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Northern Technologies International (NTIC)
NASDAQ:NTIC
US Market

Northern Technologies International (NTIC) AI Stock Analysis

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NTIC

Northern Technologies International

(NASDAQ:NTIC)

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Neutral 57 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:57Neutral
Price Target:
$10.00
▲(7.07% Upside)
The score is mainly constrained by weak profitability and deteriorated free cash flow, partially offset by a strong, low-leverage balance sheet. Technicals are bullish but overextended, and valuation is difficult to support with negative/near-zero earnings. The latest earnings call adds moderate support due to upbeat FY2026 outlook and notable contract/segment momentum, despite recent margin and profit pressure.
Positive Factors
Conservative balance sheet / low leverage
A very low debt-to-equity ratio and healthy equity base give the company durable financial flexibility. This conservative capital structure supports investment in operations, cushions cyclicality in industrial end markets, and reduces solvency risk over the next several quarters.
Relatively strong gross margins
Sustained gross margins near the high 30s reflect pricing power and differentiated corrosion-protection technologies. Strong gross margin provides a structural buffer to absorb SG&A and R&D investments and underpins the path to improved operating leverage as sales scale.
Contracted and diversified revenue momentum
Record consolidated sales and a multi-year ZERUST Brazil FPSO contract create predictable medium-term revenue streams. Coupled with growth in NTIC China and Natur‑Tec, these contracted and geographic revenue drivers reduce single-market concentration and support durable top-line visibility.
Negative Factors
Weak cash generation
Very weak operating cash conversion limits the firm's ability to internally fund working capital, debt reduction, and investments. Over months this raises reliance on external financing and can constrain capacity to capitalize on commercial wins or sustain the dividend if operating cash does not improve.
Low net profitability and recent earnings decline
Despite revenue gains, extremely low net margins and a large YoY profit drop indicate structural cost, timing, or mix pressures. Persistent low bottom-line returns weaken ROE and limit retained earnings available for reinvestment, making margin recovery essential for sustainable growth.
Reliance on revolver and tightened liquidity
Material use of the revolving credit line and modest cash balances create a structural liquidity dependency. Even with an extended facility maturity, reliance on short-term borrowings increases refinancing and interest risk and reduces financial flexibility during slower cash cycles or market stress.

Northern Technologies International (NTIC) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Northern Technologies International Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionNorthern Technologies International Corporation develops and markets rust and corrosion inhibiting products and services in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and internationally. It offers rust and corrosion inhibiting products, such as plastic and paper packaging, liquids, coatings, rust removers, cleaners, diffusers, and engineered solutions designed for the oil and gas industry under the ZERUST brand. The company also provides a portfolio of bio-based and certified compostable polymer resin compounds and finished products under the Natur-Tec brand. In addition, it offers on-site and technical consulting for rust and corrosion prevention issues. The company sells its products and services to automotive, electronics, electrical, mechanical, military, retail consumer, and oil and gas markets through direct sales force, network of independent distributors and agents, manufacturer's sales representatives, strategic partners, and joint venture. Northern Technologies International Corporation was founded in 1970 and is headquartered in Circle Pines, Minnesota.
How the Company Makes MoneyNTIC generates revenue through multiple key streams, including the sale of its proprietary corrosion protection products, licensing of its patented technologies, and providing technical support and consulting services to clients across various industries. A significant portion of the company's income is derived from long-term contracts with industrial clients that require ongoing corrosion management solutions. Additionally, NTIC has established partnerships with major companies in the automotive and manufacturing sectors, which help expand its market reach and enhance brand visibility. The company also benefits from international sales, as its technologies are applicable in various global markets, further contributing to its earnings.

Northern Technologies International Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Jan 08, 2026
(Q1-2026)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Apr 09, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The call conveyed mixed but constructive results: strong top-line momentum with record consolidated sales and notable segment wins (ZERUST Oil & Gas contract, NTIC China growth, Natur-Tec sequential gains), and clear operational progress and strategic investments. However, profitability and margins deteriorated materially in the quarter (notably a ~57.6% drop in GAAP net income and a 2.3pp gross margin decline), joint venture operating income softened, and cash/working capital tightened. Management emphasized that recent investments should drive higher-margin sales and improved operating leverage through FY2026 and expects sequential margin recovery and improved profitability later in the year.
Q1-2026 Updates
Positive Updates
Record Consolidated Net Sales
Total consolidated net sales of $23.3M for Q1 FY2026, a 9.2% year-over-year increase and the strongest YoY growth rate since FY2024.
ZERUST Oil & Gas Strong Growth and Large Contract Win
ZERUST Oil & Gas net sales reached a Q1 record of $2.4M, up 58.1% YoY and marking the second consecutive quarter with >$2M in revenue. ZERUST Brazil (85% owned) secured a major FPSO contract with an estimated value of ~$13M over the next 3–4 years, expected to ramp through FY2026 and into 2028.
NTIC China Outperformance
Wholly owned NTIC China net sales rose 23.5% YoY to $4.9M, driven primarily by domestic Chinese demand and limited exposure to U.S. tariffs.
Natur-Tec Quarterly Record and Sequential Improvement
Natur-Tec bioplastics sales were a quarterly record of $6.0M, up 2.2% YoY and up 16.5% sequentially from Q4, driven by higher North American sales and progress on larger opportunities (including compostable food packaging initiatives).
Joint Venture Revenue Growth
Total joint venture net sales (not consolidated) increased 2.9% YoY to $24.5M, reflecting improved demand across multiple JV partners.
Strategic Focus on Profitability and Operating Leverage
Management emphasized investments in operations, a plan to flatten operating expenses, focus on higher-margin segments, and an expectation of sequential gross margin improvement and stronger profitability through FY2026.
Balance Sheet and Capital Actions
Working capital of $19.4M and cash & equivalents of $6.4M as of Nov 30, 2025; outstanding debt of $12.0M (down slightly from $12.2M on Aug 31, 2025). Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.01 per share.
Negative Updates
Decline in GAAP Net Income and EPS
GAAP net income was $238K (EPS $0.03) in Q1 FY2026 versus $561K (EPS $0.06) in Q1 FY2025, a decline of approximately 57.6% YoY, indicating meaningful profit pressure despite revenue growth.
Non-GAAP Adjusted Net Income Down
Non-GAAP adjusted income was $344K (EPS $0.04) vs $667K (EPS $0.07) prior year, a decline of ~48.4% YoY.
Gross Margin Compression
Gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased to 36.0% from 38.3% (down 2.3 percentage points), primarily attributed to a temporary supplier lead time issue; management expects sequential improvement.
Joint Venture Operating Income Decline
Joint venture operating income decreased 5.1% YoY, and one German joint venture experienced a mid-single-digit sales decline, partially offsetting gains in other geographies.
Rising Operating Expenses
Total operating expenses increased to $9.7M, up 2.9% YoY, driven primarily by higher selling, general and administrative expenses (partially offset by lower R&D).
Working Capital and Cash Reduction
Working capital decreased from $20.4M (Aug 31, 2025) to $19.4M (Nov 30, 2025), a ~4.9% decline, and cash & equivalents declined from $7.3M to $6.4M (~12.3%), tightening near-term liquidity.
Material Reliance on Revolver Borrowings
Outstanding debt of $12.0M includes $9.1M in borrowings under the revolving line of credit, indicating reliance on short-term borrowings despite slight net debt reduction.
Profitability Lagging Despite Topline Strength
Despite multiple revenue records and strong segment growth, the company reported substantially lower profitability in the quarter, reflecting timing/operational issues and investments that have yet to flow fully to the bottom line.
Company Guidance
The company reiterated that it expects higher year‑over‑year sales and improving profitability through fiscal 2026, driven by continued strength in ZERUST Oil & Gas (Q1 sales $2.4M, +58.1% year‑over‑year and a Brazil FPSO contract ~ $13M over 3–4 years), NTIC China (Q1 $4.9M, +23.5%) and Natur‑Tec (Q1 $6.0M, +2.2% YoY, +16.5% vs. Q4), while joint venture sales rose 2.9% to $24.5M (JV operating income was down 5.1% in Q1 but expected to recover as European stimulus takes hold). Management said gross margin should improve sequentially from Q1’s 36% (vs. 38.3% prior year), that quarterly sales should grow faster than operating expenses (Q1 opex $9.7M, +2.9% YoY) as they keep opex relatively flat, and that debt reduction (total debt $12.0M, including $9.1M revolver) and better working capital (working capital $19.4M; cash $6.4M) will be supported by positive operating cash flow; non‑GAAP Q1 income was $344K ($0.04/sh).

Northern Technologies International Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Mixed fundamentals: a conservatively levered balance sheet (low debt-to-equity) is a clear strength, but profitability has weakened toward breakeven and cash generation has deteriorated with negative free cash flow in the TTM, which materially lowers the financial quality score.
Income Statement
48
Neutral
Revenue has been broadly stable with low growth in TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months) and a slight decline in the latest annual period, but profitability has weakened materially. Gross margin remains solid (~37% in TTM), yet earnings have compressed sharply: net income is essentially breakeven to slightly negative in TTM and the latest annual period after a much stronger prior year. EBITDA margin is still positive but down meaningfully versus 2024, pointing to higher operating costs and a tougher profit profile.
Balance Sheet
74
Positive
The balance sheet looks conservatively levered, with low debt relative to equity (debt-to-equity around 0.16 in TTM) and a sizable equity base. Total debt is modest in absolute terms and leverage has not spiked despite weaker profitability. The key weakness is returns: return on equity has fallen to roughly zero/negative in TTM, signaling that the company is not currently generating attractive earnings on its capital base.
Cash Flow
39
Negative
Cash generation has deteriorated. Operating cash flow is very low in TTM versus recent history, and free cash flow is negative in TTM, indicating cash burn after investment needs. Prior years showed healthy positive free cash flow (notably 2023–2024), so the recent step-down suggests either working-capital pressure, lower underlying profitability, or heavier spending. The main positive is that operating cash flow is still positive, but the overall cash-flow trajectory is currently unfavorable.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue84.23M85.06M79.90M74.16M56.49M
Gross Profit31.68M33.79M27.80M23.07M19.57M
EBITDA5.39M9.74M7.68M10.72M9.58M
Net Income17.62K5.41M2.91M6.32M6.28M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets102.75M94.68M89.34M86.19M74.37M
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments7.25M4.95M5.41M5.34M7.69M
Total Debt13.15M7.54M6.79M6.46M376.44K
Total Liabilities26.03M19.50M18.65M18.95M8.62M
Stockholders Equity72.15M71.19M66.36M63.60M62.37M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow-1.51M2.46M2.18M-557.75K-2.75M
Operating Cash Flow2.44M5.88M5.54M1.15M2.89M
Investing Cash Flow-3.93M-3.42M-3.34M-7.11M-103.32K
Financing Cash Flow3.86M-2.96M-2.05M3.19M-1.52M

Northern Technologies International Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price9.34
Price Trends
50DMA
7.95
Positive
100DMA
7.82
Positive
200DMA
7.74
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.46
Negative
RSI
68.63
Neutral
STOCH
79.80
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For NTIC, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 9.34 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 8.38, above the 50-day MA of 7.95, and above the 200-day MA of 7.74, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 0.46 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 68.63 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 79.80 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for NTIC.

Northern Technologies International Risk Analysis

Northern Technologies International disclosed 53 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Northern Technologies International reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Northern Technologies International Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (61)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
61
Neutral
$10.43B7.12-0.05%2.87%2.86%-36.73%
61
Neutral
$78.31M42.435.08%0.18%-54.25%
59
Neutral
$208.83M-3.87-20.64%-8.00%-35.86%
57
Neutral
$88.66M-277.150.02%1.33%-0.97%-99.67%
49
Neutral
$10.84M-0.57-77.79%39.37%69.81%
48
Neutral
$55.59M-20.5011013.00%39.85%
45
Neutral
$17.89M-0.048.42%-11.20%17.76%
* Basic Materials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
NTIC
Northern Technologies International
9.34
-3.17
-25.34%
FSI
Flexible Solutions International
6.17
0.32
5.47%
ALTO
Alto Ingredients
2.70
0.89
49.17%
TSE
Trinseo
0.50
-3.83
-88.50%
SNES
SenesTech
2.09
-1.03
-33.01%
LOOP
Loop Industries
1.15
0.04
3.60%

Northern Technologies International Corporate Events

Executive/Board ChangesShareholder Meetings
Northern Technologies Shareholders Approve Directors and Governance Items
Positive
Jan 16, 2026

At its Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on January 16, 2026, Northern Technologies International Corporation reported that stockholders representing 66.07% of the company’s outstanding common shares as of the November 18, 2025 record date were present in person or by proxy, establishing a quorum for voting. All eight director nominees were elected for new terms, executive compensation was approved on an advisory basis, stockholders supported holding future say-on-pay votes annually, and the appointment of Baker Tilly US, LLP as independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2026 was ratified, reinforcing continuity in the company’s governance, compensation oversight, and audit arrangements.

The most recent analyst rating on (NTIC) stock is a Buy with a $9.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Northern Technologies International stock, see the NTIC Stock Forecast page.

Private Placements and Financing
Northern Technologies Extends JPMorgan Credit Facility Maturity
Positive
Dec 19, 2025

On December 18, 2025, Northern Technologies International Corporation amended its existing $10 million line of credit note with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., extending the maturity date from January 5, 2026 to February 5, 2027 while leaving all other material terms unchanged. The extension provides NTIC with an additional year of committed financing capacity under the same conditions, supporting the company’s liquidity and financial flexibility without altering the original borrowing structure.

The most recent analyst rating on (NTIC) stock is a Hold with a $7.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Northern Technologies International stock, see the NTIC Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Jan 17, 2026