems. These factors are increasingly important to customers at a time of rising commodity and energy costs and supply limitations.

We use our core ultrasonic spray coating technology to provide both standard and customized coating solutionsfilm coatings to a wide rangemultitude of manufacturing companies, enabling themproducts for the microelectronics/electronics, alternative energy, medical and industrial markets, including specialized glass applications in construction and automotive. We also sell our products to reduce their product costsemerging research and to develop new products with superior featuresdevelopment and quality. Presently, our customers are in six major industries: electronics, advanced energy (solar and fuel cells), medical device, glass, textiles and foods. Our systems are widely used by leading high tech companies and research institutions, as well as by governmental, defense, energy and health agencies around the world.

Our diversified group of customers provides the base for both financial stability and business growth opportunities.

Market Diversity

During the past several years weother markets. We have invested significant time, monies and effortsresources to enhance our market diversity. Based ondiversity by leveraging our core ultrasonic coating technology,technology. As a result, we have increased our portfolio of products, the industries we serve and the countries in which we sell our products.

 

10 

Today we serve six major industries: electronics, advancedOur ultrasonic nozzle systems use high frequency, ultrasonic vibrations that atomize liquids into minute drops that can be applied to surfaces at low velocity providing thin layers of functional or protective materials over surfaces such as glass or metals. Our solutions are environmentally-friendly, efficient and highly reliable. They enable dramatic reductions in overspray, savings in raw materials, water and energy (solarusage and fuel cells), medical device, glass, textilesprovide improved process repeatability, transfer efficiency, high uniformity and food.reduced emissions.

 

In recent years,We believe product superiority is imperative and that it is attained through the extensive experience we have in the coatings industry, our proprietary manufacturing know-how and skills and the unique work force we have built over the years. Our growth strategy is to leverage our innovative technologies, proprietary know-how, unique talent and experience, and global reach to further advance the use of ultrasonic coating technologies for the microscopic coating of surfaces in a substantial portionbroader array of applications that enable better outcomes for our customers’ products and processes.

We are a global business with approximately 40% of our sales originatedgenerated from outside the United States and weCanada in the first nine months of fiscal 2024. Our direct sales team and our distributor and sales representative network are geographically present directly and through distributors and trade representativeslocated in North andAmerica, Latin America, Europe and Asia. The infrastructure upon which this diversified market approach is based, includes a newly equipped process development laboratory, a strengthenedWe continue to expand our sales organization with application engineers, an engineering team with additional talentcapabilities by increasing the size of our direct sales force and the latest, most sophisticated design software tools, as well as an expanded, highly trained installationadding new distributors and service organization.

The new products whichsales representatives. In addition, we have introduced,established testing labs at our distribution partner sites in China, Taiwan, Germany, Turkey, Korea and Japan, while also expanding our first testing lab that is co-located with our manufacturing facilities in New York. These labs provide significant value for demonstrating to prospective customers the new markets that we have penetrated,capabilities of our equipment and the regions in which we now sell our products, are a strong foundation for our future sales growth and enhanced profitability.

Markets We Serve

Our diverse offerings have positionedenabling us to provide a unique and superior family of customized productsdevelop custom solutions to the six major industriesmeet their needs. Providing customers that we serve. All of these systems are based onvisit our core technology of ultrasonic spray coating. Many of these systems have been commercially proven in 24/7 working schedules, under harsh and challenging manufacturing environments, where they provide value in a continuous and reliable fashion.

1.        Electronics Industry.

We serve this industry primarily in two sectors; Printed Circuit Board (“PCB”) manufacturing and Semiconductor manufacturing.

We provide manufacturers of PCBs with state-of-the-art solder fluxers. Spray fluxers are used in the manufacturing process of PCBs to apply flux, which removes oxidation and prepares the PCB for the process of soldering components onto it.

Our ultrasonic spray fluxers reduce the amount of fluxing chemical needed, enhance the quality of the boards, and provide our customerslabs with a better product at reduced costshigh level of operations, when compared with conventional foam fluxers and pressure assisted fluxers.

We are recognizedapplication engineering expertise to develop their unique coating processes is an area of focus in our sales efforts, as a standard setter inwe continually expand Sono-Tek’s services to best support the industry and our systems are incorporated by various original equipment manufacturers (OEM) in their manufacturing lines for the production of electronic printed circuit boards. Some examples of products that we market to the electronics industry include: SonoFlux 2000F, SelectaFlux, SonoFlux EZ and SonoFlux Servo.

Pursuant to an exclusive distribution agreement with EVS International Ltd (“EVS”) for the territories of the United States and Canada, we offer the EVS solder recovery system to our PCB customer base.

We also have a significant established customer base in the semiconductor industry. The semiconductor industry utilizes our ultrasonic atomizing nozzles and robotic XYZ coating platforms for the application and deposition of photo-resist onto semiconductor wafers. Manyneeds of our semi-conductor manufacturing industry customers engaged in the production of micro-electro-mechanical systems, “MEMS”, have proven the ability of our technology to apply micron thick coatings to these complex wafers.customers.

 

11 

 

 

2.         Advanced Energy Industry.Over the last decade, we have shifted our business from primarily selling our ultrasonic nozzles and components to a more complex business providing complete machine solutions and higher value subsystems to original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”). This strategy has resulted in significant growth of our average unit selling price; with our larger machines often selling for over $300,000 and system prices sometimes reaching over $1,000,000. As a result of this transition, we have broadened our addressable market and we believe that we can grow sales on a larger scale. We expect that we will experience wide variations in both order flow and shipments from quarter to quarter in part due to the increase of larger orders in our sales mix.

 

Manufacturers

Third Quarter Fiscal 2024 Highlights (compared with the third quarter of solar cells, fuel cellsfiscal 2023 unless otherwise noted) We refer to the three-month periods ended November 30, 2023 and advanced batteries share two major technical2022 as the third quarter of fiscal 2024 and business challenges: enhancing the energy efficiency of their products and manufacturing their products in a cost-effective way. Extremely uniform, thin layer coatings are at the heart of the solution for these advanced energy systems’ challenges.fiscal 2023, respectively.

 

·Net sales increased by 59% or $2,104,000 to $5,690,000.  The increase in sales was driven by strong shipments to the Alternative/Clean Energy and Medical markets.  
·Gross Profit increased 60% or $1,102,000 to $2,926,000 and gross margin was 51% for both periods.
·Operating Income increased 600% or $618,000, to $721,000, due to the increase in gross profit offset by increases in operating expenses.  
Income before taxes increased over 5-fold or $757,000, from $133,000 to $890,000, reflecting positive operating leverage from the strong quarterly sales.
Interest income, dividend income and unrealized gain on marketable securities increased to $170,000 reflecting the current high interest rate environment.
Operating expenses increased 28% or $484,000 to $2,205,000, primarily driven by a 49% increase in Research & Development expenditures to $776,000 and a 20% increase in Marketing and Selling expenditures to $955,000.
·The Alternative / Clean Energy Market grew by 189%, an increase of $1.36 million, in part due to a $766,000 shipment of a production scale system to the solar market; there are three additional systems  for the same customer remaining in the backlog.
The Medical Market grew by 53%, an increase of $463,000, which was positively impacted by the shipment of  two custom implantable device coating machines totaling $292,000 to a repeat customer, with further orders projected from the same customer in fiscal 2025.
Despite record sales, Backlog on November 30, 2023 was $10,439,000, a 96% increase, and nearly matching  the record high of the previous quarter.

Our precision coating systems provide superior surface uniformity and density, which are directly related to enhanced energy efficiency, compared to conventional systems. Our systems also afford our energy industry clients

Nine Months Fiscal 2024 Highlights (compared with the capabilities to significantly reduce the consumptionfirst nine months of the expensive catalysts and nano-materials used in these manufacturing processes. Some examples of our products marketedfiscal 2023 unless otherwise noted) We refer to the advanced energy industry include: ExactaCoat FC & SC, Sonic Syringe, VersiCoat,nine-month periods ended November 30, 2023 and FlexiCoat FC & SC,2022 as the first nine-months of fiscal 2024 and SonoFlow Fusion.fiscal 2023, respectively.

 

3.         Medical Device Industry.

Our ultrasonic coating technology is used by medical device manufacturers worldwide. The leading applications for this industry are coating of arterial stents and balloon catheters with precise and uniform micron layers of polymers and drugs; coating of various implantable devices with biomedical materials and coating of blood collection tubes with anti-coagulants. These applications are typically performed under strict regulatory supervision of governmental agencies in different countries, and the continuing demand for our systems from these customers is indicative of the high-quality performance that our systems provide these customers. Some examples of our products marketed to the medical device industry include: MediCoat I; MediCoat II; MediCoat PSI; MedXT; MediCoat BCC and ExactaCoat MD.

4.         Glass Industry.

Our glass coating systems are primarily sold in two separate sub-markets, which we identify as “Float Glass” and “Panel Glass”.

Float Glass - The manufacture of float glass occurs under extremely harsh conditions of elevated temperatures. Our ultrasonic coating technology provides this manufacturing process with the means to precisely and uniformly apply anti-stain, and other specialty chemical agents, on the hot glass. Our customers benefit from an improved quality product, enhanced productivity and significantly reduced expenditures on annual maintenance, often resulting in a return on investment of less than one year. Based on this equipment’s recent successful performance, our systems are now specified by many global float glass manufacturers as their equipment of choice.

Panel Glass – Panel glass primarily refers to glass used in the manufacture of TV’s, tablets, phones, lenses and other consumer viewing devices. By using our coating equipment, manufacturers can apply a wide range of functional coatings to these devices, such as conductive layers, hard coatings, anti-reflection, and other nano-material formulations.

The equipment we offer to the glass industry is typically the WideTrack and FlexiCoat platforms.

5.         Advanced Textiles Industry.

The textiles industry is expanding the introduction of high performance value adding coatings onto fabrics, such as anti-microbial, anti-stain, flame retardant and moisture barriers. The current manufacturing process for applying these expensive coatings creates significant waste of material, energy and water. We are working with this industry to incorporate our ultrasonic technology, often in combination with unique pre and post treatments of the coating materials, to reduce the effective material and energy usage by as much as 90%.

Net Sales for the first nine months of fiscal 2024 increased by 31% or $3,531,000 to $14,932,000, driven by increased sales of multi-axis sales coating systems and integrated coating systems, to both the clean energy and industrial markets.
Gross Profit increased 29% to $7,504,000 as a result of increased net sales, and Gross Margin decreased 100 basis points to 50%, influenced by lower sales of OEM products which have higher profit margins.
Operating Income increased $533,000 to $1,195,000, an increase of 81%.
Income before taxes increased $920,000 or 134% to $1,606,000.
Operating expenses increased 22% to $6,309,000, driven by a 44% increase in Research & Development expenditures to $2,222,000.
Interest income, dividend income and unrealized gain on marketable securities increased to $411,000 reflecting the current high interest rate environment.  
As of November 30, 2023, the Company had no outstanding debt and had cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities totaling $12,591,000.

 

12 

 

 

6.         Food Safety and Food Coatings Industry.

The food industry is evolving in response to greater demands for reduction of food borne illnesses. We have successfully introduced an anti-microbial coating system for sliced packaged meats, and we are focusing efforts on those global food companies that will need this technology to meet the new demands. We have also introduced our systems to other segments of the food industry for the coating of flavors, ingredients and other additives of interest. Most of our food industry equipment is designed on the WideTrack platform.RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Products We OfferSales:

Product Sales

We have core technology and have developed and market the following products:

1.SonoFlux Spray Fluxers

a.SonoFlux 2000F – spray fluxer product – designed for high volume operations with standard width lines requiring low maintenance using a variety of solder fluxes, including rosin flux. It is designed to be used by electronic circuit board manufacturers to apply solder flux to fixed width circuit boards. The primary customers for the SonoFlux 2000F are original equipment manufacturers that produce their own electronic circuit boards.

b.SonoFlux EZ- spray fluxer product - applies solder flux to electronic printed circuit boards that vary from two inches to up to 18 inches in width in a cost-effective and uniform manner. They are designed to be used by either OEMs or contract manufacturers of electronic circuit assemblies. This is an economically priced system which sells effectively to smaller manufacturers.

c.SonoFlux Servo – a higher end spray fluxer capable of providing flux to both wide areas of a circuit board as well as selective fluxing. We also sell a selective fluxing apparatus known as Selectaflux.

2.MediCoat Stent Coaters
  Three Months Ended
November 30,
  Change  Nine Months Ended
November 30,
  Change 
  2023  2022  $  %  2023  2022  $  % 
Fluxing Systems $62,000  $252,000   (190,000)  (75%) $503,000  $960,000   (457,000)  (48%)
Integrated Coating Systems  1,418,000   193,000   1,225,000   635%   2,579,000   787,000   1,792,000   228% 
Multi-Axis Coating Systems  2,962,000   1,493,000   1,469,000   98%   7,648,000   4,962,000   2,686,000   54% 
OEM Systems  268,000   503,000   (235,000)  (47%)  1,078,000   1,819,000   (741,000)  (41%)
Other  980,000   1,145,000   (165,000)  (14%)  3,124,000   2,873,000   251,000   9% 
TOTAL $5,690,000  $3,586,000   2,104,000   59%  $14,932,000  $11,401,000   3,531,000   31% 

 

MediCoat DES 1000 / 2000 / 3000 / 4000, MediCoat IITotal sales for the third quarter and MediCoat PSI provide a full rangefirst nine months of stent coating platformsfiscal 2024 grew by 59% and 31%, respectively, driven by increased demand for uses ranging from research and development to high volume production in the application of thin layers of polymer and drug coatings to arterial stents with high precision. The system incorporates motion control of the stent during the coating process and produces coatings having excellent uniformity. The MediCoat systems use either the AccuMist or MicroMist nozzleour Multi-Axis Coating systems which are precision nozzle configurationscommonly used in applications where precise patternsthe clean energy sector. Sales of our Multi-Axis Coating systems grew by 98%, or $1.47M, to $2.96M in the third quarter of fiscal 2024. In addition, Integrated Coating System sales accelerated by 635%, or $1.2M, to $1.4M due to continued success with our newly developed float glass coating platform and coatings are required. These products minimize waste of expensive drug polymer coatings and provide high uniformity of drug addition from stent to stent. We also have additional medical coating platforms to address developing market segmentsa newly completed custom built system for drug coated balloons, catheters and other implantable devices.an important strategic customer in the solar market.

 

3.WideTrack

Following uncharacteristically high revenue for Printed Circuit Board “PCB” Fluxing systems for our fiscal year ended February 28, 2023, PCB Fluxing sales dipped by 75% and 48%, respectively, for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2024. Also, sales to our OEM Printed Circuit Board customers that integrate our ultrasonic nozzles into their own spray fluxers declined, causing OEM sales to decrease by 47% and 41%, respectively, for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2024. We believe the PCB spray fluxer market has slowed and returned to what was closer to our historical revenue norms. The dip in OEM sales was largely offset by an increase in spare parts and service related revenue, which is a growing revenue stream that falls in the Other product category.

 

Wide area modular coating system – designed

Market Sales

  Three Months Ended
November 30,
  Change  Nine Months Ended
November 30,
  Change 
  2023  2022  $  %  2023  2022  $  % 
Electronics/Microelectronics $1,374,000  $1,307,000   67,000   5%  $3,724,000  $4,316,000   (592,000)  (14%)
Medical  1,340,000   877,000   463,000   53%   3,452,000   3,350,000   102,000   3% 
Alternative Energy  2,083,000   720,000   1,363,000   189%   4,735,000   2,027,000   2,708,000   134% 
Emerging R&D and Other  152,000   102,000   50,000   49%   315,000   322,000   (7,000)  (2%)
Industrial  741,000   580,000   161,000   28%   2,706,000   1,386,000   1,320,000   95% 
TOTAL $5,690,000  $3,586,000   2,104,000   59%  $14,932,000  $11,401,000   3,531,000   31% 

Sales to be usedthe Alternative/Clean Energy market recorded growth of 189% in applications that require efficient web-coating or wide area spraying capability. One module can cover substrates from six inches to 24 inches wide, depending on the application. Much greater widths can be achievedthird quarter of fiscal 2024, and 134% for the first nine months of fiscal 2024, which were positively impacted by linking modules together, and these systems have been applied in glass lines of up to 13 feet wide. A largea growing number of our customers transitioning from our R&D systems have been sold over the past six years, and this application holds promiseto production scale systems that carry much higher average selling prices.

Electronics market revenue decreased for the future due to costfirst nine months of fiscal year 2024, influenced by softening sales of our PCB spray fluxers.

Medical sales rebounded strongly with 53% growth in the third quarter of fiscal 2024, and environmental savings demonstrated at customer sites. It uses non-clogging ultrasonic atomizing nozzles to produce a low velocity, highly controllable spray. The WideTrack System offers significant advantages over conventional pressure-spray methods in a broad range3% growth for the first nine months of applications such as non-woven fabrics,FY 2024.

Industrial sales remain very strong, showing growth of 95% for the first nine months of fiscal 2024, influenced by shipment of two next gen float glass or odd-shaped industrial or consumer products. Sincecoating systems totaling approximately $700,000, and the ultrasonic spray can be easily controlled, it is possiblelast two machines of a multi-system order to use fewer chemicals and less water and energy in applying coatings to glass, textiles, food products and packaging materials than with traditional nozzles. This also results in reduced environmental impact due to less overspray.

a US based customer for $432,000.

13 

 

 

4.ExactaCoat/FlexiCoat/SIMCoat

Geographic Sales

  Three Months Ended
November 30,
  Change  Nine Months Ended
November 30,
  Change 
  2023  2022  $  %  2023  2022  $  % 
U.S. & Canada $3,421,000  $1,585,000   1,836,000   116%  $8,988,000  $5,176,000   3,812,000   74% 
Asia Pacific (APAC)  681,000   834,000   (153,000)  (18%)  1,790,000   2,367,000   (577,000)  (24%)
Europe, Middle East, Asia (EMEA)  1,476,000   731,000   745,000   102%   3,057,000   2,557,000   500,000   20% 
Latin America  112,000   436,000   (324,000)  (74%)  1,097,000   1,301,000   (204,000)  (16%)
TOTAL $5,690,000  $3,586,000   2,104,000   59%  $14,932,000  $11,401,000   3,531,000   31% 

In the first nine months of fiscal 2024, approximately 40% of sales originated outside of the United States and Canada compared with 55% in the first nine months of fiscal 2023.

In the third quarter of fiscal 2024, approximately 40% of sales originated outside of the United States and Canada compared with 56% in the third quarter of fiscal 2023.

 

We offer a linecontinue to record strong sales from the U.S. and Canada, growing 116% and 74%, respectively, in the third quarter of robotic XYZ coating equipmentfiscal 2024 and the first nine months of fiscal 2024. U.S. government initiatives such as the CHIPS ACT and the Inflation Reduction Act have influenced these strong sales, as well as the continuing trend of onshoring for applications involving coatings for fuel cell membranes, solar energy panels and specialty lenshigh technology products. This equipment is offered in bench-top configurations as our SIMCoat and ExactaCoat product and standalone as our FlexiCoat product. These platforms position and move our nozzle systems in a precise three-dimensional application pattern. These coaters are extremely efficient especially when combined with our patented ultrasonic syringe pump to agitate and suspend nano-particles, which are often used in many of our applications.

 

5.VersiCoat

The VersiCoat platform is a standalone conveyorized ultrasonic coating machine that incorporates WideTrack technology, using either one or two nozzles. The system can coat widths ranging from 2” – 24”Asia sales dropped 18% and is used24% respectively, for high volume production needs. The machine is typically used for panel glassthe third quarter of fiscal 2024 and advanced energy coating applications.

6.ALIGN

ALIGN is an acronym for our fully integrated ultrasonic spray module containing five primary components and stands for: a) Air delivery, b) Liquid delivery, c) Interface Electronics, d) Generatorfirst nine months of fiscal 2024. This dip was due to run ultrasonics, and e) Nozzle. We successfully introduced ALIGN in our fiscal year ended February 28, 2017. This product is typically used by customers wishingdecreased sales to integrate ultrasonic spray technology onto an existing platform.China, while other areas of Asia remain more resilient showing moderate growth.

 

ServicesGross Profit:

  Three Months Ended
November 30,
  Change  Nine Months Ended
November 30,
  Change 
  2023  2022  $  %  2023  2022  $  % 
Net Sales $5,690,000  $3,586,000   2,104,000   59%  $14,932,000  $11,401,000   3,531,000   31% 
Cost of Goods Sold  2,764,000   1,762,000   1,002,000   57%   7,428,000   5,574,000   1,854,000   33% 
Gross Profit $2,926,000  $1,824,000   1,102,000   60%  $7,504,000  $5,827,000   1,677,000   29% 
                                 
Gross Profit %  51%   51%           50%   51%         

For the third quarter of fiscal 2024, gross profit increased $1,102,000, or 60%, compared with the third quarter of fiscal 2023. The gross profit margin was 51% for both periods. Continued strong gross profit margins are maintaining despite a reduction in high margin OEM product sales, that are offset with increased sales from the US and Canada which most commonly do not have distributor discounts involved.

Gross profit increased $1,677,000, or 29%, to $7,504,000 for the first nine months of fiscal 2024 compared with $5,827,000 in the first nine months of fiscal 2023. The gross profit margin was 50% compared with 51% for the prior year period. Continued strong gross profit margins are maintaining despite a reduction in high margin OEM product sales, that are mostly offset with increased sales from the US and Canada which most commonly do not have distributor discounts involved.

 

We recently expanded our in-house coating capabilities, with both additional machinery and applications engineering personnel, to allow us to provide low-mid volume contract coating services. In addition to purchasing our equipment, our customers can now access our coating expertise and specific customer process optimization on for a fee-for-service basis. We also provide these services at our customers’ sites where we can assist in the design and development of customized coating systems.

Other Product Offerings – EVS Solder Recovery SystemOperating Expenses:

We have an exclusive distribution relationship with EVS to distribute EVS’s line of solder recovery systems and spare parts in the United States and Canada. EVS manufactures the EVS 10K and EVS 8K solder recovery systems which are used to reclaim solder from the dross which accumulates in the wave-solder equipment of circuit board manufacturers. The customer base for distribution of these systems is synergistic with our existing customer base for spray fluxer sales in the printed circuit board industry.

Rental Real Estate Operations

In December 2010, we purchased the industrial park where our facilities are located in Milton, NY. The park is an improved 3.13 acre parcel of land comprised of five buildings of office/industrial space, with 50,000 square feet of gross leasable floor area. We currently utilize 35,000 square feet of the park for our operations. We presently lease 15,000 square feet of the park to unrelated third parties.

For financial reporting purposes, we report the results of the park as rental real estate operations.

  Three Months Ended
November 30,
  Change  Nine Months Ended
November 30,
  Change 
  2023  2022  $  %  2023  2022  $  % 
Research and product development $776,000  $520,000   256,000   49%  $2,222,000  $1,543,000   679,000   44% 
Marketing and selling  955,000   793,000   162,000   20%   2,700,000   2,359,000   341,000   14% 
General and administrative  474,000   408,000   66,000   16%   1,387,000   1,263,000   124,000   10% 
Total Operating Expenses $2,205,000  $1,721,000  $484,000   28%  $6,309,000  $5,165,000  $1,144,000   22% 

 

14 

 

 

Research and Product Development:

Research and product development costs increased in the third quarter and the first nine months of fiscal 2024 due to increased salaries and research and development materials and supplies, which are used in the focused growth initiatives we continue to implement.

Over the past twelve months the number of full-time employees engaged primarily in our research and product development efforts increased by approximately 14%. We added headcount in this area to accelerate the development of future custom machine solutions and higher value subsystems that we expect to be the cornerstone of our future business.

Marketing and Selling:

Marketing and selling expenses increased in the third quarter of fiscal 2024 due to increased salaries and increased travel and trade show expenses.

Marketing and selling costs increased in the first nine months of fiscal 2024 due to increased salaries and increased travel and trade show expenses. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in commission expense. In the first nine months of fiscal 2024, the decrease in commission expense is due to a decrease in international sales being generated by our external distributors, which are commissioned at a higher rate than our in-house sales team.

Over the past twelve months the number of full-time employees engaged in our sales and marketing efforts increased by approximately 13%. We have primarily added more technical personnel to support the growing diversity and complexity of our customers’ requirements for thin film coating applications.

General and Administrative:

General and administrative expenses increased in the third quarter of fiscal 2024 due to increased salaries and fees for attendance at corporate investor conferences. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in stock based compensation expense.

General and administrative expenses increased in the first nine months of fiscal 2024 due to increased salaries, professional fees and corporate expenses. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in stock based compensation.

Operating Income:

In the third quarter of fiscal 2024, operating income increased $618,000, or 600%, to $721,000 compared with $103,000 for the third quarter of fiscal 2023. Operating margin for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 was 13% compared with 3% in the prior year period. The current period’s increase in operating income is a result of an increase in revenue and gross profit offset by an increase in operating expenses.

In the first nine months of fiscal 2024, operating income increased $533,000, or 81%, to $1,195,000 compared with $662,000 for the first nine months of fiscal 2023. Operating margin for the first nine months of fiscal 2024 was 8% compared with 6% in the prior year period. In the first nine months of fiscal 2024, the increase in operating income is a result of an increase in revenue and gross profit offset by an increase in operating expenses.

Interest and Dividend Income:

Interest and dividend income increased by $111,000 to $150,000 in the third quarter of fiscal 2024 as compared with $39,000 for the third quarter of fiscal 2023. In the first nine months of fiscal 2024 interest and dividend income increased by $315,000 to $380,000 as compared with $65,000 for the first nine months of fiscal 2023. Our present investment policy is to invest excess cash in highly liquid, low risk US Treasury securities. At November 30, 2023, the majority of our holdings are rated at or above investment grade.

Income Tax Expense:

We recorded income tax expense of $200,000 for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 compared with $28,000 for the third quarter of fiscal 2023. For the first nine months of fiscal 2024 we recorded income tax expense of $321,000 compared with $113,000 for the first nine months of fiscal 2023.

The increase in income tax expense in the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2024 is due to the increase in income before income taxes offset by the application of available research and development tax credits.

15 

Net Income:

Net income increased by $585,000 or 557% to $690,000 for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 compared with $105,000 for the third quarter of fiscal 2023. The increase in net income during the third quarter is primarily a result of an increase in gross profit and interest and dividend income partially offset by an increase in operating expenses and an increase in income tax expense.

Net income increased by $712,000 or 124% to $1,285,000 for the first nine months of fiscal 2024 compared with $573,000 for the first nine months of fiscal 2023. The increase in net income in the first nine months of fiscal 2024 is primarily a result of an increase in gross profit and interest and dividend income partially offset by an increase in operating expenses and an increase in income tax expense.

Impact of COVID-19

With the exception of some lingering supply chain challenges, the residual effects of the COVID-19 pandemic did not have a significant impact on the Company's results of operations or financial condition for the three months ended November 30, 2023.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Working Capital –Our working capital increased $413,000$955,000 to $12,072,000 at November 30, 2023 from $6,070,000$11,117,000 at February 28, 2017 to $6,483,000 at November 30, 2017.2023. The increase in working capital is due towas mostly the result of the current period’s net income and noncash charges partially offset by purchases of $265,000equipment.

We aggregate cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities in managing our non-cash items including $280,000 for depreciationbalance sheet and amortization, $32,000 for stock based compensation expense and $111,000 for an increase inliquidity. For purposes of the market values of our Available-For-Sale Investments. We had cash outflows of $158,000 forfollowing analysis, the purchase of equipment and furnishings and $112,000 for the repayment of notes payable. The Company’s current ratio was 3.88total is referred to 1 atas “Cash.” At November 30, 2017 as compared to 5.19 to 1 at2023 and February 28, 2017.2023, our working capital included:

  November 30,
2023
  February 28,
2023
  Cash
Increase
(Decrease)
 
Cash and cash equivalents $2,982,000  $3,355,000  $(373,000)
Marketable securities  9,609,000   8,090,000   1,519,000 
Total $12,591,000  $11,445,000  $1,146,000 

 

The aggregate balance of cashfollowing table summarizes the accounts and marketable securities increased $1,247,000 during the nine-month period ended November 30, 2017 to a total of $6,146,000. At November 30, 2017, our working capital included $1,699,000 of cash and $4,447,000 of marketable securities, a total of $6,146,000. At February 28, 2017, our working capital included $2,557,000 of cash and $2,342,000 of marketable securities, a total of $4,899,000.major reasons for the $1,146,000 increase in “Cash”:

 

  Impact on Cash  Reason
Net income, adjusted for non-cash items $1,644,000  To reconcile increase in cash.
Accounts receivable increase  (128,000 Timing of cash receipts.
Inventories increase  (1,051,000) Increase in work in progress and finished goods for customer orders.
Customer deposits increase  305,000  Received for new orders.
Accounts payable increase  372,000  Timing of disbursements.
Accrued expenses increase  292,000  Timing of disbursements.
Prepaid and Other Assets decrease  172,000  Decreased prepaid expenses.
Income taxes payable decrease  (133,000) Timing of disbursements.
Equipment purchases  (327,000 Equipment and facilities upgrade.
Net increase in cash $1,146,000   

Stockholders’ Equity – Stockholder’sStockholders’ Equity increased $408,000$1,432,000 from $7,923,000$14,634,000 at February 28, 20172023 to $8,331,000$16,066,000 at November 30, 2017.2023. The increase is a result of the current period’s net income of $265,000, stock based$1,285,000 and $147,000 in additional equity related to stock-based compensation expense of $32,000 and an increase in our accumulated other comprehensive income of $111,000.awards.

 

16 

Operating Activities – OurWe generated $1,442,000 of cash in our operating activities provided $1,405,000in the first nine months of fiscal 2024 compared with $995,000 of cash forin the first nine months ended November 30, 2017 as compared to providing $977,000 forof fiscal 2023, an increase of $447,000. The increase was mostly the nine months ended November 30, 2016. During the nine months ended November 30, 2017, we had net incomeresult of $265,000, accounts receivable decreased $172,000, inventories increased $240,000, prepaid expenses decreased $21,000,increases in accounts payable, and accrued expenses increased $186,000,and customer deposits increased $574,000offset by increases in inventories and income taxes payable increased $37,000. In addition, in the current period we incurred non-cash expenses of $280,000 for depreciation and amortization, $32,000 for stock based compensation expense and $78,000 for our inventory reserve.accounts receivable.

 

Investing Activities – ForWe used $1,815,000 in the first nine months ended November 30, 2017, we used $2,152,000of fiscal 2024 in our investing activities as compared to $490,000 forwith using $2,659,000 in the first nine months ended November 30, 2016.of fiscal 2023. For the first nine months ended November 30, 2017of fiscal years 2024 and 2016,2023, we used $158,000$327,000 and $171,000,$414,000, respectively, for the purchase or manufacture of equipment, furnishings and leasehold improvements. For the first nine months ended November 30, 2017of 2024 and 2016,2023, we used $1,994,000invested $1,488,000 and $320,000, respectively, for the purchase of$2,245,000 in our marketable securities.

 

Financing ActivitiesNet Changes in Cash and Cash Equivalents ForIn the first nine months ended November 30, 2017 and 2016, we used $112,000 and $107,000, respectively, for the repayment of our notes payable.

Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash –For the nine months ended November 30, 2017,fiscal 2024, our cash balance decreased by $859,000$373,000 as compared to an increasea decrease of $379,000 for$1,665,000 in the first nine months ended November 30, 2016. Duringof fiscal 2023. In the first nine months ended November 30, 2017,of fiscal 2024, our operations provided $1,405,000operating activities generated $1,442,000 of cash. Of this,cash, we invested $1,488,000 in marketable securities and used $158,000$327,000 for the purchase or manufacture of equipment, furnishings and leasehold improvements, $1,994,000 for the purchase of marketable securities and $112,000 for the repayment of notes payable.

15 

Results of Operationsimprovements.

 

Ultrasonic Spraying Systems Segment:

  Nine Months Ended
November 30,
  Change  Three Months Ended
November 30,
  Change 
  2017  2016  $  %  2017  2016  $  % 
Net Sales $8,114,007  $7,077,318  $1,036,689   15%  $2,959,577  $2,574,954  $384,623   15% 
Cost of Goods Sold  4,132,799   3,861,651   271,148   7%   1,507,500   1,359,704   147,796   11% 
Gross Profit $3,981,208  $3,215,667  $765,541   24%  $1,452,077  $1,215,250  $236,827   19% 
                                 
Gross Profit Margin %  49%   45%           49%   47%         

For the nine months ended November 30, 2017, our sales increased $1,037,000 or 15% to $8,114,000 as compared to $7,077,000 for the nine months ended November 30, 2016. During the nine-month period ended November 30, 2017, we experienced increases in sales of our Nozzles and Ultrasonic Generators, Stent Coating Units, XYZ Platform Units, and Universal Align Systems. These increases were partially offset by decreases in sales of our WideTrack Units, Servo PCB Fluxing Units, Solder Recovery Systems and Spray Dryer Units.

For the three months ended November 30, 2017, our sales increased $385,000 or 15% to $2,960,000 as compared to $2,575,000 for the three months ended November 30, 2016. During the three-month period ended November 30, 2017, we experienced increases in sales of our Stent Coating Units, XYZ Platform Units, PCB Fluxing Units and Parts and Universal Align Systems. These increases were partially offset by decreases in sales of our WideTrack Units, Servo PCB Fluxing Units, Solder Recovery Systems and Versicoat Units.

For the nine and three-month periods ended November 30, 2017, sales of our Stent Coating Units increased $965,000 and $223,000, respectively, when compared to the prior year periods.

For the nine and three-month periods ended November 30, 2017, sales of our XYZ Platform Units increased $393,000 and $518,000, respectively, when compared to the prior year periods.

Sales of our Stent Coating Units, XYZ Platform Units, Widetrack Units and Servo PCB Fluxing Units typically vary from quarter to quarter. Demand for our products fluctuates and is dependent upon market conditions. The continuing expansion of our product lines has reduced our dependence on any specific market and provides us flexibility to adapt to changing economic conditions.

Gross Profit:

Our gross profit increased $766,000 to $3,981,000 for the nine months ended November 30, 2017 from $3,216,000 for the nine months ended November 30, 2016. The gross profit margin was 49% of sales for the nine months ended November 30, 2017 as compared to 45% for the nine months ended November 30, 2016. The increase in gross profit for the nine months ended November 30, 2017 is primarily due to an increase in sales of our Nozzles and Ultrasonic Generators, Stent Coating Units, XYZ Platform Units and Universal Align Systems.

Our gross profit increased $237,000 to $1,452,000 for the three months ended November 30, 2017 from $1,215,000 for the three months ended November 30, 2016. The gross profit margin was 49% of sales for the three months ended November 30, 2017 as compared to 47% for the three months ended November 30, 2016. The increase in gross profit for the three months ended November 30, 2017 is due to an increase in sales of our Stent Coating Units, XYZ Platform Units, PCB Fluxing Units and Parts and Universal Align Systems.

In addition, for the nine and three-month periods ended November 30, 2017, our fixed overhead costs remained constant as our sales levels increased.

16 

Operating Expenses:

  Nine months Ended November 30, Three months Ended November 30,
  2017 2016 Change 2017 2016 Change
             
Research and product development $ 922,000 $924,000 $(2,000) $318,000 $308,000 $10,000
Marketing and selling $1,866,000 $1,655,000 $211,000 $660,000 $576,000 $84,000
General and administrative $820,000 $767,000 $ 53,000 $262,000 $266,000 $(4,000)

Research and Product Development:

Research and product development costs decreased $2,000 to $922,000 for the nine months ended November 30, 2017 from $924,000 for the nine months ended November 30, 2016. The decrease is due to decreased expenses for research and development materials, depreciation expense and salaries. These decreases were partially offset by increases in health insurance premiums and engineering supplies.

Research and development costs increased $10,000 to $318,000 for the three months ended November 30, 2017 from $308,000 for the three months ended November 30, 2016. The increase is due to increased expenses for research and development materials and depreciation expense. These increases were partially offset by decreases in salaries.

Marketing and Selling:

Marketing and selling costs increased $211,000 to $1,866,000 for the nine months ended November 30, 2017 from $1,655,000 for the nine months ended November 30, 2016. During the nine months ended November 30, 2017, salaries, commissions, health insurance premiums and travel expenses increased. These increases were partially offset by decreases in trade show and depreciation expenses.

Marketing and selling costs increased $84,000 to $660,000 for the three months ended November 30, 2017 from $576,000 for the three-month period ended November 30, 2016. During the three months ended November 30, 2017, salaries, health insurance premiums and trade show expenses increased. These increases were partially offset by decreases in travel and depreciation expense.

General and Administrative:

General and administrative costs increased $53,000 to $820,000 for the nine months ended November 30, 2017 from $767,000 for the nine months ended November 30, 2016. During the nine months ended November 30, 2017, salaries, health insurance premiums, supplies and other corporate expenses increased. These increases were partially offset by decreases in professional fees, stock based compensation expense and depreciation.

General and administrative costs decreased $4,000 to $262,000 for the three months ended November 30, 2017 from $266,000 for the three months ended November 30, 2016. During the three months ended November 30, 2017, professional fees and stock based compensation expense decreased. These decreases were partially offset by increases in health insurance premiums, supplies and other corporate expenses.

Rental Real Estate Operations:

For the nine months ended November 30, 2017, our real estate operations generated $55,000 in rental income from unrelated third parties as compared to $73,000 for the nine months ended November 30, 2016. Our real estate operations incurred $111,000 in operating expenses compared to $118,000 for the prior year period and $35,000 in interest expense compared to $40,000 for the prior year period. For the nine months ended November 30, 2017, our real estate operations reported a net loss of $91,000 compared to a net loss of $85,000 for the prior year period. The reported losses exclude any inter-company rent. A summary of our real estate operations is as follows:

17 

 Nine Months Ended November 30,
 20172016
Statements of Operations  
Rental Income$55,000$73,000
   
Real Estate Taxes38,00039,000
Interest Expense35,00040,000
Depreciation Expense53,00054,000
Other Expenses20,00025,000
Net Loss From Real Estate Operations($91,000)($85,000)
   
Per Square Foot Cost Based on 50,000 sq. feet($1.82)($1.70)
   
Statements of Cash Flows  
Net Loss($91,000)($85,000)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in real estate operations:  
Depreciation53,00054,000
Debt Service(112,000)(107,000)
Net Cash (Used) in Real Estate Operations($150,000)($138,000)
   
Cash Outlay Per Square Foot Based on 50,000 sq. feet($3.00)($2.76)

Interest and Dividend Income:

During the nine months ended November 30, 2017, we recorded interest and dividend income of approximately $58,000 as compared to $48,000 for the nine months ended November 30, 2016.

Other (Expense) Income:

During the nine months ended November 30, 2017, we recorded net realized gains of $11,000 on the sale of some of our available-for-sale investments. In addition, we recorded $6,000 of miscellaneous income.

During the nine months ended November 30, 2016, we received a payout of $200,000 in life insurance proceeds from the death of a former employee.

Condensed Consolidated Results:

We had net income of $265,000 for the nine months ended November 30, 2017, as compared to $28,000 for the nine months ended November 30, 2016. For the nine months ended November 30, 2017, our revenue increased $1,019,000, gross profit increased $748,000, operating expenses increased $256,000, and our operating income increased $492,000. Interest and dividend income, net of interest (expense) increased $15,000 and other income (expense) decreased $190,000 when compared to the nine months ended November 30, 2016.

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations are based upon the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure on contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions and conditions.

18 

 

Critical accounting policies are defined as those that are reflective of significant judgments and uncertainties and may potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. The Company believes that critical accounting policies are limited to those described below. For a detailed discussion on the application of these and other accounting policies see Note 2 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in Form 10-K for the year ended February 28, 2017.2023.

Accounting for Income Taxes

As part ofThe Company accounts for income taxes under the process of preparing the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements, the Company is required to estimate itsasset and liability method. Under this method, deferred income taxes. Management judgment is required in determining the provisiontaxes are recognized for the tax consequences of “temporary differences” by applying enacted statutory tax rates applicable to future years to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of existing assets and liabilities. If it is more likely than not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset.asset will not be realized, a valuation allowance is recognized. We use a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for financial statement recognition and measurement tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities.

Stock-Based Compensation

The computation of the expense associated with stock-based compensation requires the use of a valuation model. ASC 718 is a complex accounting standard, the application of which requires significant judgment and the use of estimates, particularly surrounding Black-Scholes assumptions such as stock price volatility, expected option lives, and expected option forfeiture rates, to value equity-based compensation. The Company currently uses a Black-Scholes option pricing model to calculate the fair value of its stock options. The Company primarily uses historical data to determine the assumptions to be used in the Black-Scholes model and has no reason to believe that future data is likely to differ materially from historical data. However, changes in the assumptions to reflect future stock price volatility and future stock award exercise experience could result in a change in the assumptions used to value awards in the future and may result in a material change to the fair value calculation of stock-based awards. ASC 718 requires the recognition of the fair value of stock compensation in net income. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of our estimates and assumptions, significant unanticipated changes in those estimates, interpretations and assumptions may result in recording stock option expense that may materially impact our financial statements for each respective reporting period.

 

Impact of New Accounting Pronouncements

 

Accounting pronouncements issued but not yet effective have been deemed to be not applicable or the adoption of such accounting pronouncements areis not expected to have a material impact on the financial statements of the Company.

17 

 

ITEM 3 - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

The Company does not issue or invest in financial instruments or derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. Substantially all of the operations of the Company are conducted in the United States, and, as such, are not subject to material foreign currency exchange rate risk. All of our sales transactions are completed in US dollars.

 

Although the Company's assets included $1,699,000$2,982,000 in cash and $4,447,000$9,609,000 in marketable securities, the market rate risk associated with changing interest rates in the United States is not material.

 

ITEM 4 – Controls and Procedures

 

The Company has established and maintains “disclosure controls and procedures” (as those terms are defined in Rules 13a –15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). Christopher L. Coccio,R. Stephen Harshbarger, Chief Executive Officer (principal executive) and Stephen J. Bagley, Chief Financial Officer (principal accounting officer) of the Company, have evaluated the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of November 30, 2017.2023. Based on this evaluation, they have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and (2) accumulated and communicated to Management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding timely disclosure.

 

In addition, there were no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting during the third fiscal quarter of 20182024 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, internal controls over financial reporting.reporting.

 

1918 

 

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.Legal Proceedings
 None
  
Item 1A.Risk Factors
 Note RequiredThere are no material changes from risk factors previously disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for Smaller Reporting Companiesthe year ended February 28, 2023.
  
Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.Proceeds
 None
  
Item 3.Defaults Upon Senior Securities
 None
  
Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures
 None
  
Item 5.Other Information
 None
  
Item 6.Exhibits and Reports
  
 31.131.2 – Rule 13a - 14(a)/15d – 14(a) Certification
  
 32.132.2 – Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.2002
  
 101.INS101XBRL Instance Document.The financial information from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended November 30, 2023 formatted in Inline XBRL: (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity, (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (v) Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
  
 101.SCH104Cover Page Interactive Data File formatted in Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL – XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF – XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB – XBRL Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE – XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Documentand contained in Exhibit 101.

 

2019 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

 

In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, the registrant has caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

Dated: January 16, 20182024

 

 

  SONO-TEK CORPORATION
                (Registrant)
   
   
 By:/s/ Christopher L. CoccioR. Stephen Harshbarger
  Christopher L. CoccioR. Stephen Harshbarger
  Chief Executive Officer
   
   
 By:
By:/s/ Stephen J. Bagley
  Stephen J. Bagley
  Chief Financial Officer

 

2120