Unassociated Document

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C.   20549



FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2011
 
OR
 
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from _________to_________
 
Commission File Number 000-23115
 
CTI INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Illinois
 
36-2848943
(State or other jurisdiction of
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
incorporation or organization)
  
 

22160 N. Pepper Road
   
Lake Barrington, Illinois
 
60010
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)

(847) 382-1000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes þ     No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes þ     No ¨
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer ¨     Accelerated filer ¨    Non-accelerated filer ¨  Smaller Reporting Company  þ
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes ¨     No þ

The number of shares outstanding of the Registrant’s common stock as of November 1, 2011 was 3,138,848.
 
 
 

 
 
INDEX

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     
Item No. 1
Financial Statements
 
  Condensed Consolidated Interim Balance Sheet at September 30, 2011  (unaudited) and December 31, 2010
 3 
 
Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Income (unaudited) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and September 30, 2010
4
 
Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and September 30, 2010
5
 
Condensed Consolidated Interim Earnings per Share (unaudited)  for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011  and September 30, 2010
6
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
7
Item No. 2
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
16
Item No. 3
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures Regarding Market Risk
23
Item No. 4
Controls and Procedures
23
     
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
 
     
Item No. 1
Legal Proceedings
24
Item No. 1A
Risk Factors
24
Item No. 2
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
24
Item No. 3
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
24
Item No. 4
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
24
Item No. 5
Other Information
24
Item No. 6
Exhibits
24
 
Signatures
26
 
Exhibit 31.1
 
 
Exhibit 31.2
 
 
Exhibit 32
 
 
 
2

 
   
PART 1 - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  Financial Statements

CTI Industries Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
   
September 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
   
(unaudited)
       
ASSETS
           
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents (VIE $10,000 and $38,000, respectively)
  $ 437,637     $ 761,874  
Accounts receivable, (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $65,000 and $59,000, respectively)
    7,251,044       8,533,626  
Inventories, net
    12,620,865       10,368,037  
Net deferred income tax asset
    763,941       750,485  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    1,594,491       1,012,067  
                 
Total current assets
    22,667,978       21,426,089  
                 
Property, plant and equipment:
               
Machinery and equipment
    23,724,146       22,900,460  
Building
    3,291,999       3,260,201  
Office furniture and equipment
    2,803,392       2,718,425  
Intellectual property
    432,070       345,092  
Land
    250,000       250,000  
Leasehold improvements
    422,843       443,630  
Fixtures and equipment at customer locations
    2,632,689       2,629,902  
Projects under construction (VIE $569,000 and $587,000, respectively)
    1,142,715       1,601,682  
      34,699,854       34,149,392  
Less : accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (25,709,270 )     (24,489,624 )
                 
Total property, plant and equipment, net
    8,990,584       9,659,768  
                 
Other assets:
               
Deferred financing costs, net
    50,690       63,634  
Goodwill
    1,033,077       1,033,077  
Net deferred income tax asset
    448,239       360,830  
Other assets (due from related party $73,000 and $213,000, respectively)
    184,678       317,990  
                 
Total other assets
    1,716,684       1,775,531  
                 
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 33,375,246     $ 32,861,388  
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
               
Current liabilities:
               
Checks written in excess of bank balance
  $ 1,211,720     $ 692,141  
Trade payables (VIE $24,000 and $58,000, respectively)
    4,559,565       4,307,358  
Line of credit (VIE $0 and $700,000, respectively)
    7,605,576       8,225,900  
Notes payable - current portion
    274,446       276,667  
Notes payable - officers, current portion, net of debt discount of $0 and $5,000
    1,424,923       1,410,807  
Capital lease - current portion
    3,838       5,117  
Notes Payable Affiliates - current portion
    6,742       6,754  
Accrued liabilities
    2,568,693       3,027,298  
                 
Total current liabilities
    17,655,503       17,952,042  
                 
Long-term liabilities:
               
Notes Payable - Affiliates
    143,358       155,648  
Notes payable, net of current portion
    3,825,467       2,611,127  
Capital Lease
    -       2,559  
Notes payable - officers, subordinated, net of debt discount of $0 and $0
    91,745       360,351  
Total long-term liabilities
    4,060,570       3,129,685  
                 
Equity:
               
CTI Industries Corporation stockholders' equity:
               
Preferred Stock -- no par value 2,000,000 shares  authorized 0 shares issued and outstanding
    -       -  
Common stock  - no par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized, 3,210,975 and 3,209,475 shares issued and 3,318,848 and 3,137,348  outstanding, respectively
    13,400,490       13,394,940  
Paid-in-capital
    922,147       817,138  
Dividends
    (158,381 )     (314,441 )
Accumulated deficit
    (365,069 )     (379,210 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (1,916,380 )     (1,592,798 )
Less:  Treasury stock, 72,127 shares and 72,127 shares
    (141,289 )     (141,289 )
                 
Total CTI Industries Corporation stockholders' equity
    11,741,518       11,784,340  
                 
Noncontrolling interest
    (82,345 )     (4,679 )
                 
Total Equity
    11,659,173       11,779,661  
                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
  $ 33,375,246     $ 32,861,388  

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated unaudited financial statements
 
 
3

 

CTI Industries Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)

   
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
   
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
                         
Net Sales
  $ 11,730,972     $ 10,962,272     $ 36,393,391     $ 36,337,241  
                                 
Cost of Sales
    9,461,457       8,713,084       29,583,262       28,170,431  
                                 
Gross profit
    2,269,515       2,249,188       6,810,129       8,166,810  
                                 
Operating expenses:
                               
General and administrative
    1,295,317       1,239,070       3,974,997       3,807,519  
Selling
    233,756       112,509       654,531       671,329  
Advertising and marketing
    416,916       388,887       1,108,932       1,329,524  
                                 
Total operating expenses
    1,945,989       1,740,466       5,738,460       5,808,372  
                                 
Income from operations
    323,526       508,722       1,071,669       2,358,438  
                                 
Other (expense) income:
                               
Interest expense
    (326,177 )     (163,835 )     (615,370 )     (712,896 )
Interest income
    7,576       4,497       13,528       13,090  
Foreign currency gain (loss)
    8,630       (2,660 )     34,896       (37,348 )
                                 
Total other expense, net
    (309,971 )     (161,998 )     (566,946 )     (737,154 )
                                 
Net Income before taxes
    13,555       346,724       504,723       1,621,284  
                                 
Income tax expense
    12,907       112,939       253,807       208,262  
                                 
Net Income
    648       233,785       250,916       1,413,022  
                                 
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
    (17,471 )     (9,543 )     (77,666 )     (35,916 )
                                 
Net income attributable to CTI Industries Corporation
  $ 18,119     $ 243,328     $ 328,582     $ 1,448,938  
                                 
Other Comprehensive Income
                               
Unrealized gain on derivative instruments; adjustment to accumulated balance on swap termination
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 188,615  
Foreign currency adjustment
  $ (718,290 )   $ 275,687     $ (323,582 )   $ 204,462  
Comprehensive income
  $ (700,171 )   $ 519,015     $ 5,000     $ 1,842,015  
                                 
Basic income per common share
  $ 0.01     $ 0.08     $ 0.10     $ 0.49  
                                 
Diluted income per common share
  $ 0.01     $ 0.08     $ 0.10     $ 0.49  
                                 
Dividends per share
  $ 0.05     $ -     $ 0.05     $ 0.05  
                                 
Weighted average number of shares and equivalent shares of common stock outstanding:
                               
Basic
    3,138,848       3,120,568       3,138,181       2,930,748  
                                 
Diluted
    3,178,444       3,201,064       3,187,871       2,985,697  

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated unaudited financial statements
 
 
4

 
   
CTI Industries Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
  
   
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
             
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net income
  $ 250,916     $ 1,413,022  
Adjustment to reconcile net income to cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    1,383,459       1,561,263  
Amortization of debt discount
    5,042       82,909  
Change in value of swap agreement
    158,090       -  
Stock based compensation
    105,009       116,142  
Provision for losses on accounts receivable
    9,001       14,354  
Provision for losses on inventories
    61,465       11,083  
Deferred income taxes
    (100,865 )     178,262  
Change in assets and liabilities:
               
Accounts receivable
    1,044,070       (137,177 )
Inventories
    (2,533,593 )     (790,620 )
Prepaid expenses and other assets
    (539,135 )     (79,153 )
Trade payables
    368,200       255,532  
Accrued liabilities
    (455,233 )     298,232  
                 
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
    (243,574 )     2,923,849  
                 
Cash used in investing activities - purchases of property, plant and equipment
    (796,222 )     (848,143 )
                 
Net cash used in investing activities
    (796,222 )     (848,143 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Change in checks written in excess of bank balance
    523,414       (445,792 )
Net change in revolving line of credit
    99,055       (55,935 )
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
    730,615       -  
Repayment of long-term debt (related parties $268,000and  $413,000)
    (481,233 )     (1,491,607 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and warrants
    5,550       79,647  
Cash received from investment in subsidiary
    -       42,300  
Dividends paid
    (158,381 )     (156,135 )
Cash paid for deferred financing fees
    (7,510 )     (244,726 )
                 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    711,510       (2,272,248 )
                 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
    4,049       8,289  
                 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (324,237 )     (188,253 )
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    761,874       870,446  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 437,637     $ 682,193  
                 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
               
Cash payments for interest
  $ 397,218     $ 605,785  
                 
Cash payments for taxes
  $ 42,250     $ 30,000  
                 
Supplemental Disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activity
               
Exercise of Warrants by Payment of Subordinated Debt
  $ -     $ 1,027,000  
                 
Exercise of Options and Warrants by Surrender of Shares
  $ -     $ 227,736  
                 
Property, Plant & Equipment acquisitions funded by liabilities
  $ 43,524     $ 43,296  
                 
Reclassification of line of credit to long-term debt
  $ 700,000     $ -  

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated unaudited financial statements
 
 
5

 
   
CTI Industries Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Earnings per Share (unaudited)
   
   
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
                         
Basic
                       
Average shares outstanding:
                       
Weighted average number of common shares  outstanding
    3,138,848       3,120,568       3,138,181       2,930,748  
                                 
Net income:
                               
Net income attributable to CTI Industries Corporation
  $ 18,119     $ 243,328     $ 328,582     $ 1,448,938  
                                 
Per share amount
  $ 0.01     $ 0.08     $ 0.10     $ 0.49  
                                 
Diluted
                               
Average shares outstanding:
                               
Weighted average number of common shares  outstanding
    3,138,848       3,120,568       3,138,181       2,930,748  
                                 
Effect of dilutive shares
    39,596       80,496       49,690       54,949  
                                 
Weighted average number of shares and equivalent shares of common stock outstanding
    3,178,444       3,201,064       3,187,871       2,985,697  
                                 
Net income:
                               
Net income attributable to CTI Industries Corporation
  $ 18,119     $ 243,328     $ 328,582     $ 1,448,938  
                                 
Per share amount
  $ 0.01     $ 0.08     $ 0.10     $ 0.49  

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated unaudited financial statements
 
 
6

 
  
CTI Industries Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1 - Basis of Presentation

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited but in the opinion of management contain all the adjustments (consisting of those of a normal recurring nature) considered necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position and the consolidated results of operations and consolidated cash flows for the periods presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles for interim consolidated financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 8 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements.  Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2011.  It is suggested that these condensed financial statements be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010.

Principles of consolidation and nature of operations:

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CTI Industries Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, CTI Balloons Limited, CTI Helium, Inc. and CTF International S.A. de C.V., its majority-owned subsidiaries CTI Mexico S.A. de C.V., Flexo Universal, S.A. de C.V. and CTI Europe gmbH, as well as the accounts of Venture Leasing S. A. de R. L. and Venture Leasing L.L.C (the “Company”).  The last two entities have been consolidated as variable interest entities.  All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company (i) designs, manufactures and distributes balloon products throughout the world and (ii) operates systems for the production, lamination, coating and printing of films used for food packaging and other commercial uses and for conversion of films to flexible packaging containers and other products.

Variable Interest Entities (“VIE’s”):

The determination of whether or not to consolidate a variable interest entity under U.S. GAAP requires a significant amount of judgment concerning the degree of control over an entity by its holders of variable interest.  To make these judgments, management has conducted an analysis of the relationship of the holders of variable interest to each other, the design of the entity, the expected operations of the entity, which holder of variable interests is most “closely associated” to the entity and which holder of variable interests is the primary beneficiary required to consolidate the entity.  Upon the occurrence of certain events, management reviews and reconsiders its previous conclusion regarding the status of an entity as a variable interest entity. Upon the adoption of amended accounting guidance applicable to variable interest entities on January 1, 2010, management continually reconsiders whether we are deemed to be a variable interest entity’s primary beneficiary who consolidates such entity.  There are two entities that have been consolidated as variable interest entities.

 
7

 
 
Use of estimates:

In preparing condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amount of revenue and expenses during the reporting period in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes.  Actual results may differ from those estimates.  The Company’s significant estimates include reserves for doubtful accounts, reserves for the lower of cost or market of inventory, reserves for deferred tax assets and recovery value of goodwill.

Earnings per share:

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each period.

Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing the net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock and equivalents (stock options and warrants), unless anti-dilutive, during each period.

As of September 30, 2011 and 2010, shares to be issued upon the exercise of options aggregated 205,000 and 158,905, respectively.  The number of anti-dilutive shares (not included in the determination of earnings on a diluted basis) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 were 124,000 and 81,500, respectively, all of which were represented by options.  The number of anti-dilutive shares (not included in the determination of earnings on a diluted basis) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 were 0 and 14,000, respectively, all of which were represented by options.

New Accounting Pronouncements:

The Company’s significant accounting policies are summarized in Note 2 of the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010.  There were no significant changes to these accounting policies during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011.

In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued an amendment on the presentation of other comprehensive income.  Under this amendment, entities will be required to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or two separate but consecutive statements.  The current option to report other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of changes in equity has been eliminated.  This amendment will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2012, and retrospective application is required.  The Company does not anticipate that this amendment will have a material impact on its financial statements.

 
8

 
 
In May 2011, the FASB issued amended guidance on fair value measurement and related disclosures.  The new guidance clarified the concepts applicable for fair value measurement of non-financial assets and requires the disclosure of quantitative information about the unobservable inputs used in a fair value measurement.  This guidance will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2012, and will be applied prospectively.  The Company does not anticipate that this amendment will have a material impact on its financial statements.

Note 2 - Stock-Based Compensation; Changes in Equity

We have adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 718 which requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the condensed consolidated financial statements based on their grant-date fair values.

We have applied the Black-Scholes model to value stock-based awards.  That model incorporates various assumptions in the valuation of stock-based awards relating to the risk-free rate of interest to be applied, the estimated dividend yield and expected volatility of our common stock.  The risk-free rate of interest is the related U.S. Treasury yield curve for periods within the expected term of the option at the time of grant.  The dividend yield on our common stock is estimated to be 1.66%.  The expected volatility is based on historical volatility of the Company’s common stock.

The Company’s net income for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 includes approximately $34,000 and $35,000, respectively of compensation costs related to share based payments.  The Company’s net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 includes approximately $104,000 and $116,000, respectively of compensation costs related to share based payments.  As of September 30, 2011 there is $227,000 of unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock option grants and stock grants.  We expect approximately $30,000 to be recognized over the remainder of 2011, $88,000 to be recognized during 2012, and $59,000 to be recognized during 2013, $41,000 to be recognized during 2014 and $9,000 to be recognized during 2015.

As of September 30, 2011, the Company had four stock-based compensation plans pursuant to which stock options were, or may be, granted.  The Plans provide for the award of options, which may either be incentive stock options (“ISOs”) within the meaning of Section 422A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) or non-qualified options (“NQOs”) which are not subject to special tax treatment under the Code as well as for stock grants.

On April 12, 2001, the Board of Directors approved for adoption, effective December 27, 2001, the 2001 Stock Option Plan (“2001 Plan”).  The 2001 Plan authorizes the grant of options to purchase up to an aggregate of 119,050, shares of the Company’s Common Stock.  As of September 30, 2011, 139,958 shares have been granted and were fully vested at the time of grant.  Options to purchase 7,500 remain outstanding.
 
On April 24, 2002, the Board of Directors approved for adoption, effective October 12, 2002, the 2002 Stock Option Plan (“2002 Plan”).  The 2002 Plan authorizes the grant of options to purchase up to an aggregate of 142,860 shares of the Company’s Common Stock. As of September 30, 2011, 123,430 shares have been granted and were fully vested at the time of grant, 27,500 remain outstanding.
  
 
9

 
 
On April 30, 2007, the Board of Directors approved for adoption, effective October 1, 2007, the 2007 Stock Option Plan (“2007 Plan”).  The 2007 Plan authorizes the grant of options to purchase up to an aggregate of 150,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock.  As of September 30, 2011, 165,750 options had been granted and 88,500 remain outstanding.

On April 10, 2009, the Board of Directors approved for adoption, and on June 5, 2009, the shareholders of the Corporation approved, a 2009 Stock Incentive Plan (“2009 Plan”).  The 2009 Plan authorizes the issuance of up to 250,000 shares of stock or options to purchase stock of the Company.  As of September 30, 2011, 82,000 options had been granted and 81,500 remain outstanding.

A summary of the Company’s stock option activity and related information is as follows:

               
Weighted
       
   
Shares
   
Weighted
   
Average
   
Aggregate
 
   
under
   
Avgerage
   
Contractual
   
Intrinsic
 
   
Option
   
Exercise Price
   
Life
   
Value
 
Balance at December 31, 2010
    202,750     $ 4.28              
Granted
    8,000     $ 5.96              
Cancelled
    (4,250 )   $ 6.12              
Exercised
    (1,500 )   $ 3.70              
Outstanding at September 30, 2011
    205,000     $ 4.31       2.70     $ 155,536  
                                 
Exercisable at September 30, 2011
    106,875     $ 3.30       1.70     $ 117,772  
 
A summary of the Company’s stock option activity by grant date as of September 30, 2011 is as follows:
 
Options by
 
Options Outstanding
   
Options Vested
 
Grant Date
 
Shares
   
Wtd Avg
   
Remain. Life
   
Intrinsic Val
   
Shares
   
Wtd Avg
   
Remain. Life
   
Intrinsic Val
 
Dec 2005
    35,000     $ 2.88       4.3     $ 46,200       35,000     $ 2.88       4.3     $ 46,200  
Oct 2007
    40,000     $ 4.71       0.0     $ -       40,000     $ 4.71       0.0     $ -  
Oct 2008
    2,500     $ 4.97       1.0     $ -       1,875     $ 4.97       1.0     $ -  
Nov 2008
    46,000     $ 1.82       1.1     $ 109,336       30,000     $ 1.81       1.1     $ 71,572  
Dec 2010
    73,500     $ 6.13       4.3     $ -       -     $ -       -     $ -  
Jan 2011
    8,000     $ 5.96       4.3     $ -       -     $ -       -     $ -  
TOTAL
    205,000     $ 4.31       2.7     $ 155,536       106,875     $ 3.30       1.7     $ 117,772  
 
The aggregate intrinsic value in the tables above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the last trading day of the quarter ended September 30, 2011 and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holders had all the holders exercised their options on September 30, 2011.

 
10

 

During 2010, the Company declared and paid dividends of five cents ($0.05) per share on the Company’s outstanding common stock to shareholders of record on June 18, 2010 and December 20, 2010.  The total amount of the dividends paid on June 28, 2010 was $156,135 and on December 28, 2010 was $158,306.  On July 8, 2011, the Company declared a dividend of five cents ($0.05) per share on the Company’s outstanding common stock to shareholders of record on July 18, 2011.  The total amount of the dividends paid on July 28, 2011 was $158,000.  Under the terms of its current loan agreement, the amount of dividends the Company may pay is limited by the terms of the financial covenants of our Credit Agreement with Harris N.A.

Note 3 - Legal Proceedings

The Company is party to certain claims or actions arising in the normal course of business. The ultimate outcome of these matters is unknown but, in the opinion of management, the settlement of these matters is not expected to have a significant effect on the future financial position or results of operations of the Company.

Note 4 - Other Comprehensive Loss
 
In the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 the company incurred comprehensive losses of $718,000 and of $323,000, respectively, all from foreign currency translation adjustments.

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

   
Foreign
Currency
Items
    Unrealized Gains (Loss) on Derivatives     Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss)  
Beginning balance as of January 1, 2011
  $ (1,593,000   $ -     $ (1,593,000 )
                         
Current period change, net of tax
    (323,000     -       (323,000 )
                         
Ending Balance as of September 30, 2011
  $ (1,916,000   $ -     $ (1,916,000 )

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 no tax benefit for foreign currency translation adjustments has been recorded as such amounts would result in a deferred tax asset.

Note 5 - Inventories, Net
 
   
September 30,
2011
   
December 31,
2010
 
Raw materials
  $ 3,328,000     $ 2,588,000  
Work in process
    1,103,000       685,000  
Finished goods
    8,627,000       7,471,000  
Allowance for excess quantities
    (437,000 )     (376,000 )
Total inventories
  $ 12,621,000     $ 10,368,000  

 
11

 
 
Note 6 - Geographic Segment Data

The Company has determined that it operates primarily in one business segment which designs, manufactures and distributes film products for use in packaging and novelty balloon products. The Company operates in foreign and domestic regions. Information about the Company's operations by geographic areas is as follows:

   
Net Sales to Outside Customers
   
Net Sales to Outside Customers
 
   
For the Three Months Ended
   
For the Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
United States
  $ 8,545,000     $ 7,859,000     $ 26,695,000     $ 27,558,000  
Europe (Excluding UK)
    124,000       31,000       326,000       61,000  
Mexico
    2,778,000       2,394,000       7,842,000       6,457,000  
United Kingdom (UK)
    284,000       678,000       1,530,000       2,261,000  
    $ 11,731,000     $ 10,962,000     $ 36,393,000     $ 36,337,000  
                                 
                   
Total Assets at
 
                   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
                      2011       2010  
United States
                  $ 24,855,000     $ 24,711,000  
Europe (Excluding UK)
                    594,000       220,000  
Mexico
                    7,260,000       6,953,000  
United Kingdom (UK)
                    666,000       977,000  
                    $ 33,375,000     $ 32,861,000  

Note 7 - Concentration of Credit Risk

Concentration of credit risk with respect to trade accounts receivable is generally limited due to the number of entities comprising the Company's customer base. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations and provides an allowance for potential credit losses against the portion of accounts receivable which is estimated to be uncollectible. Such losses have historically been within management's expectations.  During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, there were three and two customers, respectively whose purchases represented more than 10% of the Company’s consolidated net sales.  During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, there were two and three customers, respectively whose purchases represented more than 10% of the Company’s consolidated net sales.  Sales to the top three customers for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 are as follows:

 
 
12

 

   
Three Months Ended
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
September 30, 2011
   
September 30, 2010
 
Customer
 
Net Sales
   
% of Net
Sales
 
Net Sales
   
% of Net
Sales
 
Customer A
  $ 2,839,000       24.2%     $ 2,250,000       20.5%  
Customer B
  $ 1,640,000       14.0%     $ 2,347,000       21.4%  
Customer C
  $ 1,204,000       10.3%     $ 721,000       6.6%  

   
Nine Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30, 2011
   
September 30, 2010
 
Customer
 
Net Sales
   
% of Net
Sales
 
Net Sales
   
% of Net
Sales
 
Customer A
  $ 10,272,000       28.2%     $ 9,573,000       26.3%  
Customer B
  $ 4,836,000       13.3%     $ 5,305,000       14.6%  
Customer C
  $ 3,422,000       9.4%     $ 4,575,000       12.6%  

As of September 30, 2011, the total amount owed to the Company by these customers was $1,552,000 or 21.4% and $1,082,000 or 14.9% of the Company’s consolidated accounts receivables, respectively.  There was nothing owed to the Company by the third customer as of September 30, 2011.  The amounts owed at September 30, 2010 were $1,750,000 or 23.1%, $1,256,000 or 16.6%, and $288,000 or 3.8% of the Company’s consolidated net accounts receivables, respectively.

Note 8 - Related Party Transactions

Stephen M. Merrick, Executive Vice President, Secretary and a Director of the Company, is of counsel to the law firm of Vanasco Genelly and Miller PC which provides legal services to the Company. Legal fees paid by the Company with this firm for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, were $14,000 and $28,000.  Legal fees paid by the Company with this firm for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, were $100,000 and $112,000.

John H. Schwan, Chairman of the Company, is a principal of Shamrock Specialty Packaging and affiliated companies.  The Company made payments for packaging materials, rent and temporary employees supplied by Shamrock of approximately $643,000 during the three months ended September 30, 2011 and $598,000 during the three months ended September 30, 2010.  The Company made payments for packaging materials, rent and temporary employees supplied by Shamrock of approximately $1,694,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and $1,586,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2010.  At September 30, 2011 and 2010, outstanding accounts payable balances were $330,000 and $301,000, respectively.

Interest payments have been made to John H. Schwan and Stephen M. Merrick for loans made to the Company.  During the three months ended September 30, 2011 these interest payments totaled $25,000 and $1,000, respectively.  For the three months ended September 30, 2010 these interest payments totaled $33,000 and $9,000, respectively.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2011 these interest payments totaled $79,000 and $7,000, respectively.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2010 these interest payments totaled $113,000 and $41,000, respectively.

 
13

 

On July 1, 2011, Flexo Universal, S.A. de C.V. (“Flexo”) entered into a lease agreement with Venture Leasing S.A. de R.L. (“Venture Leasing Mexico”) for the lease of balloon production equipment financed and owned by Venture Leasing Mexico and used by Flexo for the production of latex balloons.  Venture Leasing Mexico is wholly owned by entities owned by John H. Schwan, Chairman of the Company and Stephen M. Merrick, Chief Financial Officer of the Company.  Venture Leasing Mexico and Venture Leasing L.L.C., also owned by entities owned by Mr. Schwan and Mr. Merrick are deemed variable interest entities and are consolidated with the accounts of the Company. During the three months ended September 30, 2011, Flexo made lease payments to Venture Leasing Mexico totaling $39,000.

Note 9 - Derivative Instruments; Fair Value

The following table represents information about the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2011, and indicate the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Company to determine such fair value:

   
Amount as of
           
Description
 
9/30/2011
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
                 
Interest Rate Swap 2011
  $ 158,000       $ 158,000    
    $ 158,000       $ 158,000    
 
The Company is exposed to certain market risks including the effect of changes in interest rates.  The Company uses derivative instruments to manage financial exposures that occur in the normal course of business.  It does not hold or issue derivatives for speculative trading purposes.  The Company is exposed to non-performance risk from the counterparties in its derivative instruments.  This risk would be limited to any unrealized gains on current positions.  To help mitigate this risk, the Company transacts only with counterparties that are rated as investment grade or higher and all counterparties are monitored on a continuous basis.  The fair value of the Company’s derivatives reflects this credit risk.

On July 1, 2011, we entered into a swap agreement with BMO Capital Markets with respect to $6,780,000 of our loan balances with Harris.  This swap agreement is designated as a cash flow hedge to hedge the Company’s exposure to interest rate fluctuations on the Company’s floating rate loans.  The swap agreement has the effect of fixing the interest rate on the loan balances covered by the swap at 4.65% per annum.  The swap agreement is a derivative financial instrument and we will determine and record the fair market value of the swap agreement each quarter.  This value will be recorded on the balance sheet of the Company and the amount of the unrealized gain or loss for each period will be recorded as interest income or expense.

 
14

 
 
Fair Values of Derivative Instruments in the Statement of Financial Position
     
       
   
Liability Derivatives
 
As of
September 30
2011
 
2010
 
 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under Statement 133
Balance Sheet Location
 
Fair Value
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
Fair Value
 
 
Interest Rate Contracts
Other Liabilities
  $ 158,000  
Other Liabilities
  $ -  

The Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Financial Performance
     
                   
for the 3 month
                 
period ending
September 30
2011
 
2010
 
 
Derivatives not Designated as Hedging Instruments under Statement 133
Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative
 
Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative
 
 
Interest Rate Contracts
Interest Income/ (Expense)
* $ (179,000 )
Interest Income/ (Expense)
  $ -  

for the 9 month
                 
period ending
September 30
2011
 
2010
 
 
Derivatives not Designated as Hedging Instruments under Statement 133
Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative
 
Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative
 
 
Interest Rate Contracts
Interest Income/ (Expense)
  $ (179,000 )
Interest Income/ (Expense)
** $ (138,000 )
  
*        Includes interest of $21,000 associated with variances between fixed and variable rates.
**     Designated as a cash flow hedge.

 
 
15

 
 
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This quarterly report includes both historical and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future results.  Words such as “may,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” or similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words.  Although we believe that our opinions and expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements, and our actual results may differ substantially from the views and expectations set forth in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q.  We disclaim any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date of this quarterly report to conform such statements to actual results or to changes in our opinions or expectations.

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

Overview.  We produce film products for novelty, packaging and container applications. These products include metalized balloons, latex balloons and related latex toy products, films for packaging and custom product applications, and flexible containers for packaging and consumer storage applications. We produce all of our film products for packaging and container applications at our plant in Lake Barrington, Illinois. We produce all of our latex balloons and latex products at our facility in Guadalajara, Mexico. Substantially all of our film products for packaging and custom product applications are sold to customers in the United States. We market and sell our novelty items and flexible containers for consumer use in the United States, Mexico, Latin America, and Europe.

Results of Operations

Net Sales.   For the three months ended September 30, 2011, net sales were $11,731,000 compared to net sales of $10,962,000 for the same period of 2010, an increase of 7.0%.  For the quarters ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, net sales by product category were as follows:
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
September 30, 2011
   
September 30, 2010
 
    $      % of     $     % of  
Product Category
 
(000) Omitted
   
Net Sales
   
(000) Omitted
   
Net Sales
 
                         
Metalized Balloons
    4,173       36%       4,204       38%  
                                 
Film Products
    1,907       16%       2,538       23%  
                                 
Pouches
    2,424       21%       1,431       13%  
                                 
Latex Balloons
    2,961       25%       2,523       23%  
                                 
Helium/Other
    266       2%       266       3%  
                                 
Total
    11,731       100%       10,962       100%  
 
 
16

 
  
For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, net sales were $36,393,000 compared to net sales of $36,377,000 for the same period of 2010, an increase of 0.2%.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, net sales by product category were as follows:

   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30, 2011
   
September 30, 2010
 
    $     % of     $     % of  
Product Category
 
(000) Omitted
   
Net Sales
   
(000) Omitted
   
Net Sales
 
                         
Metalized Balloons
    16,150       44%       16,370       45%  
                                 
Film Products
    5,258       15%       5,811       16%  
                                 
Pouches
    6,284       17%       6,697       19%  
                                 
Latex Balloons
    7,782       21%       6,668       18%  
                                 
Helium/Other
    919       3%       791       2%  
                                 
Total
    36,393       100%       36,337       100%  

Metalized Balloons. During the three months ended September 30, 2011 revenues from the sale of metalized balloons decreased by 0.7% compared to the prior year period from $4,204,000 to $4,173,000.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2011 revenues from the sale of metalized balloons decreased by 1.3% compared to the prior year period from $16,370,000 to $16,150,000.  For both the third quarter and the nine months, sales to our largest customer for metalized balloons, Dollar Tree Stores, increased over 2010 sales levels.  Sales to Dollar Tree Stores were $2,839,000 in the third quarter 2011 compared to $2,250,000 for the third quarter 2010, and were $10,272,000 for the nine months this year compared to $9,573,000 for the same period last year.  Sales of metalized balloons to other customers declined in these periods.  For the third quarter this year, sales of metalized balloons to other customers were $1,334,000 compared to $1,954,000 for the same period last year, and for the nine months, sales to other customers were $5,878,000 compared to $6,797,000 for the same period last year.  This decline is attributable in significant part to a decline in sales of metalized balloons in the United Kingdom during 2011 arising from the loss of a customer there.  In the United States, sales to other customers for the nine months of 2011 were $3,940,000 compared to $4,000,000 for the same period of 2010.  In Europe, although sales levels are still small, sales of metalized balloons have increased substantially over 2010 levels (which was our first year of operation there).

Films. During the three months ended September 30, 2011 revenues from the sale of laminated film products decreased by 24.9% compared to the prior year period from $2,538,000 to $1,907,000.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2011 revenues from the sale of laminated film products decreased by 9.5% compared to the prior year period from $5,811,000 to $5,258,000.  Approximately 92.0% of the sales of laminated film products during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 were to a principal customer.
 
 
17

 
 
Pouches. During the three months ended September 30, 2011 revenues from the sale of pouches increased by 69.4% compared to the prior year period from $1,431,000 to $2,424,000.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2011 revenues from the sale of pouches decreased by 6.2% compared to the prior year period from $6,697,000 to $6,284,000.  Virtually all of our pouch sales in 2010 and 2011 have been of vacuumable pouches in two categories:  (i) zippered and (ii) open-top or rolls.  For the third quarter and nine month periods, sales of pouch products in these categories have been as follows:

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
Pouches
 
September 30, 2011
   
September 30, 2010
   
September 30, 2011
   
September 30, 2010
 
                         
Zippered
    1,326,000       911,000       3,788,000       5,830,000  
                                 
Open-Top or Rolls
    1,098,000       520,000       2,496,000       867,000  
                                 
Total
    2,424,000       1,431,000       6,284,000       6,697,000  
 
Most of our sales of zippered pouches have been of branded products to a principal customer, although we have had limited sales of our ZipVac® pouch line as well.  During 2010, we introduced a line of open-top pouches and rolls, for use with existing vacuum sealing machines.  As indicated in the chart, we have experienced increasing levels of sales of that product line during 2011.

Latex Balloons.  During the three months ended September 30, 2011 revenues from the sale of latex balloons increased by 17.4% compared to the prior year period from $2,523,000 to $2,961,000.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2011 revenues from the sale of latex balloons increased by 16.7% compared to the prior year period from $6,668,000 to $7,782,000.  The increase is attributable to increased sales in Mexico by Flexo Universal, our subsidiary there, as well as increased sales to various customers in the United States.

Sales to a limited number of customers continue to represent a large percentage of our net sales.  The table below illustrates the impact on sales of our top three and ten customers for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010.

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
% of Net Sales
   
% of Net Sales
 
   
September 30, 2011
   
September 30, 2010
   
September 30, 2011
   
September 30, 2010
 
                         
Top 3 Customers
    48.4%       48.5%       50.9%       53.5%  
                                 
Top 10 Customers
    72.7%       67.7%       70.9%       70.1%  
 
During the three months ended September 30, 2011, there were three customers whose purchases represented more than 10% of the Company’s consolidated net sales.  The sales to each of these customers for the three months ended September 30, 2011 were $2,839,000 or 24.2%, $1,640,000 or 14.0% and $1,204,000 or 10.3% of consolidated net sales, respectively.  Sales to the top three customers in the same period of 2010 were $2,250,000 or 20.5%, $2,347,000 or 21.4%, and $721,000 or 6.6% of consolidated net sales, respectively.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, there were two customers whose purchases represented more than 10% of the Company’s consolidated net sales.  Sales to the top three customers for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 were $10,272,000 or 28.2%, $4,836,000 or 13.3% and $3,422,000 or 9.4% of consolidated net sales, respectively.  Sales to the top three customers in the same period of 2010 were $9,573,000 or 26.3%, $5,305,000 or 14.6%, and $4,575,000 or 12.6% of consolidated net sales, respectively.  As of September 30, 2011, the total amount owed to the Company by these customers was $1,552,000 or 21.4% and $1,082,000 or 14.9% of the Company’s consolidated net accounts receivables, respectively.  There was nothing owed to the Company by the third customer as of September 30, 2011.  The amounts owed at September 30, 2010 were $1,750,000 or 23.1%, $1,256,000 or 16.6%, and $288,000 or 3.8% of the Company’s consolidated net accounts receivables, respectively.
 
 
18

 
 
Cost of Sales.   During the three months ended September 30, 2011, the cost of sales represented 80.7% of net sales compared to 79.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2010.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the cost of sales represented 81.3% of net sales compared to 77.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010.  During 2011 to date, we have experienced increasing and unusually high costs of goods in relation to our revenues, which have had a significant negative effect on our income despite the fact that our sales in 2011 to date have continued at 2010 levels.  This increase in cost of goods is the result of a number of factors, including the following:  (i) the cost of latex over the first nine months of 2011 increased by approximately 28.8% over the cost of latex we incurred during the first nine months of 2010; while we have increased the selling prices of our latex balloons to some degree during 2011, we have not been able to increase prices to the extent necessary to offset this significant increase in latex cost, with the result that our gross margin on latex balloons has declined materially compared to 2010; (ii) the cost of plastic sheeting and resin, which are principal raw materials for our metalized balloon, pouch and laminated film products were, on average, 19% higher during the first nine months of 2011 compared to the same period of 2010; we have not been able fully to offset this increase in raw materials cost by price increases in our metalized balloon, pouch and laminated film products; (iii) shipping expenses we have paid during the first nine months of 2011 have increased by 28.3% over shipping expenses we incurred during the first nine months of 2010; we incur shipping expenses in the purchase of raw materials and for the delivery of products to certain customers; we have not been able fully to offset these increased shipping expenses by increasing the prices of the products we sell.  We are endeavoring to respond to these increases in our costs of goods in several ways: (i) we are able to increase the selling prices of some of our products either because we have agreements which permit such increases based upon the increased cost of raw materials or as the market will bear price increases; we have made some increases in our selling prices and intend to effect additional increases; (ii) we are endeavoring to change the mix of products we sell to increase sales of products, and introduce new products, which have a higher gross margin; (iii) we have experienced some moderation in commodity prices in recent months and are pursuing programs under which we may be able to hedge against commodity price increases or obtain raw materials on better prices and terms.  We believe we have had some success with these efforts in the third quarter 2011 as our cost of sales declined by 2.0% compared to the second quarter 2011, from 82.7% in the second quarter to 80.7% in the third quarter.
 
General and Administrative.   During the three months ended September 30, 2011, general and administrative expenses were $1,295,000 or 11.0% of net sales, compared to $1,239,000 or 11.3% of net sales for the same period in 2010.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, general and administrative expenses were $3,975,000 or 10.9% of net sales, compared to $3,808,000 or 10.5% of net sales for the same period in 2010.  The increase in general and administrative expenses compared to the corresponding period of 2010, is attributable to an increase in administrative expenses of CTI Balloons Limited, our United Kingdom subsidiary, and CTI Europe, our Germany subsidiary.
 
 
19

 
 
Selling.   During the three months ended September 30, 2011, selling expenses were $234,000 or 2.0% of net sales, compared to $113,000 or 1.0% of net sales for the same period in 2010.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, selling expenses were $655,000 or 1.8% of net sales, compared to $671,000 or 1.8% of net sales for the same period in 2010.

Advertising and Marketing.  During the three months ended September 30, 2011, advertising and marketing expenses were $417,000 or 3.6% of net sales for the period, compared to $389,000 or 3.5% of net sales for the same period of 2010.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, advertising and marketing expenses were $1,109,000 or 3.0% of net sales for the period, compared to $1,330,000 or 3.7% of net sales for the same period of 2010.  The decrease in advertising and marketing expense is attributable to (i) a decrease in salaries of $41,000 and (ii) a decrease in servicing fees for in-store servicing of balloon inventories of $198,000.

Other Income (Expense).  During the three months ended September 30, 2011, the Company incurred net interest expense of $319,000, compared to net interest expense during the same period of 2010 in the amount of $159,000.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company incurred net interest expense of $602,000, compared to net interest expense during the same period of 2010 in the amount of $700,000.  The increase in net interest expense during the third quarter this year is attributable principally to the cost realized related to the decline in value of our swap agreement in the amount of $158,000 during the quarter, which is recorded as interest expense.

For the three months ended September 30, 2011, the Company had a foreign currency transaction gain of $9,000 compared to a foreign currency transaction loss of $3,000 during the same period of 2010.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company had a foreign currency transaction gain of $35,000 compared to a foreign currency transaction loss of $37,000 during the same period of 2010.

Income Taxes.  For the three months ended September 30, 2011, the Company reported a consolidated income tax expense of $13,000, compared to a consolidated income tax expense of $113,000 for the same period of 2010.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company reported a consolidated income tax expense of $254,000, compared to a consolidated income tax expense of $208,000 for the same period of 2010.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, this income tax provision was composed of provisions for United States income tax on the Company, income tax in Mexico of Flexo Universal, our Mexican subsidiary, income tax in the United Kingdom of CTI Balloons Limited, our United Kingdom subsidiary, and income tax in Germany of CTI Europe, our Germany subsidiary.
 
During the first half of 2010, the Company did not record an income tax expense in the United States with regard to its income by reason of the fact that the book tax expense in that quarter was offset by a reduction in the valuation allowance against the Company’s deferred tax assets, primarily operating loss carry forwards.  During 2010, the Company reduced the amount of this valuation allowance to zero with the result that, during the first nine months of 2011, and thereafter in periods in which the Company realizes net income in the United States, the book tax expense realized by the Company will not be fully offset by a reduction in the valuation allowance and the Company will be required to record book tax expense, which will affect net income of the Company.  As of September 30, 2011, the net operating loss carryforward balance of the Company is $1,430,000 so the Company will not be subject to income tax on income to such amount, but the Company will be required to record income tax expense in its statement of operations.
 
 
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Net Income. For the three months ended September 30, 2011, the Company had net income of $18,000 or $0.01 per share (basic and diluted), compared to net income of $243,000 for the same period of 2010 or $0.08 per share (basic and diluted).  For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company had net income of $329,000 or $0.10 per share (basic and diluted), compared to net income of $1,449,000 for the same period of 2010 or $0.49 per share (basic and diluted).  The change in net income for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2011 is attributable principally to (i) the expense realized in the third quarter for the decline in value of the interest rate swap agreement and (ii) the reduction in gross margin experienced during these periods.

Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flow Items.

Operating Activities.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, net cash used in operations was $244,000, compared to net cash provided by operations during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 of $2,924,000.

Significant changes in working capital items during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 consisted of (i) a decrease in accounts receivable of $1,044,000, (ii) an increase in inventories of $2,534,000, (iii) depreciation and amortization in the amount of $1,383,000, (iv) an increase in trade payables of $368,000, (v) a decrease in accrued liabilities of $455,000, and (vi) an increase of $539,000 in prepaid expenses and other assets.

Investing Activity.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, cash used in investing activity for the purchase or improvement of equipment was $796,000, compared to $848,000 in the same period of 2010.  Substantially all of this expense is related to equipment maintenance and upgrades, tooling and related expense.

Financing Activities.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, cash provided by financing activities was $712,000 compared to cash used in financing activities for the same period of 2010 in the amount of $2,272,000.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, financing activities included proceeds from issuance of long-term debt of $731,000 and payment of $481,000 on long-term debt obligations.

Liquidity and Capital Resources.  At September 30, 2011 the Company had cash balances of $438,000 compared to cash balances of $682,000 for the same period in 2010 and there was $1,137,000 available to advance under the Company’s revolving line of credit.

At September 30, 2011, the Company had a working capital balance of $5,012,000 compared to a working capital balance of $3,474,000 at December 31, 2010.

Management believes that our internally generated funds coupled with the bank loan facilities will be sufficient to meet working capital requirements for the remainder of 2011 and through 2012.
 
 
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The Company’s liquidity is dependent significantly on its bank financing and the Company relies on its revolving line of credit to maintain liquidity.  On April 29, 2010, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement with Harris N.A. (“Harris”) replacing and paying off the Company’s credit line with RBS Citizens N.A. (formerly Charter One Bank).  Under the Credit Agreement, Harris agreed to provide loans and credits to the Company in the aggregate maximum amount of $14,417,000.  The arrangement includes:

 
i.
A revolving credit up to a maximum amount of $9,000,000 based upon a borrowing base of 85% of eligible receivables and 60% of eligible inventory (up to a maximum of $5,000,000);
 
ii.
A mortgage loan in the principal amount of $2,333,350, amortized over 25 years, the principal balance due on April 29, 2013;
 
iii.
A term loan in the principal amount of $583,333 maturing in monthly principal installments of $58,333; and
 
iv.
An equipment loan commitment in the amount of up to $2,500,000 providing for loan advances from time to time until April 29, 2012 based upon 100% of the purchase price of equipment purchased, the loans to be amortized on a five year basis commencing April 29, 2012, the balance due on April 29, 2013.
   
The Credit Agreement includes various representations, warranties and covenants of the Company, including various financial covenants.

In connection with the Credit Agreement, the Company executed and delivered to Harris, a Term Loan Note, a Mortgage Loan Note, an Equipment Note and a Revolving Note, as well as a form of Mortgage, Security Agreement, Pledge Agreement (pursuant to which shares of capital stock of the Registrant’s Mexico subsidiary were pledged as security for the loans), Patent Security Agreement and Trademark Security Agreement.  Two officers and principal shareholders of the Company, John H. Schwan and Stephen M. Merrick each executed Limited Guaranties of the loans and also executed Subordination Agreements with respect to obligations of the Company to them.

On April 29, 2010, Harris advanced a total of $11,963,518 under these loans on behalf of the Company for the pay-off of all outstanding loan and lease financing balances of the Company to RBS Citizens N.A. and RBS Asset Finance.

Under the terms of the Credit Agreement, in order to obtain advances under the revolving line of credit and the equipment loan, the Company is required to meet various financial covenants including a senior leverage ratio, fixed charge coverage ratio and tangible net worth.  As of September 30, 2011, we were in compliance with these covenants.

The Credit Agreement provides that the outstanding balance of all loans under the agreement will bear interest with reference to a base rate or, at the option of the Company, with reference to an adjusted LIBOR.  At September 30, 2011, the effective rate on the outstanding loan balances was 3.75%.
 
As of September 30, 2011, the outstanding balances on the loans with Harris were:  (i) revolving line of credit, $7,445,000, (ii) mortgage loan, $2,201,000, (iii) term loan, $0 and equipment loan, $1,098,000.
  
 
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On July 1, 2011, we entered into a swap agreement with BMO Capital Markets with respect to $6,780,000 of our loan balances with Harris.  This swap agreement is designated as a cash flow hedge to hedge the Company’s exposure to interest rate fluctuations on the Company’s floating rate loans.  The swap agreement has the effect of fixing the interest rate on the loan balances covered by the swap at 4.65% per annum.  The swap agreement is a derivative financial instrument and we will determine and record the fair market value of the swap agreement each quarter.  This value will be recorded on the balance sheet of the Company and the amount of the unrealized gain or loss for each period will be recorded as interest income or expense.

Seasonality

In recent years, sales in the metalized balloon product line have historically been seasonal with approximately 40% occurring in the period from December through March and 24% being generated in the period from July through October. The sale of latex balloons and laminated film products have not historically been seasonal.

Critical Accounting Policies

Please see pages 23-24 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 for a description of policies that are critical to our business operations and the understanding of our results of operations. The impact and any associated risks related to these policies on our business operations is discussed throughout Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations where such policies affect our reported and expected financial results. No material changes to such information have occurred during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011.

New Accounting Pronouncements

See “New Accounting Pronouncements” in Note 1 to the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements which is here incorporated by reference.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures Regarding Market Risk

Not applicable.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Our management, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has reviewed and evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2011.  Based on such review and evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2011, to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (a) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and (b) is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  There were no material changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the third quarter of 2011 that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal controls over financial reporting.
 
 
23

 

Part II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

None.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Not applicable.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Not applicable.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Not applicable.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

Not applicable.

Item 5.  Other Information

The Certifications of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of Registrant Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached as Exhibits to this Report on Form 10-Q.

Item 6. Exhibits

The following are being filed as exhibits to this report:
 
 
24

 
 
Exhibit
Number
 
Description
     
3.1
 
Third Restated Certificate of Incorporation of CTI Industries Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit A contained in Registrant’s Schedule 14A Definitive Proxy Statement for solicitation of written consent of shareholders, as filed with Commission on October 25, 1999).
     
3.2
 
By-laws of CTI Industries Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 contained in Registrant’s Form SB-2 Registration Statement (File No. 333-31969) effective November 5, 1997).
     
31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended (filed herewith).
     
31.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended (filed herewith).
     
32
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).
     
101
 
Interactive Data Files, including the following materials from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2011, formatted in XBRL: (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (iv) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
25

 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

Dated: November 14, 2011
CTI INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
     
  By: /s/ Howard W. Schwan
   
Howard W. Schwan, President and
   
Chief Executive Officer

 
By:
/s/ Stephen M. Merrick
 
Stephen M. Merrick
 
Executive Vice President and
 
Chief Financial Officer

  By: /s/ Timothy S. Patterson
   
Timothy S. Patterson
   
Vice President Finance / Controller
  
 
26

 
    
Exhibit Index

Exhibit
Number
 
Description
     
3.1
 
Third Restated Certificate of Incorporation of CTI Industries Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit A contained in Registrant’s Schedule 14A Definitive Proxy Statement for solicitation of written consent of shareholders, as filed with Commission on October 25, 1999).
     
3.2
 
By-laws of CTI Industries Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1  contained in Registrant’s Form SB-2 Registration Statement (File No. 333-31969) effective November 5, 1997).
     
31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended (filed herewith).
     
31.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended (filed herewith).
     
32
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).
     
101
 
Interactive Data Files, including the following materials from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2011, formatted in XBRL: (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (iv) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.