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SONO TEK CORP - Annual Report: 2015 (Form 10-K)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the Fiscal Year ended: February 28, 2015

 

Commission File Number: 0-16035

 

(Name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

NEW YORK 14-1568099
(State or other Jurisdiction of (IRS Employer Identification Number)
Incorporation or Organization)  
   
2012 Route 9W, Milton, New York 12547
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

 

Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (845) 795-2020

 

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

 

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Common Stock, $.01 par value
  (Title of Class)

 

Indicate by checkmark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes    No

 

Indicate by checkmark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.  Yes    No

 

Indicate by checkmark 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

 

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

 

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Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.

 

Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check One):

Large Accelerated Filer | | Accelerated Filer | | Non-accelerated Filer | | Smaller reporting company

 

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

 

As of August 31, 2014, the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, the aggregate market value of the Registrant's Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant was approximately $11,588,978 computed by reference to the average of the bid and asked prices of the Common Stock on said date, which average was $1.29.

 

The Registrant had 14,933,107 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of April 29, 2015.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE: None.

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PART I

 

ITEM 1     DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

 

Organization and Business

 

Sono-Tek Corporation (the “Company”, “Sono-Tek”, “We” or “Our”) was incorporated in New York on March 21, 1975 for the purpose of engaging in the development, manufacture and sale of ultrasonic liquid atomizing nozzles. 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, textiles, food and food packaging, circuit boards, medical devices and many other coating applications. This advantage translates into 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 technology – ultrasonic spray coating – to provide customized coating solutions to a wide range of manufacturing companies, enabling them to reduce their product costs and to develop new products with superior features and quality. Presently, our customers are in six major industries: electronics, advanced energy (solar and fuel cells), medical device, glass, textiles and foods. Our diversified group of customers provides the base for both financial stability and business growth opportunities.

 

In addition, 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.

 

Markets

 

Our growth and diversification program over the past several years has positioned us to offer a unique and superior family of customized products to the six major industries that we serve. All of these systems are based on 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 customers with a better product at reduced costs of operations, when compared with conventional foam fluxers and pressure assisted fluxers.

 

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We are recognized as a standard setter in the industry and our systems are incorporated by various original equipment manufacturers (OEM) in their manufacturing lines for making 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 semi-conductor industry. The semi-conductor industry utilizes our ultrasonic atomizing nozzles and XYZ coating platforms for the application and deposition of photo-resist onto semiconductor wafers. Certain 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.

 

2.Advanced Energy Industry.

 

Manufacturers of solar cells and fuel cells share two major technical 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.

 

Our precision coating systems provide superior surface uniformity and density, which are directly related to enhanced energy efficiency. Our systems also afford our energy industry clients with the capabilities of saving up to 80% of the expensive catalysts and nano-materials used in these manufacturing processes. Some examples of our products marketed to the advanced energy industry include: ExactaCoat FC & SC, FlexiCoat FC & SC, and SonoFlow Fusion.

 

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 with precise and uniform micronic layers of polymers and drugs; coating of various implantable devices with lubricous 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; AccuMist; MicroMist; Balloon Catheter Coater.

 

4.Glass Industry.

 

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 glass manufacturers as their equipment of choice.

 

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The equipment we offer to the glass industry is the WideTrack – wide area modular coating system.

 

5.Textiles Industry.

 

The textiles industry is rapidly expanding to introduce 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 has 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 usage by as much as 90%.

 

We have demonstrated to several leading textile manufacturers the technical advantages and financial benefits of our WideTrack coating system for their specific operations, and we are hopeful that these manufacturers will prioritize the WideTrack in their future capital investment budgets.

 

6.Food 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 who 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.

 

Products

 

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

 

1.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.

 

2.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 in the price competitive Asian market.

 

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3.SonoFlux Servo – a newer 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.

 

4.MediCoat and MediCoat II for stent coating – table-top and stand alone, fully-contained systems designed to apply 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 nozzle systems, which are precision nozzle configurations used in applications where precise patterns and coatings are required. These products minimize waste of expensive drug polymer coatings and provide high uniformity of drug addition from stent to stent. MediCoat II is similar to the MediCoat, but it has higher throughput capabilities more suited for a production environment. We have recently developed additional medical coating platforms to address developing market segments for drug coated balloons, catheters and other implantable devices.

 

5.WideTrack – Wide area modular coating system – designed to be used 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 achieved by linking modules together, and these systems have been applied in glass lines of up to four meters wide. A large number of systems have been sold over the past six years, and this application holds promise for the future due to cost 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 range of applications such as non-woven fabrics, float glass, or odd-shaped industrial or consumer products. Since the ultrasonic spray can be easily controlled, it is possible 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.

 

6.Exactacoat/Flexicoat – We offer a line of robotic XYZ coating equipment for applications involving 3D coatings for fuel cell membranes, solar energy panels and specialty lens products. This equipment is offered in bench-top configurations as our 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 novel ultrasonic syringe pump (patent pending) to agitate and suspend the carbon based suspensions needed in fuel cell applications.

 

Other Product Offerings – EVS Solder Recovery System

 

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 EVS6000, EVS3000 and the EVS1000 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.

 

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Manufacturing

 

We purchase circuit board assemblies and sheet metal components from outside suppliers. These materials are available from a wide range of suppliers throughout the world. All raw materials used in our products are readily available from many different domestic suppliers. We also purchase certain systems and subsystems to supplement our in-house manufacturing. These items are integrated with our ultrasonic system technology to meet specific applications.

 

We provide a limited warranty on all of our products covering parts and labor for a period of one year from the date of sale.

 

We own an industrial park in Milton, New York. The park has 50,000 square feet of leasable area and we use more than half the space for manufacturing.

 

We have a business and quality control system that meets the qualifications of ISO 9001. We were ISO registered in September 1998 and we have been recertified annually since then.

 

Research and Development

 

We believe that our long-term growth and stability is linked to the development and release of products that provide solutions to customer needs across a wide spectrum of industries, while advancing the utility of our core technology. We expended approximately $1,016,000 and $885,000 for Fiscal Years 2015 and 2014, respectively, on new engineering and product development.

 

Patents and Licenses

 

Our business is based in part on the technology covered by our United States patents. We also rely on unpatented know-how in the design and production of our nozzle systems. We have executed non-disclosure and non-compete agreements with all of our employees to safeguard our intellectual property. We execute reciprocal non-disclosure agreements with our key customers to safeguard any jointly developed intellectual property.

 

In recent years we have made significant progress on building our intellectual property portfolio. We have a patent pending covering a new design for our entire line of nozzle systems. We have also applied for patents on the following projects:

 

·New air shaping technology.
·New ultrasonic atomizing nozzle methods for the food industry.
·New type of ultrasonic syringe pump for fuel cell liquids and other nano particle suspensions.

 

In addition, the United States Patent and Trademark Office granted us a patent for a process for coating three dimensional substrates with thin organic films and products. This process uses our ultrasonic nozzles to produce micro-droplets in a vacuum chamber, which then produce a smooth, continuous, uniform conformal coating on various surfaces such as cardiovascular stents, diabetes monitors and other implantable medical devices. We also were recently granted a patent for a novel ultrasonic nozzle design based on ceramic materials that can achieve very high frequencies, smaller droplets and higher flow rates.

 

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Marketing and Distribution

 

Our products are marketed and distributed through independent distributors, sales representatives, or sales representative companies, OEMs, and through an in-house direct sales force. Many of our sales leads are generated from our Internet web site and from attendance at major industry trade shows. In addition we have retained an external marketing firm to expand awareness of our products in our targeted industries, and to make use of the Internet with our web page and other techniques.

 

Competition

 

We operate in competitive markets in the electronics and stent coating industries. We compete against global and regional manufacturers of nozzles and other products based on price, quality, product features and follow up service. We maintain our competitive position by providing highly effective solutions that meet our customers’ requirements and needs. In other markets, we encounter less competition based on the uniqueness of our ultrasonic technology in these applications.

 

Significant Customers

 

We have significant geographic and market diversification. Our largest customer accounted for approximately 7% of our sales for Fiscal Year ended February 28, 2015.

 

Foreign and Export Sales

 

During Fiscal Years 2015 and 2014, sales to foreign customers accounted for approximately $5,018,000 and $6,447,000, or 47% and 63% respectively, of total revenues.

 

Employees

 

As of February 28, 2015, we employed 53 full-time employees and four part-time employees. We believe that relations with our employees are generally good.

 

Available Information

 

We have filed reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of our reports, proxy statements and other information may be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC, at SEC, Public Reference Section, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the SEC’s public reference facilities by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains a website that contains reports, proxy statements and other information regarding us. The address of the SEC website is http://www.sec.gov. We will also provide copies of our Forms 8-K, 10-K, 10-Q, Proxy and Annual Report at no charge available through our website at http://www.sono-tek.com as soon as reasonably practicable after filing electronically such material with the SEC. Copies are also available, without charge, from Sono-Tek Corporation, 2012 Route 9W, Milton, NY 12547.

 

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ITEM 1A RISK FACTORS – Not Required for Smaller Reporting Companies.
   
ITEM 1B UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS - None.
   
ITEM 2 DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTIES

 

We own an industrial park located in Milton, New York. The industrial park consists of approximately 50,000 square feet of office and warehouse space. Approximately 21,000 square feet of the park is leased or available for lease at any given time. The property is subject to a ten year mortgage, of which nine years remain.

 

Our offices, product development, manufacturing and assembly facilities are located in the industrial park. We presently utilize a 13,000 square foot building and 16,000 square feet of additional office and storage space in an adjacent building. Our current manufacturing areas consist of (i) a machine shop, (ii) a nozzle assembly/test area, (iii) an electronics assembly area, (iv) an area for assembling and testing final products and systems and (v) a receiving and shipping area. We believe our facilities will be adequate for the foreseeable future.

 

We presently maintain a sales and service office in Hong Kong and an equipment demonstration room in Shenzhen, China. The office and demonstration room are located on the premises of one of our product distributors.

 

ITEM 3 LEGAL PROCEEDINGS – None
   
ITEM 4 MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES – Not Applicable
   
   
PART II
   
ITEM 5 MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

Our common stock trades on the over-the-counter QB platform. The following table sets forth the range of high and low closing bid quotations for our Common Stock for the periods indicated.

 

   Years Ended February 28,
   2015  2014
   HIGH  LOW  HIGH  LOW
First Quarter  $1.20   $1.04   $.75   $.48 
Second Quarter   1.29    1.06    0.90    0.72 
Third Quarter   1.30    1.05    1.09    0.83 
Fourth Quarter   1.24    1.05    1.17    0.90 

 

The above quotations are believed to represent inter-dealer quotations without retail markups, markdowns or commissions and may not represent actual transactions.

 

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As of February 28, 2015, there were 163 shareholders of record of our Common Stock, according to our stock transfer agent. We estimate that we have between 1,000 and 1,400 beneficial shareholders of our common stock. The difference between the shareholders of record and the total shareholders is due to stock being held in street names at our transfer agent.

 

We have not paid any cash dividends on our Common Stock since inception. We intend to retain earnings, if any, for use in our business and for other corporate purposes.

 

 

ITEM 6 SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA – Not Required for Smaller Reporting Companies.

 

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ITEM 7 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

We discuss expectations regarding our future performance, such as our business outlook, in our annual and quarterly reports, press 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. These factors include, among other considerations, general economic and business conditions; political, regulatory, competitive and technological developments affecting our operations or the demand for our products; timely development and market acceptance of new products; adequacy of financing; capacity additions, the ability to enforce patents and the ability to achieve increased sales volume and continued profitability.

 

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

 

Overview

 

We have developed a unique and proprietary series of ultrasonic atomizing nozzles, 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.

 

Market Diversity

 

During the past five years we have invested significant time, monies and efforts to enhance our market diversity. Based on our core ultrasonic coating technology, we increased our portfolio of products, the industries we serve and the countries in which we sell our products.

 

Today we serve six major industries: electronics, advanced energy (solar and fuel cells), medical device, glass, textiles and food.

 

In recent years, a substantial portion of our sales originated outside the United States, and we are geographically present directly and through distributors and trade representatives in North and Latin America, Europe and Asia. The infrastructure upon which this diversified market approach is based, includes a newly equipped process development laboratory, a strengthened sales organization with application engineers, an engineering team with additional talent and the latest, most sophisticated design software tools, as well as an expanded, highly trained installation and service organization.

 

The new products which we have introduced, the new markets that we have penetrated, and the regions in which we now sell our products, are a strong foundation for our future sales growth and enhanced profitability.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Working Capital - Our working capital increased $518,000 from a working capital of $4,753,000 at February 28, 2014 to $5,271,000 at February 28, 2015. The increase in working capital is due to: net income of $606,000, offset by cash expenditures of $22,000 for patent and other asset costs, $357,000 for the purchase of equipment and furnishings and $160,000 for the repayment of notes payable. In addition, we incurred non-cash expenses for depreciation and amortization expense of $408,000 and stock based compensation expense of $43,000. The Company’s current ratio was 3.5 to 1 at February 28, 2015 as compared to 3.6 to 1 at February 28, 2014.

 

At February 28, 2015, our working capital includes $2,563,000 of cash and $1,652,000 of marketable securities as compared to $3,232,000 of cash and $631,000 of marketable securities at February 28, 2014.

 

Stockholders’ Equity - Stockholders' equity increased $649,000 from $6,495,000 at February 28, 2014 to $7,144,000 at February 28, 2015. The increase in stockholders’ equity is the result of the current year’s net income of $606,000 and stock based compensation of $43,000.

 

Operating Activities – Our operating activities provided $924,000 of cash for the year ended February 28, 2015 as compared to providing $1,668,000 for the year ended February 28, 2014. During the year ended February 28, 2015, we had net income of $606,000, accounts receivable increased $180,000, inventories increased $484,000, prepaid expenses and other assets decreased $66,000, accounts payable and accrued expenses increased $155,000, customer deposits increased $99,000 and income taxes payable increased $100,000. In addition, we incurred non-cash expenses of $408,000 for depreciation and amortization, $43,000 for stock based compensation expense, $100,000 for inventory reserve and $11,000 for allowance for accounts receivable.

 

Investing Activities - For the year ended February 28, 2015, our investing activities used $1,401,000 of cash as compared to providing $65,000 for the year ended February 28, 2014. In 2015 and 2014, we used $357,000 and $224,000, respectively, for the purchase or manufacture of equipment, furnishings and leasehold improvements. In 2015 and 2014, we used $22,000 and $56,000, respectively, for patent application and other asset costs. In 2015, we used $1,022,000 for the purchase of marketable securities as compared to proceeds of $345,000 from the sale of marketable securities in 2014.

 

Financing Activities – For the year ended February 28, 2015, we used $193,000 in our financing activities as compared to using $443,000 of cash for the year ended February 28, 2014. We had proceeds of $210 for stock option exercises in 2014. In addition, we made repayments of notes payable of $193,000 and $2,043,000 in 2015 and 2014, respectively. During the year ended February 28, 2014, we had proceeds of a note payable for $1,600,000 for the refinancing of the industrial park in which our operations are located.

 

Net Decrease in Cash – For the year ended February 28, 2015, our cash balance decreased by $669,000 as compared to an increase of $1,291,000 for the year ended February 28, 2014. During the year ended February 28, 2015, our operations provided $924,000 of cash, we used $1,401,000 in our investing activities and $193,000 in our financing activities.

 

Net Increase in Marketable Securities – For the year ended February 28, 2015, our marketable securities increased to $1,652,000 from $631,000 at February 28, 2014. The increase is due to additional investments that were made during the year.

 

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We currently have a revolving credit line of $750,000 and a $250,000 equipment purchase facility, both of which are with a bank. The revolving credit line is collateralized by all of the assets of the Company, except for the land and buildings. The line of credit is payable on demand and must be retired for a 30 day period once annually. As of February 28, 2015, we had no outstanding borrowings under the line of credit.

 

We had outstanding borrowings of $20,000 under the equipment facility at February 28, 2015. The borrowing has a repayment term of 48 months and bears interest at 2.12% per annum.

 

We had outstanding borrowings under a note payable of $1,458,000 at February 28, 2015. The note is payable over ten years and accrues interest at 4.15%. The note payable is secured by a mortgage on our land and buildings.

 

 

Results of Operations

 

Ultrasonic Spraying – Sales and Gross Profit:

 

Net Sales:

   Twelve Months Ended      
   February 28,  Increase (Decrease)
   2015  2014  $  %
Net Sales  $10,758,000   $10,202,000   $556,000    5%
Cost of Goods Sold   5,634,000    5,545,000    89,000    2%
Gross Profit  $5,124,000   $4,657,000   $467,000    10%
                     
Gross Profit %   48%   46%          

 

For the year ended February 28, 2015, our sales increased by $556,000 to $10,758,000 as compared to $10,202,000 for the year ended February 28, 2014, an increase of 5.4%. During the year ended February 28, 2015, we experienced an increase in sales of our nozzles and generators, XYZ units, fluxers and stent coating units. We did, however, see a decrease in sales of our widetrack units, lead solder recovery systems and servo units.

 

Gross Profit:

Our gross profit increased $467,000, to $5,124,000 for the year ended February 28, 2015 from $4,657,000 for the year ended February 28, 2014. Our gross profit margin percentage was 48% for the year ended February 28, 2015 compared to 46% for the year ended February 28, 2014. The increase in the current year’s gross profit margin is due to increases in sales of our higher gross margin stent coaters, XYZ units and fluxer units.

  

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Export Sales:

 

   Twelve Months Ended      
   February 28,  Change
   2015  2014  $  %
Western Europe  $2,069,000   $1,817,000   $252,000    14%
Far East   2,147,000    3,328,000    (1,181,000)   (35)%
Other   802,000    1,302,000    (500,000)   (38)%
Total Export Sales  $5,018,000   $6,447,000   $(1,429,000)   (22)%
                     
Percentage of Total Sales   47%   63%          

 

For the year ended February 28, 2015, sales to customers located in European countries increased by $252,000 or 14%, sales to customers located in Asian countries decreased by $1,181,000 or 35% and sales to other non-based US customers decreased $500,000 or 38%.

 

For the year ended February 28, 2015, sales to the Far East decreased by $1,181,000. During the year ended February 28, 2014, our sales to the Far East included approximately $800,000 of Widetrack equipment.

 

 

Operating Expenses:

 

   Twelve Months Ended      
   February 28,  Change
   2015  2014  $  %
Research and product development  $1,016,000   $885,000   $131,000    15%
Marketing and selling  $2,153,000   $1,958,000   $195,000    10%
General and administrative  $1,033,000   $1,017,000   $16,000    2%

 

 

Research and Product Development:

 

Research and product development costs increased $131,000 to $1,016,000 for the year ended February 28, 2015 as compared to $885,000 for the year ended February 28, 2014. For the year ended February 28, 2015 we experienced increases in engineering salaries, engineering materials and depreciation.

 

During the year ended February 28, 2015, we expended approximately $589,000 for engineering personnel as compared to $552,000 for the year ended February 28, 2014. During the year ended February 28, 2015, we expended approximately $172,000 for additional research, materials and product development as compared to $118,000 for the year ended February 28, 2014. During the year ended February 28, 2015 we incurred approximately $120,000 for depreciation expense as compared to $89,000 for the year ended February 28, 2014.

 

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Marketing and Selling:

 

Marketing and selling costs increased $195,000 to $2,153,000 for the year ended February 28, 2015 as compared to $1,958,000 for the year ended February 28, 2014. For the year ended February 28, 2015, we experienced increases in commission expense, travel and entertainment expense, and sales salaries.

 

During the year ended February 28, 2015, we expended approximately $502,000 for commissions as compared to $384,000 for the year ended February 28, 2014, an increase of $118,000. During the year ended February 28, 2014, our sales included four large orders that originated in house by our internal with no external commissions.

 

During the year ended February 28, 2015, we expended approximately $157,000 for travel and entertainment as compared to $121,000 for the year ended February 28, 2014, an increase of $36,000. During the year ended February 28, 2015, salary expense was $1,061,000 as compared to $1,029,000 for the year ended February 28, 2014, an increase of $32,000.

 

General and Administrative:

 

General and administrative costs increased $16,000 to $1,033,000 for the year ended February 28, 2015 as compared to $1,017,000, for the year ended February 28, 2014. For the year ended February 28, 2015, we experienced decreases in salary expense and professional fees, these decreases were offset by an increase in stock based compensation expense.

 

Rental Real Estate Operations:

 

For the year ended February 28, 2015, our real estate operations generated $92,000 in rental income from unrelated third parties as compared to $77,000 for the year ended February 28, 2014. Our real estate operations incurred $163,000 in operating expenses compared to $155,000 for the prior year period and $63,000 in interest expense compared to $108,000 for the prior year period. For the year ended February 28, 2015, our real estate operations reported a net loss of $134,000 compared to a net loss of $186,000 for the prior year period. The reported losses exclude any inter-company rent.

 

A summary of our real estate operations is as follows:

 

   Twelve Months Ended
February 28,
  Change
   2015  2014  $  %
Statements of Operations            
Rental Income  $91,650   $76,665   $14,985    20% 
                     
Real Estate Taxes   49,355    44,115    5,240    12% 
Interest Expense   63,304    107,740    (44,436)   (41)%
Other Expenses   113,167    110,677    2,490    2% 
                     
Net Loss From Real Estate Operations  $(134,176)  $(185,867)  $51,691    28% 
                     
Per Square Foot Cost Based on 50,000 sq. feet  $(2.68)  $(3.72)  $1.04    28% 

 

15
 

 

   Twelve Months Ended
February 28,
  Change
   2015  2014  $  %
             
Statements of Cash Flows                    
Net Loss  $(134,176)  $(185,867)  $(51,691)   (28)% 
Adjustments to reconcile net loss                    
to net cash used in real estate operations:                    
Impaired Acquisition Costs   —      15,020    (15,020)   —   
Depreciation   69,446    60,118    9,328    16% 
Capital Improvements   (72,123)   —      72,123    —   
Debt Service   (131,980)   (383,257)   (251,277)   (66)%
                     
Net Cash (Used) in Real Estate Operations  $(268,833)  $(493,986)  $(225,153)   (46)%
                     
Per Square Foot Cost Based on 50,000 sq. feet  $(5.38)  $(9.88)  $(4.50)   (46)%

 

 

For the years ended February 28, 2015 and 2014, net cash outflows related to the industrial park were $269,000 and $494,000, respectively. These cash outflows are net of rental income and depreciation expense and include the principal payments on the industrial park’s mortgage and the costs of capital improvements. Prior to purchasing the industrial park in December 2010, we had rental expense of approximately $136,000 or $7.14 per square foot.

 

 

Interest Income, Interest Expense and Income Taxes:

 

Interest income increased to $33,000 for the year ended February 28, 2015 when compared to $7,000 for the year ended February 28, 2014. Our present investment policy is to invest excess cash in highly liquid mutual funds. Our holdings are rated at or above investment grade.

 

Interest expense decreased to $65,000 for the year ended February 28, 2015 as compared to $110,000 for the year ended February 28, 2014. The decrease in interest expense is a result of the refinancing of the Industrial Park in December 2013.

 

We recorded income tax expense of $219,000 for the year ended February 28, 2015 as compared to $130,000 for the year ended February 28, 2014. As of February 28, 2015, we have no net operating loss deductions available to carry forward. The details of the current year’s tax benefit are explained in Note 12 in our financial statements.

 

For the year ended February 28, 2015, we had net income of $606,000 as compared to $484,000 for the year ended February 28, 2014. The increase in our net income is due to an increase in our sales volume combined with an increase in our gross profit margin.

 

For the years ended February 28, 2015 and 2014, we do not believe that our sales revenue or net income has been adversely affected by the impact of inflation or changing prices.

 

16
 

 

Off - Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We do not have any Off - Balance Sheet Arrangements as of February 28, 2015.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations are based upon the Company’s 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.

 

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. As of February 28, 2015, management believes there are no critical accounting policies applicable to the Company that are reflective of significant judgments and or uncertainties.

 

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. We currently use a Black-Scholes option pricing model to calculate the fair value of stock options. We primarily use historical data to determine the assumptions to be used in the Black-Scholes model and have 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

 

 

All accounting pronouncements issued but not yet effective have been deemed to be not applicable or the adoption of such accounting pronouncement is not expected to have a material impact on the financials.

 

17
 

 

ITEM 7A QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK – Not Required for Smaller Reporting Companies.

 

ITEM 8 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

Our financial statements are presented on pages 32 to 48 of this Report.

 

ITEM 9 CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE – None.

 

ITEM 9A CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this annual report on Form 10-K.  Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of such date, at a reasonable level of assurance, in ensuring that the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Act is (i) accumulated and communicated to our management (including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer) in a timely manner, and (ii) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.

 

 

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chairman & CEO (principal executive officer) and Chief Financial Officer (principal accounting officer), we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation, management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of February 28, 2015. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risks that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

ITEM 9B OTHER INFORMATION - None.

18
 

PART III

 

ITEM 10 DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

(a)     Identification of Directors

 

Name Age Position with the Company
     
Christopher L. Coccio 74 Chief Executive Officer, Chairman and a Director
Edward J. Handler, Esq. 78 Director*
R. Stephen Harshbarger 47 President and Director
Eric Haskell, CPA 68 Director*
Donald F. Mowbray 77 Director
Joseph Riemer 66 Vice President and Director
Samuel Schwartz 95 Chairman Emeritus and Director
Philip A. Strasburg, CPA 76 Director*

 

* Member of the Audit Committee.

 

The Board of Directors is divided into two classes. The directors in each class serve for a term of two years. The terms of the classes are staggered so that only one class of directors is elected at each annual meeting of the Company. The terms of Drs. Coccio and Riemer and Messrs. Strasburg and Harshbarger run until the annual meeting to be held in 2015. The terms of Dr. Mowbray and Messrs. Handler, Haskell and Schwartz run until the annual meeting to be held in 2016, and in each case until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified.

 

Audit Committee

 

The Company’s Board of Directors has an Audit Committee composed of Edward J. Handler, Eric Haskell, CPA and Philip A. Strasburg, CPA, as Chairman of the Audit Committee. The “audit committee financial expert” designated by the Board is Philip A. Strasburg. The Company considers Mr. Strasburg to be an “independent director”.

 

The Audit Committee is responsible for (i) selecting an independent public accountant for ratification by the stockholders, (ii) reviewing material accounting items affecting the consolidated financial statements of the Company, and (iii) reporting its findings to the Board of Directors.

 

Nominating Committee

 

There have been no changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the Board of Directors.

 

19
 
(b)Identification of Executive Officers

 

Name Age Position with the Company
     
Stephen J. Bagley, CPA 52 Chief Financial Officer
Christopher L. Coccio 74 Chief Executive Officer, Chairman and a Director
Robb W. Engle 44 Vice President
R. Stephen Harshbarger 47 President and Director
Joseph Riemer 66 Vice President and Director

 

The foregoing officers are appointed for terms of one year or until their successors are duly elected and qualified or until terminated by the action of the Board of Directors. There are no arrangements or understandings between any executive officer and any other persons(s) pursuant to which he was or is to be selected as an officer.

 

Business Experience

 

STEPHEN J. BAGLEY, CPA was appointed Chief Financial Officer in June 2005. From 1987 to 1991 he worked in public accounting in various capacities. From 1992 to 2005, he held various leadership positions as Controller, Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Finance for companies with up to $45,000,000 in revenues. Mr. Bagley earned a Bachelor of Science degree from The State University of NY – College at Oneonta and an MBA from Marist College. He was licensed as a CPA in 1990. Mr. Bagley is a past President of the Board of Education for the New Paltz Central School District and a past Chairman of the Audit and Finance Committee for the District.

 

DR. CHRISTOPHER L. COCCIO was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Sono-Tek on April 30, 2001, has been a Director of the Company since June 1998, and was appointed Chairman in August 2007. From 1964 to 1996, he held various engineering, sales, marketing and management positions at General Electric Company, with P&L responsibilities for up to $100 million in sales and 500 people throughout the United States. He also won an ASME Congressional Fellowship and served with the Senate Energy Committee in 1976. His business experience includes both domestic and international markets and customers. He founded a management consulting business in 1996, and was appointed a legislative Fellow on the New York State Assembly’s Legislative Commission on Science and Technology from 1996 to 1998. From 1998 to 2001, he worked with Accumetrics Associates, Inc., a manufacturer of digital wireless telemetry systems, as Vice President of Business Development and member of the Board of Advisors. Dr. Coccio received a B.S.M.E. from Stevens Institute of Technology, an M.S.M.E. from the University of Colorado, and a Ph.D. from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Chemical Engineering.

 

Key attributes, Experience and Skills: Dr. Coccio brings his strategic vision for our Company to the Board together with his leadership, business experience and investor relations skills. Dr. Coccio has an immense knowledge of our Company and its related applications which is beneficial to the Board. Dr. Coccio’s service as Chairman and CEO bridges a critical gap between the Company’s management and the Board, enabling the Board to benefit from management’s perspective on the Company’s business while the Board performs its oversight function.

 

20
 

ROBB W. ENGLE joined Sono-Tek in 2000 as a Field Service Technician. Mr. Engle created the Sono-Tek Service Department and led the development of key products in his leadership role of our engineering resources. As Vice President of Engineering, he directs the engineering department, service department, IT and Sono-Tek laboratory services. Mr. Engle was formally trained and certified by the U.S. Navy as a Nuclear Operator where he was recognized with an induction into the Navy League Memorial for meritorious service and the advancement of training techniques. He also served with honors on board a submarine and earned the prestigious Sub-Surface Warfare (E) Insignia.

 

EDWARD J. HANDLER, III, Esq., is a retired partner from Kenyon & Kenyon, a law firm that provided intellectual property advice to the Company. Mr. Handler became a Director of the Company on October 1, 2004, coincident with his retirement from his law firm. Mr. Handler has 40 years of experience in all aspects of intellectual property, including patents, trade secrets, trademarks and copyrights, including litigation and other adversarial proceedings. Mr. Handler is Chairman and CEO of The Bronx Project, Inc., a private Delaware corporation active in the area of therapeutics for acute (CNS) inflammatory conditions. Mr. Handler is past President of the West Point Society of New York and a past Trustee of the Association of Graduates, U.S. Military Academy. He holds a J.D. degree from the University of Virginia Law School and a B.S. in Engineering Science from the United States Military Academy.

 

Key attributes, Experience and Skills: Mr. Handler’s extensive experience as an attorney enables him to bring valuable strategic insights to the Board. Mr. Handler’s past experience as the Company’s intellectual property attorney provides him with an in depth knowledge of the Company and its related market applications. Mr. Handler also brings leadership and oversight experience to the Board.

 

R. STEPHEN HARSHBARGER joined Sono-Tek in 1993. He was appointed President of the Company in 2012. Mr. Harshbarger became a Director of the Company on August 22, 2013. As President, he directs the Company’s Sales, Marketing, Engineering, Service, and Manufacturing Operations. Prior to assuming his present position, Mr. Harshbarger served as Sales Engineer, World Wide Sales and Marketing Manager, Vice President & Director of Electronics and Advanced Energy (E&AE) and Executive Vice President. In his years managing the sales organization, he established a worldwide distribution and representative network in more than 40 countries consisting of more than 300 persons, with revenue growth of greater than 300%. He has over 18 years of experience in ultrasonic coating equipment for the electronics, medical device and advanced energy industries. Prior to joining Sono-Tek, Mr. Harshbarger was the Sales and Marketing Manager for Plasmaco Inc., a world leader in the development of flat panel displays. In that position, he established their distribution network, participated in venture capital funding, and introduced the first flat panel technology to Wall Street trading floors.  He is a graduate of Bentley University, with a major in Finance and a minor in Marketing.

 

Key attributes, Experience and Skills: Mr. Harshbarger is among a small handfull of ultrasonic coating experts in the world. He has a proven track record of identifying, developing and implementing the technology for new markets and applications. His expertise in ultrasonic coating brings specific product application insights to the board. Mr. Harshbarger also brings leadership and oversight experience to the Board.

 

21
 

ERIC HASKELL, CPA has been a Director since August 2009. He has over 30 years of experience in senior financial positions at several public and private companies.  He has significant expertise in the areas of acquisitions and divestitures, strategic planning and investor relations.  From December 2005 through March 2008, Mr. Haskell served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of SunCom Wireless Holdings, Inc., a company providing digital wireless communications services which was publicly traded until its merger with a wholly-owned subsidiary of T-Mobile USA, Inc. in February 2008.  He also served as a member of SunCom’s Board of Directors from November 2003 through May 2007.  From 1989 until April 2004, Mr. Haskell served as the Chief Financial Officer of Systems & Computer Technology Corp., a NASDAQ listed software and services corporation.  Mr. Haskell received his Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Adelphi University in 1969.

 

Key attributes, Experience and Skills: Mr. Haskell’s training and extensive experience in financial management at both public and private companies provide the Board with valuable insights. Mr. Haskell’s significant experience in acquisitions and divestitures and investor relations bring strategic judgment and experience to the Board. Mr. Haskell’s strong operational and business background complement his accounting and finance experience and are valuable resources to the Board as it exercises its oversight duties and support of the Company’s growth strategies.

 

DR. DONALD F. MOWBRAY has been a Director since August 2003. He has been an independent consultant since August 1997. From September 1992 to August 1997, he was the Manager of the General Electric Company’s Corporate Research and Development Mechanical Engineering Laboratory. From 1962 to 1992 he worked for the General Electric Company in a variety of engineering and managerial positions. Dr. Mowbray received a B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Minnesota in 1960, a Master of Science in Engineering Mechanics from the University of Minnesota in 1962 and a Ph.D. from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Engineering Mechanics in 1968.

 

Key attributes, Experience and Skills: Dr. Mowbray’s extensive research and managerial experience enables him to bring valuable insights to the Board. His knowledge of the Company’s products and the materials sciences technology underlying them has enabled him to contribute to the Company’s advanced products development and designs. Dr. Mowbray also brings leadership and oversight experience to the Board from his GE management background.

 

DR. JOSEPH RIEMER joined the Company in January 2007 as Vice President of Engineering, and has been a Director since August 2007. Dr. Riemer served as President from September 2007 until August 2012 when he became Vice President of Food Business Development. Dr. Riemer holds a Ph.D. in Food Science and Technology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), focusing on food technology, food chemistry, biochemical analysis, and food microbiology. His experience includes seven years with Pfizer in its Adams Confectionary Division, where he was Director, Global Operations Development. Dr. Riemer has also held leading positions with several food, food ingredients, and personal care products companies. He has served in the capacities of research and development, operations, and general management. Prior to joining the Company, he was a management consultant serving clients in the food, biotech and pharmaceutical industries.

 

Key attributes, Experience and Skills: Dr. Riemer’s extensive research and management experience enables him to bring valuable insights to the Board. His considerable experience in the biotech, food and pharmaceutical industries bring specific product application insights to the Board. Dr. Riemer’s service as Vice President of Food Business Development helps to provide focus to the Board on this important marketing area. Dr. Riemer also brings leadership and oversight experience to the Board.

 

SAMUEL SCHWARTZ has been a Director of the Company since August 1987, and was Chairman of the Board from February 1993 to May 1999 and August 2001 to August 2007. From 1959 to 1992, he was the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Krystinel Corporation, a manufacturer of ceramic magnetic components used in electronic circuitry. He received a B.Ch.E. from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1941 and an M.Ch.E. from New York University in 1948.

 

22
 

Key attributes, Experience and Skills: Mr. Schwartz’s long-time experience as a businessman and manufacturer enables him to bring valuable operational insights to the Board. Mr. Schwartz’s experience as former Chairman of the Board enable him to bring operational insights to the Board. Mr. Schwartz also brings leadership and oversight experience to the Board.

 

PHILIP STRASBURG, CPA, has been a Director since August 2004. He is a retired partner from the firm of Anchin Block and Anchin, LLP and has 40 years of experience in auditing. He served as Audit Committee Chairman from August 2004 until February 2005, when he was elected Treasurer. Mr. Strasburg was reappointed Audit Committee chairman in May 2005 concurrent with his resignation as Treasurer. He was the lead partner on the Sono-Tek account from Fiscal 1994 to Fiscal 1996. Mr. Strasburg is a certified public accountant in New York State. He has a Master of Science in economics from The London School of Economics and Political Science and a Bachelors of Science degree from Lehigh University, where he majored in business administration.

 

Key attributes, Experience and Skills: Mr. Strasburg’s training and extensive experience in auditing provide the Board with valuable insights and skills necessary to lead the Audit Committee. Mr. Strasburg’s strong operational and business background complement his accounting and finance experience, and are valuable resources to the Board as it exercises its oversight duties and support of the Company’s growth strategies.

 

(c)     Identification of Certain Significant Employees

 

Not applicable.

 

(d)     Family Relationships

 

None.

 

(e)     Involvement in certain legal proceedings

 

None.

 

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

 

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Company's Directors, executive officers and persons who own more than ten percent of the Company's common stock to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission initial reports of beneficial ownership and reports of changes of beneficial ownership of common stock.  Such persons are also required by Securities and Exchange Commission regulations to furnish the Company with copies of all such reports.  Based solely on a review of such filings, during the year ended February 28, 2015, all of the Company's Directors and executive officers and holders of more than ten percent of the Company’s stock have made timely filings of such reports.

 

Code of Ethics

 

The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics for senior executives and financial officers. The Board intends that this Code satisfy the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission rules for a Code of Ethics that applies to senior management. A copy of the Company's Code of Ethics is posted on the "information for investors" web page located at http://www.sono-tek.com/code-of-ethics/ and is available in print to any shareholder who requests a copy.

 

23
 

 

ITEM 11 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

The following table sets forth the aggregate remuneration paid or accrued by the Company for the Fiscal Years ended February 28, 2015 and February 28, 2014 for each named officer of the Company.

 

Summary Compensation Table

 

Name and
Principal Position
  Year   Salary
($)
  Bonus
($)
  Stock
Awards
  Option
Awards
($)
  All Other
Compensation
($)
  Total
($)
                             
Christopher L. Coccio   2015   150,000   28,800   0   42,213   4,141   225,154
CEO, Chairman and Director   2014   188,942   24,000   0   42,213   3,970   259,125
                             
R. Stephen Harshbarger   2015   205,000   0   0   19,248   4,181   228,429
President and Director   2014   203,653   0   0   13,441   4,073   221,167
                             
Stephen J. Bagley   2015   140,000   14,400   0   8,217   2,918   165,535
Chief Financial Officer   2014   140,500   12,000   0   8,217   2,810   163,527

 

All Other Compensation represents Company contributions to the Company’s 401K plan.

 

Option awards in the above table are calculated using the Black-Scholes options pricing model which is further discussed in Note 4 – Stock Based Compensation, in the Company’s financial statements.

 

Officer Compensation Arrangements

 

During the year ended February 28, 2015, Dr. Coccio was compensated at a rate of $150,000 per annum.

 

During the year ended February 28, 2015, Mr. Harshbarger was compensated at a rate of $200,000 per annum.

 

During the year ended February 28, 2015, Mr. Bagley was compensated at a rate of $140,000 per annum.

 

Outstanding Equity Awards At Fiscal Year End

 

Name Number of Securities
Underlying Unexercised
Options (#) Exercisable
Number of Securities
Underlying Unexercised
Options (#) Unexercisable
Option
Exercise Price ($)
Option
Expiration Date
R. Stephen Harshbarger 20,834 10,0001 0.61 11/08/2022
  16,200 19,8002 1.05 02/20/2024
    43,2003 1.19 02/19/2025
         
Stephen J. Bagley - 2,0004 0.48 01/24/2023
         

 

110,000 options will vest on November 8, 2015.

212,600 options will vest on 02/20/2016 and 7,200 options will vest on 02/20/2017.

319,440 options will vest on February 20, 2016, 15,120 options will vest on February 20, 2017 and 8,640 options will vest on February 20, 2018.

42,000 options will vest January 24, 2016.

 

24
 

Estimated Payments and Benefits Upon Termination or Change in Control

 

On September 1, 2007, the Company entered into identical Executive Agreements with Stephen J. Bagley, Chief Financial Officer and Christopher L. Coccio, Chief Executive Officer. The Company also entered into an Executive Agreement with R. Stephen Harshbarger, President, on March 5, 2008. In the event of a change of control of the Company followed by a termination of the executives’ employment under certain circumstances, the Executive Agreements provide for severance payments to each officer equal to one year of the executive’s annual base, commissions and bonus compensation paid by the Company for the previous calendar year. 

 

On August 28, 2014, the Executive Agreements of Christopher L. Coccio and R. Stephen Harshbarger were amended to change the number of years, from one to two, of the annual base and bonus compensation that will be paid to each of them in the event of a change of control.

 

Based on last year’s salary arrangements, if the rights of the foregoing officers were to be triggered following a change of control, they would be entitled to the following payments from the Company: Stephen J. Bagley $147,000, Christopher L. Coccio $388,000 and R. Stephen Harshbarger $401,000.

 

Compensation of Directors

 

Each non-employee director receives $1,000 for each meeting attended. Directors who are employees of the Company receive no additional compensation for serving as directors. For the year ended February 28, 2015, director compensation was as follows:

 

2015 Director Compensation

 

Name   Fees
Earned
or Paid in
Cash ($)
  Stock
Awards ($)
  Option
Awards ($)
  Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation ($)
  Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings ($)
  All Other
Compensation ($)
  Total ($)
                             
Edward J. Handler   4,000   -   3,382   -   -   -   7,382
Eric Haskell   4,000   -   2,254   -   -   -   6,254
Donald F. Mowbray   3,000   -   2,259   -   -   -   5,259
Samuel Schwartz   4,000   -   3,382   -   -   -   7,382
Philip Strasburg   4,000   -   4,504   -   -   -   7,504

 

Option awards in the above table are calculated using the Black-Scholes options pricing model which is further discussed in Note 4 – Stock Based Compensation, in the Company’s financial statements.

25
 
ITEM 12 SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

 

The following information is furnished as of April 29, 2015 to indicate beneficial ownership of the Company's Common Stock by each Director, by each named executive officer, by all Directors and executive officers as a group, and by each person known to the Company to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the Company's outstanding Common Stock. Such information has been furnished to the Company by the indicated owners. Unless otherwise indicated, the named person has sole voting and investment power.

 

    Amount    
Name (and address if more than 5%) of   Beneficially    
Beneficial owner   Owned   Percent
         
Directors and Officers        
*Stephen J. Bagley   20,095   **
*Christopher L. Coccio   645,3381   4.32%
*Edward J. Handler   127,5082   **
*R. Stephen Harshbarger   90,3693   **
*Eric Haskell   20,000 4   **
*Donald F. Mowbray   65,0005   **
*Joseph Riemer   288,4036   1.93%
*Samuel Schwartz   1,545,1477   10.33%
*Philip A. Strasburg   85,0008   **
         
All Executive Officers and Directors as a Group   2,928,1569   19.35%
         
Additional 5% owners        
Herbert Spiegel   756,931    5.07%
425 East 58th Street        
New York, NY  10022        
         
Norwood Venture Corporation   1,084,672    7.26%
65 Norwood Avenue        
Montclair, NJ 07043        
         
NSB Advisors, LLC   1,476,428   9.89%
200 Westage Business Center        
Fishkill, NY 12524        

 

The above ownership percentages are based on 14,933,107 shares outstanding as of April 29, 2015.

*c/o Sono-Tek Corporation, 2012 Route 9W, Milton, NY 12547.

** Less than 1%

 

1 Includes 2,000 shares in the name of Dr. Coccio’s wife.

2 Includes 61,579 shares owned jointly with Mr. Handler’s wife, 35,929 shares in the name of Mr. Handler’s wife and 30,000 options currently exercisable issued under the Company’s Stock Incentive Plans.

3 Includes 37,034 options currently exercisable issued under the Company’s Stock Incentive Plans.

4 Represents 20,000 options currently exercisable issued under the Company’s Stock Incentive Plans.

5 Includes 20,000 options currently exercisable issued under the Company’s Stock Incentive Plans.

6 Includes 3,500 options currently exercisable issued under the Company’s Stock Incentive Plans.

7 Includes 30,000 options currently exercisable issued under the Company’s Stock Incentive Plans

8Includes 10,000 shares in the name of Mr. Strasburg’s wife and 40,000 options currently exercisable issued under the Company’s Stock Incentive Plans.

9 The group total includes 202,934 options currently exercisable issued under the Company’s Stock Incentive Plans. The group total includes 18,896 shares and 22,400 exercisable options held by Robb Engle .

 

26
 

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans:

 

EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION

 

      Number of
  Number of   securities remaining
  securities to be Weighted- available for future
  issued upon average exercise issuance under equity
  exercise of price of compensation plans
  outstanding options, outstanding options, (excluding securities
  warrants and rights warrants and rights reflected in column (a))
    (a)   (b)   (c)  
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders:              
2013 Stock Incentive Plan   190,600   $1.11   2,309,400  
2003 Stock Incentive Plan   298,834   $0.88   -  
               
Total   489,434       2,309,400  

 

Description of Equity Compensation Plans:

 

2013 Stock Incentive Plan

 

Under the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended ("2013 Plan"), options can 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 2013 Plan options expire ten years after the date of grant. As of February 28, 2015, there were 190,600 options outstanding under the 2013 plan.

 

Under the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan, option prices must be at least 100% of the fair market value of the common stock at time of grant. For qualified employees, except under certain circumstances specified in the plan or unless otherwise specified at the discretion of the Board of Directors, no option may be exercised prior to one year after date of grant, with the balance becoming exercisable in cumulative installments over a three year period during the term of the option, and terminating at a stipulated period of time after an employee's termination of employment.

 

2003 Stock Incentive Plan

Under the 2003 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended ("2003 Plan"), 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 of the Company's common shares. As of February 28, 2015, there were 298,834 options outstanding under the 2003 Plan, under which no additional options may be granted.

 

ITEM 13 CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

 

Transactions With Related Persons – None

 

 

27
 

Independence of Directors

 

The Company’s Board of Directors is comprised of five “independent directors”, as that term is defined under NASDAQ rules, and three directors who are not “independent directors”. The Company’s “independent directors” are Samuel Schwartz, Donald Mowbray, Edward Handler, Eric Haskell and Philip Strasburg. Christopher Coccio, Joseph Riemer and R. Stephen Harshbarger are employees of the Company and are therefore not independent.

 

ITEM 14 PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

 

Audit Fees

 

For each of the fiscal years ended February 28, 2015 and 2014, the Company paid or accrued fees of approximately $46,500 for services rendered by Liggett, Vogt & Webb, P.A., its independent auditors. These fees included audit and review services.

 

Audit Related Fees - None

 

Tax Fees

 

For each of the year fiscal years ended February 28, 2015 and 2014, the Company paid or accrued tax preparation fees of approximately $5,500 for services rendered by Liggett, Vogt & Webb, P.A., its independent auditors.

 

All Other Fees – None

 

Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

 

The Audit Committee’s current policy is to pre-approve all audit and non-audit services that are to be performed and fees to be charged by the Company’s independent auditor to assure that the provision of these services does not impair the independence of the auditor. The Audit Committee pre-approved all audit and non-audit services rendered by the Company’s principal accountants in 2015 and 2014.

 

28
 

PART IV

ITEM 15 EXHIBITS

 

Ex. No. Description
3(a)1 Certificate of Incorporation of the Company and all amendments thereto.
3(b)1 By-laws of the Company as amended.
10(a)1 Sono-Tek Corporation 2003 Stock Incentive Plan.
10(b) 2 Equipment Line Credit Agreement between Sono-Tek Corporation and M&T Bank, dated March 24, 2005.
10(c) 2 General Security Agreement between Sono-Tek Corporation and M&T Bank, dated December 21, 2004.
10(d) 3 Executive Agreement between Sono-Tek Corporation and Stephen J. Bagley dated September 1, 2007.
10(e) 3 Executive Agreement between Sono-Tek Corporation and Christopher L. Coccio dated September 1, 2007.
10(f) 3 Executive Agreement between Sono-Tek Corporation and Joseph Riemer dated September 1, 2007.
10(g) 4 Executive Agreement between Sono-Tek Corporation and R. Stephen Harshbarger dated March 5, 2008.
10(h) 6 Purchase Money Mortgage dated December 17, 2010, between Sono-Tek Industrial Park LLC and Jean K. Woodward.
10(i)6 Contract of Sale dated December 17, 2010, between Sono-Tek Industrial Park LLC and Jean K. Woodward.
10(j)6 Purchase Money Note dated December 17, 2010, between Sono-Tek Industrial Park LLC and Jean K. Woodward.
10(k)7 Amended Executive Agreement between Sono-Tek Corporation and R. Stephen Harshbarger dated March 8, 2012.
10(l)7 Equipment Term Note between Sono-Tek Corporation and M&T Bank dated June 17, 2011.   
10(m)8 Sono-Tek Corporation 2013 Stock Incentive Plan.
10(n)9 Form of Amended and Restated Mortgage dated December 16, 2013, between Sono-Tek Industrial Park LLC and M&T Bank.
10(o)9 Form of Amended and Restated Term Note dated December 16, 2013, between Sono-Tek Industrial Park LLC and M&T Bank.
10(p)9 Form of Assignment of Rents dated December 16, 2013, between Sono-Tek Industrial Park LLC and M&T Bank.
10(q)9 Form of Environmental Compliance and Indemnification Agreement dated December 16, 2013, between Sono-Tek Industrial Park LLC and M&T Bank.
10(r)9 Form of Modification and Extension Agreement dated December 16, 2013, between Sono-Tek Industrial Park LLC and M&T Bank.
10(s)10 Amended Executive Agreement between Sono-Tek Corporation and Christopher L. Coccio dated August 24, 2014.
10(t)10 Amended Executive Agreement between Sono-Tek Corporation and R. Stephen Harshbarger dated August 24, 2014.
1411 Code of Ethics.
2110 Subsidiaries of Issuer.
23.110 Consent of Liggett, Vogt & Webb, P.A.
29
 

 

31.110 Rule 13a-14/15d – 14(a) Certification.
31.210 Rule 13a-14/15d – 14(a) Certification.
32.110 Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.210 Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS9 XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH9 XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL9 XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF9 XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
101.LAB9 XBRL Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE9 XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

 

1 Incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement No. 333-11913 on Form S-8 filed on February 18, 2004.
2 Incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s Form 10-KSB for the year ended February 28, 2005.
3 Incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended August 31, 2007
4 Incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 2008.
5 Incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 2008.
6 Incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 30, 2010.
7 Incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended February 29, 2012.
8 Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit A to the Company’s definitive proxy statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 25, 2013.
9 Incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended February 28, 2014.
10 Filed herewith.
11 Incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s Form 10-KSB for the year ended February 29, 2004.
30
 

 

SONO-TEK CORPORATION

 

FORM 10-K

 

ITEM 7

 

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES

 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 2015 and FEBRUARY 28, 2014

 

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets at February 28, 2015 and February 28, 2014

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations

For the Years Ended February 28, 2015 and February 28, 2014

 

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity

For the Years Ended February 28, 2015 and February 28, 2014

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the Years Ended February 28, 2015 and February 28, 2014

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 

31
 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

Board of Directors and Stockholders

Sono-Tek Corporation

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Sono-Tek Corporation as of February 28, 2015 and 2014 and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of February 28, 2015 and 2014, and the results of its operations and cash flows for each of the years then ended, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States.

 

 

/s/ Liggett, Vogt & Webb, P.A.

LIGGETT, VOGT & WEBB, P.A.

Certified Public Accountants

 

New York, New York

May 21, 2015

 

 

32
 

SONO-TEK CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

   February 28, 
   2015   2014 
ASSETS          
Current Assets:          
Cash and cash equivalents  $2,562,782   $3,232,021 
Marketable securities   1,652,485    630,794 
Accounts receivable (less allowance of $43,047 and $32,000, respectively)   1,029,250    860,296 
Inventories, net   2,059,177    1,674,815 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   94,487    160,373 
Total current assets   7,398,181    6,558,299 
           
Land   250,000    250,000 
Buildings, net   2,015,625    2,071,875 
Equipment, furnishings and leasehold improvements, net   661,411    637,138 
Intangible assets, net   175,412    171,828 
Deferred tax asset   90,021    90,021 
           
TOTAL ASSETS  $10,590,650   $9,779,161 
           
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
           
Current Liabilities:          
Accounts payable  $584,963   $556,194 
Accrued expenses   691,937    565,121 
Customer deposits   462,168    362,846 
Current maturities of long term debt   158,184    191,466 
Income taxes payable   229,927    129,398 
           
Total current liabilities   2,127,179    1,805,025 
           
Long term debt, less current maturities   1,319,737    1,479,058 
           
Total Liabilities   3,446,916    3,284,083 
           
Commitments and Contingencies        
           
Stockholders’ Equity          
Common stock, $.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized, 14,933,107 and 14,708,518 issued and outstanding, respectively   149,331    147,085 
Additional paid-in capital   8,766,160    8,725,883 
Accumulated deficit   (1,771,757)   (2,377,890)
           
Total stockholders’ equity   7,143,734    6,495,078 
           
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY  $10,590,650   $9,779,161 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

33
 

SONO-TEK CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

   February 28, 
   2015   2014 
         
Net Sales  $10,849,475   $10,278,938 
Cost of Goods Sold   5,634,365    5,545,471 
Gross Profit   5,215,110    4,733,467 
           
Operating Expenses          
Research and product development   1,015,614    885,101 
Marketing and selling   2,153,407    1,957,960 
General and administrative   1,033,373    1,017,043 
Real estate operations expense   162,522    154,792 
Total Operating Expenses   4,364,916    4,014,896 
           
Operating Income   850,194    718,571 
           
Other Income (Expense):          
Interest Expense   (64,527)   (110,151)
Interest Income   32,641    6,544 
Other Income   7,249     
Income before Income Taxes   825,557    614,964 
           
Income Tax Expense   219,424    130,490 
           
Net Income  $606,133   $484,474 
           
           
Basic Earnings Per Share  $.04   $.03 
           
Diluted Earnings Per Share  $.04   $.03 
           
Weighted Average Shares – Basic   14,737,204    14,541,869 
           
Weighted Average Shares – Diluted   14,846,808    14,580,165 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

34
 

SONO-TEK CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 2015 AND 2014

 

   Common Stock   Additional       Total 
   Par Value $.01   Paid – In   Accumulated   Stockholders’ 
   Shares   Amount   Capital   Deficit   Equity 
Balance – February 28, 2013   14,503,010   $145,030   $8,709,601   $(2,862,364)  $5,992,267 
Exercise of stock options   205,508    2,055    (1,845)       210 
Stock based compensation expense           18,127        18,127 
Net Income               484,474    484,474 
Balance – February 28, 2014   14,708,518   $147,085   $8,725,883   $(2,377,890)  $6,495,078 
Exercise of stock options   224,589    2,246    (2,246)         
Stock based compensation expense             42,523         42,523 
Net Income                  606,133    606,133 
Balance – February 28, 2015   14,933,107   $149,331   $8,766,160   $(1,771,757)  $7,143,734 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

35
 

SONO-TEK CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

     
   Year Ended February 28, 
   2015   2014 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:          
Net Income  $606,133   $484,474 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net          
cash provided by operating activities:          
Depreciation and amortization   407,795    343,869 
Stock based compensation expense   42,523    18,127 
Inventory Reserve   99,535    (5,346)
Allowance for doubtful accounts   11,047    12,000 
Write off of impaired acquisition costs       15,020 
           
(Increase) Decrease in:          
Accounts receivable   (180,001)   68,736 
Inventories   (483,897)   159,702 
Prepaid expenses and other assets   65,886    (80,768)
           
(Decrease) Increase in:          
Accounts payable and accrued expenses   155,585    235,550 
Customer deposits   99,322    294,000 
Income taxes payable   100,529    123,067 
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities   924,457    1,668,431 
           
           
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:          
Purchase of equipment, furnishings and leasehold improvements   (357,050)   (224,354)
Sale (Purchase) of marketable securities   (1,021,691)   345,116 
Patent application and other asset costs   (22,352)   (55,577)
Net Cash (Used In) Provided by Investing Activities   (1,401,093)   65,185 
           
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:          
Proceeds from exercise of options       210 
Proceeds from note payable – Bank       1,600,000 
Repayment of long term debt   (192,603)   (2,042,711)
Net Cash (Used In) Financing Activities   (192,603)   (442,501)
           
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS   (669,239)   1,291,115 
           
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:          
Beginning of year   3,232,021    1,940,906 
End of year  $2,562,782   $3,232,021 
           
           
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosure :          
           
Interest Paid  $64,527   $110,151 
           
Income Taxes Paid  $127,046   $2,485 
           
           

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

36
 

SONO-TEK CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 2015 AND 2014

 

NOTE 1: BUSINESS DESCRIPTION

 

The Company was incorporated in New York on March 21, 1975 for the purpose of engaging in the development, manufacture, and sale of ultrasonic liquid atomizing nozzles, which are sold world-wide. 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.

 

Based on its core technology of ultrasonic liquid atomizing nozzles, the Company has developed intellectual property in the area of precision spray coating of liquids. The Company is presently engaged in the development, manufacture, sales, installation and servicing of diverse ultrasonic coating equipment for various manufacturing industries worldwide.

 

 

NOTE 2: SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Advertising ExpensesThe Company expenses the cost of advertising in the period in which the advertising takes place. Advertising expense for the years ended February 28, 2015 and 2014 was $168,090 and $174,544, respectively.

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts – The Company records a bad debt expense/allowance based on management’s estimate of uncollectible accounts. All outstanding accounts receivable accounts are reviewed for collectability on an individual basis. The bad debt expense recorded for the years ended February 28, 2015 and 2014 was $17,000 and $12,000, respectively.

 

Cash and Cash EquivalentsCash 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.

 

Concentration of Credit RiskThe Company does not believe that it is subject to any unusual or significant risks, in the normal course of business. The Company had one customer, which accounted for 7% of sales during the year ended February 28, 2015. Two customers accounted for 25% of the outstanding accounts receivables at February 28, 2015. Three customers accounted for 27% of the outstanding accounts receivables at February 28, 2014.

 

Consolidation – The accompanying consolidated financial statements of Sono-Tek Corporation, a New York corporation (the “Company”), include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Sono-Tek Cleaning Systems Inc. and Sono-Tek Industrial Park, LLC. Sono-Tek Cleaning Systems, Inc., a New Jersey Corporation (“SCS”), ceased operations during the Fiscal Year Ended February 28, 2002. Sono-Tek Industrial Park, LLC (“SIP”), operates as a real estate holding company for the Company’s real estate operations.

 

Earnings Per ShareBasic earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income 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.

 

37
 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments – The Company follows the guidance in the “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure Topic” of the 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, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure about such fair value measurements. The guidance defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Additionally, the guidance requires the use of valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. These inputs are prioritized below:

 

Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets.

 

Level 2: Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.

 

Level 3: Unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data, which require the use of the reporting entity’s own assumptions.

 

The fair values of financial assets of the Company were determined using the following categories at February 28, 2015 and 2014, respectively:

 

   Quoted Prices in Active Markets 
   (Level 1) 
   February 28, 
   2015   2014 
         
Marketable Securities  $1,652,485   $630,794 

 

Marketable Securities include mutual funds of $1,652,485 and $630,794, that are considered to be highly liquid and easily tradeable as of February 28, 2015 and 2014, respectively. These securities are valued using inputs observable in active markets for identical securities and are therefore classified as Level 1 within the Company’s fair value hierarchy.

 

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 of patent applications which are deferred and charged to operations over seventeen years for domestic patents and twelve years for foreign patents. The accumulated amortization of patents is $116,804 and $105,585 at February 28, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Annual amortization expense of such intangible assets is expected to be $9,600 per year for the next five years.

 

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.

 

38
 

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 the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

New Accounting Pronouncements – 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 are not expected to have an impact on the Company.

 

Product Warranty – Expected future product warranty expense is recorded when the product is sold.

 

Reclassifications – Where appropriate, prior year’s financial statements reflect reclassifications to conform to the current year’s presentation.

 

Recognition of Revenue – Sales are recorded at the time title passes to the customer, which, based on shipping terms, generally occurs when the product is shipped to the customer. 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.

 

Research and Product Development Expenses Research and product development expenses represent engineering and other expenditures incurred for developing new products, for refining the Company's existing products and for developing systems to meet unique customer specifications for potential orders or for new industry applications and are expensed as incurred.

 

Shipping and Handling Costs – Shipping and handling costs are included in cost of sales in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

 

39
 

NOTE 3: 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 twelve months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014, segment information is as follows:

 

   Twelve Months Ended February 28, 2015   Twelve Months Ended February 28, 2014 
   Ultrasonic Spraying   Rental
Real Estate Operations
   Eliminations   Consolidated   Ultrasonic Spraying   Rental
Real Estate Operations
   Eliminations   Consolidated 
Net Sales  $10,757,825   $287,948   $196,298   $10,849,475   $10,202,273   $217,453   $140,788   $10,278,938 
Rental Expense  $196,298   $162,522   $(196,298)  $162,522   $140,788   $154,792   $(140,788)  $154,792 
Interest Expense  $1,223   $63,304        $64,527   $2,411   $107,740        $110,151 
Net Income (Loss)  $544,011   $62,122        $606,133   $529,553   $(45,079)       $484,474 
Assets  $8,076,726   $2,513,924        $10,590,650   $7,268,871   $2,510,290        $9,779,161 
Debt  $20,542   $1,457,379        $1,477,922   $81,165   $1,589,360        $1,670,525 

 

 

NOTE 4: STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

 

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

 

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

 

  Year Ended February 28,
  2015 2014
Expected life 8 years 8 years
Risk free interest rate .7% - .97% .7%
Expected volatility 23.09% - 53.92% 53.92%
Expected dividend yield 0% 0%

 

In computing the impact, the fair value of each option is estimated on the date of grant based on the 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.

 

For the years ended February 28, 2015 and 2014, net income and earnings per share reflect the actual deduction for stock-based compensation expense. The impact of applying ASC 718 approximated $42,523 and $18,127 in additional compensation expense for the years then ended, respectively. Such amount is included in general and administrative expenses on the statement of operations. The expense for stock-based compensation is a non-cash expense item.

 

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NOTE 5: INVENTORIES

 

Inventories consist of the following:

 

   February 28, 
   2015   2014 
Raw Materials  $1,676,136   $1,022,496 
Work-in-process   220,577    402,377 
Consignment   16,066    25,639 
Finished Goods   441,026    419,396 
Totals   2,353,805    1,869,908 
Less:  Allowance   (294,628)   (195,093)
Total Inventories  $2,059,177   $1,674,815 

 

 

NOTE 6: BUILDINGS, EQUIPMENT, FURNISHINGS AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS

 

Equipment, furnishings and leasehold improvements consist of the following:

 

   February 28, 
   2015   2014 
Buildings  $2,250,000   $2,250,000 
Laboratory equipment   778,336    708,899 
Machinery and equipment   753,279    646,983 
Leasehold improvements   308,722    228,860 
Tradeshow and demonstration equipment   999,758    999,758 
Furniture and fixtures   754,103    674,489 
Totals   5,844,198    5,508,988 
Less:  accumulated depreciation   (3,167,162)   (2,799,975)
   $2,677,036   $2,709,013 

 

Depreciation expense for the years ended February 28, 2015 and 2014 was $396,576 and $332,617, respectively.

 

 

NOTE 7: ACCRUED EXPENSES

 

Accrued expenses consist of the following:

 

   February 28, 
   2015   2014 
Accrued compensation  $214,071   $201,676 
Estimated warranty costs   36,000    30,900 
Accrued commissions   207,236    156,964 
Professional fees   51,765    44,692 
Other accrued expenses   182,865    130,889 
   $691,937   $565,121 

 

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NOTE 8: REVOLVING LINE OF CREDIT

 

The Company has a $750,000 revolving line of credit at prime which was 3.25% at February 28, 2015. The line of credit is collateralized by all of the assets of the Company, except for the land and buildings. The 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 February 28, 2015, the Company’s outstanding balance was $0, and the unused credit line was $750,000.

 

 

NOTE 9: LONG-TERM DEBT

 

Long-term debt consists of the following:

 

   February 28, 
   2015   2014 
         
Equipment loan, bank, collateralized by related production equipment, payable in monthly installments of principal and interest of $5,158 through June 2015.  Interest rate 2.12%. 48 month term.  $20,542   $81,164 
           
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.   1,457,379    1,589,360 
           
Total long term debt   1,477,921    1,670,524 
Due within one year   158,184    191,466 
Due after one year  $1,319,737   $1,479,058 

 

Long-term debt is payable as follows:

 

Fiscal Year ending February 28,  
2016 158,184
2017 143,388
2018 149,698
2019 156,119
2020 162,817
Thereafter 707,715

 

 

NOTE 10: BANK GUARANTEES

 

As of February 28, 2015, $43,518 of the Company’s cash on deposit with a foreign bank was being utilized to collateralize guarantees issued by the bank in favor of international customers of the Company to secure cash deposits on orders that have been remitted to the Company. The customers may exercise the guarantees, subject to certain performance requirements being met by the Company. The guarantees expire at various dates in 2015.

 

 

NOTE 11: COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

The Company does not have any material commitments or contingencies as of February 28, 2015.

 

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NOTE 12: INCOME TAXES

 

The annual provision (benefit) for income taxes differs from amounts computed by applying the maximum U.S. Federal income tax rate of 34% to pre-tax income as follows:

 

   February 28,
2015
   February 28,
2014
 
Expected federal income tax  $288,945   $208,088 
State tax, net of federal   31,371    12,100 
Permanent timing difference   54,218    (6,771)
Research and development tax credits   (155,110)   (82,927)
Income tax  $219,424   $130,490 

 

The net deferred tax asset is comprised of the following:

 

   February 28,   February 28, 
   2015   2014 
Inventory  $127,000   $103,000 
Allowance for accounts receivable   17,000    13,000 
Accrued expenses and other   97,000    59,000 
Research tax credits   59,000    117,000 
Deferred tax asset   300,000    292,000 
Deferred tax liability   (210,000)   (202,000)
Net deferred tax asset  $90,000   $90,000 

 

At February 28, 2015 and 2014, the Company had no remaining net operating loss carryforwards available. At February 28, 2015 and 2014, the Company has $59,000 and $117,000 of research and development tax credits, respectively, being carried forward.

 

 

NOTE 13: STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

Stock Options – Under the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended ("2013 Plan"), options can 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 2013 Plan options expire ten years after the date of grant. As of February 28, 2015, there were 190,600 options outstanding under the 2013 plan.

 

Under the 2003 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended ("2003 Plan"), 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 of the Company's common shares. As of February 28, 2015, there were 298,834 options outstanding under the 2003 Plan, under which no additional options may be granted.

 

Under the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan, option prices must be at least 100% of the fair market value of the common stock at time of grant. For qualified employees, except under certain circumstances specified in the plan or unless otherwise specified at the discretion of the Board of Directors, no option may be exercised prior to one year after date of grant, with the balance becoming exercisable in cumulative installments over a three year period during the term of the option, and terminating at a stipulated period of time after an employee's termination of employment.

 

During Fiscal Year 2015, the Company granted options for 57,600 shares to officers at an exercise price of $1.19 and options for 10,000 shares exercisable at $1.26 to an employee of the Company.

 

During Fiscal Year 2014, the Company granted options for 135,500 shares exercisable at prices from $1.05 to $1.20 to employees of the Company.

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A summary of the activity of both plans for the years ended February 28, 2015 and 2014 is as follows:

 

      Weighted Average
  Stock Options Exercise Price Fair Value
  Outstanding Exercisable Outstanding Exercisable Vested
Balance – February 28, 2013 1,322,718 549,425 $.67 $.77 $.39
Granted 135,500   1.06    
Exercised (501,645)   (.60)    
Cancelled (10,000)   (1.11)    
Balance – February 28, 2014 946,573 435,714 $.76 $.82 $.41
Granted 67,600   1.20    
Exercised (478,739)   (.64)    
Cancelled (46,000)   (1.04)    
Balance – February 28, 2015 489,434 353,934 $.97 $.86 $.32

 

The intrinsic value of the Company’s options exercised during the years ended February 28, 2015 and 2014 was $110,985 and $157,427, respectively.

 

Information, at date of issuance, regarding stock option grants for the years ended February 28, 2015:

 

    Shares   Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
  Weighted
Average
Fair
Value
Year ended February 28, 2015:            
  Exercise price exceeds market price   -   -   -
  Exercise price equals market price   67,600   $   1.19   $   .38
  Exercise price is less than market price      -   -   -

 

The aggregate intrinsic value of the Company’s outstanding options at February 28, 2015 and 2014 was $191,542 and $369,659, respectively.

 

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at February 28, 2015:

 

    Weighted Average  
  Number Remaining Life Exercise Number
  Outstanding in Years Price Exercisable
Range of exercise prices:        
$.42 to $.50 32,000 7.45 $             0.47 21,500
$.51 to $1.00 207,334 7.25 $             0.64 197,334
$1.01 to $1.95 250,100 7.27 $             1.20 135,100
Total Options: 489,434     353,934

 

 

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NOTE 14: EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

 

   February 28, 
   2015   2014 
         
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share  $606,133   $484,474 
           
Denominator for basic earnings per share - weighted average   14,737,204    14,541,869 
           
Effects of dilutive securities:          
Stock options for employees, directors and outside consultants   109,604    38,296 
Denominator for diluted earnings per share   14,846,808    14,580,165 
           
Basic Earnings Per Share – Weighted Average  $0.04   $0.03 
           
Diluted Earnings Per Share – Weighted Average  $0.04   $0.03 

 

 

NOTE 15: SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS AND FOREIGN SALES

 

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

 

   February 28, 
   2015   2014 
Western Europe  $2,069,000   $1,817,000 
Far East   2,147,000    3,328,000 
Other   802,000    1,302,000 
   $5,018,000   $6,447,000 

 

During Fiscal Years 2015 and 2014, sales to foreign customers accounted for approximately $5,018,000 and $6,447,000, or 47% and 63% respectively, of total revenues.

 

One customer accounted for 7% of the Company’s sales for Fiscal Year ended February 28, 2015.

 

 

NOTE 16:  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

The Company has evaluated subsequent events for disclosure purposes.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the Registrant has caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

Dated: May 26, 2015

Sono-Tek Corporation

(Registrant)

 

By: /s/ Dr. Christopher L. Coccio

Dr. Christopher L. Coccio,

Chief Executive Officer and Chairman

 

 

In accordance with the Exchange Act, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

/s/ Dr. Christopher L Coccio May 26, 2015 /s/ Samuel Schwartz May 26, 2015
Christopher L. Coccio   Samuel Schwartz  
Chief Executive Officer, Chairman and Director   Director  
       
/s/ Stephen J. Bagley May 26, 2015 /s/ Dr. Joseph Riemer May 26, 2015
Stephen J. Bagley   Dr. Joseph Riemer  
Chief Financial Officer   Vice President and Director  
       
/s/ Edward J. Handler, III May 26, 2015 /s/ Philip A. Strasburg May 26, 2015
Edward J. Handler, III   Philip A. Strasburg  
Director   Director  
       
/s/ R. Stephen Harshbarger May 26, 2015 /s/ Dr. Donald F. Mowbray May 26, 2015
R. Stephen Harshbarger   Donald F. Mowbray  
President and Director   Director  
       
/s/ Eric Haskell May 26, 2015    
Eric Haskell      
Director      

 

 

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