TRIO-TECH INTERNATIONAL - Annual Report: 2023 (Form 10-K)

TRIO-TECH INTERNATIONAL

PART I

ITEM 1 – BUSINESS (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PERCENTAGES AND SHARE AMOUNTS)

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

The business and activities of Trio-Tech International, a California corporation (the “Company”) discussed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “Annual Report”) and in other past and future reports and announcements by the Company may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and assumptions regarding future activities and results of operations of the Company. In light of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the Company:

In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “potential,” “believes,” “can impact,” “continue,” or the negative thereof or other comparable terminology.

Unless otherwise required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events, changed circumstances, or the occurrence of unanticipated events. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.

General

Trio-Tech International was incorporated in 1958 under the laws of the State of California. As used herein, the term “Trio-Tech”, the “Company”, “we”, “us” or the “Registrant” includes Trio-Tech International and its subsidiaries unless the context otherwise indicates. The mailing address and executive offices are located at Block 1008 Toa Payoh North, Unit 03-09 Singapore 318996, Singapore, and the telephone number is (65) 6265-3300.

We make available through our website, free of charge, our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements and any amendments to those reports or statements filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The SEC also maintains an internet site at www.sec.gov that contains such reports and statements that have been filed electronically with the SEC by the Company. Additional information about Trio-Tech is available on our website at www.triotech.com.

During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023(“Fiscal 2023”), the Company operated its business in four segments: manufacturing, testing services, distribution, and real estate. Geographically, the Company operates in the United States (“U.S.”), Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and China.

The Company’s major customers are concentrated in Asia and are either semiconductor chip manufacturers or testing facilities who rely on the Company to verify that their semiconductor components meet or exceed the rigorous reliability standards demanded for automotive electronics, industrial electronics, computing and data storage, consumer electronics, and communication markets. The Company acts as a global one-stop solution for its customers by designing and building reliability test solutions and offering comprehensive equipment services and testing services through its manufacturing facilities and testing laboratories in Asia and the U.S. For information relating to revenue, profit and loss and total assets for each of the segments, see Note 18 - Business Segments contained in the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report.

Company History – Certain Highlights for the Five Fiscal Years Ended June 30, 2023

Overall Business Strategies

Our core business is and historically has been in the semiconductor industry, including manufacturing of test equipment (“Manufacturing”), testing services (“Testing”) and distribution of test and other semiconductor equipment and electronic components (“Distribution”). Revenue from the semiconductor industry accounted for 99.9% of our total revenue for the years ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The semiconductor industry has experienced periods of rapid growth, but has also experienced downturns, often in connection with, or in anticipation of, maturing product cycles of both semiconductor companies’ and their customers’ products and decline in general economic conditions. To reduce our risks associated with sole industry focus and customer concentration, we continue to put effort into expanding its line of businesses.

To achieve our strategic plan for our semiconductor business, we believe that we must pursue and win new business in the following areas:

• Primary markets – Capturing additional market share within our primary markets by offering superior products and services to address the needs of our major customers.

• Growing markets – Expanding our geographic reach in areas of the world with significant growth potential.

• New markets – Developing new products and technologies that serve wholly new markets.

• Complementary strategic relationships – Through complementary acquisitions or similar arrangements, we believe we can expand our markets and strengthen our competitive position. As part of our growth strategy, the Company continues to selectively assess opportunities to develop strategic relationships, including acquisitions, investments and joint development projects with key partners and other businesses.

Business Segments

Manufacturing

Trio-Tech International (“TTI”) develops and manufactures an extensive range of test equipment used in the “front-end” and the “back-end” manufacturing processes of semiconductors. Our equipment includes leak detectors, autoclaves, centrifuges, burn-in systems and boards, HAST testers, temperature-controlled chucks, and more. We also act as an extended development team of Integrated Device Manufacturers (“IDMs”) and Fabless semiconductor companies in the testing process with our expert technical skills, especially in the New Product Introduction (“NPI”) process.

Testing

TTI provides comprehensive electrical, environmental, and burn-in testing services to semiconductor manufacturers in our testing laboratories in Asia and the U.S. Our customers include both manufacturers and end users of semiconductors and electronic components who look to us when they decide to outsource their testing process. We also support the asset-light strategy of our customers by setting up test facilities and providing component level, package level and system level testing services with expert technology that improves the productivity of our customers. The independent tests are performed to industry and customer specific standards.

Distribution

In addition to marketing our proprietary products, we distribute complementary products made by manufacturers around the world. The products include environmental chambers, mechanical shock and vibration testers, and other semiconductor equipment. We also distribute a wide range of components such as connectors, sockets, cables, LCD displays and touch screen panels. We act as value-added resellers by enhancing the value of the distributed products by customizing each to the needs of our customers through our expert engineering, integration, and sub-assembly services. We also support our customers as their extended research & development arm in product design, leveraging the expert skills of our component engineers and design engineers.

Real Estate

Our real estate segment generates rental income and investment income from real estate investments made in Chongqing, China.

Product Research and Development

We focus our research and development activities on improving and enhancing both product design and process technology. We conduct product and system research and development activities for our products in Singapore and the U.S. Research and development expense was $397 and $375 for the years ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Marketing, Distribution and Services

We market our products and services worldwide, directly and through independent sales representatives and our own marketing sales team. We have approximately five independent sales representatives operating in the U.S. and another twenty in foreign countries. All sales representatives represented the testing services and manufacturing segments for products and services produced and provided from our facilities in different locations.

Customer Concentration

During the years ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, combined sales of equipment and services to our three largest customers accounted for approximately 59.4% and 65.9%, respectively, of our total net revenue. Of those sales, $14,595 (33.5%) and $17,780 (40.3%) of our total net revenue were from one major customer for the years ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Although the major customer is a U.S. company, the revenue generated from it was from facilities located outside of the U.S. The majority of our sales and services in the years ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 were made or provided to customers outside of the U.S.

Backlog

*Real estate backlog represents the rental income from a non-cancellable lease.

Based on our past experience, we do not anticipate any significant cancellations or renegotiation of sales. The purchase orders for the manufacturing, testing services and distribution businesses generally require delivery within 12 months from the date of the purchase order and certain costs are incurred before delivery. In the event of a cancellation of a confirmed purchase order, we require our customers to reimburse us for all costs incurred. We do not anticipate any difficulties in meeting delivery schedules. For testing services, purchase orders are provided only during the process of delivery. Hence, the backlog is based on estimates provided by our customers and not based on a customer’s purchase order.

Materials and Supplies

Our products are designed by our engineers and are assembled and tested at our facilities in the U.S., China and Singapore. We purchase all parts and certain components from outside vendors for assembly purposes. We have no written contracts with any of our key suppliers. As these parts and components are available from a variety of sources, we believe that the loss of any one of our suppliers would not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations taken as a whole.

Competition

Our ability to compete is dependent on our ability to develop, introduce and sell new products, or enhanced versions of existing products, on a timely basis and at competitive prices, while reducing our costs.

Manufacturing Segment

The principal competitive factors in the manufacturing industry include product performance, reliability, service and technical support, product improvements, price, established relationships with customers and product familiarity. Although we have competitors for our various products, we believe that our products compete favorably with respect to each of the above factors. We have been in business for more than 60 years which has helped us to establish and nurture long-term relationships with customers.

Testing Segment

There are numerous testing laboratories located in the areas where we operate that perform testing similar to the testing that we offer. However, due to such competition in the industry, there has been a reduction in the total number of competitors in Asia. The existence of competing laboratories and the purchase of testing equipment by semiconductor manufacturers and users are potential threats to our future testing services revenue and earnings. Although these laboratories and competitors may challenge us at any time, we believe that other factors, including reputation, a long service history and strong customer relationships are instrumental in both maintaining and strengthening our position in the market.

Distribution Segment

Our distribution segment sells a wide range of components and semiconductor equipment. While the semiconductor equipment industry is highly competitive, we offer the advantage of a one-stop service alternative for customers by complementing our products with design consultancy and other value-added services.

Patents

During the years ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, we did not register any patents within the U.S.

It is typical in the semiconductor industry to receive notices from time to time, alleging infringement of patents or other intellectual property rights of others. We do not believe that we infringe on the intellectual property rights of any others. However, should any claims be brought against us, the cost of litigating such claims and any damages could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Employees

As of June 30, 2023, we had approximately 573 full-time employees and no part-time employees. Geographically, approximately 8 full-time employees were located in the U.S. and approximately 565 full-time employees in Asia. None of our employees are represented by a labor union.

There were approximately 56 employees in the manufacturing segment, 481 employees in the testing services segment, 3 employees in the distribution segment, 3 employees in the real estate segment and 30 employees in general administration, logistics and others as of June 30, 2023.

ITEM 1A – RISK FACTORS

As a smaller reporting company as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, we are not required to provide the information required by this item.

ITEM 1B – UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

Not applicable.

ITEM 2 – PROPERTIES

As of the date of filing of this Form 10-K, we believe that our existing facilities are adequate and suitable to cover any sudden increase in our needs in the foreseeable future.

The following table presents the relevant information regarding the location and general character of our principal manufacturing and testing facilities:

ITEM 3 – LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company is, from time to time, the subject of litigation claims and assessments arising out of matters occurring in its normal business operations. In the opinion of management, resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements.

There are no material proceedings to which any director, officer or affiliate of the Company, any beneficial owner of more than five percent of the Company’s common stock, or any associate of such person, is a party that is adverse to the Company or its properties.

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

Shares of the Company’s common stock, no par value (“Common Stock”), are traded on the NYSE American exchange under the symbol “TRT.”

As of September 1, 2023, there were 4,096,680 shares of our Common Stock issued and outstanding, and the Company had approximately 55 record holders of Common Stock. The number of record holders does not include the number of persons whose stock is in nominee or “street name” accounts through brokers.

Dividend Policy

We did not declare any cash dividends during the years ended June 30, 2023 or June 30, 2022.

The determination as to whether to pay any future cash dividends will depend upon our earnings and financial position at that time and other factors as the Board of Directors may deem appropriate. In general, California law prohibits the payment of dividends unless the corporation’s retained earnings prior to the dividend equals or exceeds the dividend or, immediately after payment of the dividends, the corporation’s assets would equal or exceed its total liabilities. There is no assurance that dividends will be paid to holders of Common Stock in the foreseeable future.

ITEM 6 – [Reserved]

ITEM 7 – MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PERCENTAGES AND SHARE AMOUNTS)

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our disclaimer on “Forward-Looking Statements,” “Item 1. Business,” and our Consolidated Financial Statements, the notes to those statements and other financial information contained elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (this “Annual Report”). For purposes of this Management’s Discussion and Analysis within this Annual Report, all monetary amounts are stated in thousands except for par values and per share amounts, unless otherwise stated.

During the years ended June 30, 2023 (“Fiscal 2023”) and June 30, 2022 (“Fiscal 2022”), Trio-Tech International operated in four segments: Manufacturing, Testing, Distribution, and Real Estate as defined below. During Fiscal 2023, revenue from the Manufacturing, Testing, Distribution, and Real Estate segments represented 32.0%, 53.4%, 14.5% and 0.1% of our revenue, respectively, as compared to 30.7%, 44.2%, 25.0% and 0.1% respectively, during Fiscal 2022.

Overview

Our core business is and historically has been in the semiconductor industry, including manufacturing of test equipment (“Manufacturing”), testing services (“Testing”) and distribution of test and other semiconductor equipment and electronic components (“Distribution”). TTI develops and manufactures an extensive range of test equipment used in the “front-end” and the “back-end” manufacturing processes of semiconductors. Our equipment includes leak detectors, autoclaves, centrifuges, burn-in systems and boards, HAST testers, temperature-controlled chucks, and more. TTI provides comprehensive electrical, environmental, and burn-in testing services to semiconductor manufacturers in our testing laboratories.

In addition to marketing our proprietary products, we distribute complementary products made by manufacturers around the world. We act as value-added resellers by enhancing the value of the distributed products by customizing them to the needs of our customers through our expert engineering, integration, and sub-assembly services. We also support our customers as their extended research  and development arm in product design, leveraging the expert skills of our component engineers and design engineers.

Revenue from the semiconductor industry accounted for more than 99.9% of our total revenue for the years ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Our real estate segment generates rental income and investment income from real estate investments made in Chongqing, China. No other investment income was recorded as revenue by the Real Estate segment in either Fiscal 2023 or Fiscal 2022.

Fiscal 2023 Highlights

The highlights above are intended to identify certain of the Company’s significant events and transactions during Fiscal 2023. These highlights are not intended to be a full discussion of our results for the year, and should be read in conjunction with the discussion of these items in Item 7 and with our consolidated financial statements and footnotes accompanying this Annual Report.

General Financial Information

Total assets as of June 30, 2023 were $42,186 a decrease of $1,235, or 2.8%, compared to $43,421 as of June 30, 2022. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in cash and cash equivalents, trade account receivables, other receivables, inventories, prepaid expenses and other current assets, operating lease right-of-use assets deferred tax assets, other assets, investment properties and property, plant and equipment. The decrease was partially offset by an increase in short-term deposits, assets held for sale and restricted term deposits.

Cash and cash equivalents as of June 30, 2023 were $7,583, a decrease of $115, or 1.5%, compared to $7,698 at June 30, 2022, primarily due to the placement of fixed deposits.

Short-term deposits and restricted term deposits as of June 30, 2023 were $9,082, an increase of $1,984, or 28% compared to $7,098 at June 30, 2022. The increase was primarily attributed to the new placement of fixed deposits in the Singapore operation.

Trade account receivables as of June 30, 2023 was $9,804, representing an decrease of $1,788 or 15.4%, compared to $11,592 as of June 30, 2022. The reduction corresponds to the decline in sales during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2023 when compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022. The number of days’ sales outstanding in account receivables was 82 days and 81 days for the years ended June 30, 2023, and 2022 respectively.

As of June 30, 2023, other receivables were $939 a slight decrease of $59, or 5.9%, compared to $998 as of June 30, 2022.

Inventories as of June 30, 2023 were $2,151, a decrease of $107, or 4.7%, compared to $2,258 as of June 30, 2022, mainly due to currency translation effect. The number of days’ inventory held was 73 days at the end of Fiscal 2023, compared to 58 days at the end of Fiscal 2022.

Prepaid expenses as of June 30, 2023 were $694, a decrease of $521 from $1,215 as of June 30, 2022. The decrease was attributable to the asset capitalization of down payments made for the purchase of equipment in the China operation.

Investment properties in China as of June 30, 2023 were $474, a decrease of $111 from $585 as of June 30, 2022. The decrease was attributable to the depreciation charged for the year.

Property, plant and equipment as of June 30, 2023 was $8,344, a decrease of $137 compared to $8,481 as of June 30, 2022. This was mainly due to depreciation charged for the year and the foreign currency exchange movement between Fiscal 2023 and Fiscal 2022. The decrease was partially offset by the new acquisition of property, plant and equipment in the Singapore, Malaysia, China and Thailand operations.

Other assets as of June 30, 2023 were $116, a decrease of $21, or 15.3%, compared to $137 as of June 30, 2022.

Total liabilities as of June 30, 2023 were $12,615, a decrease of $2,804, or 18.2%, compared to $15,419 as of June 30, 2022. The decrease in liabilities was primarily due to a decrease in lines of credits, accounts payable, accrued expense, income tax payable, operating leases, bank loans payable and finance lease, partially offset by an increase in deferred tax liabilities and other non-current liabilities.

Lines of credit as of June 30, 2023 decreased by $929 to $0 as of June 30, 2023. The decrease in lines of credit was due to repayment of lines of credit in the Singapore operation during the year ended June 30, 2023.

Accounts payable as of June 30, 2023 decreased by $741, or 30.9% to $1,660 from $2,401 as of June 30, 2022. The decrease in accounts payable is in line with the reduction in related cost of goods sold in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023.

Accrued expense as of June 30, 2023 decreased by $436, or 7.3% to $5,568 from $6,004 as of June 30, 2022. The decrease was mainly due to a decrease in payroll and related expenses and sales tax.

Income tax payable as of June 30, 2023 decreased by $251 to $673 from $924 as of June 30, 2022. The decrease was mainly due to lower taxable profit in Fiscal 2023.

Bank loans payable decreased by $392 to $1,352 as of June 30, 2023, as compared to $1,744 as of June 30, 2022. The decrease was due to the repayments made in the Malaysia operation.

Finance leases decreased by $88 to $149 as of June 30, 2023, as compared to $237 as of June 30, 2022. The decrease was due to the repayments made in the Singapore and Malaysia operations.

Other non-current liabilities increased by $566 to $594 as of June 30,2023, as compared to $28 as of June 30, 2022. The increase was mainly due to an increase in accruals relating to acquisition of property, plant and equipment in the China operations where the payments term is more than 12 months.

Operating lease right-of-use assets and the corresponding lease liabilities decreased by $543 to $2,609 as of June 30, 2023, as compared to $3,152 as of June 30, 2022. This was due to the repayment made and the operating lease expense charged for the period. The decrease was partially offset by additional cost and liabilities created by renewal of lease agreements during the period.

Uncertainties and Remedies

There are several influencing factors which create uncertainties when forecasting performance, such as the changing nature of technology, specific customer requirements, decline in demand for certain types of burn-in devices or equipment, decline in demand for testing services and fabrication services, and other factors. One factor that influences uncertainty is the highly competitive nature of the semiconductor industry. Additionally, certain customers are unable to provide a forecast of the products required in the upcoming weeks, rendering it, difficult to plan adequate resources needed to meet these customers’ requirements as a result of short lead time and last-minute order confirmation. This will normally result in a lower margin for these products as it is often more expensive to purchase materials in a short time frame. However, the Company has taken certain actions and formulated certain plans to deal with and to help mitigate these unpredictable factors. For example, in order to meet manufacturing customers’ demands upon short notice, the Company maintains higher inventories but continues to work closely with its customers to avoid stockpiling. We believe that we have improved customer service through our efforts to keep our staff up to date on the newest technology, and stressing the importance of understanding and meeting the stringent requirements of our customers. Finally, the Company is exploring new markets and products, looking for new customers, and upgrading and improving burn-in technology while at the same time searching for improved testing methods for higher technology chips.

The Company’s primary exposure to movements in foreign currency exchange rates relates to non-U.S. dollar-denominated sales and operating expense in its subsidiaries. Strengthening of the United States dollar (“U.S. Dollar”) relative to foreign currencies adversely affects the U.S. Dollar value of the Company’s foreign currency-denominated sales and earnings, and generally leads the Company to raise international pricing, potentially reducing demand for the Company’s products. Margins on sales of the Company’s products in foreign countries and on sales of products that include components obtained from foreign suppliers could be materially adversely affected by foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. In some circumstances, for competitive or other reasons, the Company may decide not to raise local prices to fully offset the U.S. Dollar’s strengthening, or at all, which would adversely affect the U.S. Dollar value of the Company’s foreign currency-denominated sales and earnings. Conversely, a strengthening of foreign currencies relative to the U.S. Dollar, while generally beneficial to the Company’s foreign currency denominated sales and earnings, could cause the Company to reduce international pricing, thereby limiting the benefit. Additionally, strengthening of foreign currencies may also increase the Company’s cost of product components denominated in those currencies, thus adversely affecting gross margins.

As of June 2023, although we have seen improvements in both our operations and those of our suppliers, we may continue to experience supply shortages as well as inflationary cost pressures in at least the near term. Risks and uncertainties related to supply chain challenges, and inflationary pressures may continue to negatively impact our revenue and gross margin. We continue to monitor and evaluate the business impact to react proactively.

On August 9, 2022, the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 (CHIPS Act) was enacted in the United States. The CHIPS Act will provide financial incentives to the semiconductor industry which are primarily directed at manufacturing activities within the United States. We continue to evaluate the business impact and potential opportunities related to the CHIPS Act. As of date, we do not see any direct effect of the CHIPS Act on the Company in the foreseeable future.

We sell our products and services worldwide, and our business is subject to risks inherent in conducting business activities in geographic regions outside of the United States. Periods of macroeconomic weakness or recession and heightened market volatility caused by adverse geopolitical developments could increase these risks, potentially resulting in adverse impacts on our business operations. We expect the sales of products for delivery outside of the United States will continue to represent a substantial portion of our future net sales. Our future performance will depend significantly upon our ability to continue to compete in foreign markets which in turn will depend, in part, upon a continuation of current trade relations between the United States and foreign countries in which semiconductor manufactures or assemblers have operations.

Critical Accounting Estimates & Policies

The discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition presented in this section are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. During the preparation of the consolidated financial statements, we are required to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expense, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and judgments, including those related to sales, returns, pricing concessions, bad debts, inventories, investments, fixed assets, intangible assets, income taxes and other impairments. Due to the events listed above, there has been uncertainty and disruption in the global economy and financial markets. These estimates and assumptions may change as new events occur and additional information is obtained. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

In response to the SEC’s Release No. 33-8040, Cautionary Advice Regarding Disclosure about Critical Accounting Policy, we have identified the most critical accounting policies upon which our financial statements depends. We determined that those critical accounting policies are related to the inventory valuation; allowance for doubtful accounts; revenue recognition; impairment of property, plant and equipment; investment properties and income tax. These accounting policies are discussed in the relevant sections in this management’s discussion and analysis, including the Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements discussed below.

Account Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

During the normal course of business, we extend unsecured credit to our customers in all segments. Typically, credit terms require payment to be made between 30 to 90 days from the date of the sale. We generally do not require collateral from customers. We maintain our cash accounts at credit-worthy financial institutions.

The Company’s management considers the following factors when determining the collectability of specific customer accounts: customer creditworthiness, past transaction history with the customer, current economic industry trends, and changes in customer payment terms. The Company includes any account balances that are determined to be uncollectible, along with a general reserve, in the overall allowance for doubtful accounts. After all attempts to collect a receivable have failed, the receivable is written off against the allowance. Based on the information available to management, the Company believed that its allowance for doubtful accounts was adequate as of June 30, 2023.

Inventory Valuation

Inventories of our manufacturing and distribution segments, consisting principally of raw materials, works in progress, and finished goods, are stated at the lower of cost, using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method. The semiconductor industry is characterized by rapid technological change, short-term customer commitments and swiftly changing demand. Provisions for estimated excess and obsolete inventory are based on regular reviews of inventory quantities on hand and the latest forecasts of product demand and production requirements from our customers. Inventories are written down for not-saleable, excess or obsolete raw materials, works-in-process and finished goods by charging such write-downs to cost of sales. In addition to write-downs based on newly introduced parts, statistics and judgments are used for assessing provisions of the remaining inventory based on saleability and obsolescence.

Property, Plant and Equipment & Investment Properties

Property, plant and equipment and investment properties are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is provided for over the estimated useful lives of the assets using the straight-line method. Amortization of leasehold improvements is provided for over the lease terms or the estimated useful lives of the assets, whichever is shorter, using the straight-line method.

Maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are charged directly to expense as incurred. Additions and improvements to property and equipment are capitalized. When assets are disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation thereon are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is included in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income or loss.

Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions

The United States dollar (“U.S. dollar”) is the functional currency of the U.S. parent company. The Singapore dollar, the national currency of Singapore, is the primary currency of the economic environment in which the operations in Singapore are conducted. We also have business entities in Malaysia, Thailand, China and Indonesia, of which the Malaysian ringgit (“RM”), Thai baht, Chinese renminbi (“RMB”) and Indonesian rupiah are the national currencies. The Company uses the U.S. dollar for financial reporting purposes.

The Company translates assets and liabilities of its subsidiaries outside the U.S. into U.S. dollars using the rate of exchange prevailing at the balance sheet date, and the statement of operations is measured using average rates in effect for the reporting period. Adjustments resulting from the translation of the subsidiaries’ financial statements from foreign currencies into U.S. dollars are recorded in shareholders' equity as part of accumulated comprehensive income or loss translation adjustment. Gains or losses resulting from transactions denominated in currencies other than functional currencies of the Company’s subsidiaries are reflected in income for the reporting period.

Revenue Recognition

The Company follows Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC Topic 606”). This standard outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers.

We apply a five-step approach as defined in ASC Topic 606 in determining the amount and timing of revenue to be recognized: (1) identifying the contract with customer; (2) identifying the performance obligations in the contracts; (3) determining the transaction price; (4) allocating the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognizing revenue when the corresponding performance obligation is satisfied.

Revenue derived from testing services is recognized when testing services are rendered. Revenue generated from sale of products in the manufacturing and distribution segments are recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery of the products has occurred, customer acceptance has been obtained (which means the control has been transferred to the customer), the price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Certain customers can request for installation and training services to be performed for certain products sold in the manufacturing segment. These services are mainly for helping customers with the test runs of the machines sold and are considered a separate performance obligation. Such services can be provided by other entities as well, and these do not significantly modify the product. The Company recognizes the revenue at the point in time when the Company has satisfied its performance obligation.

In the real estate segment: (1) revenue from property development is earned and recognized on the earlier of the dates when the underlying property is sold or upon the maturity of the agreement; if this amount is uncollectible, the agreement empowers the repossession of the property, and (2) rental revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the respective leases. This means that, with respect to a particular lease, actual amounts billed in accordance with the lease during any given period may be higher or lower than the amount of rental revenue recognized for the period. Straight-line rental revenue is commenced when the tenant assumes possession of the leased premises. Accrued straight-line rents receivable represents the amount by which straight-line rental revenue exceeds rents currently billed in accordance with lease agreements.

Investment

The Company (a) evaluates the sufficiency of the total equity at risk, (b) reviews the voting rights and decision-making authority of the equity investment holders as a group, and whether there are any guaranteed returns, protection against losses, or capping of residual returns within the group and (c) establishes whether activities within the venture are on behalf of an investor with disproportionately few voting rights in making this Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”) determination. The Company would consolidate a venture that is determined to be a VIE if it was the primary beneficiary. Beginning January 1, 2010, a new accounting standard became effective and changed the method by which the primary beneficiary of a VIE is determined. Through a primarily qualitative approach, the variable interest holder, if any, who has the power to direct the VIE’s most significant activities is the primary beneficiary. To the extent that the investment does not qualify as VIE, the Company further assesses the existence of a controlling financial interest under a voting interest model to determine whether the venture should be consolidated.

Equity Method

The Company analyzes its investments in joint ventures to determine if the joint venture should be accounted for using the equity method. Management evaluates both Common Stock and in-substance Common Stock as to whether they give the Company the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies of the joint venture even though the Company holds less than 50% of the Common Stock and in-substance Common Stock. If so, the net income of the joint venture will be reported as “Equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures, net of tax” in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income or loss.

Cost Method

Investee companies not accounted for under the consolidation or the equity method of accounting are accounted for under the cost method of accounting. Under this method, the Company’s share of the earnings or losses of such investee companies is not included in the consolidated balance sheet or consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income or loss. However, impairment charges are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income or loss. If circumstances suggest that the value of the investee company has subsequently recovered, such recovery is not recorded.

Long-Lived Assets & Impairment

Our business requires heavy investment in manufacturing facilities and equipment that are technologically advanced but can quickly become significantly underutilized or rendered obsolete by rapid changes in demand. We have recorded intangible assets with finite lives related to our acquisitions.

We evaluate our long-lived assets with finite lives for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. Factors considered important that could result in an impairment review include significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results, significant changes in the manner of use of the assets or the strategy for our business, significant negative industry or economic trends, and a significant decline in our stock price for a sustained period of time. Impairment is recognized based on the difference between the fair value of the asset and its carrying value, and fair value is generally measured based on discounted cash flow analysis, if there is significant adverse change.

We have not identified any changes in circumstances requiring further impairment test in Fiscal 2023 except the phasing out of burn-in service contract with a customer in our Malaysia operation. In June 2023, our Malaysia operation received notification of termination of contract from a customer effective January 2024. In consideration of this impairment indicator, Management has performed further impairment test and concluded that the carrying amount of the primary assets used solely for servicing this customer is fully recoverable during the phase-out period until December 2023 and hence no specific impairment will be recognized in this regard as at 30th June 2023. We will continue to monitor impairment indicators, such as disposition activity, stock price declines or changes in forecasted cash flows in future periods. If the fair value of our reporting unit declines below the carrying value in the future, we may incur additional impairment charges.

Fair Value Measurements

Under the standard ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC Topic 820”), fair value refers to the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between participants in the market in which the reporting entity transacts its business. ASC Topic 820 clarifies the principle that fair value should be based on the assumptions market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. In support of this principle, ASC Topic 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the information used to develop those assumptions. Under the standard, fair value measurements would be separately disclosed by level within the fair value hierarchy.

Income Tax

We account for income taxes using the liability method in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 740, Accounting for Income Taxes (“ASC Topic 740”), which requires an entity to recognize deferred tax liabilities and assets. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequence attributable to the difference between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements, which will result in taxable or deductible amounts in future years. Further, the effects of enacted tax laws or rate changes are included as part of deferred tax expense or benefits in the period that covers the enactment date. Management believed it was more likely than not that the future benefits from these timing differences would not be realized. Accordingly, a valuation allowance was provided as of June 30, 2023 and 2022.

The calculation of tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex global tax regulations. We recognize potential liabilities for anticipated tax audit issues in the U.S. and other tax jurisdictions based on our estimate of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes will be due. If the estimate of tax liabilities proves to be less than the ultimate assessment, a further charge to expense would result.

Stock-Based Compensation

We calculate compensation expense related to stock option awards made to employees and directors based on the fair value of stock-based awards on the date of grant. We determine the grant date fair value of our stock option awards using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and for awards without performance condition, the related stock-based compensation is recognized over the period in which a participant is required to provide service in exchange for the stock-based award, which is generally four years. We recognize stock-based compensation expense in the consolidated statements of shareholders' equity based on awards ultimately expected to vest. Forfeitures are estimated on the date of grant and revised if actual or expected forfeiture activity differs materially from original estimates.

Determining the fair value of stock-based awards at the grant date requires significant judgment. The determination of the grant date fair value of stock-based awards using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model is affected by our estimated common stock fair value as well as other subjective assumptions including the expected term of the awards, the expected volatility over the expected term of the awards, expected dividend yield and risk-free interest rates. The assumptions used in our option-pricing model represent management’s best estimates and are as follows:

Non-controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements

ASC Topic 810, Consolidation (“ASC Topic 810”) establishes accounting and reporting standards for the non-controlling interest in a subsidiary. This guidance requires that non-controlling interests in subsidiaries be reported in the equity section of the controlling company’s balance sheet. It also changes the way the net income of the subsidiary is reported and disclosed in the controlling company’s income statement.

Loan Receivables

The loan receivables are classified as current assets carried at face value and are individually evaluated for impairment. The allowance for loan losses reflects management’s best estimate of probable losses determined principally on the basis of historical experience and specific allowances for known loan accounts. All loans or portions thereof deemed to be uncollectible or require an excessive collection cost are written off to the allowance for losses.

Interest Income

Interest income on loans is recognized on an accrual basis. Discounts and premiums on loans are amortized to income using the interest method over the remaining period to contractual maturity. The amortization of discounts into income is discontinued on loans that are contractually 90 days past due or when collection of interest appears doubtful.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2022, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2022-02 updating Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 326: Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings (“TDR") and Vintage Disclosures (“ASU 2022-02”), which require that an entity disclose current-period gross write-offs by year of origination for financing receivables and net investment in leases within the scope of Subtopic 326-20. The Company has completed its assessment and concluded that ASU 2022-02 has no significant impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06: Debt – Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivative and Hedging – Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40) ) (“ASU 2020-06”). ASU 2020-06 reduces the number of accounting models for convertible debt instruments and convertible preferred stock, as well as amends the guidance for the derivatives scope exception for contracts in an entity’s own equity to reduce form-over-substance-based accounting conclusions. In addition, ASU 2020-06 improves and amends the related EPS guidance. The amendments in ASU 2020-06 were effective for the Company for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, but no earlier than fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Adoption is either a modified retrospective method or a fully retrospective method of transition. The Company has completed its assessment and concluded that ASU 2020-06 update has no significant impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In June 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-13 ASC Topic 326: Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (“ASC Topic 326”) for the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Financial institutions and other organizations will now use forward-looking information to better inform their credit loss estimates. Many of the loss estimation techniques applied today will still be permitted, although the inputs to those techniques will change to reflect the full amount of expected credit losses. ASC Topic 326 is effective for the Company for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2022. The Company has completed its assessment and concluded that ASC Topic 326 has no significant impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Other new pronouncements issued but not yet effective until after June 30, 2023 are not expected to have a significant effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Comparison of Operating Results

The following table presents certain data from the consolidated statements of operating income as a percentage of net sales for Fiscal 2023 and 2022:

Revenue

Revenue is comprised of revenue from the Manufacturing, Testing, Distribution and Real Estate segments. The components of l revenue for Fiscal 2023 and 2022 were as follows:

Revenue during Fiscal 2023 was $43,250, a decrease of $815, or 1.8%, compared to $44,065 during Fiscal 2022. The decrease in revenue was primarily due to the decrease in sales from the distribution segments resulting from inventory corrections made by customers.

Manufacturing Segment

The Manufacturing segment accounted for 32.0% of revenue during Fiscal 2023, an increase of 1.3%, compared to 30.7% during Fiscal 2022. Revenue generated by the Manufacturing segment during Fiscal 2023 was $13,827, reflecting an increase of $301, or 2.2%, compared to $13,526 during Fiscal 2022. The increase in revenue generated by the Manufacturing segment was due to an increase in board sales in the Singapore operations.

Backlog in the Manufacturing segment was $8,056 as of June 30, 2023, representing an increase of $1,079 from $6,977 as of June 30, 2022. The increase is backlog is attributed to orders received in the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2023, as market demand for testing equipment shows signs of gradual recovery, following the weakening of the global semiconductor industry that began in 2023. These orders are expected to be fulfilled over the next four quarters of Fiscal 2024.

Testing Segment

Revenue generated by the Testing segment accounted for 53.4% of total revenue during Fiscal 2023, as compared to 44.2% during Fiscal 2022. Revenue generated by the Testing segment for Fiscal 2023 was $23,130, reflecting an increase of $3,653, or 18.8%, compared to $19,477 for Fiscal 2022. The increase is mainly attributed to the new subsidiary in China which was not fully operational in Fiscal 2022. The increase was partially offset by a drop in volume in Singapore and other China operations due to the lower demand resulting from weakening of global semiconductor industry.

Backlog in the Testing segment as of June 30, 2023 was $5,402, a decrease of $296, compared to $5,698 at June 30, 2022. The decrease in backlog was mainly from the China and Malaysia operations. Backlog is dependent on the estimated volume provided by customers, which is dependent on the customers’ inventory levels and demand.

Distribution Segment

Revenue generated by the Distribution segment during Fiscal 2023 accounted for 14.5% of total revenue, a decrease of 10.5% compared to 25% for Fiscal 2022. Revenue for Fiscal 2023 was $6,270, a decrease of $4,767, or 43.2%, compared to $11,037 for Fiscal 2022. The decrease in revenue in our Distribution segment was mainly due to inventory adjustments made by our end customers who are currently carrying excess inventory, due to which demand is decreased and deliveries are being pushed out to next fiscal year.

Backlog in the Distribution segment as of June 30, 2023 was $3,882, reflecting a decrease of $805 compared to the backlog of $4,687 at June 30, 2022. The decrease in backlog was mainly due to a decreased demand from customers. Equipment and electronic component sales are very competitive, as the products are readily available in the market. We believe that our competitive advantage in the distribution segment is that we act as value-added resellers by enhancing the value of the distributed products by customizing them to the needs of our customers through our expert design, engineering, integration, and sub-assembly services. We expect the demand for our products in the distribution segment to increase in Fiscal 2024 as compared to Fiscal 2023, aligned with the expected semiconductor industry rebounds in 2024.

Real Estate Segment

Revenue generated by the Real Estate segment was 0.1% of total revenue for each of the years ended June 30, 2023 and 2022. Revenue generated by the Real Estate segment for Fiscal 2023 was $23, a decrease of $2, or 8%, compared to $25 for Fiscal 2022. Our Real Estate segment saw a decrease in rental income due to the low occupancy rate in the MaoYe and FuLi properties due to slower post-pandemic recovery in China.

Backlog in the Real Estate segment as of June 30, 2023, was $97, a slight decrease of $4 as compared to $101 at June 30, 2022.

Gross Margin

Gross margin as a percentage of revenue was 27.1% in Fiscal 2023, an increase of 0.5% compared to 26.6% in Fiscal 2022. The increase in gross margin as a percentage of revenue was mainly attributable to the Testing segment. Overall gross profit for Fiscal 2023 was $11,705, a decrease of $28, or 0.2%, compared to $11,733 for Fiscal 2022. The decrease in the dollar value of the overall gross margin was mainly due to a decrease in overall sales.

Gross margin as a percentage of revenue in the Manufacturing segment was 23.4% in Fiscal 2023, a decrease of 1.6%, compared to 25% in Fiscal 2022. Gross profit for the Manufacturing segment in Fiscal 2023 was $3,240, a decrease of $139 or 4.1%, compared to $3,379 in Fiscal 2022. The decrease in gross margin was mainly due to higher lower-margin burn-in-board sales in our Singapore operations.

Gross margin as a percentage of revenue in the Testing segment was 32.3% in Fiscal 2023, a decrease of 1.2%, compared to 33.5% in Fiscal 2022. The decrease in gross profit margin as a percentage of revenue was primarily due to the lower volume in individual test laboratories in China and Malaysia, resulting from weaking of global semiconductor industry. Increased manpower costs and energy costs have a direct impact on the operating margin of the Testing segment. Gross profit in the Testing segment in Fiscal 2023 was $7,472, an increase of $955, or 14.6%, compared to $6,517 in Fiscal 2022 due to the additional sales contributed by the new subsidiary in China.

Gross margin as a percentage of revenue in the Distribution segment was 16.6% in Fiscal 2023, a decrease of 0.5%, compared to 17.1% in Fiscal 2022. Gross profit in the Distribution segment was $1,042, a decrease of $848, or 44.9%, compared to $1,890 in Fiscal 2022. The decrease in gross margin of the Distribution segment was mainly due to a decline in sales due to inventory adjustments made by our customers.

Gross loss in the Real Estate segment was $49 in Fiscal 2023, a decrease of $4 as compared to $53 in Fiscal 2022.

Operating Expense

Operating expense for the years ended June 30, 2023, and 2022 was as follows:

General and administrative expense was $8,403 in Fiscal 2023, an increase of $42 or 0.5%, compared to $8,361 in Fiscal 2022. The increase in general and administrative expense was mainly due to the administrative expense relating to the Company's new subsidiary Trio-Tech Jiangsu which was setup in the third quarter of Fiscal 2022 and became operational in the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2022. The increase was partially offset by a decrease in stock compensation costs and effective cost control in the China operations in response to reduced volume.

Selling expense increased by $27, or 4.2%, to $670 in Fiscal 2023, compared to $643 in Fiscal 2022. The increase in selling expense was primarily attributable to an increase in commission expense in the Singapore operations as a result of higher commissionable sales, and an increase in travel costs due to increased business travel in Fiscal 2023, compared to Fiscal 2022.

Profit from Operations

Profit from operations was $2,228 in Fiscal 2023, a decrease of $125, compared to profit from operations of $2,353 in Fiscal 2022. The decrease in profit from operations was mainly due to increased operating expenses as disclosed elsewhere in this Report .

Interest Expense

Interest expense for the years ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 was as follows:

Interest expense decreased by $17 to $105 in Fiscal 2023, compared to $122 in Fiscal 2022. The bank loan payable decreased by $392 to $1,352 in Fiscal 2023, as compared to $1,744 in Fiscal 2022.

Other Income

Other income for the years ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 was as follows:

Other income decreased by $489 to $106 for Fiscal 2023, compared to $595 for Fiscal 2022. The decrease was mainly a result of a negative foreign currency impact due to the strengthening of the Singapore dollars against U.S. Dollars in the second quarter of Fiscal 2023, and the absence of one-time commission income that was earned in Fiscal 2022. The decrease was partially offset by an increase in interest income due to higher interest rates on short term deposits in Fiscal 2023 compared to Fiscal 2022.

Government Grant

During Fiscal 2023, the Company received government grants amounting to $153, $107 of which was financial assistance received from the Singapore government.

During Fiscal 2022, the Company received government grants amounting to $228, $139 of which was financial assistance received from the Singapore and Malaysia governments amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Income Tax (Expense) / Benefits

Income tax expense for Fiscal 2023 was $622, representing a decrease of $135, as compared to income tax expense of $757 for Fiscal 2022. The decrease was primarily due to lower taxable income in Fiscal 2023 compared to Fiscal 2022.

At June 30, 2023, the Company had no federal net operating loss carry-forwards, and a state net operating loss carry-forward of $1,940, which expires in 2033. These carryovers may be subject to limitations under I.R.C. Section 382. In assessing the ability to realize the deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Based on these criteria, management believes it is more likely than not the Company will not realize the benefits of the federal, state, and foreign deductible differences. Accordingly, a valuation allowance has been established against deferred tax assets recorded in the US and various foreign jurisdictions.

(Loss) / Profit from Discontinued Operations

Loss from discontinued operations was $2 in Fiscal 2023, compared to profit from discontinued operations of $2 in Fiscal 2022. The Company discontinued its fabrication segment in Fiscal 2013.

Non-controlling Interest

As of June 30, 2023, the Company held an indirect 55% interest each in Trio-Tech (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. (“TTM”), Trio-Tech (Kuala Lumpur) Sdn. Bhd. (“TTKL”), 55% interest in SHI International Pte Ltd (“SHI”), 52% interest in PT SHI Indonesia (“PT SHI”) and PT SHI, 76% interest in Prestal Enterprise Sdn. Bhd. (“Prestal”) and an interest of 51% in Trio-Tech Jiangsu Co., Ltd. (“TTJS”). The non-controlling interest for Fiscal 2023, in the net profit of subsidiaries, was $214, a change of $310 compared to a non-controlling interest in the net loss of $96 for the previous fiscal year. The change in the non-controlling interest was primarily attributable to the net income generated by TTJS.

Net Income Attributable to Trio-Tech International Common Shareholders

Net income attributable to Trio-Tech International Common Shareholders for Fiscal 2023 was $1,544 compared to the net income attributable to Trio-Tech International Common Shareholders of $2,395 for Fiscal 2022.

Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share from continuing operations was $0.38 in Fiscal 2023, as compared to basic earnings per share of $0.61 in Fiscal 2022. Basic loss per share from discontinued operations was $nil for Fiscal 2023 and $0.01 for Fiscal 2022.

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations was $0.37 in Fiscal 2023, as compared to diluted earnings per share $0.57 in Fiscal 2022. Diluted earnings per share from discontinued operations was $nil for both Fiscal 2023 and 2022.

Segment Information

The revenue, gross margin and income / (loss) from each segment for the years ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 are presented below. As the segment revenue and gross margin for each segment has been discussed in previous sections, only the comparison of income / (loss) from operations is discussed below.

Manufacturing Segment

The revenue, gross margin and (loss) / income from operations for the Manufacturing segment for the years ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 were as follows:

Loss from operations in the Manufacturing segment was $58 in Fiscal 2023, a decrease of $333, as compared to an income from operation of $275 in Fiscal 2022. The decrease in net income was attributable to a decrease of gross margin of $137 and increase in the operating expense of $194. Operating expense was $3,298 and $3,104 for Fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively. The increase in operating expense was mainly due to an increase in selling expense of $126 and general and administrative expense of $226. The increase was partially offset by a decrease of $192 in corporate overhead compared to Fiscal 2022. The increase in selling expense was primarily due to an increase in travel expense as travel restriction eased and economic activities resumed and also increase of warranty expenses. The increase in general and administrative expense is attributable to higher payroll related expenses.

Testing Segment

The revenue, gross margin and income from operations for the Testing segment for the years ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 were as follows:

Income from operations in the Testing segment in Fiscal 2023 was $1,648, as compared to $1,313 in Fiscal 2022. The significant increase in operating profit was attributable to an increased gross profit of $955 attributed to the new subsidiary in China which was not yet fully operational in the same period of Fiscal 2022. Operating expense was $5,824 and $5,205 for Fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively. The increase of $620 in operating expense was mainly due to an increase of $359 in general and administrative expense and $320 in corporate overhead expense. The increase in general and administrative expense was mainly due to the new subsidiary in China operations as discussed earlier.

Distribution Segment

The revenue, gross margin and income from operations for the Distribution segment for the years ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 were as follows:

Income from operations in the Distribution segment was $816 in Fiscal 2023, as compared to $1,525 in Fiscal 2022. The decrease was mainly due to the decrease in gross margin of $848 and were partly offset by a decrease in operating expense. Operating expense was $224 and $363 for Fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively. The decrease of $139 in operating expense was mainly due to a decrease in general and administrative expenses and selling expenses. The decrease in selling expense was mainly due to lower commission expense as a result of a decrease in commissionable revenue in distribution segment.

Real Estate Segment

The revenue, gross margin and loss from operations for the Real Estate segment for the years ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 were as follows:

Loss from operations in the Real Estate segment was $98 in Fiscal 2023, as compared to $119 in Fiscal 2022. Operating expense was $49 and $67 in each of the years ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 respectively.

Corporate

The loss from operations for corporate for the years ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively:

In Fiscal 2023, corporate operating loss was $80, a change of $561, compared to $641 in Fiscal 2022. The significant fluctuation was mainly due to decreased stock option expenses and professional expenses in Fiscal 2023.

Liquidity

Net cash provided by operating activities increased by $5,987 to $8,110 for the year ended June 30, 2023, compared to $2,123 for the prior year. The increase in net cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to an increase in depreciation and amortization of $2,013, trade receivables receipts of $5,058, other receivables of $395, inventories of $482, and prepaid expenses and other current assets of $1,337 offset by a decrease in cash inflow from other assets of $402, an increase in payments for accounts payable and accrued expenses of $2,343, and income taxes payable of $673.

Net cash used in investing activities increased by $5,630 to an outflow of $6,074 for the year ended June 30, 2023, from $444 in the prior year. The increase in net cash used in investing activities was primarily due to an increase in outflow of $4,715 used for investments in unrestricted deposits and $3,030 used on additional property, plant and equipment. The increase was partially offset by increase in cash inflows of $2,037 from the withdrawal of unrestricted deposits.

Net cash used in financing activities for the year ended June 30, 2023, was $1,243, compared to an inflow of $911 during the prior year. Net cash used in financing activities increased mainly due to repayment of lines of credit availed in the prior year.

We believe that our projected cash flows from operations, borrowing availability under our revolving lines of credit, cash on hand, trade credit and the secured bank loans will provide the necessary financial resources to meet our projected cash requirements for at least the next 12 months. The Company filed a Shelf Registration Statement on Form S-3 on December 3, 2021, under which we may raise capital of US$10,000,000 from any combination of securities (common stock, warrants, debt securities or units) for business expansion and working capital purposes if necessary.

Capital Resources

Our working capital (defined as current assets minus current liabilities) has historically been generated primarily from the following sources: operating cash flow, availability under our revolving line of credit, and short-term loans. Working capital was $19,501 as of June 30, 2023, representing an increase of $2,228, or 12.9%, compared to working capital of $17,273 as of June 30, 2022. The increase in working capital was mainly due to increases in current assets, including short-term deposits, and restricted term deposits, and decreases in current liabilities, including lines of credit, accounts payable, income taxes payable, finance leases, and operating leases. Such fluctuations were partially offset by decreases in current assets, including cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts and other accounts receivable, inventories, prepaid expenses and other current assets, and finance sales receivable, and increases in current liabilities, including accrued and bank loans payable.

The majority of our capital expenditures are based on demands from our customers, as we are operating in a capital-intensive industry. Our capital expenditures were $4,584 and $1,468 for the years ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The capital expenditures in Fiscal 2023 were mainly in the Singapore, China, Malaysia and Thailand operations, which provide testing services to our customers. We financed our capital expenditures and other operating expense through operating cash flows and long-term debts.

Our credit rating provides us with ready and adequate access to funds in the global market. At June 30, 2023, the Company had certain lines of credit that are collateralized by restricted deposits.

As of June 30, 2022, the Company had certain lines of credit that are collateralized by restricted deposits.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not consider the Company to have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenue or expense, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

ITEM 7A – QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

As a smaller reporting company as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, we are not required to provide the information required by this item.

ITEM 8 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

The information called for by this item is included in the Company's consolidated financial statements beginning on page 27 of this Annual Report.

ITEM 9 – CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

ITEM 9A – CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

An evaluation was carried out by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer (the principal executive and principal financial officers, respectively, of the Company) of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of June 30, 2023, the end of the period covered by this Form 10-K. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of June 30, 2023.

Additionally, management has the responsibility for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company and thus also assessed the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting as of June 30, 2023. Management used the framework set forth in the report entitled “Internal Control – Integrated Framework” published by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013 to evaluate the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Internal control over financial reporting refers to the process designed by, or under the supervision of, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, and effected by our Board of Directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purpose in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and includes those policies and procedures that:

1. Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company;

2. 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 of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorization of management and directors of the Company; and

3. Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, and use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Internal control over financial reporting cannot provide absolute assurance of achieving financial reporting objectives because of its inherent limitations. Internal control over financial reporting is a process that involves human diligence and compliance and is subject to lapses in judgment and breakdowns resulting from human failures. Internal control over financial reporting also can be circumvented by collusion or improper management override. Because of such limitations, there is a risk that material misstatements may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis by internal control over financial reporting. However, these inherent limitations are known features of the financial reporting process. Therefore, it is possible to design into the process safeguards to reduce, though not eliminate, the risk.

Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting were effective as of June 30, 2023.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2023, which were identified in connection with management’s evaluation required by paragraph (d) of rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 under the Exchange Act, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B – OTHER INFORMATION

None.

ITEM 9C – DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS

Not applicable.

PART III

The information required by Items 10 through 14 of Part III of this Form 10-K (information regarding our directors and executive officers, executive compensation, security ownership of certain beneficial owners, management, related stockholder matters, and certain relationships and related transactions and principal accountant fees and services) is hereby incorporated by reference from the Company's Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of Fiscal 2023.

PART IV

ITEM 15 – EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a) (1 and 2)       FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES:

The following financial statements, including notes thereto and the independent auditors' report with respect thereto, are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10‑K, starting on page 34 hereof:

(b) The exhibits filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10K are set forth on the Exhibit Index immediately preceding such exhibits and are incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 16 – FORM 10-K SUMMARY

Not applicable.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Pursuant to the requirement of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacity and on the dates indicated.

EXHIBITS: 7

* Filed electronically herewith.

** Indicates management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements required to be filed as an exhibit to this report.

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

TRIO-TECH INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

AUDITED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT NUMBER OF SHARES)

See notes to consolidated financial statements. 

TRIO-TECH INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

AUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT EARNINGS PER SHARE)

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

TRIO-TECH INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(IN THOUSANDS)

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

TRIO-TECH INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

(IN THOUSANDS) 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

TRIO-TECH INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (IN THOUSANDS)

Restricted deposits represent the amount of cash pledged to secure loans payable or trade financing granted by financial institutions, serve as collateral for public utility agreements such as electricity and water, and performance bonds related to customs duty payable. Restricted deposits are classified as current and non-current depending on whether they relate to long-term or short-term obligations. Restricted deposits of $739 as at June 30, 2023 are classified as current assets as they relates to short-term trade financing. On the other hand, restricted deposits of $1,716 as at June 30, 2023 are classified as non-current assets as they relate to long-term obligations and will become unrestricted only upon discharge of the obligations.

TRIO-TECH INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2023 AND 2022

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT EARNINGS PER SHARE)         

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation - Trio-Tech International (the “Company” or “TTI” hereafter) was incorporated in fiscal 1958 under the laws of the State of California. TTI provides third-party semiconductor testing and burn-in services primarily through its laboratories in Southeast Asia. In addition, TTI operates manufacturing and testing facilities in the United States. The Company also designs, develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of equipment and systems used in the manufacturing and testing of semiconductor devices and electronic components. During the year ended June 30, 2023, TTI conducted business in four business segments: Manufacturing, Testing Services, Distribution and Real Estate. TTI has subsidiaries in the U.S., Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Ireland and China, as follows:

* 100% owned by Trio-Tech International Pte. Ltd.

The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“U.S. GAAP’’). The basis of accounting differs from that used in the statutory financial statements of the Company’s subsidiaries and equity investee companies, which are prepared in accordance with the accounting principles generally accepted in their respective countries of incorporation. In the opinion of management, the consolidated financial statements have reflected all costs incurred by the Company and its subsidiaries in operating the business.

All dollar amounts in the consolidated financial statements and in the notes herein are presented in thousands of United States dollars (US$’000) unless otherwise designated.

Liquidity — The Company earned net income attributable to common shareholders of $1,544 during the year ended June 30, 2023 (“Fiscal 2023”) and net income attributable to common shareholders of $2,395 during the year ended June 30, 2022 (“Fiscal 2022”), respectively.

The Company’s core businesses, testing services, manufacturing and distribution, operate in a volatile industry, where average selling prices and product costs are influenced by competitive factors. These factors create pressures on sales, costs, earnings and cash flows, which can impact liquidity.  

Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions — The U.S. dollar is the functional currency of the U.S. parent company. The Singapore dollar (“SGD”), the national currency of Singapore, is the primary currency of the economic environment in which the operations in Singapore are conducted. The Company also has business entities in Malaysia, Thailand, China and Indonesia of which the Malaysian ringgit (“RM”), Thai baht, Chinese renminbi (“RMB”) and Indonesian rupiah, are the national currencies. The Company uses the U.S. dollar for financial reporting purposes.

The Company translates assets and liabilities of its subsidiaries outside the U.S. into U.S. dollars using the rate of exchange prevailing at the fiscal year end, and the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income or loss is translated at average rates during the reporting period. Adjustments resulting from the translation of the subsidiaries’ financial statements from foreign currencies into U.S. dollars are recorded in shareholders' equity as part of accumulated other comprehensive gain - translation adjustments. Gains or losses resulting from transactions denominated in currencies other than functional currencies of the Company’s subsidiaries are reflected in income for the reporting period.

Use of Estimates — The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP 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 consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expense during the reporting period. Among the more significant estimates included in these consolidated financial statements are the estimated allowance for doubtful account receivables, reserve for obsolete inventory, reserve for warranty, impairments and the deferred income tax asset allowance. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates.

Revenue Recognition — The Company follows ASU No. 2014-09, ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC Topic 606”). This standard update outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers.

We apply a five-step approach as defined in ASC Topic 606 in determining the amount and timing of revenue to be recognized: (1) identifying the contract with customer; (2) identifying the performance obligations in the contracts; (3) determining the transaction price; (4) allocating the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognizing revenue when the corresponding performance obligation is satisfied.

Revenue derived from Testing is recognized when testing services are rendered. Revenue generated from sale of products in the Manufacturing and Distribution segments are recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery of the products has occurred, customer acceptance has been obtained (which means the control has been transferred to the customer), the price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Certain customers can request for installation and training services to be performed for certain products sold in the Manufacturing segment. These services are mainly for helping customers with the test runs of the machines sold and are considered a separate performance obligation. Such services can be provided by other entities as well and these do not significantly modify the product. The Company recognizes the revenue at a point in time when the Company has satisfied its performance obligation.

In the Real Estate segment: (1) revenue from property development is earned and recognized on the earlier of the dates when the underlying property is sold or upon the maturity of the agreement; if this amount is uncollectible, the agreement empowers the repossession of the property, and (2) rental revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the respective leases. This means that, with respect to a particular lease, actual amounts billed in accordance with the lease during any given period may be higher or lower than the amount of rental revenue recognized for the period. Straight-line rental revenue is commenced when the tenant assumes possession of the leased premises. Accrued straight-line rents receivable represents the amount by which straight-line rental revenue exceeds rents currently billed in accordance with lease agreements.

GST / Indirect Taxes — The Company’s policy is to present taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities on a net basis. The Company records the amounts collected as a current liability and relieves such liability upon remittance to the taxing authority without impacting revenue or expense.

Trade Account Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts — During the normal course of business, the Company extends unsecured credit to its customers in all segments. Typically, credit terms require payment to be made between 30 to 90 days from the date of the sale. The Company generally does not require collateral from our customers.

The Company’s management considers the following factors when determining the collectability of specific customer accounts: customer creditworthiness, past transaction history with the customer, current economic industry trends, and changes in customer payment terms. The Company includes any account balances that are determined to be uncollectible, along with a general reserve, in the overall allowance for doubtful accounts. After all attempts to collect a receivable have failed, the receivable is written off against the allowance. Based on the information available to management, the Company believed that its allowance for doubtful accounts was adequate as of June 30, 2023 and 2022.

Assurance Warranty Costs — The Company provides for the estimated costs that may be incurred under its warranty program at the time the sale is recorded in its Manufacturing segment. The Company estimates warranty costs based on the historical rates of warranty returns. The Company periodically assesses the adequacy of its recorded warranty liability and adjusts the amounts as necessary.

Cash and Cash Equivalents — The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.

Term Deposits — Term deposits consist of bank balances and interest-bearing deposits with maturities less than three months..

Restricted Term Deposits — The Company held certain term deposits in Singapore and Malaysia operations which were considered restricted, as they were held as security against certain facilities granted by the financial institutions.

Inventories — Inventories in the Company’s Manufacturing and Distribution segments, consisting principally of raw materials, works in progress, and finished goods, are stated at the lower of cost, using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method. The semiconductor industry is characterized by rapid technological change, short-term customer commitments and rapid fluctuations in demand. Provisions for estimated excess and obsolete inventory are based on our regular reviews of inventory quantities on hand and the latest forecasts of product demand and production requirements from our customers. Inventories are written down for not-saleable, excess or obsolete raw materials, works-in-process and finished goods by charging such write-downs to cost of sales. In addition to write-downs based on newly introduced parts, statistics and judgments are used for assessing provisions of the remaining inventory based on salability and obsolescence.

Property, Plant and Equipment and Investment Properties — Property, plant and equipment and investment properties are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is provided for over the estimated useful lives of the assets using the straight-line method. Amortization of leasehold improvements is provided for over the lease terms or the estimated useful lives of the assets, whichever is shorter, using the straight-line method.

Maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are charged directly to expense as incurred. Additions and improvements to the assets are capitalized. When assets are disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation thereon are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is included in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income or loss.

Long-Lived Assets and Impairment – The Company’s business requires heavy investment in manufacturing facilities and equipment that are technologically advanced but can quickly become significantly underutilized or rendered obsolete by rapid changes in demand.

The Company evaluates the long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and investment property, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. Factors considered important that could result in an impairment review include significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results, significant changes in the manner of use of the assets or the strategy for our business, significant negative industry or economic trends, and a significant decline in the stock price for a sustained period of time. Impairment is recognized based on the difference between the fair value of the asset and its carrying value, and fair value is generally measured based on discounted cash flow analysis, if there is significant adverse change.

The Company applies the provisions of ASC Topic 360, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets (“ASC Topic 360”), to property, plant and equipment. ASC Topic 360 requires that long-lived assets be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable through the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the assets. Whenever any such impairment exists, an impairment loss will be recognized for the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value.

Leases – The Company applies the guidance in ASC Topic 842 to its individual leases of assets. When the Company receives substantially all the economic benefits from and directs the use of specified property, plant and equipment, the transactions give rise to leases. The Company’s classes of assets include real estate leases. The Company determine if an arrangement is a lease, or contains a lease, at the inception of the arrangement and evaluate whether the lease is an operating lease or a finance lease at the commencement date.

When discount rates implicit in leases cannot be readily determined, the Company uses the applicable incremental borrowing rate at lease commencement to perform lease classification tests on lease components and to measure lease liabilities and ROU assets. The incremental borrowing rate used by the Company was based on baseline rates and adjusted by the credit spreads commensurate with the Company’s secured borrowing rate over a similar term. At each reporting period when there is a new lease initiated, the rates established for that quarter will be used.

All of the leases under which the Company is the lessor will continue to be classified as operating leases and sales-type lease under the new standard. The new standard did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements and will not have a significant change in our leasing activities.

Comprehensive Income or Loss — ASC Topic 220, Reporting Comprehensive Income, (“ASC Topic 220”), establishes standards for reporting and presentation of comprehensive income or loss and its components in a full set of general-purpose consolidated financial statements. The Company has chosen to report comprehensive income or loss in the statements of operations. Comprehensive income or loss is comprised of net income or loss and all changes to shareholders’ equity except those due to investments by owners and distributions to owners.

Income Taxes — The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method in accordance with ASC Topic 740, Accounting for Income Taxes (“ASC Topic 740”). ASC Topic 740 requires an entity to recognize deferred tax liabilities and assets. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequence attributable to the difference between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements, which will result in taxable or deductible amounts in future years. Further, the effects of enacted tax laws or rate changes are included as part of deferred tax expense or benefits in the period that covers the enactment date.

The calculation of tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex global tax regulations. The Company recognizes potential liabilities for anticipated tax audit issues in the U.S. and other tax jurisdictions based on its estimate of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes will be due. If payment of these amounts ultimately proves to be unnecessary, the reversal of the liabilities would result in tax benefits being recognized in the period when the Company determines the liabilities are no longer necessary. If the estimate of tax liabilities proves to be less than the ultimate assessment, a further charge to expense would result.

Retained Earnings — It is the intention of the Company to re-invest earnings of its foreign subsidiaries in the operations of those subsidiaries. These taxes are undeterminable as of the date of this Annual Report. The amount of earnings retained in subsidiaries was $21,001 and $18,755 as of June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Research and Development Costs — The Company incurred research and development costs of $397 and $375 during Fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively, which were charged to operating expense as incurred.

Stock-based compensation — The Company calculates compensation expense related to stock option awards made to employees and directors based on the fair value of stock-based awards on the date of grant. The Company determines the grant date fair value of our stock option awards using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and for awards without performance condition the related stock-based compensation is recognized over the period in which a participant is required to provide service in exchange for the stock-based award, which is generally four years. The Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense in the consolidated statements of shareholders' equity based on awards ultimately expected to vest. Forfeitures are estimated on the date of grant and revised if actual or expected forfeiture activity differs materially from original estimates.

Determining the fair value of stock-based awards at the grant date requires significant judgment. The determination of the grant date fair value of stock-based awards using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model is affected by our estimated common stock fair value as well as other subjective assumptions including the expected term of the awards, the expected volatility over the expected term of the awards, expected dividend yield and risk-free interest rates. The assumptions used in our option-pricing model represent management’s best estimates and are as follows:

Earnings per Share — Computation of basic earnings per share is conducted by dividing net income available to common shares (numerator) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding (denominator) during a reporting period. Computation of diluted earnings per share gives effect to all dilutive potential common shares outstanding during a reporting period. In computing diluted earnings per share, the average market price of common shares for a reporting period is used in determining the number of shares assumed to be purchased from the exercise of stock options.

Fair Values of Financial Instruments — Carrying values of trade account receivables, accounts payable, accrued expense, and term deposits approximate their fair value due to their short-term maturities. Carrying values of the Company’s lines of credit and long-term debt are considered to approximate their fair value because the interest rates associated with the lines of credit and long-term debt are adjustable in accordance with market situations when the Company tries to borrow funds with similar terms and remaining maturities. See Note 16 for detailed discussion of the fair value measurement of financial instruments.

ASC Topic 820 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. The financial assets and financial liabilities that require recognition under the guidance include available-for-sale investments, employee deferred compensation plan and foreign currency derivatives. The guidance establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of us. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect our assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available under the circumstances. As such, fair value is a market-based measure considered from the perspective of a market participant who holds the asset or owes the liability rather than an entity-specific measure. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the reliability of inputs as follows:

Concentration of Credit Risk — Financial instruments that subject the Company to credit risk compose trade account receivables. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers for potential credit losses. The Company generally does not require collateral. The Company believes that its credit policies do not result in significant adverse risk and historically it has not experienced significant credit related losses.

Investments — The Company (a) evaluates the sufficiency of the total equity at risk, (b) reviews the voting rights and decision-making authority of the equity investment holders as a group, and whether there are any guaranteed returns, protection against losses, or capping of residual returns within the group, and (c) establishes whether activities within the venture are on behalf of an investor with disproportionately few voting rights in making this VIE determination. The Company would consolidate an investment that is determined to be a VIE if it was the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is determined by a primarily qualitative approach, whereby the variable interest holder, if any, has the power to direct the VIE’s most significant activities and is the primary beneficiary. A standard became effective and changed the method by which the primary beneficiary of a VIE is determined. Through a primarily qualitative approach, the variable interest holder who has the power to direct the VIE’s most significant activities is determined to be the primary beneficiary. To the extent that the investment does not qualify as VIE, the Company further assesses the existence of a controlling financial interest under a voting interest model to determine whether the investment should be consolidated.

Equity Method — The Company analyzes its investments to determine if they should be accounted for using the equity method. Management evaluates both Common Stock and in-substance Common Stock to determine whether they give the Company the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies of the investment even though the Company holds less than 50% of the Common Stock and in-substance Common Stock. The net income of the investment, if any, will be reported as “Equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures, net of tax” in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.

Cost Method — Investee companies not accounted for under the consolidation or the equity method of accounting are accounted for under the cost method of accounting. Under this method, the Company’s share of the earnings or losses of such Investee companies is not included in the consolidated balance sheet or statements of operations and comprehensive income or loss. However, impairment charges are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income or loss. If circumstances suggest that the value of the investee Company has subsequently recovered, such recovery is not recorded.

Loan Receivables from Property Development Projects — The loan receivables from property development projects are classified as current assets, carried at face value, and are individually evaluated for impairment. The allowance for loan losses reflects management’s best estimate of probable losses determined principally on the basis of historical experience and specific allowances for known loan accounts. All loans or portions thereof deemed to be uncollectible or to require an excessive collection cost are written off to the allowance for losses.

Interest income on the loan receivables from property development projects are recognized on an accrual basis. Discounts and premiums on loans are amortized to income using the interest method over the remaining period to contractual maturity. The amortization of discounts into income is discontinued on loans that are contractually 90 days past due or when collection of interest appears doubtful.

Contingent Liabilities — Certain conditions may exist as of the date the consolidated financial statements are issued, which may result in a loss to the Company, but which will only be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. The Company’s management and its legal counsel assess such contingent liabilities, and such assessment inherently involves an exercise of judgment. In assessing loss contingencies related to legal proceedings that are pending against the Company or unasserted claims that may result in such proceedings, the Company’s legal counsel evaluates the perceived merits of any legal proceedings or unasserted claims, as well as the perceived merits of the amount of relief sought or expected to be sought therein.

If the assessment of a contingency indicates that it is probable that a material loss has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be estimated, then the estimated liability would be accrued in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. If the assessment indicates that a potentially material loss contingency is not probable, but is reasonably possible, or is probable but cannot be estimated, then the nature of the contingent liability, together with an estimate of the range of possible loss if determinable and material, would be disclosed.

Loss contingencies considered remote are generally not disclosed unless they involve guarantees, in which case the nature of the guarantee would be disclosed.

2.  NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In March 2022, FASB issued ASU 2022-02 ASC Topic 326: Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings (“TDR") and Vintage Disclosures, which require that an entity disclose current-period gross write offs by year of origination for financing receivables and net investment in leases within the scope of Subtopic 326-20. The Company has completed its assessment and concluded that this update has no significant impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In March 2020, FASB issued ASU 2020-04 ASC Topic 848: Reference Rate Reform: Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting, which provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying U.S. GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions affected by the discontinuation of the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or by another reference rate expected to be discontinued. The amendments are effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020, and the Company may elect to apply the amendments prospectively through December 31, 2022. The Company has completed its assessment and concluded that this update has no significant impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In June 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-13 ASC Topic 326: Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (“ASC Topic 326”) for the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Financial institutions and other organizations will now use forward-looking information to better inform their credit loss estimates. Many of the loss estimation techniques applied today will still be permitted, although the inputs to those techniques will change to reflect the full amount of expected credit losses. ASC Topic 326 is effective for the Company for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2022. The Company has completed its assessment and concluded that this update has no significant impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Other new pronouncements issued but not yet effective until after June 30, 2023 are not expected to have a significant effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

3.  TERM DEPOSITS

Restricted deposits represent the amount of cash pledged to secure loans payable or trade financing granted by financial institutions and serve as collateral for public utility agreements such as electricity and water, and performance bonds related to customs duty payable. Restricted deposits are classified as current and non-current depending on whether they relate to long-term or short-term obligations. As at year ended June 30, 2023, restricted deposits of $739 are classified as current assets as they relates to short-term trade financing. Restricted deposits of $1,716 are classified as non-current assets as they relate to long-term obligations and will become unrestricted only upon discharge of the obligations. Short-term deposits represent bank deposits, which do not qualify as cash equivalents.

4.  TRADE ACCOUNT RECEIVABLES AND ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS

Account receivables are customer obligations due under normal trade terms. The Company performs continuing credit evaluations of its customers’ financial conditions, and although management generally does not require collateral, letters of credit may be required from its customers in certain circumstances.

Senior management reviews trade account receivables on a periodic basis to determine if any receivables will potentially be uncollectible. Management includes any trade account receivables balances that are determined to be uncollectible in the allowance for doubtful accounts. After all attempts to collect a receivable have failed, the receivable is written off against the allowance. Based on the information available to us, management believed the allowance for doubtful accounts as of June 30, 2023 and June 30, 2022 was adequate.  

The following table represents the changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts:

5.  LOANS RECEIVABLE FROM PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

The following table presents Trio-Tech (Chongqing) Co. Ltd (“TTCQ”)’s loan receivable from property development projects in China as of June 30, 2023.

The short-term loan receivables of renminbi (“RMB”) 2,000, or approximately $276, arose due to TTCQ entering into a Memorandum Agreement with JiangHuai Property Development Co. Ltd. (“JiangHuai”) to invest in their property development projects located in Chongqing City, China (“Project - Yu Jin Jiang An”) during the year ended June 30, 2011. TTCQ did not generate other income from JiangHuai during Fiscal 2023 or Fiscal 2022. TTCQ is in the legal process of recovering the outstanding amount of $276.

The long-term loan receivable of RMB 5,000, or approximately $689, arose from TTCQ entering into a Memorandum Agreement with JiaSheng Property Development Co. Ltd. (“JiaSheng”) to invest in JiaSheng’s property development projects (“Project B-48 Phase 2”) located in Chongqing City, China during the year ended June 30, 2011. The loan receivable was secured and repayable at the end of the term. During the year ended June 30, 2015, the loan receivable was transferred to a down payment for purchase of investment property that is being developed in the Singapore Themed Resort Project (See Note 10).

6.  INVENTORIES

Inventories consisted of the following:

The following table represents the changes in provision for obsolete inventories:

7.  ASSETS HELD FOR SALE

During the fourth quarter of 2023, the China operations had two equipment that were held for sale which had a net book value of RMB 1,985, or approximately $274, to assets held for sale. As of August 2023, a purchaser had submitted deposits, and the finalization of the transaction is currently in progress.

8.  INVESTMENT PROPERTIES

The following table presents the Company’s investment in properties in China as of June 30, 2023. The exchange rate is based on the market rate as of June 30, 2023.