YUNHONG GREEN CTI LTD. - Annual Report: 2012 (Form 10-K)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

____________

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

For the transition period from _________to_________

Commission File Number

000-23115

CTI INDUSTRIES CORPORATION

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (847) 382-1000

Securities Registered pursuant to sections 12(b) of the Act:

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

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

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

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

Indicate by check mark 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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes þ     No o

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.  þ     

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer o     Accelerated filer o     Non-accelerated filer o     Smaller Reporting Company  þ

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

Based upon the closing price of $4.95 per share of the Registrant’s Common Stock as reported on NASDAQ Capital Market tier of The NASDAQ Stock Market on June 30, 2012, the aggregate market value of the voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant was then approximately $8,462,000. (The determination of stock ownership by non-affiliates was made solely for the purpose of responding to the requirements of the Form and the Registrant is not bound by this determination for any other purpose.)

The number of shares outstanding of the Registrant’s Common Stock as of March 1, 2013 was 3,248,646 (excluding treasury shares).

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INDEX

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This annual report includes both historical and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future results. Words such as “may,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” or similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Although we believe that our opinions and expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements, and our actual results may differ substantially from the views and expectations set forth in this annual report. We disclaim any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date of this annual report to conform such statements to actual results or to changes in our opinions or expectations. These forward-looking statements are affected by factors, risks, uncertainties and assumptions that we make, including, without limitation, our participation in highly competitive markets, potential changes in the cost or availability of raw materials, our dependence on a limited number of suppliers, the possible inability to obtain an adequate supply of raw materials, our reliance on a limited number of key customers, the loss of one or more of our key customers, changing consumer demands, developments or changes in technology, risks of international operations and political environments, dependence on our intellectual property, compliance with federal, state or local regulations, restrictions included in the Company’s credit facility, the availability of funds under the Company’s credit facility, damage to or destruction of one or both of the Company’s principal plants, our ability to service our indebtedness, our ability to invest in needed plant or equipment.

PART I

Item No. 1 – Description of Business

Business Overview

We are a leading developer, manufacturer and supplier of innovative flexible film products. We provide value-added design, engineering and production for flexible film products. We have developed, designed, and produce a number of innovative products utilizing flexible films including: novelty foil balloons, pouches for food and home storage and specialty films for packaging.

We produce, market and sell three principal lines of products:

We leverage our technology to design and develop proprietary products which we market and sell and which we develop for our customers. We have been engaged in the business of developing flexible film products for over 35 years and have acquired significant technology and know-how in that time. Presently, we hold 8 patents, and have several patent applications pending, relating to flexible film products including specific films, zipper closures, valves and other features of these products.

We print, process and convert plastic film into finished products and we produce latex balloons and novelty items. Our principal manufacturing processes include:

In 1978, we began manufacturing metalized balloons (sometimes referred to as "foil" balloons), which are balloons made of a base material (usually nylon or polyester) having vacuum deposited aluminum and polyethylene coatings. These balloons remain buoyant when filled with helium for much longer periods than latex balloons and permit the printing of graphic designs on the surface. In 1985, we began marketing latex balloons and, in 1988, we began manufacturing latex balloons. In 1999, we acquired an extrusion coating and laminating machine and began production of coated and laminated films, which we have produced since that time.

During the period from 1976 to 1986 and from 1999 to the present, we have produced flexible containers for the storage of liquids, food products, household goods and other items. Also, from 1996 to the present, we have been engaged in the coating, laminating and printing of flexible films for our novelty and container products and for the production of laminated and printed films we supply to others.

We market and sell our foil and latex balloons and related novelty items throughout the United States and in a number of other countries in Latin America and Europe. We supply directly to retail stores and chains and through distributors, who in turn sell to retail stores and chains. Our balloon and novelty products are sold to consumers through a wide variety of retail outlets including general merchandise, discount and drugstore chains, grocery chains, card and gift shops, and party goods stores, as well as through florists and balloon decorators.

Most of our foil balloons contain printed characters, designs and social expression messages, such as “Happy Birthday,” “Get Well” and similar items. For a number of our balloon designs, we obtain licenses for well-known characters and print those characters and messages on our balloons.

We market and sell flexible containers for consumer storage uses through retail chains and outlets throughout the United States, and we provide flexible containers to others for resale. Commencing in 2011, we began marketing and selling vacuum sealing machines for use with pouches and rolls of film for the vacuum storage of food and household products.

We provide laminated films and printed films to a number of customers who utilize the film to produce bags or pouches for the packaging of food, liquids and other items. We also produce finished products – pouches and bags – which are used for a variety of applications, including (i) as vacuumable pouches for household use in storage of food items, (ii) as vacuumable consumer storage devices for clothing and other household items, and (iii) custom applications.

In 2012, our revenues from our product lines, as a percent of total revenues were:

We are an Illinois corporation with our principal offices and plant at 22160 N. Pepper Road, Lake Barrington, Illinois.

Business Strategies

Our essential business strategies are as follows:

Products

Foil Balloons. We have designed, produced and sold foil balloons since 1979 and, we believe, are the second largest manufacturer of foil balloons in the United States. Currently, we produce about 900 foil balloon designs, in different shapes and sizes, including the following:

In addition to size and shape, a principal element of the Company's foil balloon products is the printed design or message contained on the balloon. These designs include figures and licensed characters many of which are well known. We maintain licenses for several well-known characters.

Latex Balloons. Through our majority-owned subsidiary in Guadalajara, Mexico, Flexo Universal, S.A. de C.V. (“Flexo Universal”), we manufacture latex balloons in 11 shapes and 46 colors. Many of these balloons are marketed under the name Partyloons^® and balloons are also marketed on a private label basis. We also manufacture toy balloon products including punch balls, water bombs and "Animal Twisties."

Packaging Films and Custom Film Products. We produce and sell films that are utilized for the packaging of various products, principally food products. We laminate, extrusion coat and print films and sell them to customers who utilize the films for packaging applications. Our customers generally use these film products to convert them to bags or pouches for the packaging of food and other products. We develop and produce for customers unique products composed of flexible film.

Pouches and Bags. We produce a variety of completed film products, generally in the form of a bag or pouch or in rolls of film which can be made into storage pouches. These products include (i) valved, resealable pouches for storage of household items, (ii) vacuum sealable bags or rolls of film for food storage, and (iii) resealable, valved bags for storage and vacuum sealing of food items in the household. During 2008, we introduced a line of resealable, valved bags for storage and vacuum sealing of food items in the household. These storage bags function with a small hand or powered pump to evacuate air when the bag is sealed. This product line is marketed under the brand ZipVac^®. We also produce a line of resealable, valved bags for SC Johnson which they market under their Ziploc^® brand. For several years, we have produced and marketed open-top pouches and rolls of films for use with vacuum sealing machines to vacuum seal and store food and household items. We now produce and market such pouches under the Ziploc^® brand and also market vacuum sealing machines, produced for us, under the Ziploc^® brand Vacuum Sealer System, which utilize these vacuum sealing pouches.

Markets

Foil Balloons

The foil balloon came into existence in the late 1970s. During the 1980s, the market for foil balloons grew rapidly. Initially, the product was sold principally to individual vendors, small retail outlets and at fairs, amusement parks, shopping centers and other outdoor facilities and functions. Foil balloons remain buoyant when filled with helium for extended periods of time and they permit the printing and display of graphics and messages. As a result, the product has significant appeal as a novelty and message item. Foil balloons became part of the "social expression" industry, carrying graphics designs, characters and messages like greeting cards. In the mid-1980s, we and other participants in the market began licensing character and cartoon images for printing on the balloons and directed marketing of the balloons to retail outlets including grocery, general merchandise, discount and drug store chains, card and gift shops, party goods stores as well as florists and balloon decorators. These outlets now represent the principal means for the sale of foil balloons throughout the United States and in a number of other countries, although individual “vendors” remain a significant means of distribution in a number of areas.

Foil balloons are now sold in virtually every region of the world. The United States, however, remains the largest market for these products.

Foil balloons are sold in the United States and foreign countries directly by producers to retail outlets and through distributors and wholesalers. Often the sale of foil balloons by the wholesalers/distributors is accompanied by related products including latex balloons, floral supplies, candy containers, mugs, plush toys, baskets and a variety of party goods.

Latex Balloons

For a number of years, latex balloons and related novelty/toy latex items have been marketed and sold throughout the United States and in many other countries. Latex balloons are sold as novelty/toy items, for decorative purposes, as part of floral designs and as party goods and favors. In addition to standard size and shape balloons, inflatable latex items include punch balls, water bombs, balloons to be twisted into shapes, and other specialty designs. Often, latex balloons included printed messages or designs.

Latex balloons are sold principally in retail outlets, including party goods stores, general merchandise stores, discount chains, gift stores and drugstore chains. Latex balloons are also purchased by balloon decorators and floral outlets for use in decorative or floral designs. Printed latex balloons are sold both in retail outlets and for balloon decoration purposes including floral designs.

Latex balloons are sold both through distributors and directly to retail outlets by the producers.

Printed and Specialty Films

The industry and market for printed and specialty films are fragmented and include many participants. There are hundreds of manufacturers of printed and specialty film products in the United States and in other markets. In many cases, companies who provide food and other products in film packages also produce or process the films used for their packages. The market for the Company's film products consists principally of companies who utilize the films for the packaging of their products, including food products and other items, usually by converting the film to a flexible container. In addition to the packaging of food products, flexible containers are used for medical purposes (such as colostomy bags, containers for saline solution and other items), "dunnage" (to cushion products being packaged), storage of personal and household items and other purposes.

Flexible Containers/Pouches

The market for flexible containers and pouches is large and diverse. Many companies engaged in the production of food items package their products in flexible containers or pouches, and, therefore, represent a market for these containers. Many of these companies purchase film – often printed film – and convert the film to pouches or packages at their own facilities while others purchase completed containers from suppliers.

Flexible containers and pouches are sold and utilized in the consumer market in numerous forms. They include simple open-top plastic bags, resealable bags and zippered bags. The market also includes containers and pouches of special design or purpose, including vacuumable bags for storage of food or household items or commercial uses.

Marketing, Sales and Distribution

Balloon Products

We market and sell our foil balloon, latex balloon and related novelty products throughout the United States and in a number of other countries. We maintain a marketing, sales and support staff of six individuals and a customer service department of eight individuals in the United States. Sales in the United Kingdom are conducted by CTI Balloons, the Company's subsidiary located in Rugby, England. In January 2010, we commenced the sale of balloon products through a facility near Frankfurt, Germany. Flexo Universal conducts sales and marketing activities for the sale of balloon products in Mexico, Latin America, and certain other markets. Sales in other foreign countries are made generally to distributors in those countries and are managed at the Company's principal offices.

We sell and distribute our balloon products (i) by our employed staff of sales and customer service personnel in the United States, Mexico, the UK and Germany, (ii) through a network of distributors and wholesalers in the United States, Mexico, the UK and Europe, (iii) through several groups of independent sales representatives, and (iv) to selected retail chains. The distributors and wholesalers are generally engaged principally in the sale of balloons and related products (including such items as plush toys, mugs, containers, floral supplies and other items) and sell balloons and related products to retail outlets including grocery, general merchandise and drug store chains, card and gift shops, party goods stores as well as florists and balloon decorators.

Our largest customer for balloons during 2012 was Dollar Tree Stores. Sales to this chain in 2012 represented $13,038,000 or approximately 26.3% of our consolidated net sales.

We engage in a variety of advertising and promotional activities to promote the sale of our balloon products. Each year, we produce a complete catalog of our balloon products, and also prepare various flyers and brochures for special or seasonal products, which we disseminate to thousands of customers, potential customers and others. We participate in several trade shows for the gift, novelty, balloon and other industries and advertise in several trade and other publications.

Printed and Specialty Films

We market and sell printed and laminated films directly and through independent sales representatives throughout the United States. We sell laminated and printed films to companies that utilize these films to produce packaging for a variety of products, including food products, in both solid and liquid form, such as cola syrup, coffee, juices and other items. We seek to identify and maintain customer relationships in which we provide added value in the form of technology or systems. Our largest customer for film products is Rapak, L.L.C. (“Rapak”) to whom we provide a patented embossed film, as well as other film products. During 2012, our sales to Rapak totaled $4,433,000, representing 8.9% of our consolidated net sales.

Flexible Containers/Pouches

We market flexible containers and pouches to various companies for commercial packaging purposes and we market lines of consumer storage packages both to a principal customer and to retail chains and outlets.

On February 1, 2008, we entered into a License and Supply Agreement with SC Johnson. The agreement provides for the Company to manufacture and sell to SC Johnson (or its designee, Goodwill Commercial Services, Inc.) certain home food management products to be sold under the SC Johnson Ziploc^® brand. The agreement is for a term which initially expired on June 30, 2011 but provides for two renewal terms of two years each at the option of SC Johnson. In February 2011, SC Johnson renewed the agreement for an additional two-year term commencing on July 1, 2011.

During 2005, we introduced a line of universal vacuumable bags for household storage of food products. These bags are designed to be used with existing vacuum and sealing devices. We market these bags through various retail channels and introduced this line of products to additional retail chains in 2011.

On December 14, 2011, the Company entered into a Trademark License Agreement with SC Johnson under which the Company is licensed to manufacture and sell a line of vacuum sealing machines and pouches under the Ziploc^® brand Vacuum Sealer System. The agreement is for a three year term expiring on December 31, 2014. The licensed product line includes vacuum sealing machines manufactured for the Company and pouches and rolls manufactured by the Company for use in the home to vacuum seal food items to preserve freshness and help prevent freezer burn.

During 2007, we introduced a line of re-sealable pouches incorporating a valve permitting the evacuation of air from the sealed pouch by use of a hand pump supplied with the pouches. This line of products is marketed under the brand name ZipVac^®. We market this line of products to various distributors and retail outlets.

Production and Operations

We conduct our operations at our facilities: (i) our headquarters, offices and plant in Lake Barrington, Illinois, consisting of a total of approximately 75,000 square feet of office, production and warehouse space, (ii) a warehouse in Cary, Illinois consisting of approximately 23,000 square feet, (iii) an office and warehouse in Lake Zurich, Illinois consisting of approximately 117,000 square feet (iv) a plant, office and warehouse in Guadalajara, Mexico, consisting of approximately 73,000 square feet of office, warehouse and production space, (v) an office and warehouse facility in Rugby, England, consisting of approximately 9,000 square feet of space, and (vi) an office and warehouse facility in Heusenstamm, Germany, consisting of approximately 3,000 square feet.

We conduct production operations at our plants in Lake Barrington, Illinois and Guadalajara, Mexico. At our plants, our production operations include (i) lamination and extrusion coating of films, (ii) slitting of film rolls, (iii) printing on film and on latex balloons, (iv) converting of film to completed products including balloons, flexible containers and pouches, and (v) production of latex balloon products. We perform all of the lamination, extrusion coating and slitting activities in our Lake Barrington, Illinois plant and produce all of our latex balloon products at our Guadalajara, Mexico plant. We print films in Lake Barrington, Illinois and we print latex balloons in Guadalajara, Mexico.

We warehouse raw materials at our plants in Lake Barrington, Illinois and Guadalajara, Mexico and we warehouse finished goods at our facilities in Lake Barrington, Illinois; Cary, Illinois; Lake Zurich, Illinois; Guadalajara, Mexico; Rugby, England and Heusenstamm, Germany. We maintain customer service and fulfillment operations at each of our warehouse locations. We conduct sales operations for the United States and for all other markets, except those handled by our Mexico, Germany and England facilities, at the Lake Barrington, Illinois facility. Sales for Mexico and Latin America are handled at our Guadalajara, Mexico facility; sales for the United Kingdom are handled at our Rugby, England facility; sales for Europe are conducted from our facility in Heusenstamm, Germany.

We maintain a graphic arts and development department at our Lake Barrington, Illinois facility which designs our balloon products and graphics. Our creative department operates a networked, computerized graphic arts system for the production of these designs and of printed materials including catalogues, advertisements and other promotional materials.

We conduct administrative and accounting functions at our headquarters in Lake Barrington, Illinois and at our facilities in Guadalajara, Mexico and Rugby, England.

Raw Materials

The principal raw materials we use in manufacturing our products are (i) petroleum or natural gas-based films, (ii) petroleum or natural gas-based resin, (iii) latex, and (iv) printing inks. The cost of raw materials represents a significant portion of the total cost of our products, with the result that fluctuations in the cost of raw materials has a material effect on our profitability. The cost of our raw materials represented approximately 45% of our net revenues in 2012 compared to 47% in 2011. During the past several years, we have experienced significant fluctuations in the cost of these raw materials. We do not have any long-term agreements for the supply of raw materials and may experience wide fluctuations in the cost of raw materials in the future. Further, although we have been able to obtain adequate supplies of raw materials in the past, there can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain adequate supplies of one or more of our raw materials in the future.

A principal raw material for our latex balloon is natural latex. During the latter part of 2010 and into 2011, the price of natural latex increased substantially from a low in the first quarter 2010 of approximately $2.99 per kilo to a high in the first half of 2011 to approximately $5.64 per kilo. We were unable to increase the selling price of our latex balloons sufficiently to reflect this increase in the cost of latex and, as a result, during much of 2011, our margins on the sale of latex balloons decreased. The price of natural latex has declined since its high in 2011 to an average rate during 2012 of approximately $3.94 resulting in improved gross margins on latex balloons during 2012. However, the price of natural latex remains volatile and changes in the cost of latex to us may have a material effect on our gross margins for latex balloon products in the future.

Many of the foil balloons we produce and sell are intended to be filled with helium in order to be buoyant. Over the past year, the price of helium has increased substantially and the availability of helium has declined. In some cases, certain of our customers have been unable to obtain a consistent supply of helium for their balloon products. We believe that the lack of availability, and the increase in the cost, of helium has affected our sales of foil balloon products and may adversely affect our sales of foil balloons in the future. We do monitor the market and sources of supply for helium, however, and we do believe it is likely that helium will become more generally available for use with balloon products within the next 12 to 18 months.

Information Technology Systems

Our corporate headquarters in Lake Barrington, Illinois and our warehouse / customer service facility in Lake Zurich, Illinois are serviced by PC-based local area networks. We interconnect the facilities via redundant voice and data services. Access to the network is available to all appropriate employees and is secured through nine Microsoft servers running Active Directory authentication. The network allows us to leverage printing resources, create shared file areas for cross-departmental functions and allows for a single source backup of critical business files. On the network we run Macola financial system software. Macola is a modular software system. We presently use the general ledger, order entry, inventory management, purchase order, manufacturing costing, controls and inventory controls, electronic data exchange and custom report writing modules of that system. Internal and external employee communications are handled by industry standard Microsoft Exchange email, allowing us to communicate with customers and vendors all over the world. We also provide secure, firewall protected, load balanced and redundant internet connections allowing employees to use e-mail, research issues, support customers and securely move data. Secure VPN connectivity is provided to our mobile and remote employees. A phone system located in Lake Barrington, and a phone system located in Lake Zurich, operate together to provide unified voice communications between both sites as well as for outside calls. These two phone systems are capable of operating independently should there be a failure at either site.

At each of our Mexico, England and Germany facilities, we operate server computers and local area networks, accessible to employees at those facilities. At each of those facilities, we operate separate integrated financial, order entry and inventory management systems.

Competition

The balloon and novelty industry is highly competitive, with numerous competitors. We believe there are presently five principal manufacturers of foil balloons whose products are sold in the United States including Anagram International, Inc., Pioneer Balloon Company, Convertidora International S.A. de C.V., and Betallic, LLC. Several companies market and sell foil balloons designed by them and manufactured by others for them.

We believe there are approximately five manufacturers of latex balloons whose products are sold in the United States and numerous others whose products are sold in other countries.

We also compete with other manufacturers of foil and latex balloons in Europe, Latin America and Asia.

The market for films, packaging, flexible containers and custom products is fragmented, and competition in this area is difficult to gauge. However, there are numerous participants in this market and the Company can expect to experience intense quality and price competition. The market for consumer storage bags and pouches exceeds $4 billion in sales and includes a number of major company participants. Vacuumable pouches represent a small component of this large market.

Many of the companies in these markets offer products and services that are the same or similar to those offered by us and our ability to compete depends on many factors within and outside our control. There are a number of well-established competitors in each of our product lines, several of which possess substantially greater financial, marketing and technical resources and have established extensive, direct and indirect channels of distribution for their products and services. As a result, such competitors may be able to respond more quickly to new developments and changes in customer requirements, or devote greater resources to the development, promotion and sale of their products and services than we can. Competitive pressures include, among other things, price competition, new designs and product development and copyright licensing.

Patents, Trademarks and Copyrights

We have developed or acquired a number of intellectual property rights which we believe are significant to our business.

Copyright Licenses. We maintain licenses on certain popular characters and designs for our balloon products. We presently maintain a number of licenses and produce balloon designs utilizing the characters or designs covered by the licenses. Licenses are generally maintained for a one or two-year term.

Trademarks. We own 8 registered trademarks in the United States relating to our balloon products. Many of these trademarks are registered in foreign countries, principally in the European Union.

Patent Rights. We own, or have license rights under, or have applied for, patents related to our balloon products, certain film products and certain flexible container products. These include (i) ownership of two patents, relating to self-sealing valves for foil balloons and methods of making balloons with such valves, (ii) several foil balloon design patents, (iii) patents and applications related to the design and structure of, and method of, inserting and affixing, zipper-closure systems in a bag, (iv) patents related to one-way valves for pouches, (v) a patent related to methods of embossing film and utilizing such film to produce pouches with fitments, and (vi) patent applications related to vacuumable storage bags with fitments.

Research and Development

We maintain a product development and research department of eight individuals for the development or identification of new products, product components and sources of supply. Research and development includes (i) creative product development and design, (ii) creative marketing, and (iii) engineering development. During each of the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, we estimate that the total amount spent on research and development activities was approximately $516,000 and $728,000, respectively.

Employees

As of December 31, 2012, the Company had 104 full-time employees in the United States, of whom 20 are executive or supervisory, 4 are in sales, 61 are in manufacturing or warehouse functions and 19 are clerical. As of that same date, we had 28 full-time employees in England, of whom 3 are executive or supervisory, 5 are in sales, 18 are in warehousing and 2 are clerical. At Flexo Universal, our Mexico subsidiary, as of December 31, 2012, we had 263 full-time employees, of whom 5 are executive or supervisory, 3 are in sales, 246 are in manufacturing and 9 are clerical. As of December 31, 2012, the Company had 5 full-time employees in Germany, of whom one is executive or supervisory, 2 are in warehousing, one is clerical, and one in sales. The Company is not a party to any collective bargaining agreement in the United States has not experienced any work stoppages and believes that its relationship with its employees is satisfactory.

Regulatory Matters

Our manufacturing operations in the United States are subject to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Act ("OSHA"). We believe we are in material compliance with OSHA. The Company generates liquid, gaseous and solid waste materials in its operations in Lake Barrington, Illinois and the generation, emission or disposal of such waste materials are, or may be, subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations regarding the generation, emission or disposal of waste materials. We believe we are in material compliance with applicable environmental rules and regulations. Several states have enacted laws limiting or restricting the release of helium filled foil balloons. We do not believe such legislation will have any material effect on our operations.

International Operations

We sell balloon products in a number of countries outside of the United States. Our facility and personnel in Rugby, England handle the sales of these products in the United Kingdom. Our facility and personnel in Guadalajara, Mexico handle the sales of these products in Mexico and Latin America. Our facility and personnel in Heusenstamm, Germany handle the sales of these products in the European Union other than in the United Kingdom. In other countries, we sell balloon products through distributors located in those countries. We conduct production, packaging, warehousing and sales operations in Mexico. We conduct warehousing and sales operations in the United Kingdom and Germany. We rely, and are dependent, on our operations in Mexico for the supply of latex balloons in the United States, Mexico, Europe and other markets. Interruption of that supply would have a materially adverse effect on the business of the Company.

Our domestic and international sales to outside customers and assets by area over the period 2011-2012 have been as follows:

Item No. 1B – Unresolved Staff Comments

As of the filing of this Annual report on Form 10-K, we had no unresolved comments from the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission that were received not less than 180 days before the end of our 2012 fiscal year.

Item No. 2 – Properties

We own our principal plant and offices located in Lake Barrington, Illinois, approximately 45 miles northwest of Chicago, Illinois. The facility includes approximately 75,000 square feet of office, manufacturing and warehouse space. This facility is subject to a mortgage loan with an initial principal of $2,300,000 as of April 29, 2010, having a term of approximately 7 years, with payments amortized over 25 years. Balance due on July 18, 2017 of $1,664,000.

In October 2011, we entered into a lease agreement, expiring on December 31, 2012, to rent approximately 30,000 square feet of warehouse space in Elgin, Illinois at a cost of $20,000 per month. We have since vacated the premises.

In May 2012, we entered into a lease agreement, expiring on March 31, 2013 to rent approximately 23,000 square feet of warehouse space in Cary, Illinois at a cost of 10,000 per month.

In September 2012, we entered into a lease agreement, expiring on February 28, 2017 to rent approximately 117,000 square feet of warehouse and office space in Lake Zurich, Illinois at a cost per month as follows:

In December 2011, CTI Balloons, Ltd. entered into a 3-year lease agreement for approximately 9,000 square feet of office and warehouse space in Rugby, England at a cost of $5,000 per month. This facility is utilized to warehouse balloon products and to manage and service the Company's operations in England.

In August 2011, Flexo Universal entered into a 5-year lease agreement, expiring July 31, 2016, for the lease of approximately 73,000 square feet of manufacturing, warehouse and office space in Guadalajara, Mexico at a cost of $30,000 per month.

In September 2010, CTI Europe GmbH entered into a 3-year lease agreement for a facility located in Heusenstamm, Germany located approximately 15 miles from Frankfurt International Airport. The facility includes approximately 3,000 square feet of office and warehouse space at a cost of $2,000 per month.

We believe that our properties have been adequately maintained, are in generally good condition and are suitable for our business as presently conducted. We believe our existing facilities provide sufficient production capacity for our present needs and for our presently anticipated needs in the foreseeable future. We also believe that, with respect to leased properties, upon the expiration of our current leases, we will be able to either secure renewal terms or to enter into leases for alternative locations at market terms.

Item No. 3 – Legal Proceedings

The Company may be party to certain lawsuits or claims arising in the normal course of business. The ultimate outcome of these matters is unknown but, in the opinion of management, we do not believe any of these proceedings will have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect upon our financial condition, cash flows or future results of operation.

PART II

Item No. 5 – Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Market Information

The Company's Common Stock was admitted to trading on the NASDAQ SmallCap Market (now the NASDAQ Capital Market) under the symbol CTIB on November 5, 1997.

The high and low sales prices for the last eight fiscal quarters according to the NASDAQ Stock Market's Stock Price History Report, were:

As of December 31, 2012 there were approximately 38 holders of record of the Company’s Common Stock. The Company’s total number of beneficial owners of common stock of the Company is approximately 570.

During 2011, the Company declared and paid dividends of five cents ($0.05) per share on the Company’s outstanding common stock to shareholders of record on July 18, 2011. The total amount of the dividends paid on July 28, 2011 was $158,000. Under the terms of the Company’s current loan agreements, the amount of dividends is limited by the terms of the financial covenants.

Item No. 7 – Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Overview

The Company produces film products for novelty, packaging and container and custom product applications. These products include foil balloons, latex balloons and related latex toy products, films for packaging applications, flexible containers for packaging and storage applications and custom film products. We produce all of our film products for packaging and container applications at our facilities in Lake Barrington, Illinois. We produce all of our latex balloons and latex products at our facility in Guadalajara, Mexico. Substantially all of our film products for packaging applications and flexible containers for packaging and storage are sold to customers in the United States. We market and sell our novelty items – principally foil balloons and latex balloons – in the United States, Mexico, the United Kingdom and a number of additional countries.

Our revenues from each of our product categories in each of the past two years have been as follows:

Our primary expenses include the cost of products sold and selling, general and administrative expenses.

Cost of products sold primarily consists of expenses related to raw materials, labor, quality control and overhead expenses such as supervisory labor, depreciation, utilities expense and facilities expense directly associated with production of our products, as well as shipping costs relating to the shipment of products to customers. Cost of products sold is impacted by the cost of the raw materials used in our products, the cost of shipping, along with our efficiency in managing the production of our products.

Selling, general and administrative expenses include the compensation and benefits paid to our employees, all other selling expenses, marketing, promotional expenses, travel and other corporate administrative expenses. These other corporate administrative expenses include professional fees, depreciation of equipment and facilities utilized in administration, occupancy costs, communication costs and other similar operating expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses can be affected by a number of factors, including staffing levels and the cost of providing competitive salaries and benefits, the cost of regulatory compliance and other administrative costs.

Purchases by a limited number of customers represent a significant portion of our total revenues. In 2012, sales to our top 10 customers represented 64.7% of net revenues. During 2012, there was one customer to whom our sales represented more than 10% of net revenues. Our principal customer sales for 2012 and 2011 were:

The loss of one or more of these principal customers, or a significant reduction in purchases by one or more of them, could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Except as previously described (see page 9), we generally do not have agreements with our customers under which customers are obligated to purchase any specific or minimum amount of product from us.

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth selected results of our operations expressed as a percentage of net sales for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011. Our results of operations for the periods described below are not necessarily indicative of results of operations for future periods.

Year Ended December 31, 2012 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2011

Net Sales

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, consolidated net sales from the sale of all products were $49,543,000 compared to consolidated net sales of $47,171,000 for the year ended December 31, 2011, an increase of 5.0%.

Sales of foil balloons were $21,443,000 in 2011 and $22,296,000 in 2012, an increase of 4.0%. Of our total foil balloon sales in 2012, $12,481,000 were to Dollar Tree. The remaining sales were made to over 500 customers including distributors and retail stores or chains in the United States, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Europe and Latin America. Sales to these other customers increased from $8,278,000 in 2011 to $9,815,000 in 2012.

Sales of latex balloons were $10,202,000 in 2011 and $11,129,000 in 2012, an increase of 9.1%. The increase is attributable to an increase in latex sales to a variety of customers in the United States, Mexico and Latin America.

Sales of pouch products were $8,311,000 in 2011 and $9,475,000 in 2012, an increase of 14.0%. Virtually all of our pouch sales in 2011 and 2012 have been of vacuumable pouches in two categories: (i) zippered pouches and (ii) open-top pouches or rolls. For the 2012 and 2011, sales of pouch products in these categories have been as follows:

As the chart indicates above, our sales of open-top pouches and rolls increased from $3,606,000 in 2011 to $5,576,000 in 2012. These sales amounts for 2012 include sales of vacuum sealing machines as well as of the open-top pouches and rolls. Also, while most of the sales shown 2012 relate to sales of our branded line, they also include some sales of our Universal or private label lines of pouches.

Sales of film products were $6,259,000 in 2011 and $4,913,000 in 2012, a decrease of 21.5%. This decrease includes a decrease in sales to Rapak, L.L.C. of $1,340,000. In addition to Rapak, film sales included sales to 12 other customers.

Cost of Sales

Cost of sales decreased from 80.5% of sales in 2011 to 78.0% of sales in 2012. Several factors affected this improvement in our margin rates: (i) the cost of certain raw materials declined in 2012 compared to 2011, principally latex; in 2011 our average cost per kilo of latex was $5.07; in 2012, the average cost per kilo was $3.94; in addition, we enjoyed some decline in the cost of polyethylene in this period; (ii) our mix of products sold changed, particularly a decline in the sale of laminated films and an increase in the sale of pouches and, (iii) the increase in the volume of sales of foil balloons and pouches produced resulted in a decline in the unit cost of those items.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses increased from $5,279,000 in 2011 or 11.2% of net sales to $6,357,000 or 12.8% of net sales in 2012. The increase in general and administrative expenses is attributable to (i) an increase in salary expense in the U.S. of $203,000, (ii) an increase in legal expenses of $66,000, (iii) an increase in travel expenses of $40,000, (iv) an increase in administrative expenses at Flexo Universal of $388,000, (v) an increase in administrative expenses at CTI Europe of $100,000, and (vi) an increase in administrative expenses of $51,000 at CTI Balloons.

Selling

Selling expenses increased from $911,000 or 1.9% of sales in 2011 to $1,721,000 or 3.5% of sales in 2012. The increase in selling expenses is attributable principally to (i) an increase in salary expense of $167,000, (ii) an increase in travel expenses of $70,000, (iii) an increase in outside services of $442,000, (iv) an increase in engineering and testing services related to the vacuum sealer machines of $73,000 and (v) an increase in royalty expenses of $94,000. The increase in services expense relates to personnel, facilities and operating cost of a consulting and services firm which provided services to us in connection with planning, start-up, sourcing, marketing and selling activities for our line of branded vacuum machines and pouches.

Advertising and Marketing

Advertising and marketing expenses increased from $1,579,000 or 3.3% of sales in 2011 to $1,769,000 or 3.6% of sales in 2012. The increase in advertising and marketing expense is attributable to (i) an increase in commission expense of $180,000 related to the sale of pouch products and (ii) an increase in artwork and films for creative designs of $86,000.

Other Income or Expense

During 2012, we incurred net interest expense of $991,000 compared to net interest expense of $773,000 during 2011. The increase in interest expense is attributable to interest accrued on a Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement among the Company and BMO Private Equity (U.S.), Inc. (“BMO Equity”) under which BMO Equity loaned the sum of $5 million to the Company in July, 2012.

During 2012, we realized a foreign currency gain in the amount of $295,000 compared to foreign currency gain in 2011 of $38,000.

Net Income or Loss

During 2012, we had net income of $102,000 on a consolidated basis compared to net income of $484,000 in 2011.

Income Taxes

In 2012, the Company recognized income tax expense, on a consolidated basis, of $46,000. This income tax expense is composed of an income tax benefit in the United States of $113,000, an income tax expense realized by CTI Balloons, our United Kingdom subsidiary, in the amount of $42,000, an income tax benefit realized by CTI Europe, our Germany subsidiary, in the amount of $126,000 and an income tax expense by Flexo Universal, our Mexico subsidiary, in the amount of $243,000. In 2011, the Company recognized income tax expense, on a consolidated basis, of $319,000. This income tax expense is composed of an income tax expense in the United States of $244,000, an income tax benefit realized by CTI Balloons, our United Kingdom subsidiary, in the amount of $54,000, an income tax benefit realized by CTI Europe, our Germany subsidiary, in the amount of $156,000 and an income tax expense by Flexo Universal, our Mexico subsidiary, in the amount of $285,000.

Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flow Provided by Operating Activities During fiscal 2012, cash used in operating activities amounted to $2,100,000, compared to cash flow provided by operating activities during fiscal 2011 of $818,000. Significant changes in working capital items affecting cash flow provided by operating activities were:

We anticipate an increase in net inventory and in accounts receivable during 2013 in amounts aggregating approximately $2 million.

Cash Used in Investing Activities During fiscal 2012, cash used in investing activities amounted to $1,212,000 compared to cash used in investing activities during fiscal 2011 of $1,107,000. Cash used in investing activities was principally for maintenance expenditures and for the purchase of production equipment. We anticipate that cash used in investing activities during 2013 will be approximately the same as in 2012.

Cash Provided by Financing Activities During fiscal 2012, cash provided by financing activities amounted to $3,305,000, compared to cash used in financing activities of $135,000 during fiscal 2011. During 2012, financing activities included proceeds from issuance of long-term debt of $5,006,000, repayment of long-term debt of $854,000 and reduction of the amount outstanding under our revolving line of credit by $1,055,000.

On April 29, 2010, we entered into a Credit Agreement and associated documents with Harris N.A. , now BMO Harris Bank, N.A. (“BMO Harris”) under which BMO Harris agreed to extend to the Company a credit facility in the aggregate amount of $14,417,000. The facility included (i) a Revolving Credit providing for maximum advances to the Company, and letters of credit, based upon the level of availability measured by levels of eligible receivables and inventory of the Company of $9,000,000, (ii) an Equipment Loan of up to $2,500,000 providing for loans for the purchase of equipment, (iii) a Mortgage Loan of $2,333,350, and (iv) a Term Loan in the amount of $583,333. The amount we can borrow on the Revolving Credit includes 85% of eligible accounts and 60% of eligible inventory (up to a maximum of $9,000,000). The Mortgage Loan is amortized over a term of 25 years. The maturity date of the facility was April 30, 2013.

Certain terms of the loan agreement, as amended, include:

The loan agreement provides for interest at varying rates in excess of the prime rate, depending on the level of senior debt to EBITDA over time. The initial interest rate under the loan was 4.00% per annum. On a quarterly basis, this ratio will be measured and the interest rate changed in accordance to the table below.

At December 31, 2012 the Company was paying the premium of 0.75% over prime.

On July 1, 2011, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement with BMO Capital Markets with respect to $6,780,000 of our loan balances with BMO Harris. This swap agreement limits the Company’s exposure to interest rate fluctuations on the Company’s floating rate loans. The swap agreement has the effect of fixing the interest rate on the loan balances covered by the swap at 4.65% per annum. The swap agreement has not been designated as a hedge for accounting purposes and we determine and record the fair value of the swap agreement each quarter. This value is recorded on the balance sheet of the Company and the amount of the unrealized gain or loss for each period is recorded as interest income or expense on the statement of operations.

On July 17, 2012, the Company entered into Amendment Number 3 to the Credit Agreement among the Company and BMO Harris pursuant to which (i) the amount of the loan commitment on the revolver loan of BMO Harris was increased from $9 million to $12 million, (ii) BMO Harris consented to a transaction among the Company and BMO Equity and (iii) the term of credit and loans to the Company provided in the Credit Agreement and BMO Harris was extended to July 17, 2017.

Also, on July 17, 2012, the Company entered into a Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement with BMO Equity pursuant to which (i) BMO Equity advanced to the Company the sum of $5 million and (ii) the Company issued to BMO Equity a warrant to purchase up to Four Percent (4%) of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company on a fully-diluted basis (140,048 shares of common stock of the Company) at the price of One Cent ($0.01) per share. The term of the loan provided for in this Agreement is five and a half years. Interest is payable on the outstanding balance of the loan at the rate of 11.5% per annum.

The Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement includes provisions for:

Management believes that the funds provided by this new financing arrangement as well as internally generated funds will be sufficient for the Company to meet its working capital needs for at least the next 12 months.

As of December 31, 2012, the Company was not in compliance with two financial covenants provided in the Loan Agreement and one in the Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement. BMO Harris and BMO Equity have each executed waivers of such non-compliance by the Company.

Current Assets. As of December 31, 2012, the total current assets of the Company were $27,130,000, compared to total current assets of $23,301,000 at December 31, 2011. The change in current assets reflects, principally, (i) an increase in net inventories of $2,475,000, (ii) an increase in accounts receivable of $682,000, (iii) an increase in the net deferred income tax asset of $86,000, and (iv) an increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets of $573,000.

Current Liabilities. Total current liabilities decreased from $17,689,000 as of December 31, 2011 to $16,963,000 as of December 31, 2012. Accrued other liabilities includes $154,000 in payroll accruals. Changes in current liabilities included: (i) a decrease in $651,000 in trade payables, (ii) a decrease of the line of credit of $1,044,000, and (iii) an increase in accrued and other liabilities in the amount of $915,000.

Liquidity and Capital Resources; Working Capital. As of December 31, 2012, our current assets exceeded our current liabilities by $10,166,000, we had cash and cash equivalents of $351,000 and there was available under our line of credit up to $3,600,000 in additional funds. Management believes that these available funds, our internally generated funds and the borrowing capacity under our revolving line of credit facility will be sufficient to meet working capital requirements for the remainder of 2013.

CTI Industries Corporation Stockholders’ Equity. Stockholders’ equity was $12,243,000 as of December 31, 2012 compared to $11,861,000 as of December 31, 2011.

Seasonality

In the foil balloon product line, sales have historically been seasonal with approximately 40% occurring in the period from December through March of the succeeding year and 24% being generated in the period July through October in recent years. The sale of latex balloons, pouches and laminated film products have not historically been seasonal, and as sales in these products lines have increased as a percentage of total sales, the seasonality of the Company's total net sales has decreased.

Critical Accounting Policies

The financial statements of the Company are based on the selection and application of significant accounting policies which require management to make various estimates and assumptions. The following are some of the more critical judgment areas in the application of our accounting policies that currently affect our financial condition and results of operation.

Revenue Recognition. Substantially all of the Company's revenues are derived from the sale of products. With respect to the sale of products, revenue from a transaction is recognized when (i) a definitive arrangement exists for the sale of the product, (ii) delivery of the product has occurred, (iii) the price to the buyer has been fixed or is determinable, and (iv) collectibility is reasonably assured. The Company generally recognizes revenue for the sale of products when the products have been shipped and invoiced. In some cases, product is provided on consignment to customers. In those cases, revenue is recognized when the customer reports a sale of the product.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. We estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts based on an analysis of specific accounts, an analysis of historical trends, payment and write-off histories. Our credit risks are continually reviewed and management believes that adequate provisions have been made for doubtful accounts. However, unexpected changes in the financial condition of customers or changes in the state of the economy could result in write-offs which exceed estimates and negatively impact our financial results.

Inventory Valuation. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using standard costs which approximate costing determined on a first-in, first out basis. Standard costs are reviewed and adjusted at the time of introduction of a new product or design, periodically and at year-end based on actual direct and indirect production costs. On a periodic basis, the Company reviews its inventory levels for estimated obsolescence or unmarketable items, in reference to future demand requirements and shelf life of the products. As of December 31, 2012, the Company had established a reserve for obsolescence, marketability or excess quantities with respect to inventory in the aggregate amount of $636,000. As of December 31, 2011, the amount of the reserve was $384,000. In addition, on a periodic basis, the Company disposes of inventory deemed to be obsolete or unsaleable and, at such time, records an expense for the value of such inventory. We record freight income as a component of net sales and record freight costs as a component of cost of goods sold.

Valuation of Long-Lived Assets. We evaluate whether events or circumstances have occurred which indicate that the carrying amounts of long-lived assets (principally property and equipment and goodwill) may be impaired or not recoverable. Significant factors which may trigger an impairment review include: changes in business strategy, market conditions, the manner of use of an asset, underperformance relative to historical or expected future operating results, and negative industry or economic trends. We apply the provisions of GAAP USA under which goodwill is evaluated at least annually for impairment. We conducted a qualitative assessment of our goodwill in our Mexico subsidiary for the year ended December 31, 2012 and 2011. We performed a quantitative assessment for the year ended December 31, 2011 in which we considered the assets and liabilities of the subsidiary, both recognized and unrecognized, as well as the cash flows necessary to operate the business relating to the assets and liabilities. From this quantitative assessment and from the qualitative assessment for December 31, 2012, we determined the fair value of the subsidiary exceeds the carrying amount initially recorded on December 31, 2006, and were therefore not impaired.

Foreign Currency Translation. All balance sheet accounts are translated using the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Statements of operations amounts are translated using the average exchange rates for the year-to-date periods. The gains and losses resulting from the changes in exchange rates during the period have been reported in other comprehensive income or loss, except that, on November 30, 2012, the Company determined that it does have an expectation of receiving payment with respect to indebtedness of Flexo to the Company, and accordingly, as and after that date foreign currency gains and losses with respect to such indebtedness will be reported in the statement of operations.

Stock-Based Compensation. We follow GAAP USA which requires all stock-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the consolidated financial statements based on their grant-date fair values.

We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of stock options which requires us to estimate certain key assumptions. In accordance with the application of GAAP USA, we incurred employee stock-based compensation cost of $95,000 for the year ended December 31, 2012. At December 31, 2012, we had $224,000 of unrecognized compensation cost relating to stock options.

Income Taxes and Deferred Tax Assets. Income taxes are accounted for as prescribed in GAAP USA. Under the asset and liability method of GAAP USA, the Company recognizes the amount of income taxes currently payable. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities, and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years these temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.

As of December 31, 2012, the Company had a net deferred tax asset of $1,382,000 representing the amount the Company may recover in future years from future taxable income. As of December 31, 2011, the amount of the net deferred tax asset was $957,000. Each quarter and year-end, management makes a judgment to determine the extent to which the deferred tax asset will be recovered from future taxable income. Management reduced the valuation allowance related to the deferred tax asset to zero in 2010.

Fair Value Measurements

In September 2006, the FASB issued GAAP USA which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, establishes a fair value hierarchy based on the quality of inputs used to measure fair value and enhances disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. GAAP USA clarifies that fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. GAAP USA also requires that a fair value measurement reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability based upon the best information available. In February 2008, the FASB issued guidance now codified in GAAP USA which provides for delayed application of certain guidance related to non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually).

In February 2007, the FASB issued GAAP USA which permits companies to choose to measure certain financial instruments and other items at fair value. The standard requires that unrealized gains and losses are reported in earnings for items measured using the fair value option. GAAP USA was effective for us on January 1, 2008. We did not elect the fair value option for any assets or liabilities that were not previously carried at fair value. Accordingly, the adoption of GAAP USA had no impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In October 2008, the FASB issued clarification to GAAP USA which clarifies the application of GAAP USA in a market that is not active, and addresses application issues such as the use of internal assumptions when relevant observable data does not exist, the use of observable market information when the market is not active, and the use of market quotes when assessing the relevance of observable and unobservable data. GAAP USA is effective for all periods presented. The adoption of GAAP USA did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Reclassifications and Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements

As of January 1, 2009 we adopted a new generally accepted accounting principle related to noncontrolling interest in the consolidated financial statements that required retrospective application, in which all periods presented reflect the necessary changes.

Item No. 7A – Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures Regarding Market Risk

Not applicable.

Item No. 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Reference is made to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Part IV hereof.

Item No. 9 – Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

Item No. 9A – Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act, we conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2012, the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure as of December 31, 2012. There were no material changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of 2012 that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal controls over financial reporting.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of assets; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of the management and the Board; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of Company assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Our management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. This evaluation included review of the documentation of controls, evaluation of the design effectiveness of controls, testing of the operation effectiveness of controls and a conclusion on this evaluation. Although there are inherent limitations in the effectiveness of any system of internal controls over financial reporting, based on our evaluation, management has concluded our internal controls over financial reporting were effective as of December 31, 2012.

This annual report does not include an attestation report of the company’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the company’s registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the company to provide only management’s report in this annual report.

Item 9B – Other Information

None

PART III

Item No. 10 – Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

Information called for by Item 9 of Part III is incorporated by reference to the definitive Proxy Statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders which is expected to be filed with the Commission within 120 days after December 31, 2012.

Item No. 11 – Executive Compensation

Information called for by Item 10 of Part III is incorporated by reference to the definitive Proxy Statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders which is expected to be filed with the Commission within 120 days after December 31, 2012.

Item No. 12 – Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

Information called for by Item 11 of Part III is incorporated by reference to the definitive Proxy Statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders which is expected to be filed with the Commission within 120 days after December 31, 2012.

Item No. 13 – Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

Information called for by Item 12 of Part III is incorporated by reference to the definitive Proxy Statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders which is expected to be filed with the Commission within 120 days after December 31, 2012.

Item No. 14 – Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Information called for by Item 13 of Part III is incorporated by reference to the definitive Proxy Statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders which is expected to be filed with the Commission within 120 days after December 31, 2012.

PART IV

Item No. 15 – Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

Schedule II Valuation and qualifying accounts

All other financial schedules are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and therefore have been omitted.

SIGNATURES

In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act the Registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized on April 15, 2013.

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

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit

Number Document

CTI Industries Corporation

and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Financial Statements

Years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011

Contents

All other schedules for which a provision is made in the applicable accounting regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and, therefore, have been omitted.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To The Board of Directors and Stockholders of

CTI Industries Corporation and Subsidiaries

Lake Barrington, IL

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of CTI Industries Corporation and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012, and the related consolidated statements of comprehensive income, stockholder’s equity and cash flows for the year then ended December 31, 2012. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position CTI Industries Corporation and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the year then ended December 31, 2012, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, the related consolidated financial statement schedule for the year ended December 31, 2012, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

/s/ Plante & Moran, PLLC

Chicago, Illinois

April 15, 2013

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

CTI Industries Corporation

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of CTI Industries Corporation and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2011, and the related consolidated statement of comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the year then ended. Our audit also included the financial statement schedule for the year ended December 31, 2011 listed in the Index at item 15(a). These consolidated financial statements and consolidated schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and consolidated schedule 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 consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company has determined that it is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements, assessing the accounting 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 consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of CTI Industries Corporation and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2011, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ Blackman Kallick, LLP

Chicago, Illinois

March 29, 2012

CTI Industries Corporation and Subsidiaries      

Consolidated Balance Sheets

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

CTI Industries Corporation and Subsidiaries    

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income    

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

CTI Industries Corporation and Subsidiaries      

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity

CTI Industries Corporation and Subsidiaries    

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows