DULUTH, Minn., April 29, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- IKONICS Corporation (Nasdaq:IKNX), a Duluth-based imaging technology company (“IKONICS” or the “Company”), announced its first quarter 2021 earnings. Net Sales were $3,073,000 compared to $3,497,000 in 2020, a decline of 12.1%. IKONICS realized a net loss of $322,000, or $0.16 per diluted share, a 45.1% improvement over the $587,000 net loss, or $0.30 per diluted share, for the same quarter of 2020.

Glenn Sandgren, IKONICS CEO, noted, “The overall performance of IKONICS continues to trend upwards, comparing very favorably to the prior year.   Our served markets are rapidly reopening, and our major strategic initiatives are progressing well.”

Key Points:

• IKONICS quarterly performance is cyclical, and the first quarter is traditionally the most challenging. It is encouraging that 2021 first quarter results have improved due to cost reduction efforts versus the prior year quarter, despite a 12.1% sales decrease for the period.  
  
  
• Imaging sales are strengthening as awards customers reopen and IKONART® sales continue to outperform, driven by a compelling social media presence.
  
  
• Chromaline sales were driven by strong international demand, and early reopening in North America. Division sales were down compared to the prior year, but division income almost doubled.
  
  
• Multiple large mold makers are evaluating our IIS DualPrint™ mold texturing mask making system, with very positive feedback.
  
  
• Pressure has continued to be put on the AMS Division from the aerospace industry slowdown. However, frequency of new business inquiries has returned to pre-Covid levels and the legacy customer order rate during the first quarter was improved over the second half of last year.
  
  
• On April 1, 2021, IKONICS paid off its $2.7 million real estate loan, leaving the Company with only working capital related liabilities. Company liquidity remains strong based on cash on hand in addition to the $2.1 million available line of credit.
  
  
• Supply chains are under pressure from weather events and logistical challenges. Currently, no long-term impact is expected.
  

Sandgren said in closing, “Opportunities abound as the world reopens, and IKONICS is well positioned to make the most of them as they arise. We are excited about IKONICS improving prospects for the remainder of the year.”

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding sales, gross profits, net earnings, balance sheet position, supply chain, new products, new business initiatives, customer behavior and market trends that involve risks and uncertainties. The Company's actual results could differ materially as a result of domestic and global economic conditions, downturns in the aerospace or automotive industries, unexpected production delays by customers using the Company’s products, supply chain disruptions, competitive market conditions, changes in consumer preferences, inability to commercialize technologies the Company is developing on the anticipated timeline or at all, acceptance of new products the Company offers, introduction of new products or technologies by competitors, unexpected capital expenditure requirements, delays in completing planned expansions, the ability to control operating costs without impacting growth as well as the factors described in the Company's Forms 10-K, and 10-Q, and other reports on file with the SEC.