Sono-Tek (SOTK) - 2025 Q4 - Annual Report

Financial Performance - Net sales reached a record $20.5 million, up 4$19.7 million in fiscal 2024, driven by strong shipments to the Alternative/Clean Energy Market[129]. - Gross profit decreased by 1% to $9.74 million, with a gross margin of 47.5$1.01 million, down from $1.20 million in fiscal 2024, attributed to lower gross profit and higher operating expenses[129]. - Net income was approximately$1.3 million, a decrease from $1.4 million in fiscal 2024, reflecting lower gross profit and increased operating expenses[129]. - The backlog of equipment and service-related orders was$8.67 million, down 6.6% from the prior year-end record high of $9.28 million[129]. - Sales in the Alternative/Clean Energy market surged 64$9.84 million, driven by production-scale system shipments to the solar market[141]. - U.S. and Canada sales increased by 15% to $12.51 million, supported by the delivery of five high Average Selling Price systems totaling$3.85 million[142]. - Research and product development expenses decreased by 6% to $2.72 million, due to reduced salaries and reallocation of labor expenses[143][144]. - Total operating expenses rose slightly by 1$8.73 million, with general and administrative expenses increasing by 12%[143]. - Operating income decreased by $172,000 or 15$1,010,000 in fiscal 2025 compared to $1,182,000 in the prior fiscal year[152]. - Net income decreased by$168,000 or 12%, to $1,273,000 for fiscal 2025 compared to$1,441,000 for the prior fiscal year[155]. Market and Sales Dynamics - In fiscal 2025, 39% of total sales were generated from international markets, amounting to approximately $7,998,000, down from 45$8,822,000 in fiscal 2024[24][35]. - Approximately 39% of sales originated outside the U.S. and Canada, highlighting the company's geographic diversity[131]. - The company expects to derive a substantial portion of sales from outside the U.S., indicating reliance on global economic conditions[47]. - The company is exposed to risks related to international sales, including tariffs and trade wars, which could significantly impact revenue[75]. - Changes in United States trade policy, including tariffs, may adversely impact the company's business and results of operations[44]. - Customers or suppliers experiencing cash flow problems may modify, delay, or cancel purchase plans, adversely affecting sales and earnings[48]. Operational Challenges - The company has not faced significant issues with raw material availability, managing inventory through lean manufacturing processes[29][30]. - The company has faced challenges in the supply of various materials and components, particularly electronic components, due to global supply chain shortages[73]. - The company has encountered difficulties in obtaining adequate supplies of components and raw materials, which could negatively affect profit margins[72]. - A tightening labor market could lead to increased costs and negatively affect project completion and operational efficiency[51]. - The company may rely on subcontractors to meet current demand, and any loss of these services could materially affect operations[74]. - Inflationary pressures have risen sharply since late 2021, with expectations of elevated rates throughout 2025, potentially impacting the company's liquidity and overall cost structure[80]. Strategic Initiatives - The company has invested significantly in expanding its product portfolio and market reach, leveraging its core ultrasonic coating technology[12][15]. - Sono-Tek's ultrasonic coating technology is utilized across various industries, including microelectronics, medical devices, and alternative energy, enhancing product performance and process efficiency[12][20]. - Sono-Tek's application consulting services support customers in optimizing their coating processes, enhancing customer relationships and satisfaction[23]. - The company plans to focus on rapid growth, including organic growth and possible acquisitions, which may strain resources[53]. - The ability to protect intellectual property rights is crucial for competitive advantage, but challenges exist in enforcement[54]. - The company faces competition from larger firms with greater resources, which could impact market share and revenue growth[63]. - Rapid technological changes may render existing products obsolete, necessitating timely and cost-effective responses[64]. - Development of new products and systems requires significant investment, and lack of market acceptance could adversely affect business[68]. Governance and Management - The company has a strong balance sheet with no debt, providing financial flexibility for growth and development opportunities[26]. - The company has a staggered board structure, with terms for certain directors running until the annual meeting in 2026, ensuring continuity in governance[182]. - The company has a strong focus on corporate governance, with no family relationships among directors and officers, ensuring independence[188]. - The Audit Committee, chaired by Eric Haskell, CPA, is responsible for selecting an independent public accountant and reviewing material accounting items affecting the consolidated financial statements[185]. - The Compensation Committee, led by Carol O'Donnell, oversees executive compensation and ensures compliance with NASDAQ's independent director requirements[186]. - Dr. Adeniyi Lawal, appointed as a Director in April 2024, brings extensive experience in renewable energy and has directed multi-million dollar projects funded by the Department of Energy[202]. - Eric Haskell's experience in acquisitions and divestitures provides valuable insights for the company's growth strategies[199]. Financial Management - The company has adopted a Stock Repurchase Plan allowing for open market purchases of up to $2,000,000 of its common stock[101]. - The company has not paid any cash dividends on its common stock since inception, indicating a focus on retaining earnings for business use[123]. - The company has no current plan to pay dividends, which may lead to investors losing their entire investment[105]. - The company's internal control over financial reporting must be effective to maintain investor confidence; any material weaknesses could negatively impact stock price and liquidity[84]. - Cash and cash equivalents increased by$3,067,000 to $5,202,000 at February 28, 2025, compared to$2,135,000 at February 29, 2024[157]. - Working capital increased by $1,378,000 to$13,501,000 at February 28, 2025, from $12,123,000 at February 29, 2024[156]. - Stockholders' equity increased by$1,513,000 from $16,279,000 at February 29, 2024, to$17,792,000 at February 28, 2025[158]. - Accounts receivable increased by $877,000 in fiscal 2025, primarily due to a large number of sales occurring in the fourth quarter[160]. - Interest and dividend income decreased by$41,000 to $489,000 for fiscal 2025 compared to$530,000 for the prior fiscal year[153]. - Income tax expense decreased to $261,000 for fiscal 2025 from$303,000 in the prior fiscal year, due to a decrease in income before income taxes[154]. Employee Relations - The company has maintained a good relationship with its 79 full-time and 10 part-time employees as of February 28, 2025[37]. - The company anticipates the need to hire additional qualified personnel to support business expansion, which may not be feasible[50]. Cybersecurity - The company is implementing cybersecurity measures to protect its operations and financial results[115]. Stock Market and Investor Relations - The market price of the company's common stock has been volatile, influenced by factors beyond its control[98]. - The company faces risks from potential activist shareholders that could disrupt its business and affect stock price[111].