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UNIVERSAL SECURITY INSTRUMENTS INC - Annual Report: 2009 (Form 10-K)


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

x  Annual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the fiscal year ended March 31,  2009 or
¨  Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the transition period from _______________ to _______________.

Commission file number: 001-31747

UNIVERSAL SECURITY INSTRUMENTS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

MARYLAND
 
52-0898545
(State or other jurisdiction
 
(I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization)
 
Identification No.)

11407 Cronhill Drive, Suite A, Owings Mills, Maryland
 
21117
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code
 
(410) 363-3000

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class
 
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, $0.01 par value
 
American Stock Exchange

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

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer (as defined in Rule 405 of the Act). Yes ¨ No x

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes  ¨   No x

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

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large Accelerated Filer ¨   Accelerated Filer ¨   Non-Accelerated Filer ¨   Smaller Reporting Company x

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

The aggregate market value of Common Stock, $.01 par value, held by non-affiliates of the registrant based on the closing sales price of the Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE AMEX) on September 30, 2008, was $12,419,335.

The number of shares of common stock outstanding as of June 10, 2009 was 2,387,087.

documents incorporated by reference

To the extent specified, Part III of this Form 10-K incorporates information by reference to the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement for its 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (to be filed).

 
 

 

UNIVERSAL SECURITY INSTRUMENTS, INC.
2009 ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

Table of Contents

   
Page
     
  PART I
     
Item 1.
Business
3
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
6
Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
9
Item 2.
Properties
10
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings
10
Item 4.
Submission of Matters to Vote of Security Holders
11
 
Executive Officers of the Registrant
11
     
  PART II
     
Item 5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
12
Item 6.
Selected Financial Data
13
Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
15
Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
21
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
22
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
22
Item 9A(T).
Controls and Procedures
22
Item 9B.
Other Information
23
     
  PART III
     
Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
24
Item 11.
Executive Compensation
24
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
24
Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
24
Item 14.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
24
     
PART IV
     
Item 15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
25
     
Signatures
 
27

 
 

 

PART I

ITEM 1.
BUSINESS

General

Universal Security Instruments, Inc. (“we” or “the Company”) designs and markets a variety of popularly-priced safety products consisting primarily of smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms and related products. Most of our products require minimal installation and are designed for easy installation by the consumer without professional assistance, and are sold through retail stores.  We also market products to the electrical distribution trade through our wholly-owned subsidiary, USI Electric, Inc. (“USI Electric”).  The electrical distribution trade includes electrical and lighting distributors as well as manufactured housing companies.  Products sold by USI Electric usually require professional installation.

In 1989 we formed a limited liability company under the laws of Hong Kong, as a joint venture with a Hong Kong-based partner to manufacture various products in the Peoples Republic of China (the “Hong Kong Joint Venture”).   We currently own a 50% interest in the Hong Kong Joint Venture and are a significant customer of the Hong Kong Joint Venture (63.2% and 68.9% of its sales during fiscal 2009 and 2008 respectively), with the balance of its sales made to unrelated customers worldwide.

We import all of our products from various foreign suppliers.  For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009, approximately 97.3% of our purchases were imported from the Hong Kong Joint Venture.

Our sales for the year ended March 31, 2009 were $26,097,596 compared to $33,871,362 for the year ended March 31, 2008, a decrease of approximately 23.0%.  We reported income from continuing operations of $1,442,336 in fiscal 2009 compared to income from continuing operations of $2,824,749 in fiscal 2008, a decrease of 48.9%.

The Company was incorporated in Maryland in 1969.  Our principal executive office is located at 11407 Cronhill Drive, Suite A, Owings Mills, Maryland 21117, and our telephone number is 410-363-3000.  Information about us may be obtained from our website www.universalsecurity.com. Copies of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and current reports on Form 8-K, are available free of charge on our website as soon as they are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) through a link to the SEC’s EDGAR reporting system.  Simply select the “Investor Relations” menu item, then click on the “SEC Filings” link.  The SEC’s EDGAR reporting system can also be accessed directly at www.sec.gov.

Safety Products

We market a line of residential smoke alarms under the trade names “USI Electric” and “UNIVERSAL” both of which are manufactured by the Hong Kong Joint Venture.

Our line of smoke alarms consists of battery, electrical and electrical with battery backup alarms. Our products contain different types of batteries with different battery lives, and some with alarm silencers. The smoke alarms marketed to the electrical distribution trade also include hearing impaired and heat alarms with a variety of additional features.  We also market outdoor floodlights under the name “Lite Aide(TM),” carbon monoxide alarms, door chimes and ventilation products.

We have been evaluating and researching new smoke and carbon monoxide detection technologies in an effort to improve reliability and response time of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. This effort has resulted in the development of a new smoke alarm sensing technology and many new product features, and we have applied for patents on certain of these technologies and features.  We have also assisted in the development of a new carbon monoxide sensor which will be capable of detecting several types of gases.  We have initiated the process of obtaining independent certification of a full product line of our next generation of residential smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.  We plan on completing the certification process and expect to begin shipping the next generation of products to our customers during the fiscal year ending March 31, 2010.  We expect to incur additional engineering, design, and certification costs of between $500,000 and $900,000 during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010.

Our wholly-owned subsidiary, USI Electric. Inc., focuses its sales and marketing efforts to maximize safety product sales, especially smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms manufactured by our Hong Kong Joint Venture.  USI Electric, Inc. concentrates on marketing to the electrical distribution and retail trade.

 
- 3 -

 

Import Matters

We import all of our products.  As an importer, we are subject to numerous tariffs which vary depending on types of products and country of origin, changes in economic and political conditions in the country of manufacture, potential trade restrictions, and currency fluctuations.  We have attempted to protect ourselves from fluctuations in currency exchange rates to the extent possible by negotiating commitments in U.S. dollars.

Our inventory purchases are also subject to delays in delivery due to problems with shipping and docking facilities, as well as other problems associated with purchasing products abroad.  Substantially all of our safety products, including products we purchase from our Hong Kong Joint Venture, are imported from the People’s Republic of China.

Sales and Marketing; Customers

We sell our products to various customers, and our total sales market can be divided generally into two categories; sales by the Company, and sales by our USI Electric subsidiary.

The Company markets our products to retailers, including wholesale distributors, chain, discount, television retailers and home center stores, catalog and mail order companies and to other distributors (“retailers”). Our products have historically been retailed to “do-it-yourself” consumers by these retailers.  We do not currently market any significant portion of our products directly to end users.

The Company’s retail sales are made directly by our employees and by approximately 17 independent sales organizations which are compensated by commissions.  Our agreements with these sales organizations are generally cancelable by either party upon 30 days notice.  We do not believe that the loss of any one of these organizations would have a material adverse effect upon our business.  Sales made directly by us are effected by our officers and full-time employees, seven of whom are also engaged in sales, management and training.  Sales outside the United States are made by our officers and through exporters, and amounted to less than 7.0% of total sales in the fiscal years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008.

During fiscal 2007, we began selling home safety products to The Home Depot, Inc., a major national home improvement retailer.  Total sales to Home Depot for fiscal 2009 and 2008 represented approximately 46.6% and 40.2% of our revenues, respectively.

Our USI Electric subsidiary markets our products to the electrical distribution trade (primarily electrical and lighting distributors and manufactured housing companies).  USI Electric has established a national distribution system with 11 regional stocking warehouses throughout the United States which generally enables customers to receive their orders the next day without paying for overnight freight charges.  USI Electric engages sales personnel from the electrical distribution trade and has engaged 27 independent sales organizations which represent approximately 230 sales representatives, some of which have warehouses where USI Electric products are maintained by our sales representatives for sale.

We also market our products through our own sales catalogs and brochures, which are mailed directly to trade customers, and our website.  Our customers, in turn, may advertise our products in their own catalogs and brochures and in their ads in newspapers and other media.  We also exhibit and sell our products at various trade shows, including the annual National Hardware Show.

Our backlog of orders believed to be firm as of March 31, 2009 was approximately $458,590.  Our backlog as of March 31, 2008 was approximately $1,863,901. This decrease in backlog is primarily due to lower overall sales of our safety products.

Hong Kong Joint Venture

We have a 50% interest in the Hong Kong Joint Venture which has manufacturing facilities in the People’s Republic of China, for the manufacturing of certain of our electronic and electrical products.

 
- 4 -

 

We believe that the Hong Kong Joint Venture arrangement will ensure a continuing source of supply for a majority of our safety products at competitive prices.  During fiscal year 2009, 97.3% of our total inventory purchases were made from the Hong Kong Joint Venture.  The products produced by the Hong Kong Joint Venture include smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms.  Changes in economic and political conditions in China or any other adversity to the Hong Kong Joint Venture will unfavorably affect the value of our investment in the Hong Kong Joint Venture and would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s ability to purchase products for distribution.

Our purchases from the Hong Kong Joint Venture represented approximately 63.2% of the Hong Kong Joint Venture’s total sales during fiscal 2009 and 68.9% of total sales during fiscal 2008, with the balance of the Hong Kong Joint Venture’s sales being primarily made in Europe and Australia, to unrelated customers.  The Hong Kong Joint Venture’s sales to unrelated customers were $13,299,688 in fiscal 2009 and $9,378,242 in fiscal 2008.  Please see Note C of the Financial Statements for a comparison of annual sales and earnings of the Hong Kong Joint Venture.

Discontinued Operations

In October 2006, we formed 2113824 Ontario, Inc., an Ontario corporation, as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company for the purpose of acquiring a two-thirds interest in two Canadian corporations, International Conduits, Ltd. (Icon) and Intube, Inc. (Intube).  Icon and Intube were based in Toronto, Canada and manufactured and distributed electrical mechanical tubing (EMT) steel conduit.  Icon also sold home safety products, primarily purchased from the Company, in the Canadian market.  The primary purpose of the Icon and Intube acquisition was to expand our product offerings to include EMT steel conduit, and to provide this product and service to the commercial construction market.  On April 2, 2007, Icon and Intube were merged under the laws of Ontario to form one corporation.

 In June 2007, Icon entered into a credit agreement with CIT Financial, Ltd. to provide a term loan and a line of credit facility.  These loans were secured by all of the assets of Icon and by the corporate guarantees of the Company and our USI Electric subsidiary.

At the time of our investment in Icon, we projected that our established U.S. sales network would allow us to increase sales of EMT to U.S. customers.  Despite our efforts, Icon suffered continuing losses, and we were not successful in increasing Icon’s sales in the face of competition and a downturn in the housing market.  On January 29, 2008, Icon received notice from CIT Financial, Ltd. (CIT Canada), Icon’s principal and secured lender, that Icon was in default under the terms of the Credit Agreement dated June 22, 2007 between Icon and CIT Canada and demanding immediate payment of all of Icon’s obligations to CIT Canada under the Credit Agreement.  On February 11, 2008, the assets of Icon were placed under the direction of a court appointed receiver, and the operations of Icon were suspended.  Accordingly, the assets and liabilities of Icon are not consolidated in the financial statements of the Company and are classified as assets held in receivership.   Our consolidated financial statements and the related note disclosures reflect the operations of Icon as discontinued operations for all periods presented.

As a result of continuing losses at Icon, we undertook an evaluation of the goodwill from our acquisition of Icon during the third quarter of fiscal year 2008 to determine whether the value of the goodwill has been impaired in accordance with FAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”.  Based on that evaluation, we determined that the value of the goodwill from our acquisition of Icon was impaired, and we recognized an impairment charge of US$1,926,696 at December 31, 2007 for the goodwill.   In addition, as a result of Icon’s receivership and the steps taken to liquidate Icon’s assets, the non-cash assets of Icon were written down to their estimated net realizable value and a further impairment charge of US$7,087,297 was recognized as of March 31, 2008.  These impairments have been recorded in discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008.

On September 22, 2008, Icon’s obligations were settled in the receivership action by Ontario Superior Court order.   As a result of the settlement of Icon’s obligations, a gain of CAD$5,101,674 (US$4,910,718) was realized by Icon in the quarter ended September 30, 2008.  Approximately US$3,000,000 of the gain related to extinguishment of liabilities due to unsecured creditors.   The company applied guidance in FAS 140, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities, and determined that a legal release of the liabilities had been achieved to allow recognition of the gain on extinguishment of liabilities.   This gain was partially offset in consolidation by the US$1,518,375 after-tax effect loss recognized by the Company in settlement of its guarantee of Icon’s secured debt and other losses attributable to the Icon discontinued operation to arrive at the gain from discontinued operations of $3,423,021 for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009.

 At March 31, 2009, the remaining asset of Icon held by the receiver consists of cash of US$202,565.  The liabilities of Icon held by the receiver include a claim by a supplier and other secured amounts payable of US$202,565.   Subsequent to March 31, 2009, the claim by a supplier was settled for CAD$175,000 (approximately US$140,000).

 
- 5 -

 

The major classes of assets and liabilities held in receivership reported as discontinued operations included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets shown below.

Assets
 
March 31, 2009
   
March 31, 2008
 
             
Cash
  $ 202,565     $ 823,550  
Trade receivables, net
    0       371,793  
Inventories
    0       817,022  
Property, plant and equipment – net
    0       831,555  
Other assets
    0       6,811  
Assets of discontinued operations
  $ 202,565     $ 2,850,731  
                 
Liabilities
               
Accounts payable, trade and other
  $ 202,565     $ 3,344,624  
Notes payable – bank
    0       4,478,826  
Liabilities of discontinued operations
  $ 202,565     $ 7,823,450  

In the accompanying consolidated financial statements, the results of Icon for all fiscal years included  have been restated and are presented as the results of discontinued operations, and certain other prior year amounts have been reclassified in order to conform with the current year’s presentation.

Other Suppliers

Certain private label products not manufactured for us by the Hong Kong Joint Venture are manufactured by other foreign suppliers.  We believe that our relationships with our suppliers are good.  We believe that the loss of our ability to purchase products from the Hong Kong Joint Venture would have a material adverse effect on the Company.  The loss of any of our other suppliers would have a short-term adverse effect on our operations, but replacement sources for these other suppliers could be developed.

Competition

In fiscal year 2009, sales of safety products accounted for substantially all of our total sales.  In the sale of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms, we compete in all of our markets with First Alert and Walter Kidde Portable Equipment, Inc.  These companies have greater financial resources and financial strength than we have.  We believe that our safety products compete favorably in the market primarily on the basis of styling, features and pricing.

The safety industry in general involves changing technology.  The success of our products may depend on our ability to improve and update our products in a timely manner and to adapt to new technological advances.

Employees

As of March 31, 2009, we had 18 employees, 15 of whom are engaged in administration and sales, and the balance of whom are engaged in product development.  Our employees are not unionized, and we believe that our relations with our employees are satisfactory.

ITEM 1A. 
 RISK FACTORS

An investment in our Common Stock is subject to risks inherent to our business.  The material risks and uncertainties that management believes affect the Company are described below.  Additional risks and uncertainties that management is not aware of or focused on or that management currently deems immaterial may also impair the Company’s business operations.

Risk Factors Relating To Our Business Generally

Our success depends to a very large degree on our relationship with and the success of our Hong Kong Joint Venture.

During fiscal year 2009, 97.3% of our total inventory purchases were made from the Hong Kong Joint Venture.  The products produced by the Hong Kong Joint Venture include smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms, and we are currently pursuing the development of additional products to be manufactured by the Hong Kong Joint Venture.  Our purchases from the Hong Kong Joint Venture represented approximately 63.2% of the Hong Kong Joint Venture’s total sales during fiscal 2009, with the balance of the Hong Kong Joint Venture’s sales being primarily made in Europe and Australia to unrelated customers. If the Hong Kong Joint Venture does not maintain profitability, our profitability will be adversely affected.

 
- 6 -

 

In addition, adverse changes in our relationship with our Hong Kong Joint Venture partners would unfavorably affect the value of our investment in the Hong Kong Joint Venture and could have a material adverse effect on our ability to purchase products for distribution.

Our reliance on the Hong Kong Joint Venture exposes us to uncertainties and risks from abroad which could negatively affect our operations and sales.

Our relationship with the Hong Kong Joint Venture and our and the Hong Kong Joint Venture’s sales in other countries expose us to particular risks.  The following are among the risks that could negatively affect our imports and our and the Hong Kong Joint Venture’s sales in foreign markets:

 
·
new restrictions on access to markets,
 
·
currency devaluation,
 
·
new tariffs,
 
·
adverse changes in monetary and/or tax policies,
 
·
inflation, and
 
·
governmental instability.

Should any of these risks occur, the value of our investment in the Hong Kong Joint Venture could be reduced and our results of operations could be negatively impacted.

The lack of availability of inventory could adversely affect our financial results.

We source inventory primarily from our Hong Kong Joint Venture, which has manufacturing facilities in the People’s Republic of China.  Our purchases of inventory are subject to being affected by a number of factors, namely, production capacity, labor unrest and untimely deliveries.  Changes in economic and political conditions in China or any other adversity to the Hong Kong Joint Venture will unfavorably affect the value of our investment in the Hong Kong Joint Venture and could have a material adverse effect on the our ability to purchase products for distribution.

Our Hong Kong Joint Venture is subject to political and economic factors unique to China.

The Chinese government has been reforming the Chinese economic system.  In recent years, the government has also begun reforming the government structure.  These reforms have resulted in significant economic growth and social progress.  Although the majority of the production assets in China are still state-owned, economic reform policies have emphasized autonomous enterprises and the utilization of market mechanisms.  Our Hong Kong Joint Venture currently expects that the Chinese government will continue its reform by further reducing governmental intervention in business enterprises and allowing market mechanisms to allocate resources.  Any adverse changes in political, economic or social conditions in China could have a material adverse effect on the Hong Kong Joint Venture’s operations and our financial results, as well as our ability to purchase products manufactured by the Hong Kong Joint Venture.

We are subject to risks in connection with the importation of our products from foreign countries.

We import all of our products.  As an importer, we are subject to numerous tariffs which vary depending on types of products and country of origin, changes in economic and political conditions in the country of manufacture, potential trade restrictions and currency fluctuations.  We have attempted to protect ourselves from fluctuations in currency exchange rates to the extent possible by negotiating commitments in U.S. dollars.  We are also subject to strikes or other labor unrest at points of origin and destination, as well as delays and restrictions which impact shipping and shipping routes.

We rely on our key personnel and the loss of one or more of those personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our operations and prospects depend in large part on the performance of our senior management team.  There can be no assurance that we would be able to find qualified replacements for any of these individuals if their services were no longer available.  The loss of the services of one or more members of our senior management team could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

 
- 7 -

 

Our competition is both intense and varied and our failure to effectively compete could adversely affect our prospects.

In fiscal year 2009, our sales of safety products accounted for substantially all of our sales.  Many of our competitors have greater financial resources and financial strength than we have.  Some of our competitors may be willing to reduce prices and accept lower profit margins to compete with us.  While we believe that our safety products compete favorably with other such products in the market, primarily on the basis of styling, features, and pricing, the safety industry in general involves changing technology.  The success of our products may depend on our ability to improve and update our products in a timely manner and to adapt to new technological advances.  As a result of this competition, we could lose market share and suffer losses, which could have a material adverse effect on our future financial performance.

Our reliance on a single large customer exposes the Company to uncertainties and risk.

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009, our sales decreased $7,773,766 due to decreases in new housing construction in the U.S. domestic market.  As our total sales decreased, the percentage of our sales to a single large customer increased to 46.6% of total sales.  Should adverse changes occur in the financial condition, or purchasing pattern of this single large customer, our sales and profitability could be negatively impacted.

The security products marketplace is dynamic and challenging because of the introduction of new products and services.

We must constantly introduce new products, services, and product features to meet competitive pressures. We may be unable to timely change our existing merchandise sales mix in order to meet these competitive pressures, which may result in increased inventory costs or loss of market share.

Adverse changes in national or regional U.S. economic conditions could adversely affect our financial results.

We market our products nationally to retailers, including wholesale distributors, chain, discount, and home center stores, catalog and mail order companies and to other distributors.  Overall consumer confidence, consumer credit availability, recessionary trends, housing starts and prices, mortgage rates, and consumers’ disposable income and spending levels directly impact our sales.  Negative trends, whether national or regional in nature, in any of these economic conditions could adversely affect our financial results.

Our products must meet specified quality and safety standards to enter and stay on the market.

Our products must meet US. and various international standards before they are sold.  For example, in the United States, our products must be certified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and similar certifications must be obtained in each country where we compete for market share.  If our manufacturers’ products or manufacturing facilities (including those of the Hong Kong Joint Venture) fail to pass periodic inspections, the approval certificates for the relevant products may be suspended until corrections are made.  Loss of UL or other independent certifications could have a material adverse affect on our sales and financial results.

Our products expose us to the potential of product liability claims.

All of our products are manufactured by the Hong Kong Joint Venture or others.  Nevertheless, we could be named as a defendant in an action arising from damages suffered as a result of one of our products.  While we carry products liability insurance, to the extent we are found liable for damages for which we are uninsured, our profitability may be adversely affected. Any suit, even if not meritorious or if covered by an indemnification obligation, could result in the expenditure of a significant amount of our financial and managerial resources and could create significant negative publicity for us and our products.

We may be unable to successfully execute our merchandising and marketing strategic initiatives.

Our wholly-owned subsidiary, USI Electric focuses its sales and marketing efforts and initiatives to maximize safety product sales, especially smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms manufactured by our Hong Kong Joint Venture and marketed to the electrical distribution and retail trade.  If we fail to successfully execute these initiatives, our business could be adversely affected.

 
- 8 -

 

We are and could become subject to litigation regarding intellectual property rights, which could seriously harm our business.

We design most of our security products and contract with suppliers to manufacture those products and deliver them to us.  We have been the subject of lawsuits by third parties which assert against us infringement claims or claims that we have violated a patent or infringed upon a copyright, trademark or other proprietary right belonging to them.  If such infringement by our suppliers or us were found to exist, we could be subject to monetary damages and an injunction preventing the use of their intellectual property.  If one of our products were found to infringe, we may attempt to acquire a license or right to use such technology or intellectual property, which could result in higher manufacturing costs.  Any infringement claim, even if not meritorious and/or covered by an indemnification obligation, could result in the expenditure of a significant amount of our financial and managerial resources.

If governmental regulations change or are applied differently, our business could suffer.

The sales of our smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are impacted by local laws and regulations mandating the installation of these security devices in new and sometimes existing homes and buildings.  Changes in these consumer safety regulations, both in the United States and abroad, could impact our business.

Risk Factors Relating to our Articles of Incorporation and our Stock

The liability of our directors is limited.

Our Articles of Incorporation limit the liability of directors to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law.

It is unlikely that we will issue dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future.

We have not declared or paid cash dividends on our common stock in over 25 years.  We currently anticipate that we will retain all of our earnings for use in the development of our business and do not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future.  As a result, capital appreciation, if any, of our common stock would be the only source of gain for stockholders until dividends are paid, if at all. The payment of dividends in the future will be at the discretion of our board of directors.

The exercise of outstanding options will dilute the percentage ownership of our stockholders, and any sales in the public market of shares of our common stock underlying such options may adversely affect prevailing market prices for our common stock.

As of March 31, 2009, there are outstanding options to purchase an aggregate of 97,422 shares of our common stock at per share exercise prices ranging from $3.25 to $16.09.  The exercise of such outstanding options would dilute the percentage ownership of our existing stockholders, and any sales in the public market of shares of our common stock underlying such options may adversely affect prevailing market prices for our common stock.

It may be difficult for a third party to acquire us, which could affect our stock price.

Our charter and Bylaws contain certain anti-takeover provisions pursuant to the Maryland General Corporation Law.  This means that we may be a less attractive target to a potential acquirer who otherwise may be willing to pay a premium for our common stock above its market price.

ITEM 1B.
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

Not applicable.

 
- 9 -

 

ITEM 2.
PROPERTIES

Effective January 2009, we entered into a 10 year operating lease for a 12,000 square foot office and warehouse located in Baltimore County, Maryland.  The current rental, with common area maintenance, approximates $8,667 per month during the current fiscal year, with increasing rentals at 3% per year.  The Company has the right to terminate the lease after five years for a one-time payment of $42,000.  In June 2009, we amended this lease to include an additional 3,000 square feet of warehouse space contiguous to our existing warehouse in Baltimore County, Maryland for occupancy in August 2009.  Monthly rental expense will increase to $9,937 per month after occupancy of the additional warehouse space.

Effective March 2003, we entered into an operating lease for an approximately 2,600 square foot office in Naperville, Illinois.  This lease expires in February 2012 and is subject to increasing rentals at 3% per year.  The monthly rental, with common area maintenance, approximates $3,089 per month during the current fiscal year.

The Hong Kong Joint Venture currently operates an approximately 100,000 square foot manufacturing facility in the Guangdong province of Southern China and a 250,000 square-foot manufacturing facility in the Fujian province of Southern China.  The Hong Kong Joint Venture’s offices are leased pursuant to a five year lease with rental payments of approximately $13,250 per month.

The Company believes that its current facilities, and those of the Hong Kong Joint Venture, are currently suitable and adequate.


ITEM 3.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

On June 11, 2003, Walter Kidde Portable Equipment, Inc. (“Kidde”) filed a civil suit against the Company in the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina (Case No. 03cv00537), alleging that certain of the Company’s AC powered/battery backup smoke detectors infringe a patent acquired by Kidde (US 4,972,181).  Kidde was seeking injunctive relief and damages to be determined at trial.  On March 31, 2006, following numerous procedural and substantive rulings which the Company believes were favorable to the Company, Kidde obtained dismissal, without prejudice, of its suit.  On November 28, 2005, prior to the March 31, 2006 dismissal of the original suit, Kidde filed a second lawsuit in the same court (Case No. 05cv1031) based on virtually identical infringement allegations as the earlier case. Discovery is now closed in this second case.  Although the asserted patent is now expired, prior to its expiration, the Company sought and has now successfully obtained re-examination of the asserted patent in the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) largely based on the references cited and analysis presented by the Company which correspond to defenses raised in the litigation. In September 2008, the USPTO rejected all of the claims asserted against the Company based on the references. Kidde responded to the rejection to which further action by the USPTO is pending.  Kidde also filed for and the Court granted a stay of the litigation pending the conclusion of the reexamination.  The USPTO action fully supports the Company’s substantive position and its defenses to Kidde.  The Company and its counsel believe that regardless of the outcome of the reexamination, the Company has significant defenses relating to the patent in suit. In the event of an unfavorable outcome, the amount of any potential loss to the Company is not yet determinable.

On June 25, 2008, Maple Chase Company which was acquired in January 2008 by United Technologies Corporation (which also owns Walter Kidde Portable Equipment, Inc.), filed a civil suit against the Company in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (Case No. 08cv3641) for patent infringement of Re 33920, a patent that expired in March of 2007. On January 13, 2009, the Court granted permission to substitute Kidde for Maple Chase as the party plaintiff.  This action involves the same patent that formed the basis of the suit filed by Maple Chase against the Company in February 2004 (Case No. 03cv07205).  In that case, the Company successfully sought and obtained reexamination of the asserted patent in the USPTO based on the references cited and analysis presented by the Company.  In April 2005, the Court dismissed the earlier case subject to the outcome of the reexamination.  After pending for more than three years and after the expiration of the patent, a Reexamination Certificate was granted confirming patentability of many of the claims and canceling the remaining claims.  The 2008 case asserts infringement of the claims emerging out of reexamination and is in its preliminary stages where discovery has just commenced.  The Company believes that it has meritorious and substantial technical defenses to the action and that it is entitled to a number of legal/equitable defenses due to the long period of inaction and acquiescence by Kidde/Maple Chase and its predecessors.  The amount, if any, of potential loss to the Company is not yet determinable.  The Company intends to vigorously defend the suit and press its pending counterclaims.

 
- 10 -

 

On August 21, 2008, Kidde again filed a civil suit against the Company for patent infringement (Case No. 08cv2202) but this time in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland.  Kidde alleges that the Company infringes US patent 6,791,453 by communication protocols for interconnected hazardous condition (smoke, heat and carbon monoxide) alarms sold by the Company.  The Company believes that it has meritorious and substantial technical defenses to the action.  The amount, if any, of potential loss to the Company is not yet determinable. The Company intends to vigorously defend the suit and press its pending counter and third party claims.

On September 25, 2008, the Company with its Answer and Counterclaims to Kidde filed a third-party Complaint against United Technologies Corporation in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland in Case No. 08cv2202 for the predatory litigation campaign by the defendant and its subsidiary, Kidde.  On December 17, 2008, the Company filed a motion to amend its Answer and Counterclaims seeking injunctive and antitrust damages which was unsuccessfully opposed by both Kidde and UTC. On March 31, 2009, Kidde filed a defective request for reexamination of the U.S. patent 6,791,453.  On April 9, 2009, after Kidde filed corrected papers, the re-examination request was formalized and is currently pending determination by the USPTO. Kidde has also recently filed a motion to stay the litigation pending the outcome of the reexamination.  The Company is opposing that pending motion.  In April 2009, the Court also issued a schedule requiring the parties to define, present and argue their respective patent claim interpretations over the summer and into the fall of 2009.  Otherwise, the case is in the initial discovery phase.  The Company intends to vigorously prosecute its claims.

From time to time, the Company is involved in various lawsuits and legal matters.  It is the opinion of management, based on the advice of legal counsel, that these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial statements.

ITEM 4.
SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

There were no submissions of matters to a vote of security holders during the quarter ended March 31, 2009.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

Set forth below is information about the Company’s executive officers.

NAME
 
AGE
 
POSITIONS
         
Harvey B. Grossblatt
 
62
 
President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive Officer
James B. Huff
 
57
 
Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer

HARVEY B. GROSSBLATT has been a director of the Company since 1996.  He served as Chief Financial Officer from October 1983 through August 2004, Secretary and Treasurer of the Company from September 1988 through August 2004, and Chief Operating Officer from April 2003 through August 2004.  Mr. Grossblatt was appointed Chief Executive Officer in August 2004.

JAMES B. HUFF was appointed Chief Financial Officer in August 2004 and Secretary and Treasurer in October 2004. From December 2003 until August 2004, Mr. Huff was controller of Essex Corporation, a Columbia, Maryland based public company which provides intelligence engineering services to federal government agencies. From August 2002 until November 2003, Mr. Huff served as chief financial officer of Computer Temporaries, Inc., Lanham, Maryland; from August 2000 until July 2002, he was chief financial officer of HLM Architects and Engineering, Inc., a Charlotte, North Carolina based public company; and from January 1990 until November 1999, Mr. Huff was chief financial officer of RMF Engineering, Inc., Baltimore, Maryland.

 
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PART II

ITEM 5.
MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Market for Common Stock

Our common stock, $.01 par value (the “Common Stock”) trades on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol UUU.  As of June 10, 2009, there were 216 record holders of the Common Stock.  The closing price for the Common Stock on that date was $5.40.  We have not paid any cash dividends on our common stock, and it is our present intention to retain all earnings for use in future operations.  The following table sets forth the high and low prices for the Common Stock for each full quarterly period during the fiscal years indicated.

Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2009
       
First Quarter
High
  $ 7.25  
 
Low
  $ 5.00  
           
Second Quarter
High
  $ 6.65  
 
Low
  $ 4.60  
           
Third Quarter
High
  $ 5.65  
 
Low
  $ 2.28  
           
Fourth Quarter
High
  $ 4.34  
 
Low
  $ 3.01  
           
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2008
         
First Quarter
High
  $ 36.29  
 
Low
  $ 29.10  
           
Second Quarter
High
  $ 32.60  
 
Low
  $ 17.00  
           
Third Quarter
High
  $ 24.60  
 
Low
  $ 6.65  
           
Fourth Quarter
High
  $ 7.63  
 
Low
  $ 4.69  

Stock Repurchase Program

The following table sets forth information with respect to purchases of common stock by the Company or any affiliated purchasers during the three months ended March 31, 2009:

Period
 
Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased
   
Average
Price
Paid per
Share
   
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of
Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
   
Maximum Number
of Shares that May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans or
Programs
 
January 2009
    18,250     $ 3.68       62,825       37,175  
February 2009
    3,100     $ 3.65       65,925       34,075  
March 2009
    12,922     $ 3.51       78,847       21,153  
Total
    34,272     $ 3.61       78,847       21,153  

In July, 2008, the Company announced a stock buyback program and authorized the purchase of up to 100,000 shares of common stock.  Shares may be purchased from time to time under this program in the open market, through block trades and/or in negotiated transactions.  As of June 10, 2009, the Company completed the repurchase program, buying a total of 99,980 shares at an average cost of $3.71 per share.

 
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ITEM 6.        SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following selected consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified by reference to, the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  The Statement of Operations data and the Balance Sheet data for the years ended, and as at, March 31, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 and are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements.  These historical results are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected in future periods.  All share and per share amounts included in the following financial data have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the 4-for-3 stock dividend paid on October 16, 2007 to shareholders of record on September 25, 2007.

   
Year Ended March 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
Statement  of Operations Data:
                             
Net sales
  $ 26,097,596     $ 33,871,362     $ 32,934,388     $ 28,894,101     $ 23,465,443  
Income before equity in earnings of  Hong Kong Joint Venture and income taxes
      371,966         1,351,139         3,608,196         2,394,258         765,742  
Income from continuing operations
    1,442,336       2,824,749       6,093,366       4,600,352       3,417,854  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations (net of tax benefit)
    3,423,021       (8,393,663 )     (560,108 )     -       -  
Net income (loss)
    4,865,357       (5,568,914 )     5,533,258       4,600,352       3,417,854  
Per common share:
                                       
Basic – from continuing operations
    0.58       1.14       2.54       2.06       1.60  
Basic – from discontinued operations
    1.39       (3.38 )     (0.23 )     -       -  
Basic – net income (loss)
    1.97       (2.24 )     2.31       -       -  
Diluted – from continuing operations
    0.58       1.13       2.45       1.89       1.46  
Diluted – from discontinued operations
    1.38       (3.35 )     (0.23 )     -       -  
Diluted – net income (loss)
    1.96       (2.23 )     2.23       -       -  
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
                                       
    Basic
    2,466,983       2,484,192       2,398,284       2,228,908       2,136,599  
    Diluted
    2,471,807       2,502,017       2,484,606       2,432,705       2,352,632  
                                         
Balance Sheet Data:
                                       
Total assets
    27,777,678       30,468,917       36,195,468       20,358,603       16,049,948  
Long-term debt (non-current)
    95,324       91,160       -       -       -  
Working capital (1)
    11,099,333       7,468,547       14,678,615       9,911,628       6,317,231  
Current ratio (1)
 
3.99:1
   
1.68:1
   
2.27:1
   
4.60:1
   
3.00:1
 
Shareholders’ equity
    23,965,899       19,423,935       24,671,881       17,606,569       12,897,668  
 
(1)
Working capital is computed as the excess of current assets over current liabilities. The current ratio is calculated by dividing current assets by current liabilities.

 
- 13 -

 

Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)

The unaudited quarterly results of operations for fiscal years 2009 and 2008 are summarized as follows:
 
   
Quarter Ended
 
   
June 30,
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
   
March 31,
 
                         
2009
                       
Net sales
  $ 6,192,801     $ 8,381,379     $ 5,595,049     $ 5,928,367  
Gross profit
    1,577,066       1,891,273       1,337,785       1,293,846  
Income from continuing operations
    457,139       656,301       292,513       36,383  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
    (53,659 )     3,434,913       -       41,767  
Income per share from continuing operations:
                               
Basic
    0.18       0.26       0.12       0.02  
Diluted
    0.18       0.26       0.12       0.02  
Income (loss) per share from discontinued operations:
                               
Basic
    (0.02 )     1.38       -       0.02  
Diluted
    (0.02 )     1.38       -       0.02  
Net income – basic
    0.16       1.64       0.12       0.03  
Net income  - diluted
    0.16       1.64       0.12       0.03  
                                 
                                 
2008
                               
Net sales
    10,449,343       8,967,740       7,776,986       6,677,293  
Gross profit
    2,715,334       1,942,354       1,825,486       1,386,882  
Income from continuing operations
    1,204,844       802,107       780,207       37,591  
(Loss) from discontinued operations
    (413,842 )     (483,977 )     (2,415,996 )     (5,079,848 )
Income per share from continuing operations:
                               
Basic
    0.49       0.32       0.31       0.02  
Diluted
    0.48       0.32       0.31       0.02  
(Loss) per share from discontinued operations:
                               
Basic
    (0.17 )     (0.19 )     (0.97 )     (2.04 )
Diluted
    (0.17 )     (0.19 )     (0.97 )     (2.04 )
                                 
Net income (loss) – basic
    0.32       0.13       (0.66 )     (2.02 )
Net income (loss) – diluted
    0.31       0.13       (0.66 )     (2.02 )

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

Forward-Looking Statements

When used in this discussion and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the words or phrases “will likely result,” “are expected to,” “will continue,” “is anticipated,” “estimate,” “project” or similar expressions are intended to identify “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  We caution readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made, and readers are advised that various factors, including the Risk Factors discussed elsewhere in this Annual Report and other risks, could affect our financial performance and could cause our actual results for future periods to differ materially from those anticipated or projected.  We do not undertake and specifically disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements.

General

We are in the business of marketing and distributing safety and security products which are primarily manufactured through our 50% owned Hong Kong Joint Venture.  From October 2006 through January 2008, we also were engaged in the manufacture and distribution of EMT steel conduit through Icon, our majority-owned Canadian subsidiary.  Our financial statements detail our sales and other operational results only, and report the financial results of the Hong Kong Joint Venture using the equity method.  Accordingly, the following discussion and analysis of the fiscal years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 relate to the operational results of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries only and includes the Company’s equity share of earnings in the Hong Kong Joint Venture.  A discussion and analysis of the Hong Kong Joint Venture’s operational results for these periods is presented below under the heading “Hong Kong Joint Venture.”

While we believe that our overall sales are likely affected by the current global economic situation, we believe that we are specifically negatively impacted by the severe downturn in the U.S. housing market.  As stated elsewhere in this report, our USI Electric subsidiary markets our products to the electrical distribution trade (primarily electrical and lighting distributors and manufactured housing companies).  Every downturn in new home construction and new home sales negatively impacts sales by our USI Electric subsidiary.  We anticipate that when and as the housing market recovers, sales by our USI Electric subsidiary will improve, as well.

Discontinued Canadian Operations

In October 2006, we formed 2113824 Ontario, Inc., an Ontario corporation, as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company for the purpose of acquiring a two-thirds interest in two Canadian corporations, International Conduits, Ltd. (Icon) and Intube, Inc. (Intube).  Icon and Intube were based in Toronto, Canada and manufactured and distributed electrical mechanical tubing (EMT) steel conduit.  Icon also sold home safety products, primarily purchased from the Company, in the Canadian market.  The primary purpose of the Icon and Intube acquisition was to expand our product offerings to include EMT steel conduit, and to provide this product and service to the commercial construction market.  On April 2, 2007, Icon and Intube were merged under the laws of Ontario to form one corporation.

 In June 2007, Icon entered into a credit agreement with CIT Financial, Ltd. to provide a term loan and a line of credit facility.  These loans were secured by all of the assets of Icon and by the corporate guarantees of the Company and our USI Electric subsidiary.

At the time of our investment in Icon, we projected that our established U.S. sales network would allow us to increase sales of EMT to U.S. customers.  Despite our efforts, Icon suffered continuing losses, and we were not successful in increasing Icon’s sales in the face of competition and a downturn in the housing market.  On January 29, 2008, Icon received notice from CIT Financial, Ltd. (CIT Canada), Icon’s principal and secured lender, that Icon was in default under the terms of the Credit Agreement dated June 22, 2007 between Icon and CIT Canada and demanding immediate payment of all of Icon’s obligations to CIT Canada under the Credit Agreement.  On February 11, 2008, the assets of Icon were placed under the direction of a court appointed receiver, and the operations of Icon were suspended.  Accordingly, the assets and liabilities of Icon are not consolidated in the financial statements of the Company and are classified as assets held in receivership.   Our consolidated financial statements and the related note disclosures reflect the operations of Icon as discontinued operations for all periods presented.

 
- 15 -

 

As a result of continuing losses at Icon, we undertook an evaluation of the goodwill from our acquisition of Icon to determine whether the value of the goodwill had been impaired in accordance with FAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”.  Based on that evaluation, we determined that the value of the goodwill from our acquisition of Icon was impaired, and we recognized an impairment charge of US$1,926,696 for the goodwill.   In addition, as a result of Icon’s receivership and the steps taken to liquidate Icon’s assets, the non-cash assets of Icon were written down to their estimated net realizable value and a further impairment charge of US$7,087,294 was recognized as of March 31, 2008.  These impairments have been recorded in discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008.

On September 22, 2008, Icon’s obligations were settled in the receivership action by Ontario Superior Court order.   As a result of the settlement of Icon’s obligations, a gain of CAD$5,101,674 (US$4,910,718) was realized by Icon in the quarter ended September 30, 2008.  Approximately US$3,000,000 of the gain related to extinguishment of liabilities due to unsecured creditors.  The company applied guidance in FAS 140 , Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities, and determined that a legal release of the liabilities had been achieved to allow recognition of the gain on extinguishment of liabilities.  This gain was partially offset in consolidation by the US$1,518,375 after-tax effect loss recognized by the Company in settlement of its guarantee of Icon’s secured debt and other losses attributable to the Icon discontinued operation to arrive at the gain from discontinued operations of $3,423,021 for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009.

 At March 31, 2009, the remaining asset of Icon held by the receiver consists of cash of $202,565.  The liabilities of Icon held by the receiver include a claim by a supplier and other secured amounts payable of $202,565.

Assets
 
March 31, 2009
   
March 31, 2008
 
             
Cash
  $ 202,565     $ 823,550  
Trade receivables, net
    0       371,793  
Inventories
    0       817,022  
Property, plant and equipment – net
    0       831,555  
Other assets
    0       6,811  
Assets of discontinued operations
  $ 202,565     $ 2,850,731  
                 
Liabilities
               
Accounts payable, trade and other
  $ 202,565     $ 3,344,624  
Notes payable – bank
    0       4,478,826  
Liabilities of discontinued operations
  $ 202,565     $ 7,823,450  

In the accompanying consolidated financial statements, the results of Icon for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 have been restated and are presented as the results of discontinued operations, and certain other prior year amounts have been reclassified in order to conform with the current year’s presentation.

Comparison of Results of Operations for the Years Ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007

Sales.  In fiscal year 2009, our net sales decreased by $7,773,766 (23.0%), from $33,871,362 in fiscal 2008 to $26,097,596 in fiscal 2009.  Sales to the electrical distribution trade through our USI Electric subsidiary decreased to $8,619,816, principally due to decreased volume from the U.S. residential construction trade (from approximately $15,178,930 in 2008) and also due to our inability to import GFCI devices because the manufacturer has not yet received certifications for mandated changes to the devices.  The Company’s sales to retail and wholesale customers in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009 decreased to $17,477,780 from $18,692,432 at March 31, 2008, principally as a result of decreased sales to a national home improvement retailer.

In fiscal year 2008, sales increased by $936,974 (2.8%) from $32,934,388 in fiscal 2007 to $33,871,362 in fiscal 2008.  Sales to the electrical distribution trade through our USI Electric subsidiary decreased to $15,178,930, principally due to decreased volume from the U.S. residential construction trade (from approximately $19,916,690 in 2007).  The Company increased its sales to retail and wholesale customers in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008 to $18,692,432 from $13,017,698 at March 31, 2007, principally as a result of sales to a national home improvement retailer.

 
- 16 -

 

Gross Profit.  Gross profit margin is calculated as net sales less cost of goods sold expressed as a percentage of net sales.  Our gross profit margin for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009 was 23.4% compared to 23.2% and 31.6% in fiscal 2008 and 2007, respectively.  The decreases in 2009 and 2008 gross margins from the respective prior years are attributed to our increased sales to a national home improvement retailer and our lower gross profit margins on those sales, and due to significantly lower GFCI sales as previously indicated.

Expenses.  Selling, general and administrative expenses for fiscal 2009 decreased by $826,929 (13.5%), from $6,124,213 in fiscal 2008 to $5,297,284 in fiscal 2009.  As a percentage of net sales, these expenses increased to 20.3% for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009 from 18.1% for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008, primarily due to lower absorption of fixed costs due to the lower sales volume.  The decrease in selling, general and administrative expense in dollars is principally attributable to lower commissions, selling and freight expenses associated with the reduced volume of sales to the electrical distribution trade due to the decline in new home construction during the period.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for fiscal 2008 decreased by $422,396 (6.5%) from $6,546,609 in fiscal 2007 to $6,124,213 in fiscal 2008.  As a percentage of net sales, these expenses decreased to 18.1% for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008 from 19.9% for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007.  The decrease in selling, general and administrative expense as a percent of sales is attributable to costs that do not increase proportionately with the higher sales volume and a reduction in legal expenses from the 2007 period.  The reduction in legal expense was partially offset by an increase in commissions and freight charges; the account classification which was the most significant factor in this dollar increase, due to our higher 2008 sales volume.  Commissions and freight charges, as a percentage of sales, while consistent with commission and freight charges of the prior year, vary directly with sales volume.

Interest Income and Expense. Interest expense for fiscal 2009 decreased to $32,198 from $46,349 in fiscal 2008 primarily due to the timing of activity in our line of credit.  Interest expense for fiscal 2008 increased $46,349 from $0 in fiscal 2007 primarily due to the timing of activity in our line of credit.  The majority of the Company’s cash balances are maintained on deposit with the Company’s factor and earn interest at the factor’s prime rate of interest minus 3%.  During the fiscal years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company earned interest of $37,228 and $16,155, respectively.  The company earned interest of $16,155 for the year ended March 31, 2008 compared to net interest expense of $21,991 in fiscal 2007.

Income Taxes.  For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009, we generated a net operating loss for federal and state income tax purposes of approximately $600,508.  The loss was generated principally as a result of the payment of the guarantee of the indebtedness of the discontinued Canadian subsidiary.  Furthermore, we generated foreign tax credits of $157,249 for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009.  We have elected to carryforward our net operating loss forward to offset future taxable income.  In addition, we have foreign tax credits of approximately $1,240,239 available to offset future taxes.

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008, we generated a net operating loss for federal and state income tax purposes of approximately $3,320,000.  The loss was generated principally as a result of the payment of the guarantee of the indebtedness of the discontinued Canadian subsidiary.  Furthermore, we generated foreign tax credits of $132,439 for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009.  We have elected to carryback our net operating loss forward to offset prior taxable income.  In addition, we have foreign tax credits of approximately $388,744 available to offset future taxes.

During the fiscal year ended 2007, the Company offset the payment of taxes on $3,265,940 of taxable income with the difference between the option price and the exercise price recognized as an employment expense for federal income tax purposes related to employee stock options.  For book purposes, this benefit has been treated as an addition to paid-in capital.  In addition, the Company offset a portion of its federal taxes of approximately $731,395 with foreign tax credits available as a result of foreign taxes paid on the repatriated earnings of the Hong Kong Joint Venture.  At March 31, 2007, we had a foreign tax credit carryforward of $190,887 available to offset future taxes.  After application of the deductions and credits identified above, we had a net tax liability for federal and state income tax purposes of approximately $337,000 with respect to our 2007 fiscal year.  The deductions and the income tax credits for foreign income taxes paid resulted in an effective income tax rate of approximately 19.28% for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007.

Income from Continuing Operations.  We reported income from continuing operations of $1,442,336 for fiscal year 2009 compared to income from continuing operations of $2,824,749 for fiscal year 2008, a $1,382,413 (48.9%) decrease.  This decrease in net income resulted from a reduction in U.S. operating income of $979,173 due to lower net sales and a reduction of $456,093 in our reported equity in the earnings of the Hong Kong Joint Venture, partially offset by a lower provision in 2009 for income taxes.  Our equity in the earnings of the Hong Kong Joint Venture is calculated by reducing our share of the Hong Kong Joint Venture’s net income by certain items, including our share of the Hong Kong Joint Venture’s profit on sales of inventory to the Company which remain in the Company’s inventory at year end.  We ended fiscal 2009 with a higher amount of inventory purchased from the Hong Kong Joint Venture primarily due to higher inventories maintained to service a large national retailer, and also due to the downturn in the U.S. housing market.

 
- 17 -

 

We reported income from continuing operations of $2,824,749 for fiscal year 2008 compared to income from continuing operations of $6,093,366 for fiscal year 2007, a $3,268,617 (53.6%) decrease.  This decrease in net income resulted from a reduction of $1,860,115 in our equity in earnings of the Joint Venture, due to lower sales volume as a result of the downturn in the housing industry, and a reduction in the earnings from continuing operations of $1,408,502 due to sales of lower margin products, partially offset by lower selling, general and administrative expenses of $422,396 as described above, and the income tax effects described above.

Net Income.  We reported net income of $4,865,357 for fiscal 2009 compared to a net loss of $5,568,914 for fiscal year 2008 and net income of $5,533,258 for fiscal year 2007.  In addition to the discussion above with respect to the decrease in income from continuing operations, net income increased principally as a result of the recognition of $4,910,718 of non-cash gain on the extinguishment of debt in the discontinued Canadian subsidiary.  This gain was partially offset by a loss (net of income tax benefit) recorded by the Company related to the payment of debt of the Canadian subsidiary guaranteed by the Company.  In the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008, the net loss related primarily to impairment charges related to the discontinued Canadian subsidiary.  The increase in net income in fiscal 2008 over fiscal 2007 resulted from increased income of our Hong Kong Joint Venture, partially offset by higher selling, general and administrative expenses, the income tax effects thereon, and losses from our discontinued Canadian subsidiary.

Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our cash needs are currently met by funds generated from operations and from our Factoring Agreement with CIT Group, which supplies both short-term borrowings and letters of credit to finance foreign inventory purchases.  The maximum we may borrow under this Agreement is $7,500,000.  Based on specified percentages of our accounts receivable and inventory and letter of credit commitments, at March 31, 2009, our maximum borrowing availability under this Agreement is approximately $7,000,000.  Any outstanding principal balance under this Agreement is payable upon demand. The interest rate on the Factoring Agreement, on the uncollected factored accounts receivable and any additional borrowings is equal to the prime rate of interest charged by the factor which, as of March 31, 2009, was 3.25%.  All borrowings are collateralized by all our accounts receivable and inventory.  During the year ended March 31, 2009, working capital (computed as the excess of current assets over current liabilities) increased by $3,630,786, from $7,468,547 on March 31, 2008, to $11,099,333 on March 31, 2009.  This increase in working capital is due to the dissolution of the Canadian subsidiary which increased working capital by $4,972,719, offset by a decrease in the working capital of the continuing operations of $1,341.933.

Our operating activities used cash of $2,503,959 for the year ended March 31, 2009.  For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008, operating activities provided cash of $2,349,563.  The decrease in cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to increases in the amount of inventories and the operations of the discontinued subsidiary.  These uses were partially offset by decreases in accounts receivable, equity in the earnings of the Hong Kong Joint Venture, amounts due from factor and decreases in accounts payable and accrued expenses.

Our investing activities provided cash of $3,386,451 during fiscal 2009 principally as a result of the change in net assets of the discontinued operations of the Canadian subsidiary and cash distributions of the Hong Kong Joint Venture.  Investing activities used cash of $543,962 during fiscal 2008.  During 2009, as in prior years, the Company offset a portion of its distributions from the Hong Kong Joint Venture with amounts due by the Company to the Hong Kong Joint Venture.  The Company offset $0 during fiscal 2009 and $250,000 during fiscal 2008 of amounts due by it to the Hong Kong Joint Venture in lieu of cash distributions.  The Company discloses these payments as a non-cash transaction in its statement of cash flows.

Financing activities in 2009 used cash of $4,462,246.  The use of cash for financing activities resulted principally from the activities associated with the discontinued Canadian subsidiary.  Financing activities in 2008 provided cash of $1,976,693 which was primarily from borrowings from our factor and, to a lesser extent, from exercise of employee stock options (and the related tax benefit).

While sales by our USI Electric subsidiary have been negatively impacted by the severe downturn in the U.S. housing market, we believe that our capital resources are sufficient for our operations.  We anticipate that when and as the housing market recovers, sales by our USI Electric subsidiary will improve, as well, thereby increasing our capital resources.

 
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Hong Kong Joint Venture

The financial statements of the Hong Kong Joint Venture are included in this Form 10-K beginning on page JV-1.  The reader should refer to these financial statements for additional information.  There are no material Hong Kong – US GAAP differences in the Hong Kong Joint Venture’s accounting policies.

In fiscal year 2009, sales of the Hong Kong Joint Venture were $36,161,337 compared to $30,144,148 and $41,151,055 in fiscal years 2008 and 2007, respectively.  The increase in sales for 2009 was primarily due to increased sales to non-affiliated customers in Europe.  The decrease in sales for the 2008 period from the 2007 period was primarily due to decreased sales to non-affiliated customers in Europe.

Net income was $4,011,404 for fiscal year 2009 compared to net income of $3,270,926 and $8,377,365 in fiscal years 2008 and 2007, respectively.  The increase in the current fiscal year is primarily due to increased sales volume in the European and Asian markets, partially offset by a $646,140 charge to income in fiscal 2009 due to losses on foreign currency exchange.  The decrease in sales for fiscal 2008 from fiscal 2007 was primarily due to decreased sales to non-affiliated customers in Europe.

Gross margins of the Hong Kong Joint Venture for fiscal 2009 increased to 26.5% from 25.1% in the prior fiscal year.  The primary reason for this increase was due to variation in product mix.  The primary reason for the change in product mix is attributed to the large volume of higher margin sales to the non-affiliated customers in Europe.  At March 31, 2008, the Hong Kong Joint Venture’s gross margin decreased to 25.1% from 33.4% at March 31, 2007.  The primary reason for this decrease was lower gross margins on sales to the Company for the U.S. retail market.

Selling, general and administrative expenses of the Hong Kong Joint Venture were $5,298,831, $4,408,855 and $4,789,424 for fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  As a percentage of sales, these expenses were 14.7%, 14.6% and 12.0% for fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  The increase in dollars of selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended March 31, 2009 was due principally to increases in foreign currency exchange losses, insurance, management bonus, rent expense and sales commissions.

Interest expense net of interest income was $14,516 for fiscal year 2009, compared to $26,932 and $52,181 in fiscal years 2008 and 2007, respectively.  The decrease in interest expense net of interest income for 2009 was due to a increase in investments.  The decrease from 2008 to 2007 is due to variations in the amount of investments in bonds during those fiscal periods.

Cash needs of the Hong Kong Joint Venture are currently met by funds generated from operations.  During fiscal year 2009, working capital increased by $265,058 from $8,886,141 on March 31, 2008 to $9,151,199 on March 31, 2009.

Contractual Obligations and Commitments

The following table presents, as of March 31, 2009, our significant fixed and determinable contractual obligations to third parties by payment date.  Further discussion of the nature of each obligation is included in Note F to the consolidated financial statements.

   
Payment due by period
 
         
Less than
     
1-3
     
3-5
   
More than
 
   
Total
   
1 year
   
years
   
years
   
5 years
 
Operating lease obligations
  $ 1,264,214     $ 146,754     $ 294,565     $ 223,139     $ 599,756  

Critical Accounting Policies

Management’s discussion and analysis of our consolidated financial statements and results of operations are based upon our Consolidated Financial Statement included as part of this document.  The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities.  On an ongoing basis, we evaluate these estimates, including those related to bad debts, inventories, income taxes, impairment of long-lived assets, and contingencies and litigation. We base these estimates on historical experiences and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily available from other sources.  Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

 
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We believe that the following critical accounting policies affect management’s more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements.  For a detailed discussion on the application on these and other accounting policies see Note A to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report.  Certain of our accounting policies require the application of significant judgment by management in selecting the appropriate assumptions for calculating financial estimates.  By their nature, these judgments are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty and actual results could differ from these estimates.  These judgments are based on our historical experience, terms of existing contracts, current economic trends in the industry, information provided by our customers, and information available from outside sources, as appropriate. Our critical accounting policies include:

In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”), No. 94, “Consolidation of All Majority-Owned Subsidiaries,” the financial statements of the Company’s Canadian subsidiary, International Conduits, Ltd. (Icon) are not consolidated with the financial statements of the Company.  As a result of the February 11, 2008 court appointed receivership of Icon’s assets, we no longer controlled Icon as of that date.  Accordingly, the accounts and operations of Icon in our consolidated financial statements are presented as assets and liabilities held in receivership and as the results of discontinued operations.

Our revenue recognition policies are in compliance with Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104, “Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements” issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Revenue is recognized at the time product is shipped and title passes pursuant to the terms of the agreement with the customer, the amount due from the customer is fixed and collectability of the related receivable is reasonably assured.  We established allowances to cover anticipated doubtful accounts and sales returns based upon historical experience.

Inventories are valued at the lower of market or cost.  Cost is determined on the first-in first-out method.  We have recorded a reserve for obsolescence or unmarketable inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions.  Management reviews the reserve quarterly.

We currently have a foreign tax credit carryforward and deferred tax assets resulting from deductible temporary differences, which will reduce taxable income in future periods.  We had previously provided a valuation allowance on the deferred tax assets associated with the future tax benefits such as foreign tax credits, foreign net operating losses, capital losses and net operating losses.  A valuation allowance is required when it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized.  Forming a conclusion that a valuation allowance is not needed is difficult when there is negative evidence such as cumulative losses and losses in recent years.  Management has determined that a valuation allowance on the deferred tax assets is not warranted at March 31, 2009 and 2008.

We are subject to lawsuits and other claims, related to patents and other matters.  Management is required to assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes to these matters, as well as potential ranges of probable losses.  A determination of the amount of reserves required, if any, for these contingencies is based on a careful analysis of each individual issue with the assistance of outside legal counsel.  The required reserves may change in the future due to new developments in each matter or changes in approach such as a change in settlement strategy in dealing with these matters.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets:  The Company’s policy is to review its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable in accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”, (“SFAS No. 144”). The Company recognizes an impairment loss when the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset. The measurement of the impairment losses to be recognized is based upon the difference between the fair value and the carrying amount of the assets. During fiscal 2008, the company recognized impairment losses on assets held for sale of approximately $3,750,000, which is included in the loss from discontinued operations.

Income Taxes:  In July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Interpretation No. 48 (“FIN 48”), “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes —  An Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” , which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in tax positions. FIN 48 requires that the Company recognize the impact of a tax position in the Company’s financial statements if that position is more likely than not to be sustained on audit, based on the technical merits of the position. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, measurement, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition. The provisions of FIN 48 were adopted as of the beginning of the Company’s 2008 fiscal year, with the cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle recorded as an adjustment to opening retained earnings. See Note F, Income Taxes.

 
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Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Business Combinations: In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 141(R), “Business Combinations,” (“SFAS No. 141(R)”),which replaces SFAS No. 141 and issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements,” (“SFAS No. 160”), an amendment of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51. These two new standards will change the accounting for and the reporting for business combination transactions and noncontrolling (minority) interests in the consolidated financial statements, respectively. SFAS No. 141(R) will change how business acquisitions are accounted for and will impact financial statements both on the acquisition date and in subsequent periods. SFAS No. 160 will change the accounting and reporting for minority interests, which will be re-characterized as noncontrolling interests and classified as a component of equity. These two standards will be effective for the Company for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2008.  SFAS 141(R) applies prospectively to business combinations from which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008.  Earlier adoption is prohibited.  The Company is required to record and disclose business combinations following existing GAAP until April 2009.  SFAS 141R will have an impact on our accounting for business combinations once adopted, but the effect on our consolidated results of operations and financial position will be dependent upon the acquisitions, if any, that we make on or after April 1, 2009.

Fair Value Measurements:  In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, (“SFAS No. 157”).  SFAS No. 157 establishes a formal framework for measuring fair value under generally accepted accounting principles.  Although SFAS No. 157 applies (amends) the provisions of existing FASB and other accounting pronouncements, it does not require any new fair value measurements nor does it establish valuation standards.  SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007.  In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. 157-1 (“FSP 157-1”) which excludes SFAS No. 13, Accounting for Leases, and its related pronouncements that address leasing transactions from the scope of SFAS No. 157.  Also in February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. 157-2 (“FSP 157-2”) which delays the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for all non-financial assets and liabilities, except those items recognized or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis (at least annually).  FSP 157-2 defers the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008.  The FASB has issued a proposed FASB Staff Position No. 157-c, (“FSP 157-c)”, that would provide guidance on measuring liabilities under SFAS No. 157.  SFAS No. 157 does not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities:  In February 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, including an amendment of FASB Statements No. 115 (SFAS No. 159).  SFAS No. 159 permits entities to choose, at specified election dates, to measure eligible items at fair value (the “fair value option”).  A business entity shall report unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected in earnings at each subsequent reporting period.  This accounting standard was effective for our fiscal year beginning April 1, 2008.  The Company did not elect the fair value option under SFAS No. 159 for any of the financial instruments upon adoption.

FASB Statement 165, Subsequent Events, incorporates the accounting and disclosure requirements for subsequent events into U.S. GAAP.  Statement 165 introduces new terminology, defines a date through which management must evaluate subsequent events, and lists the circumstances under which an entity must recognize and disclose events or transactions occurring after the balance-sheet date.  Statement 165 is effective prospectively for interim or annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009.  As Statement 165 is effective for interim periods, the Company will need to provide the new required disclosures beginning with the June 30, 2009 interim financial statements.  The Company does not anticipate the adoption of this new standard will have a material impact on its disclosures.

ITEM 7A.     QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Our principal financial instrument is our Factoring Agreement which provides for interest at the factor’s prime rate (3.25% at March 31, 2009).  We are affected by market risk exposure primarily through the effect of changes in interest rates on amounts payable by us under our Factoring Agreement.  A significant rise in the prime rate could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.  For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009, the highest amount of borrowing outstanding under the facility was $772,789.  At March 31, 2009, we had no balance outstanding under the facility.  We do not use derivative financial instruments to hedge against interest rate changes or for any other purpose.

 
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ITEM 8.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

The financial statements and supplementary data required by this Item 8 are included in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and set forth in the pages indicated in Item 15(a) of this Annual Report.

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

Not applicable.

ITEM 9A(T).
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain a system of disclosure controls and procedures that is designed to provide reasonable assurance that information, which is required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and is accumulated and communicated to management in a timely manner.  Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have evaluated this system of disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this annual report, and have concluded that the system is effective.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act.  Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of our financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).  Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that: (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with US GAAP, and that the Company’s receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Our Chief Financial Officer (with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer) conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.  Based on this evaluation, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of March 31, 2009.

Effective February 11, 2008, the assets, liabilities and operations of Icon were placed in receivership and thus are presented in discontinued operations as an unconsolidated subsidiary.   Accordingly, internal control procedures relating to the unconsolidated Canadian subsidiary were not evaluated as a part of management’s review of internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2009.

Management is aware that there is a lack of segregation of duties at the Company due to the small number of employees dealing with general administrative and financial matters.  However, at this time management has decided that considering the employees involved and the control procedures in place, the risks associated with such lack of segregation are insignificant and the potential benefits of adding employees to clearly segregate duties do not justify the expenses associated with such increases.  Management does not deem this rises to the level of a material weakness.  Management will periodically review this situation.
 
This Annual Report does not include an attestation report of our registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting.  Management’s report was not subject to attestation by our registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit us to provide only management’s report in this Annual Report.

 
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Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B.    OTHER INFORMATION

Not applicable.

 
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PART III

ITEM 10.
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The information with respect to the identity and business experience of the directors of the Company and their remuneration set forth in the section captioned “Election of Directors” in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A and issued in conjunction with the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Proxy Statement”) is incorporated herein by reference.  The information with respect to the identity and business experience of executive officers of the Company is set forth in Part I of this Form 10-K.  The information with respect to the Company’s Audit Committee is incorporated herein by reference to the section captioned “Meetings and Committees of the Board of Directors” in the Proxy Statement.  The information with respect to compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act is incorporated herein by reference to the section captioned “Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act” in the Proxy Statement.  The information with respect to the Company’s Code of Ethics is incorporated herein by reference to the section captioned “Code of Ethics” in the Proxy Statement.

ITEM 11.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the sections captioned “Director Compensation” and “Executive Compensation” in the Proxy Statement.

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

The information required by this item regarding security ownership is incorporated herein by reference to the sections captioned “Beneficial Ownership” and “Information Regarding Share Ownership of Management” in the Proxy Statement.  Information required by this item regarding our equity compensation plans is incorporated herein by reference to the Section entitled “Executive Compensation” in the Proxy Statement.

ITEM 13.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the sections captioned “Transactions with Management”, if any, and “Election of Directors” in the Proxy Statement.

ITEM 14.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the section captioned “Independent Registered Public Accountants” in the Proxy Statement.

 
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PART IV

ITEM 15.     EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a)1. Financial Statements.

 
Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
F-1
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2009 and 2008
F-2
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
F-3
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
F-4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
F-5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
F-6
   
(a)2. Financial Statement Schedules.
 
   
Schedule II – Valuation of Qualifying Accounts
S-1

(a)3. Exhibits required to be filed by Item 601 of Regulation S-K.

Exhibit No.
3.1
Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended December 31, 1988, File No. 1-31747)
3.2
Articles Supplementary, filed October 14, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 31, 2002, file No. 1-31747)
3.3
Bylaws, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 13, 2008, file No. 1-31747)
10.1
Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2003, File No. 1-31747)
10.2
Hong Kong Joint Venture Agreement, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2003, File No. 1-31747)
10.3
Amended Factoring Agreement with CIT Group (successor to Congress Talcott, Inc.) dated November 14, 1999 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2003, File No. 1-31747)
10.4
Amendment to Factoring Agreement with CIT Group (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2007, File No. 1-31747)
10.5
Amendment to Factoring Agreement with CIT Group dated September 28, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2004, File No. 1-31747)
10.6
Amended and Restated Factoring Agreement between the Registrant and The CIT Group/Commercial Services, Inc. (“CIT”), dated June 22, 2007 (substantially identical agreement entered into by the Registrant’s wholly-owned subsidiary, USI Electric, Inc.) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 26, 2007, file No. 1-31747)
10.7
Amended and Restated Inventory Security Agreement between the Registrant and CIT, dated June 22, 2008 (substantially identical agreement entered into by the Registrant’s wholly-owned subsidiary, USI Electric, Inc.) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 26, 2008, file No. 1-31747)
10.8
Lease between Universal Security Instruments, Inc. and St. John Properties, Inc. dated November 4, 2008 for its office and warehouse located at 11407 Cronhill Drive, Suites A-D, Owings Mills, Maryland 21117 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended December 31, 2008, File No. 1-31747)
10.9
Amendment to Lease between Universal Security Instruments, Inc. and St. John Properties, Inc. dated June 23, 2009*
10.10
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated July 18, 2007 between the Company and Harvey B. Grossblatt (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2007, File No. 1-31747)
14
Code of Ethics (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2004, File No. 1-31747)
21
Subsidiaries of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 21 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2007, File No. 1-31747)
23.1
Consent of Grant Thornton LLP*

 
- 25 -

 

23.2
Consent of Grant Thornton LLP (Hong Kong)*
31.1
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer*
31.2
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer*
32.1
Section 1350 Certifications (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 21 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2007, File No. 1-31747)
99.1
Press Release dated June 23, 2009*

*Filed herewith

(c)
Financial Statements Required by Regulation S-X.

Separate financial statements of the Hong Kong Joint Venture

Independent Auditors’ Report
 
JV-1
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
JV-2
Consolidated Income Statement
 
JV-3
Consolidated Balance Sheet
 
JV-4
Balance Sheet
 
JV-5
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
 
JV-6
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
 
JV-7
Notes to Financial Statements
 
JV-8

 
- 26 -

 

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.

 
UNIVERSAL SECURITY INSTRUMENTS, INC.
     
June 23, 2009
By:
/s/ Harvey B. Grossblatt
   
Harvey B. Grossblatt
   
President

Pursuant to the requirements 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 capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature
 
Title
 
Date
         
/s/ Harvey B. Grossblatt
 
President, Chief Executive Officer
 
June 23, 2009
Harvey B. Grossblatt
 
and Director
   
         
/s/ James B. Huff
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
June 23, 2009
James B. Huff
       
         
/s/ Cary Luskin
 
Director
 
June 23, 2009
Cary Luskin
       
         
/s/ Ronald A. Seff
 
Director
 
June 23, 2009
Ronald A. Seff
       
         
/s/ Ira Bormel
 
Director
 
June 23, 2009
Ira Bormel
       

 
- 27 -

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of Universal Security Instruments, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Universal Security Instruments, Inc. (a Maryland Corporation) and subsidiaries (the Company) as of March 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 2009. Our audits of the basic financial statements included the financial statement schedule listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(2).  These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Universal Security Instruments, Inc. and subsidiaries as of March 31, 2009 and 2008, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 2009, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP

Baltimore, Maryland
June 22, 2009
 
F-1

 
UNIVERSAL SECURITY INSTRUMENTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 
 
March 31
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
ASSETS
           
CURRENT ASSETS
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 284,030     $ 3,863,784  
Accounts receivable:
               
Trade less allowance for doubtful accounts of $95,927 at March 31, 2009 and $15,000 at March 31, 2008
    55,779       146,022  
Other receivables
    97,780       282,083  
Receivable from Hong Kong Joint Venture
    312,257       115,656  
      465,816       543,761  
                 
Amount due from factor
    4,610,401       5,600,408  
Inventories, net of allowance for obsolete inventory of $204,309 at March 31, 2009 and $40,000 at March 31, 2008
    8,997,231       5,357,488  
Prepaid expenses
    255,745       206,197  
Assets held in receivership
    202,565       2,850,731  
                 
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
    14,815,788       18,422,369  
                 
DEFERRED TAX ASSET
    2,141,702       1,914,136  
                 
INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG JOINT VENTURE
    10,550,373       9,986,579  
                 
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT – NET
    251,366       130,347  
                 
OTHER ASSETS
    18,449       15,486  
                 
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 27,777,678     $ 30,468,917  
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
CURRENT LIABILITIES
               
Accounts payable
  $ 794,365     $ 777,342  
Hong Kong Joint Venture accounts payable
    1,967,073       1,687,950  
Accrued liabilities:
               
Litigation reserve
    401,592       401,592  
Payroll and employee benefits
    148,071       158,057  
Commissions and other
    202,789       105,431  
Liabilities held in receivership
    202,565       7,823,450  
                 
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
    3,716,455       10,953,822  
                 
Long-term obligation - other
    95,324       91,160  
                 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
    -       -  
                 
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Common stock, $.01 par value per share; authorized 20,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding, 2,408,220 shares at March 31, 2009 and 2,487,867 shares at March 31, 2008
    24,083         24,879  
Additional paid-in capital
    13,186,436       13,453,378  
Retained earnings
    10,755,380       5,890,023  
Other comprehensive income
    -       55,655  
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
    23,965,899       19,423,935  
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $ 27,777,678     $ 30,468,917  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

 
F-2

 

UNIVERSAL SECURITY INSTRUMENTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
   
Years Ended March 31
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
                   
Net sales
  $ 26,097,596     $ 33,871,362     $ 32,934,388  
Cost of goods sold – acquired from Joint Venture
    19,363,886       22,530,867       14,870,683  
Cost of goods sold - other
    633,740       3,470,439       7,634,389  
                         
GROSS PROFIT
    6,099,970       7,870,056       10,429,316  
                         
Research and development expense
    435,750       364,510       296,502  
Selling, general and administrative expense
    5,297,284       6,124,213       6,546,609  
                         
                         
Operating income
    366,936       1,381,333       3,586,205  
                         
Other income (expense):
                       
Interest expense
    (32,198 )     (46,349 )     -  
Interest income
    37,228       16,155       21,991  
      5,030       (30,194 )     21,991  
                         
INCOME BEFORE EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF JOINT VENTURE
    371,966       1,351,139       3,608,196  
                         
Equity in earnings of Hong Kong Joint Venture
    1,529,752       1,985,845       3,845,960  
                         
                         
                         
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
    1,901,718       3,336,984       7,454,156  
                         
Provision for income tax expense
    (459,382 )     (512,235 )     (1,360,790 )
                         
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
    1,442,336       2,824,749       6,093,366  
                         
Discontinued operations
                       
Income (loss) from the discontinued Canadian subsidiary (including impairment loss of $9,013,990 in 2008)
    2,481,318       (10,242,663 )     (590,139 )
                         
Income tax benefit – discontinued operations
    941,703       1,849,000       30,031  
                         
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
    3,423,021       (8,393,663 )     (560,108 )
                         
NET INCOME (LOSS)
  $ 4,865,357     $ (5,568,914 )   $ 5,533,258  
                         
Income (loss) per share:
                       
Basic – from continuing operations
  $ 0.58     $ 1.14     $ 2.54  
Basic – from discontinued operations
  $ 1.39     $ (3.38 )   $ (0.23 )
Basic – net  income (loss)
  $ 1.97     $ (2.24 )   $ 2.31  
Diluted – from continuing operations
  $ 0.58     $ 1.13     $ 2.45  
Diluted – from discontinued operations
  $ 1.38     $ (3.35 )   $ (0.23 )
Diluted – net income (loss)
  $ 1.96     $ (2.23 )   $ 2.23  
Shares used in computing net income (loss) per share:
                       
Basic
    2,466,983       2,484,192       2,398,284  
Diluted
    2,471,807       2,502,017       2,484,606  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

 
F-3

 

UNIVERSAL SECURITY INSTRUMENTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   
Common Stock
                         
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
   
Retained
Earnings
   
Other
Comprehensive
Income
   
Total
 
                                     
Balance at March 31, 2007
    2,475,612     $ 24,756     $ 13,214,025     $ 11,545,304     $ (112,204 )   $ 24,671,881  
                                                 
Recognition of uncertain tax provisions
    -       -       -       (86,367 )     -       (86,367 )
                                                 
Issuance of common stock from the exercise of employee stock options
        12,255           123           126,555           -           -       126,678  
                                                 
Stock based compensation
    -       -       19,863       -       -       19,863  
                                                 
Comprehensive income:
                                               
                                                 
Effect of currency translation
    -       -       -       -       167,859       -  
                                                 
Net loss
    -       -       -       (5,568,914 )     -       (5,401,055 )
                                                 
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options
     -        -        92,935        -        -       92,935  
                                                 
Balance at March 31, 2008
    2,487,867     $ 24,879     $ 13,453,378     $ 5,890,023     $ 55,655     $ 19,423,935  
                                                 
Stock based compensation
    -       -       11,230       -       -       11,230  
                                                 
Comprehensive income:
                                               
                                                 
Effect of currency translation
    -       -       -       -       (55,655 )     -  
                                                 
Net income
    -       -       -       4,865,357       -       4,809,702  
                                                 
Repurchase of common stock
    (79,647 )     (796 )     (278,172 )      -        -       (278,968 )
                                                 
Balance at March 31, 2009
    2,408,220     $ 24,083     $ 13,186,436     $ 10,755,380       -     $ 23,965,899  

 
F-4

 

UNIVERSAL SECURITY INSTRUMENTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
   
Years Ended March 31,
 
 
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
                 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
                 
Net income (loss)
  $ 4,865,357     $ (5,568,914 )   $ 5,533,258  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
                       
Operations of discontinued subsidiary
    (3,431,654 )     7,904,780       (167,374 )
Depreciation and amortization
    49,210       46,503       39,449  
Stock based compensation
    11,230       19,863       29,411  
Increase in deferred taxes
    (227,566 )     (1,157,711 )     (280,040 )
Earnings of the Hong Kong Joint Venture
    (1,529,752 )     (1,985,845 )     (3,845,960 )
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                       
Decrease  (increase) in accounts receivable and amounts due from factor
    1,067,952       2,329,219       (3,084,166 )
(Increase) decrease in inventories
    (3,639,743 )     3,347,828       (4,643,230 )
(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses
    (49,548 )     (64,620 )     55,286  
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses
    383,518       (2,524,540 )     2,994,038  
(Increase) decrease in other assets
    (2,963 )     3,000       (3,000 )
                         
NET CASH  (USED IN) PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
    (2,503,959 )     2,349,563       (3,372,328 )
                         
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
                       
Cash distributions from Joint Venture
    965,958       1,071,549       1,914,535  
Purchase of equipment
    (170,229 )     (30,778 )     (123,309 )
Activities of discontinued subsidiary
    2,590,722       (1,584,733 )     (3,194,185 )
                         
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES
    3,386,451       (543,962 )     (1,402,959 )
                         
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
                       
Activities of discontinued subsidiary
    (4,187,444 )     4,012,046       (2,087,661 )
Repurchase of common stock
    (278,968 )     -       -  
Borrowing from factor
    -       -       2,254,966  
Principal payment of notes payable
    -       (2,254,966 )     -  
Proceeds from issuance of common stock from exercise of employee stock options
    -       126,678       585,658  
Increase in long-term debt
    4,166       -       -  
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options
    -       92,935       1,029,189  
                         
NET CASH (USED IN) PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES
    (4,462,246 )     1,976,693       1,782,152  
                         
Effects of exchange rate on cash
    -       81,490       (22,356 )
                         
(DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH
    (3,579,754 )     3,863,784       (3,015,491 )
                         
Cash at beginning of period
    3,863,784       -       3,015,491  
                         
CASH AT END OF PERIOD
  $ 284,030     $ 3,863,784     $ -  
                         
Supplemental information:
                       
Interest paid
  $ 32,198     $ 46,349     $ 23,750  
Income taxes recovered (paid)
  $ 520,558     $ (227,000 )   $ (109,500 )
                         
Non-cash investing transactions:
                       
Offset of trade payables due the Hong Kong Joint Venture in lieu of cash distributions
  $ -     $ 250,000     $ 250,000  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

 
F-5

 

UNIVERSAL SECURITY INSTRUMENTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE A – NATURE OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of Business: Universal Security Instruments, Inc.’s primary business is the sale of smoke alarms and other safety products to retailers, wholesale distributors and to the electrical distribution trade which includes electrical and lighting distributors as well as manufactured housing companies. The Company imports all of its safety and other products from foreign manufacturers. The Company, as an importer, is subject to numerous tariffs which vary depending on types of products and country of origin, changes in economic and political conditions in the country of manufacture, potential trade restrictions and currency fluctuations.  During the third quarter of fiscal 2007, the Company acquired two Canadian subsidiaries, International Conduit, Inc. (Icon) and Intube, Inc. (Intube), whose primary business is the manufacture and sale of EMT steel conduit to the commercial construction market in Canada and in the United States.  On February 11, 2008, the assets of Icon were placed under the direction of a court appointed receiver, the operations of Icon were suspended and the assets of Icon are classified as Assets held for sale in the consolidated balance sheet.  Accordingly, the consolidated financial statements and the related note disclosures reflect the operations of Icon as discontinued operations for all periods presented.

Principles of Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. The assets, liabilities and operations of International Conduits, Ltd (the discontinued subsidiary) held in receivership are not consolidated and are shown in the consolidated financial statements as assets and liabilities held in receivership and as the results from discontinued operations.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.  We believe that our 50% ownership interest in the Hong Kong Joint Venture allows us to significantly influence the operations of the Hong Kong Joint Venture. As such, we account for our interest in the Hong Kong Joint Venture using the equity method of accounting.  We have included our investment balance as a non-current asset and have included our share of the Hong Kong Joint Venture’s income in our consolidated statement of operations.  The investment and earnings are adjusted to eliminate intercompany profits.

Use of Estimates: In preparing financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (US GAAP), management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Revenue Recognition: We recognize sales upon shipment of products, when title has passed to the buyer, net of applicable provisions for any discounts or allowances.  We recognize revenue when the following criterion are met:  evidence of an arrangement, fixed and determinable fee, delivery has taken place, and collectability is reasonably assured.  Customers may not return, exchange or refuse acceptance of goods without our approval.  We have established allowances to cover anticipated doubtful accounts based upon historical experience.

Warranties: We generally provide warranties, on the safety products, from one to ten years to the non-commercial end user on all products sold.  The manufacturers of our safety products provide us with a one-year warranty on all products we purchase for resale.  Claims for warranty replacement of products beyond the one-year warranty period covered by the manufacturers have not been historically material and we do not record estimated warranty expense or a contingent liability for warranty claims.
 
Stock-Based Compensation: As of March 31, 2009, under the terms of the Company’s Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan, as amended, 1,170,369 shares of our common stock are reserved for the granting of stock options, of which 1,149,638 have been issued, of which 72,422 are presently exercisable.
 
Fair Value Determination.  Under SFAS No. 123R, we have elected to continue using the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine fair value of our awards on date of grant. We will reconsider the use of the Black-Scholes model if additional information becomes available in the future that indicates another model would be more appropriate, or if grants issued in future periods have characteristics that cannot be reasonably estimated under this model.  The following significant assumptions have been used in the Black-Scholes model:  a risk-free rate of return of .50 to 4%, an expected term of four to five years and a stock price volatility index of 60 to 65 percent.
 
Stock Option Activity.  During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009, 25,000 stock options were granted and no options were granted during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2008 or 2007.

 
F-6

 
 
Stock Compensation Expense.  We have elected to continue straight-line amortization of stock-based compensation expense over the requisite service period. Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123R, we recognized the effect of forfeitures in our pro forma disclosures as they occurred. In accordance with the new standard, we have estimated forfeitures and are only recording expense on shares we expect to vest. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009, we recorded $11,230 of stock-based compensation cost as general and administrative expense in our statement of operations. No forfeitures have been estimated.
 
As of March 31, 2009, the unrecognized compensation cost related to share-based compensation arrangements that we expect to vest is $45,628, and will be amortized ratably over two years.  The aggregate intrinsic value of currently exercisable options was $108,010 at March 31, 2009.
 
Research and Development: Research and development costs are charged to operations as incurred.

Discontinued Operations: We report discontinued operations in accordance with the guidance of SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal or Long-Lived Assets.”  Accordingly, we report businesses or asset groups as discontinued operations when we commit to a plan to divest the business or asset group and the sales of the business or asset group is deemed probable within the next 12 months.

Discontinued operations include our unconsolidated subsidiary, International Conduits, Ltd. which was placed into receivership in the fourth quarter of 2008.  The results of this business, including the loss on impairment, have been presented as discontinued operations for all periods presented.

The consolidated statements of income include the following in discontinued operations:
   
Year ended March 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Net Sales
  $ -     $ 9,729,076     $ 2,889,000  
Income (loss)  before income taxes (including asset impairment loss of $9,013,990 in 2008)
    2,481,318       (10,242,663 )     (590,139 )
Income tax benefit
    941,703       1,849,000       30,031  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
  $ 3,423,021     $ (8,393,663 )   $ (560,108 )

The major classes of assets and liabilities held in receivership reported as discontinued operations included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets are shown below.

   
Year ended March 31,
 
 
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Assets
                 
Cash
  $ 202,565     $ 823,550     $ 240,545  
Trade receivables, net
    -       371,793       1,263,177  
Inventories
    -       817,022       2,613,418  
      -                  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    -       831,555       2,883,988  
Other assets
    -       6,811       1,880,793  
Assets of discontinued operations
    202,565       2,850,731       8,881,921  
Liabilities:
                       
Accounts payable, trade and other
    202,565       3,344,624       3,522,549  
Notes payable – bank
    -       4,478,826       -  
Liabilities of discontinued operations
  $ 202,565     $ 7,823,450     $ 3,522,549  

The consolidated asset impairment loss included a write down of inventories, trade accounts receivable, and other assets to their net realizable value, in addition to the write down of property, plant and equipment and the write down of goodwill.  Specifically, the impairment loss recorded on the books of Icon included the following:

Property plant and equipment
  $ 3,750,000  
Goodwill
    1,926,696  
Inventory
    1,572,249  
Accounts receivable
    441,831  
Costs of disposal
    1,323,214  
Total
  $ 9,013,990  

In October 2006, we formed 2113824 Ontario, Inc., an Ontario corporation, as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company for the purpose of acquiring a two-thirds interest in two Canadian corporations, International Conduits, Ltd. (Icon) and Intube, Inc. (Intube).  Icon and Intube were based in Toronto, Canada and manufactured and distributed electrical mechanical tubing (EMT) steel conduit.  Icon also sold home safety products, primarily purchased from the Company, in the Canadian market.  The primary purpose of the Icon and Intube acquisition was to expand our product offerings to include EMT steel conduit, and to provide this product and service to the commercial construction market.  On April 2, 2007, Icon and Intube were merged under the laws of Ontario to form one corporation.

 
F-7

 

In June 2007, Icon entered into a credit agreement with CIT Financial, Ltd. to provide a term loan and a line of credit facility.  These loans were secured by all of the assets of Icon and by the corporate guarantees of the Company and our USI Electric subsidiary.

At the time of our investment in Icon, we projected that our established U.S. sales network would allow us to increase sales of EMT to U.S. customers.  Despite our efforts, Icon suffered continuing losses, and we were not successful in increasing Icon’s sales in the face of competition and a downturn in the housing market.  On January 29, 2008, Icon received notice from CIT Financial, Ltd. (CIT Canada), Icon’s principal and secured lender, that Icon was in default under the terms of the Credit Agreement dated June 22, 2007 between Icon and CIT Canada and demanding immediate payment of all of Icon’s obligations to CIT Canada under the Credit Agreement.  On February 11, 2008, the assets of Icon were placed under the direction of a court appointed receiver, and the operations of Icon were suspended.  Accordingly, the assets and liabilities of Icon are not consolidated in the financial statements of the Company and are classified as assets held in receivership.   Our consolidated financial statements and the related note disclosures reflect the operations of Icon as discontinued operations for all periods presented.

As a result of continuing losses at Icon, we undertook an evaluation of the goodwill from our acquisition of Icon to determine whether the value of the goodwill has been impaired in accordance with FAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”.  Based on that evaluation, we determined that the value of the goodwill from our acquisition of Icon was impaired, and we recognized an impairment charge of US$1,926,696 for the goodwill.   In addition, as a result of Icon’s receivership and the steps taken to liquidate Icon’s assets, the non-cash assets of Icon were written down to their estimated net realizable value and a further impairment charge of US$7,087,297 was recognized as of March 31, 2008.  These impairments have been recorded in discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008.

On September 22, 2008, Icon’s obligations were settled in the receivership action by Ontario Superior Court order.   As a result of the settlement of Icon’s obligations, a gain of CAD$5,101,674 (US$4,910,718) was realized by Icon in the quarter ended September 30, 2008.  Approximately US$3,000,000 of the gain related to extinguishment of liabilities due to unsecured creditors.   The company applied guidance in FAS 140 , Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities, and determined that a legal release of the liabilities had been achieved to allow recognition of the gain on extinguishment of liabilities.   This gain was partially offset in consolidation by the US$1,518,375 after-tax effect loss recognized by the Company in settlement of its guarantee of Icon’s secured debt and other losses attributable to the Icon discontinued operation to arrive at income from discontinued operations of $3,423,021 for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009.

 At March 31, 2009, the remaining assets of Icon held by the receiver consist of cash of $202,565.   The liabilities of Icon held by the receiver include a claim by a supplier and other secured amounts payable of $202,565.  The total liabilities of Icon at March 31, 2009 are $202,565.

The major classes of assets and liabilities held in receivership reported as discontinued operations included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets shown below.

 
 
March 31, 2009
   
March 31, 2008
 
             
Assets                
Cash
  $ 202,565     $ 823,550  
Trade receivables, net
    0       371,793  
Inventories
    0       817,022  
Property, plant and equipment – net
    0       831,555  
Other assets
    0       6,811  
Assets of discontinued operations
  $ 202,565     $ 2,850,731  
                 
Liabilities
               
Accounts payable, trade and other
  $ 202,565     $ 3,344,624  
Notes payable – bank
    0       4,478,826  
Liabilities of discontinued operations
  $ 202,565     $ 7,823,450  

 
F-8

 

In the accompanying consolidated financial statements, the results of Icon for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 have been restated and are presented as the results of discontinued operations, and certain other prior year amounts have been reclassified in order to conform with the current year’s presentation.

Business Segments: The electrical and smoke alarm business is operated by management as one segment.

Accounts Receivable: In September, 2000, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities” (SFAS No. 140), which is effective for transfers of financial assets occurring after March 31, 2001.

In fiscal year 2002, the Company achieved the sales criteria of SFAS No. 140, and, as such, amounts transferred under the Company’s Factoring Agreement are treated as sales.

Beginning in fiscal year 2002, with the achievement of SFAS 140 sales criteria, the Company nets the factored accounts receivable with the corresponding advance from the Factor, showing the amount net in its consolidated balance sheet.

The Company sells trade receivables on a pre-approved non-recourse basis to the Factor under the Factoring Agreement on an ongoing basis. Factoring charges recognized on sales of receivables are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income and amounted to $149,597, $223,214 and $279,692 for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The Agreement for the sale of accounts receivable provides for continuation of the program on a revolving basis until terminated by one of the parties to the Agreement.

Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs: The Company includes shipping and handling fees billed to customers in net sales. Shipping and handling costs associated with inbound freight are included in cost of goods sold. Shipping and handling costs associated with outbound freight are included in selling, general and administrative expenses and totaled $528,643, $726,660 and $1,042,899 in fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Inventories: Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market. Included as a component of finished goods inventory are additional non-material costs. These costs include overhead costs, freight, import duty and inspection fees of $953,895 and $452,856 at March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  Inventories are shown net of an allowance for inventory obsolescence of $204,309 as of March 31, 2009 and $40,000 as of March 31, 2008.

The Company reviews inventory quarterly to identify slow moving products and valuation allowances are adjusted when deemed necessary.

Property and Equipment: Property and equipment are recorded at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are provided by using the straight-line method for financial reporting purposes and accelerated methods for income tax purposes. The estimated useful lives for financial reporting purposes are as follows:

-
Shorter of term of lease or life of asset
Leasehold improvements
-
Shorter of term of lease or life of asset
Machinery and equipment
-
5 to 10 years
-
5 to 15 years
Computer equipment
-
5 years

 
F-9

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets: The Company’s policy is to review its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”), SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”, (“SFAS No. 144”). The Company recognizes an impairment loss when the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset. The measurement of the impairment losses to be recognized is based upon the difference between the fair value and the carrying amount of the assets. During fiscal 2008, the company recognized impairment losses on property and equipment included in assets of approximately $3,750,000, which is included in the loss from discontinued operations.

Income Taxes: The Company recognizes a liability or asset for the deferred tax consequences of temporary differences between the tax basis of assets or liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements. These temporary differences will result in taxable or deductible amounts in future years when the reported amounts of the assets or liabilities are recovered or settled. The deferred tax assets are reviewed periodically for recoverability and valuation allowances are provided, as necessary.

In July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Interpretation No. 48 (“FIN 48”), “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes —  An Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” , which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in tax positions. FIN 48 requires that the Company recognize the impact of a tax position in the Company’s financial statements if that position is more likely than not to be sustained on audit, based on the technical merits of the position. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, measurement, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition. The provisions of FIN 48 are effective as of the beginning of the Company’s 2007 fiscal year, with the cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle recorded as an adjustment to opening retained earnings. See Note F, Income Taxes.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements:

Business Combinations: In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 141(R), “Business Combinations,” (“SFAS No. 141(R)”),which replaces SFAS No. 141 and issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements,” (“SFAS No. 160”), an amendment of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51. These two new standards will change the accounting for and the reporting for business combination transactions and noncontrolling (minority) interests in the consolidated financial statements, respectively. SFAS No. 141(R) will change how business acquisitions are accounted for and will impact financial statements both on the acquisition date and in subsequent periods. SFAS No. 160 will change the accounting and reporting for minority interests, which will be re-characterized as noncontrolling interests and classified as a component of equity. These two standards will be effective for the Company for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2008.  SFAS 141(R) applies prospectively to business combinations from which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008.  Earlier adoption is prohibited.  The Company is required to record and disclose business combinations following existing GAAP until April 2009.  SFAS 141R will have an impact on our accounting for business combinations once adopted, but the effect on our consolidated results of operations and financial position will be dependent upon the acquisitions, if any, that we make on or after April 1, 2009.

Fair Value Measurements:  In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, (“SFAS No. 157”).  SFAS No. 157 establishes a formal framework for measuring fair value under generally accepted accounting principles.  Although SFAS No. 157 applies (amends) the provisions of existing FASB and other accounting pronouncements, it does not require any new fair value measurements nor does it establish valuation standards.  SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007.  In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. 157-1 (“FSP 157-1”) which excludes SFAS No. 13, Accounting for Leases, and its related pronouncements that address leasing transactions from the scope of SFAS No. 157.  Also in February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. 157-2 (“FSP 157-2”) which delays the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for all non-financial assets and liabilities, except those items recognized or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis (at least annually).  FSP 157-2 defers the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008.  The FASB has issued a proposed FASB Staff Position No. 157-c, (“FSP 157-c)”, that would provide guidance on measuring liabilities under SFAS No. 157.  SFAS No. 157 does not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 
F-10

 

The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities:  In February 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, including an amendment of FASB Statements No. 115 (SFAS No. 159).  SFAS No. 159 permits entities to choose, at specified election dates, to measure eligible items at fair value (the “fair value option”).  A business entity shall report unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected in earnings at each subsequent reporting period.  This accounting standard was effective for our fiscal year beginning April 1, 2008. The Company did not elect the fair value option under SFAS No. 159 for any of the financial instruments upon adoption.

Subsequent Events:  FASB Statement 165, Subsequent Events, incorporates the accounting and disclosure requirements for subsequent events into U.S. GAAP.  Statement 165 introduces new terminology, defines a date through which management must evaluate subsequent events, and lists the circumstances under which an entity must recognize and disclose events or transactions occurring after the balance-sheet date.  Statement 165 is effective prospectively for interim or annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009.  As Statement 165 is effective for interim periods, the Company will need to provide the new required disclosures beginning with the June 30, 2009 interim financial statements.  The Company does not anticipate the adoption of this new standard will have a material impact on its disclosures.

Foreign currency:  The Company translates the accounts of its subsidiaries denominated in foreign currencies at the applicable exchange rate in effect at the year end date for balance sheet purposes and at the average exchange rate for the period for statement of income purposes.  The related translation adjustments in accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholder’s equity are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity.  Transaction gains and losses arising from transactions denominated in foreign currencies are included in the results of operations.  The Company maintains cash in foreign banks of $1,590 to support its operations in Hong Kong.

Net Income per Share: The Company reports basic and diluted earnings per share. Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income for the period by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income for the period by the weighted number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding (unless their effect is anti-dilutive) for the period.  All common share equivalents are comprised of exercisable stock options.

   
March 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
                   
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding for basic EPS
    2,466,983       2,484,192       2,398,284  
                         
Shares issued upon assumed exercise of outstanding stock options
    4,824       17,825       86,322  
                         
Weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding for diluted EPS
    2,471,807       2,502,017       2,484,606  

Goodwill:  Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price above the fair value of the net assets acquired.  Goodwill is evaluated for impairment annually or when events or circumstances occur indicating that goodwill might be impaired. In accordance with FAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” the evaluation is a two-step process that begins with an estimation of the fair value of the reporting units. The first step assesses potential impairment and the second step measures that impairment. The measurement of possible impairment is based on the comparison of the fair value of each reporting unit with the book value of its assets.

During the third quarter ended December 31, 2007, the Company conducted an evaluation of goodwill acquired with the acquisition of the Canadian subsidiary (Icon) in accordance with FAS No. 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.”  Based on the trend of lower than forecast sales of mechanical tubing products in the U.S. and Canadian markets, and continuing operation and cash flow losses, the Company recorded an impairment loss of $1,926,696, reducing goodwill recorded by our Canadian subsidiary to zero at December 31, 2007. The impairment loss was recorded in loss from discontinued operations on the consolidated statement of operations.

 
F-11

 

NOTE B - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment consist of the following:

   
March 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Leasehold improvements
  $ 166,147     $ 73,535  
Machinery and equipment
    163,106       163,106  
Furniture and fixtures
    251,611       244,994  
Computer equipment
    198,637       196,246  
      779,501       677,881  
                 
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (528,135 )     (547,534 )
    $ 251,366     $ 130,347  

Deprecation and amortization expense totaled $49,210, $46,503 and $39,449 for fiscal years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

NOTE C - INVESTMENT IN THE HONG KONG JOINT VENTURE

The Company holds a 50% interest in a Joint Venture with a Hong Kong Corporation, which has manufacturing facilities in the People’s Republic of China, for the manufacturing of consumer electronic products. As of March 31, 2009, the Company has an investment balance of $10,550,373 for its 50% interest in the Hong Kong Joint Venture.  There are no material Hong Kong – US GAAP differences in the Hong Kong Joint Venture’s accounting policies.

The following represents summarized financial information derived from the audited financial statements of the Hong Kong Joint Venture as of March 31, 2009 and 2008 and for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.

   
March 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Current assets
  $ 14,299,857     $ 14,169,626  
Property and other assets
    13,003,698       10,334,906  
                 
Total
  $ 27,303,555     $ 24,504,532  
                 
Current liabilities
  $ 5,148,658     $ 5,215,755  
Non-current liabilities
    51,400       82,314  
                 
Equity
    22,103,497       19,206,463  
                 
Total
  $ 27,303,555     $ 24,504,532  

   
For the Year Ended March 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
                   
Net sales
  $ 36,161,337     $ 30,144,148     $ 41,151,055  
Gross profit
    9,594,405       7,555,705       13,753,123  
Net income
    4,011,404       3,270,926       8,377,365  

During the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, the Company purchased $22,861,649, $20,765,906, and $19,085,353, respectively, of finished product from the Hong Kong Joint Venture, which represents 97.3%, 79.9% and 46%, respectively, of the Company’s total finished product purchases for the years ended at March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007. Amounts due the Hong Kong Joint Venture included in Accounts Payable totaled $1,967,073 and $1,687,950 at March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Amounts due from the Hong Kong Joint Venture included in Accounts Receivable totaled $312,257 and $115,656 at March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

 
F-12

 

The Company incurred interest costs charged by the Hong Kong Joint Venture of $0, $16,964 and $25,000 during the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, related to its purchases.  The Company’s investment in the Hong Kong Joint Venture as recorded o the Company’s Consolidated Balance sheets has been adjusted by the intercompany profit of the Hong Kong Joint Venture in the Inventory of the Company.

NOTE D - AMOUNTS DUE FROM FACTOR

The Company sells certain of its trade receivables on a pre-approved, non-recourse basis to a Factor. Since these are sold on a non-recourse basis, the factored trade receivables and related repayment obligations are not separately recorded in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.  The Agreement provides for financing of up to a maximum of $7,500,000 with the amount available at any one time based on 85% of uncollected non-recourse receivables sold to the factor and 45% of qualifying inventory.  Financing of approximately $7,000,000 is available at March 31, 2009.  Any outstanding amounts due to the factor are payable upon demand and bear interest at the prime rate of interest charged by the factor, which is 3.25% at March 31, 2009.  Any amount due to the factor is also secured by the Company’s inventory.  There were no borrowings outstanding under this agreement at March 31, 2009.

Under this Factoring Agreement, the Company sold receivables of approximately $24,601,177 and $34,350,844 during the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Gains and losses recognized on the sale of factored receivables include the fair value of the limited recourse obligation.  The uncollected balance of non-recourse receivables held by the factor amounted to $4,610,401 and $5,600,408 at March 31, 2009 and 2008.  The amount of the uncollected balance of non-recourse receivables borrowed by the Company as of March 31, 2009 and 2008 is $0 and $0, respectively.  Collected cash maintained on deposit with the factor earns interest at the factor’s prime rate of interest less three percentage points (effective rate 0.25% and 3.0%) at March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

NOTE F - LEASES

During January 2009, the Company entered into an operating lease for its office and warehouse which expires in March 2019. This lease is subject to increasing rentals at 3% per year.  The Company has the right to terminate the lease after five years for a one-time payment of $42,000.  In February 2004, the Company entered into an operating lease for an approximately 2,600 square foot office in Naperville, Illinois. This lease expires in February 2012 with increasing rentals at 3% per year.

Each of the operating leases for real estate has renewal options with terms and conditions similar to the original lease.  Rent expense, including common area maintenance, totaled $119,565, $113,357and $107,852 for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

   
2010
   
2011
   
2012
   
2013
   
2014
   
Thereafter
 
Future minimum lease payments are as follows:
  $ 146,754     $ 146,783     $ 147,782     $ 111,435     $ 111,704     $ 599,756  

NOTE G – INCOME TAXES

The Company provides for Income Taxes in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109,   “Accounting for Income Taxes.”  Accordingly, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are computed and recognized for those differences that have future tax consequences and will result in net taxable or deductible amounts in future periods.  Deferred tax expense or benefit is the result of changes in the net asset or liability for deferred taxes.  The deferred tax liabilities and assets for USI result primarily from reserves, inventories, accrued liabilities and changes in the unremitted earnings of the Hong Kong Joint Venture.

The Company adopted the provisions of FIN 48 on April 1, 2007.  As a result of the implementation of FIN 48, the Company recognized a $86,000 increase in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits, which was accounted for as a reduction of the April 1, 2007 retained earnings balance.  The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of the date of the adoption was approximately $86,000 and includes both income taxes and tax penalties. In years prior to fiscal 2008, interest and penalties related to adjustments to income taxes as filed have not been significant. The Company intends to include such interest and penalties in its tax provision.

 
F-13

 

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009, the Company has an accumulated net operating loss of approximately $1,440,114 that the Company will carryforward to offset future taxable income.  The Company generated $157,249 of foreign tax credits for the period.  In addition, $694,792 in foreign tax credits became available to carryforward as a result of the carryback of net operating losses to prior tax years.  Accordingly, at March 31, 2009, the Company has $1,240,239 of foreign tax credit carryforward available to offset future federal income taxes.

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008, the Company generated a net operating loss of approximately $3,320,000 that the Company elected to carryback to offset prior taxable income.  In addition, the Company generated $132,439 of foreign tax credits for the period.  Accordingly, at March 31, 2008, the Company had $388,744 of foreign tax credit carryforward available to offset future federal income taxes.

At March 31, 2007, the Company had foreign tax credit carryforwards of $685,654 available as a result of foreign taxes paid on the repatriated earnings of the Hong Kong Joint Venture.  In addition, the Company generated $236,628 of foreign tax credits during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007.  Approximately $534,084 of foreign tax credits were used to offset federal taxes at March 31, 2007, resulting in a remaining foreign tax credit carryforward available to offset future taxes of $388,198.

The components of income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations for the Company are as follows:

   
March 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Current expense (benefit)
                 
U.S. Federal
  $ 608,794     $ 581,300     $ 1,425,522  
U.S. State
    64,943       62,300       215,308  
      673,737       643,600       1,640,830  
Deferred expense (benefit)
    (214,355 )     (131,365 )     (280,040 )
Total income tax expense (benefit)
  $ 459,382     $ 512,235     $ 1,360,790  

Significant components of USI’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

   
March 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Deferred tax assets:
           
Financial statement accruals and allowances
  $ 230,646     $ 210,297  
Inventory uniform capitalization
    123,298       63,052  
Stock option compensation
    7,477       7,477  
Net operating loss carryforward
    540,043       1,245,112  
Foreign tax credit carryforward
    1,240,239       388,198  
Net deferred tax asset
  $ 2,141,703     $ 1,914,136  

The reconciliation between the statutory federal income tax provision and the actual effective tax provision for continuing operations is as follows:

   
Years ended March 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Federal tax (benefit) expense at statutory rate (34%) before loss carryforward
  $ 646,584     $ 1,134,575     $ 2,534,402  
Non-patriated earnings of Hong Kong Joint Venture
    (114,275 )     (282,251 )     (635,549 )
Foreign tax credit net of gross up for US portion of foreign taxes
    (157,249 )     (197,311 )     (922,282 )
Reversal of Canadian net operating loss benefit
    -       -       40,410  
State income tax (benefit) expense, net of federal tax effect
    64,943       62,568       195,852  
Permanent differences
    19,379       13,419       14,543  
Change in temporary differences
    -       (218,765 )     133,414  
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
  $ 459,382     $ 512,235     $ 1,360,790  

The Company files its income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various state jurisdictions.

 
F-14

 

The Company adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, on April 1, 2007.  As a result of the implementation of Interpretation 48, the Company recognized approximately a $86,000 increase in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits, which was accounted for as a reduction to the April 1, 2007, balance of retained earnings.  A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

Balance at April 1, 2008
  $ 236,000  
         
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year
    -  
Additions for tax positions of prior years
    -  
Reductions for tax positions of prior years
    -  
Settlements
    -  
         
Balance at March 31, 2009
  $ 236,000  

The total liability for unrecognized tax benefits, as of March 31, 2009, was $245,324.  That amount, if ultimately recognized, would reduce the Company’s annual effective tax rate.  The Company has concluded that none of this amount will be paid within the next 12 months.

The Company recognizes interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense.  Cumulatively, at March 31, 2009, the Company has accrued and recognized approximately $9,324 in interest and penalties, of which 4,164 is accrued for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009.

NOTE H - SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Common Stock - During the year ended March 31, 2008, the Company issued 12,255 shares of its common stock, all of which were issued on the exercise of employee stock options for total proceeds of $126,678.

Stock Repurchase Program – In July 2008, the Company announced a stock buyback program and authorized the purchase of up to 100,000 shares of common stock.  Shares may be purchased from time to time under this program in the open market, through block trades and/or in negotiated transactions.  Unless extended by the Company’s Board of Directors, the program will terminate when 100,000 shares of common stock have been repurchased by the Company pursuant to the program (unless increased or decreased by the Board of Directors).

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009, 78,847 shares were repurchased under this program.  Subsequent to March 31, 2009, an additional 21,133 shares were repurchased, resulting in a total of 99,980 shares repurchased at an average price of $3.71 per share.

Stock Options - Under terms of the Company’s now expired 1978 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan, as amended, 1,170,369 shares of common stock are reserved for the granting of stock options, of which 1,149,638 shares have been issued as of March 31, 2009.  Under provisions of the Plan, a committee of the Board of Directors determines the option price and the dates exercisable. All options expire five years from the date of grant and have an exercise price at least equal to the market price at the date of grant. The options usually vest at 25% a year over four years.

In March 2009, 25,000 options were issued at $3.25 for restricted shares of the Company’s common stock.  These options will be fully vested after one year with a right to exercise until March 2014.

 
F-15

 

The following tables summarize the status of outstanding stock options at March 31, 2009 and option transactions for the three years then ended:

Status as of March 31, 2009
 
Number of Shares
 
Presently exercisable
    72,422  
Exercisable in future years
    25,000  
         
Total outstanding
    97,422  
         
Outstanding options:
       
Number of holders
    16  
Average exercise price per share
  $ 10.47  
Expiration dates
 
April 2009 to
March 2014
 

Transactions for the Three Years Ended March 31, 2009:
 
Number of Shares
   
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
 
Outstanding at March 31, 2007
    101,176        
Granted
    0       0.00  
Canceled
    0       0.00  
Exercised
    (12,255 )     10.40  
                 
Outstanding at March 31, 2008
    88,921          
Granted
    25,000       3.25  
Canceled
    (16,499 )     0.00  
Exercised
    -       0.00  
                 
Outstanding at March 31, 2009
    97,422          

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at March 31, 2009:

   
Options Outstanding
         
Options Exercisable
 
Range of 
Exercise Price
 
Number 
of Shares
   
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
   
Weighted
Average
Contract Life (Yrs)
   
Number 
of Shares
   
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
 
                               
$3.25
    25,000       3.25       5.00       0       3.25  
$7.68 to $9.99
    4,666       8.27       0.31       4,666       8.27  
$10.00 to $12.99
    39,329       11.27       1.00       39,329       11.27  
$13.00 to $16.09
    28,427       16.09       2.00       28,427       16.09  
      97,422                       72,422          

The fair value of each stock option is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions; no annual dividends, expected volatility of 64.05%, risk-free interest rate of 0.5% and expected lives of five years. The weighted-average fair value of the stock options granted in 2006 was $8.29 per share.

The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options that have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions including the expected stock price volatility. Because the Company’s employee stock options have characteristics significantly different from those of normal publicly traded options, and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in management’s opinion, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of its stock options.

NOTE I - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

From time to time, the Company is involved in various lawsuits and legal matters.  It is the opinion of management, based on the advice of legal counsel, that these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial statements.

 
F-16

 

On June 11, 2003, Walter Kidde Portable Equipment, Inc. (“Kidde”) filed a civil suit against the Company in the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina (Case No. 03cv00537), alleging that certain of the Company’s AC powered/battery backup smoke detectors infringe a patent acquired by Kidde (US 4,972,181). Kidde was seeking injunctive relief and damages to be determined at trial.  On March 31, 2006, following numerous procedural and substantive rulings which the Company believes were favorable to the Company, Kidde obtained dismissal, without prejudice, of its suit. On November 28, 2005, prior to the March 31, 2006 dismissal of the original suit, Kidde filed a second lawsuit in the same court (Case No. 05cv1031) based on virtually identical infringement allegations as the earlier case. Discovery is now closed in this second case. Although the asserted patent is now expired, prior to its expiration, the Company sought and has now successfully obtained re-examination of the asserted patent in the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) largely based on the references cited and analysis presented by the Company which correspond to defenses raised in the litigation. In September, the USPTO rejected all of the claims asserted against the Company based on the references. Kidde responded to the rejection to which further action by the USPTO is pending. Kidde also filed for and the Court granted a stay of the litigation pending the conclusion of the reexamination. The USPTO action fully supports the Company’s substantive position and its defenses to Kidde. The Company and its counsel believe that regardless of the outcome of the reexamination, the Company has significant defenses relating to the patent in suit. In the event of an unfavorable outcome, the amount of any potential loss to the Company is not yet determinable.

On June 25, 2008, Maple Chase Company which was acquired in January 2008 by United Technologies Corporation (which also owns Walter Kidde Portable Equipment, Inc.), filed a civil suit against the Company in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (Case No. 08cv3641) for patent infringement of Re 33920, a patent that expired in March of 2007. On January 13, 2009, the Court granted permission to substitute Kidde for Maple Chase as the party plaintiff. This action involves the same patent that formed the basis of the suit filed by Maple Chase against the Company in February 2004 (Case No. 03cv07205). In that case, the Company successfully sought and obtained reexamination of the asserted patent in the USPTO based on the references cited and analysis presented by the Company. In April 2005, the Court dismissed the earlier case subject to the outcome of the reexamination. After pending for more than three years and after the expiration of the patent, a Reexamination Certificate was granted confirming patentability of many of the claims and canceling the remaining claims. The 2008 case asserts infringement of the claims emerging out of reexamination and is in its preliminary stages where discovery has just commenced. The Company believes that it has meritorious and substantial technical defenses to the action and that it is entitled to a number of legal/equitable defenses due to the long period of inaction and acquiescence by Kidde/Maple Chase and its predecessors. The amount, if any, of potential loss to the Company is not yet determinable. The Company intends to vigorously defend the suit and press its pending counterclaims.

On August 21, 2008, Kidde again filed a civil suit against the Company for patent infringement (Case No. 08cv2202) but this time in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland. Kidde accuses the Company of infringement of US patent 6,791,453 by communication protocols for interconnected hazardous condition (smoke, heat and Carbon monoxide) alarms sold by the Company. The Company believes that it has meritorious and substantial technical defenses to the action. The amount, if any, of potential loss to the Company is not yet determinable. The Company intends to vigorously defend the suit and press its pending counter and third party claims.

On September 25, 2008, the Company with its Answer and Counterclaims to Kidde filed a third-party Complaint against United Technologies Corporation in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland in Case No. 08cv2202 for the predatory litigation campaign by the defendant and its subsidiary, Kidde. On December 17, 2008, the Company filed a motion to amend its Answer and Counterclaims seeking injunctive and antitrust damages which was unsuccessfully opposed by both Kidde and UTC. On March 31, 2009, Kidde filed a defective request for reexamination of the ‘453 patent. On April 9, 2009, after Kidde filed corrected papers, the re-examination request was formalized and is currently pending determination by the USPTO. Kidde has also recently filed a motion to stay the litigation pending the outcome of the Re-examination. The Company is opposing that pending motion. In April, the Court also issued a schedule requiring the parties to define, present and argue their respective patent claim interpretations over the summer and into the fall of 2009. Otherwise, the case is in the initial discovery phase. The Company intends to vigorously prosecute its claims.

NOTE J - MAJOR CUSTOMERS

The Company is primarily a distributor of safety products for use in home and business under both its tradenames and private labels for other companies. As described in Note C, the Company’s purchased a majority of its products from its 50% owned Hong Kong Joint Venture.

 
F-17

 

The Company has one customer, The Home Depot, which represented 46.6%, 37.0% and 11.09% of the Company’s product sales during the periods ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

NOTE K - QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)

Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited):

The unaudited quarterly results of operations for fiscal years 2009 and 2008 are summarized as follows:

   
Quarter Ended
 
   
June 30,
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
   
March 31,
 
2009
                       
Net sales
  $ 6,192,801     $ 8,381,379     $ 5,595,049     $ 5,928,367  
Gross profit
    1,577,066       1,891,273       1,337,785       1,293,846  
Income from continuing operations
    457,139       656,301       292,513       36,383  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
    (53,659 )     3,434,913       -       41,767  
Income per share from continuing operations:
                               
Basic
    0.18       0.26       0.12       0.02  
Diluted
    0.18       0.26       0.12       0.02  
Income (loss) per share from Discontinued operations:
                               
Basic
    (0.02 )     1.38       -       0.02  
Diluted
    (0.02 )     1.38       -       0.02  
Net income – basic
    0.16       1.64       0.12       0.03  
Net income - diluted
    0.16       1.64       0.12       0.03  
                                 
2008
                               
Net sales
    10,449,343       8,967,740       7,776,986       6,677,293  
Gross profit
    2,715,334       1,942,354       1,825,486       1,386,882  
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    1,204,844       802,107       780,207       37,591  
(Loss) from discontinued operations
    (413,842 )     (483,977 )     (2,415,996 )     (5,079,848 )
Income per share from continuing operations:
                               
Basic
    0.49       0.32       0.31       0.02  
Diluted
    0.48       0.32       0.31       0.02  
(Loss) per share from discontinued operations:
                               
Basic
    (0.17 )     (0.19 )     (0.97 )     (2.04 )
Diluted
    (0.17 )     (0.19 )     (0.97 )     (2.04 )
Net income (loss) – basic
    0.32       0.13       (0.66 )     (2.02 )
Net income (loss) – diluted
    0.31       0.13       (0.66 )     (2.02 )

NOTE L – RETIREMENT PLAN

The Company has a retirement savings plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code.  All full-time employees who have completed 12 months of service are eligible to participate.  Employees are permitted to contribute up to the amounts prescribed by law.  The Company may provide contributions to the plan consisting of a matching amount equal to a percentage of the employee’s contribution, not to exceed four percent (4%).  Employer contributions were $55,059 and $61,485 for the year’s ended March 31, 2009 and 2008.

 
F-18

 

SCHEDULE II

UNIVERSAL SECURITY INSTRUMENTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
YEARS ENDED MARCH 31, 2009, 2008 AND 2007

   
Balance at
beginning
of year
   
Charged to cost
and expenses
   
Deductions
   
Balance at
end of year
 
                         
Year ended March 31, 2009
                       
Allowance for doubtful accounts
  $ 15,000     $ 80,927     $ 0     $ 95,927  
                                 
Year ended March 31, 2008
                               
Allowance for doubtful accounts
  $ 15,000     $ 0     $ 0     $ 15,000  
                                 
Year ended March 31, 2007
                               
Allowance for doubtful accounts
  $ 15,000     $ 0     $ 0     $ 15,000  
                                 
Year ended March 31, 2009
                               
Allowance for inventory reserve
  $ 40,000     $ 164,309     $ 0     $ 204,309  
                                 
Year ended March 31, 2008
                               
Allowance for inventory reserve
  $ 40,000     $ 0     $ 0     $ 40,000  
                                 
Year ended March 31, 2007
                               
Allowance for inventory reserve
  $ 40,000     $ 0     $ 0     $ 40,000  

 
S-1

 
 
Report and Financial Statements
 
Eyston Company Limited
 
For the year ended 31 March 2009

 

 

Contents
 
   
Page
     
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
JV-1
     
Consolidated Income Statement
 
JV-2
     
Consolidated Balance Sheet
 
JV-3
     
Balance Sheet
 
JV-4
     
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
 
JV-5
     
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
 
JV-6
     
Notes to the Financial Statements
 
JV-7
 
Expressed in Hong Kong dollars ("HK$")

 

 

Report of independent registered
public accounting firm

To the Board of Directors of Eyston Company Limited

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Eyston Company Limited and subsidiaries ("the Company"), as of March 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 2009.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company as of March 31, 2009 and 2008, and the consolidated results of its income and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 2009, in accordance with Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards.
 
Grant Thornton
Certified Public Accountants
13th Floor, Gloucester Tower
The Landmark
15 Queen's Road Central
Hong Kong

15 June 2009

 
JV-1

 

Consolidated income statement
for the year ended 31 March

   
Notes
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
         
HK$
   
HK$
   
HK$
 
                         
Turnover
    5       281,284,464       235,060,421       320,142,022  
                                 
Cost of sales
            (206,656,292 )     (176,141,949 )     (213,147,126 )
                                 
Gross profit
            74,628,172       58,918,472       106,994,896  
                                 
Other income
    6       2,612,487       5,350,795       4,693,192  
                                 
Administrative expenses
            (41,204,939 )     (34,379,717 )     (37,260,187 )
                                 
Profit from operations
            36,035,720       29,889,550       74,427,901  
                                 
Finance costs
    7       (112,823 )     (210,016 )     (405,953 )
                                 
Profit before income tax
    8       35,922,897       29,679,534       74,021,948  
                                 
Income tax expense
    9       (4,541,928 )     (4,173,251 )     (8,848,735 )
                                 
Profit for the year
    10       31,380,969       25,506,283       65,173,213  
                                 
Dividends
    11       15,068,948       16,716,167       29,866,722  

 
JV-2

 

Consolidated balance sheet
as at 31 March

   
Notes
   
2009
   
2008
 
         
HK$
   
HK$
 
                   
ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
                 
                   
Non-current assets
                 
Property, plant and equipment
    12       64,214,954       59,767,941  
Advanced lease payments
    13       14,353,995       14,023,266  
Available-for-sale financial assets
    14       21,667,859       7,902,216  
Pledged bank balances
    19       567,050       -  
              100,803,858       81,693,423  
Current assets
                       
Inventories
    16       27,845,689       28,354,497  
Available-for-sale financial assets
    14       -       15,633,540  
Trade and other receivables
    17       5,184,715       5,674,634  
Amount due from a shareholder
    20       13,940,881       9,392,116  
Cash and cash equivalents
    19       63,880,318       50,687,596  
              110,851,603       109,742,383  
Current liabilities
                       
Trade and other payables
            17,231,889       21,499,786  
Obligations under finance lease
            21,000       21,000  
Amount due to a related company
    20       3,381,063       2,329,153  
Dividend payable
    21       11,700,000       11,700,000  
Loans from shareholders
    22       2,868,954       2,868,954  
Collateralised bank advances
    23       341,250       971,312  
Provision for taxation
            4,196,701       1,199,326  
              39,740,857       40,589,531  
Net current assets
            71,110,746       69,152,852  
                         
Non-current liabilities
                       
Obligations under finance lease
            31,700       52,700  
Deferred tax liabilities
    24       366,752       587,877  
Net assets
            171,516,152       150,205,698  
                         
EQUITY
                       
                         
Share capital
    25       200       200  
Reserves
    26       171,515,952       150,205,498  
              171,516,152       150,205,698  

 
JV-3

 

Balance sheet
as at 31 March
 
   
Notes
   
2009
   
2008
 
         
HK$
   
HK$
 
ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
                 
                   
Non-current assets
                 
Property, plant and equipment
    12       7,353,332       10,169,509  
Advanced lease payments
    13       407,310       668,775  
Available-for-sale financial assets
    14       21,667,859       7,902,216  
Interests in subsidiaries
    15       106,690,967       94,990,967  
Pledged bank balances
    19       567,050       -  
              136,686,518       113,731,467  
Current assets
                       
Inventories
    16       27,845,689       28,354,497  
Available-for-sale financial assets
    14       -       15,633,540  
Other receivables
            1,612,623       1,033,057  
Amounts due from subsidiaries
    18       28,278,839       22,846,582  
Tax prepaid
            -       1,083,171  
Cash and cash equivalents
    19       47,574,236       31,612,771  
              105,311,387       100,563,618  
Current liabilities
                       
Trade and other payables
            12,437,284       17,513,855  
Obligations under finance lease
            21,000       21,000  
Amount due to a related company
    20       3,381,063       2,329,153  
Dividend payable
    21       11,700,000       11,700,000  
Loans from shareholders
    22       2,868,954       2,868,954  
Provision for taxation
            1,889,364       -  
              32,297,665       34,432,962  
Net current assets
            73,013,722       66,130,656  
                         
Non-current liabilities
                       
Obligations under finance lease
            31,700       52,700  
Deferred tax liabilities
    24       366,752       587,877  
Net assets
            209,301,788       179,221,546  
                         
EQUITY
                       
                         
Share capital
    25       200       200  
Reserves
    26       209,301,588       179,221,346  
              209,301,788       179,221,546  

 
JV-4

 

Consolidated statement of changes in equity
 
   
Share
capital
   
Exchange
reserve
   
Fair value
reserve
   
Retained
profits
   
Total
 
   
HK$
   
HK$
   
HK$
   
HK$
   
HK$
 
                               
Balance at 1 April 2006
    200       649,522       (750,629 )     98,664,880       98,563,973  
                                         
Change in fair value of available-for-sale financial assets
    -       -       292,456       -       292,456  
Exchange differences arising on translation of a subsidiary
    -       2,538,341       -       -       2,538,341  
Profit for the year
    -       -       -       65,173,213       65,173,213  
Total recognised income and expense for the year
    -       2,538,341       292,456       65,173,213       68,004,010  
Dividends
    -       -       -       (29,866,722 )     (29,866,722 )
Balance at 31 March 2007 and 1 April 2007
    200       3,187,863       (458,173 )     133,971,371       136,701,261  
                                         
Change in fair value of available-for-sale financial assets
    -       -       577,549       -       577,549  
Exchange differences arising on translation of a subsidiary
    -       4,136,772       -       -       4,136,772  
Profit for the year
    -       -       -       25,506,283       25,506,283  
Total recognised income and expense for the year
    -       4,136,772       577,549       25,506,283       30,220,604  
Dividends
    -       -       -       (16,716,167 )     (16,716,167 )
Balance at 31 March 2008 and 1 April 2008
    200       7,324,635       119,376       142,761,487       150,205,698  
                                         
Change in fair value of available-for-sale financial assets
    -       -       (44,862 )     -       (44,862 )
Exchange differences arising on translation of a subsidiary
    -       5,043,295       -       -       5,043,295  
Profit for the year
    -       -       -       31,380,969       31,380,969  
Total recognised income and expense for the year
    -       5,043,295       (44,862 )     31,380,969       36,379,402  
Dividends
    -       -       -       (15,068,948 )     (15,068,948 )
Balance at 31 March 2009
    200       12,367,930 *     74,514 *     159,073,508 *     171,516,152  

 
*These reserve accounts comprise the consolidated reserves of HK$171,515,952 (2008: HK$150,205,498) in the consolidated balance sheet.
 
JV-5

 
Consolidated cash flow statement
for the year ended 31 March
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
HK$
   
HK$
   
HK$
 
                   
Cash flows from operating activities
                 
Profit before income tax
    35,922,897       29,679,534       74,021,948  
Adjustments for :
                       
Amortisation of advanced lease payments
    581,797       427,392       424,328  
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
    8,721,931       10,166,942       5,752,971  
Exchange loss on available-for-sale financial assets
    420,648       -       -  
(Profit)/Loss on disposal of  available-for-sale financial assets
    (61,620 )     34,344       87,565  
Loss/(Gain) on disposal of property, plant and equipment
    42,989       (94 )     (347,500 )
Interest expense
    112,823       210,016       405,953  
Interest income
    (1,413,626 )     (2,384,538 )     (2,289,039 )
Operating profit before working capital changes
    44,327,839       38,133,596       78,056,226  
(Increase)/Decrease in amount due from a shareholder
    (10,380,402 )     8,427,746       (26,272,135 )
Decrease/(Increase) in inventories
    508,808       2,086,586       (11,518,178 )
Decrease/(Increase) in trade and other receivables
    489,919       3,534,879       (928,730 )
Increase in pledged bank balances
    (567,050 )     -       -  
Decrease in loan to a shareholder
    -       1,950,000       1,950,000  
Increase /(Decrease) in amount due to a related company
    1,051,910       (953,842 )     4,199,312  
(Decrease)/Increase in obligations under finance lease
    (21,000 )     (21,000 )     94,700  
(Decrease)/Increase in amount due to director
    -       (200,000 )     200,000  
Decrease in collateralised bank advances
    (630,062 )     (1,881,850 )     (581,960 )
(Decrease)/Increase in trade and other payables
    (4,338,444 )     (1,186,388 )     1,841,637  
Cash generated from operations
    30,441,518       49,889,727       47,040,872  
Interest received
    1,413,626       2,384,538       2,289,039  
Interest paid
    (112,823 )     (210,016 )     (405,953 )
Dividends paid
    (9,237,311 )     (14,191,182 )     (24,349,341 )
Hong Kong profits tax paid
    (1,782,192 )     (8,523,843 )     (4,025,500 )
Net cash generated from operating activities
    20,722,818       29,349,224       20,549,117  
                         
Cash flows from investing activities
                       
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
    (9,724,320 )     (11,715,474 )     (18,006,982 )
Addition of land use rights
    -       (3,938,000 )     (990,000 )
Purchase of available-for-sale financial assets
    (22,013,993 )     -       -  
Proceeds from disposal of available-for-sale financial assets
    23,478,000       -       7,659,776  
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment
    -       36,500       363,865  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (8,260,313 )     (15,616,974 )     (10,973,341 )
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
    12,462,505       13,732,250       9,575,776  
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year
    50,687,596       36,853,474       26,322,005  
                         
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes, net
    730,217       101,872       955,693  
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year
    63,880,318       50,687,596       36,853,474  

 
JV-6

 

Notes to the financial statements
for the year ended 31 March 2009
 
1.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The company is a limited liability company incorporated and domiciled in Hong Kong.  The address of the company's registered office and principal place of business is B2, 3/F., Fortune Factory Building, 40 Lee Chung Street, Chai Wan, Hong Kong.
 
The principal activities of the company and its subsidiaries (the "group") are manufacturing and trading of consumer electronic products including smoke, fire and carbon monoxide alarms and other home safety products.  Details of the company's subsidiaries are set out in note 15 to the financial statements.
 
The financial statements on pages 2 to 39 have been prepared in accordance with Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards ("HKFRSs") which collective term includes all applicable individual Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards, Hong Kong Accounting Standards and Interpretations issued by the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants ("HKICPA") and the requirements of the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance.
 
The financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2009 were approved for issue by the board of directors on 15 June 2009.
 
2.
ADOPTION OF NEW AND AMENDED HKFRSs
 
2.1
Impact of new and amended HKFRSs which are effective during the year
In the current year, the group has applied, for the first time, the following new standards, amendments and interpretations (the "new HKFRSs") issued by the HKICPA, which are relevant to and effective for the group's financial statements  for the annual period beginning on 1 April 2008:

HK (IFRIC) – Int 11
 
HKFRS 2: Group and Treasury Share Transactions
HKAS 39 & HKFRS  7
(Amendments)
 
Reclassification of Financial Assets

The new HKFRSs had no material effect on how the results and financial position for the current and prior periods have been prepared and presented. Accordingly, no prior period adjustment is required.

 
JV-7

 

2.
ADOPTION OF NEW AND AMENDED HKFRSs (Continued)
 
2.2
Impact of new and amended HKFRSs which are issued but not yet effective
At the date of authorisation of these financial statements, the following new and amended HKFRSs have been published but are not yet effective, and have not been adopted early by the group.
 
HKAS 1 (Revised)
 
Presentation of Financial Statements 1
HKAS 23 (Revised)
 
Borrowing Costs 1
HKAS 27 (Revised)
 
Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements 2
HKAS 32 & HKAS 1 (Amendments)
 
Puttable Financial Instruments and Obligations Arising on Liquidation 1
HKAS 39 (Amendment)
 
Eligible Hedged Items 2
HKFRS 1 (Revised)
 
First-time Adoption of Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards 2
HKFRS 1 & HKAS 27 (Amendments)
 
Cost of an Investment in a Subsidiary, Jointly Controlled Entity or  Associate 1
HKFRS 2 (Amendment)
 
Share-based Payment – Vesting Conditions and Cancellations 1
HKFRS 3 (Revised)
 
Business Combinations 2
HKFRS 7 (Amendment)
 
Financial Instruments: Disclosures – Improving Disclosures about Financial Instruments 1
HKFRS 8
 
Operating Segments 1
HK(IFRIC) – Int 9 & HKAS 39 (Amendments)
 
Reassessment of Embedded Derivatives and Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement – Embedded Derivatives 5
HK(IFRIC) – Int 13
 
Customer Loyalty Programmes 3
HK(IFRIC) – Int 15
 
Agreements for the Construction of Real Estate 1
HK(IFRIC) – Int 16
 
Hedges of a Net Investment in a Foreign Operation 4
HK(IFRIC) – Int 17
 
Distributions of Non-cash Assets to Owners 2
HK(IFRIC) – Int 18
 
Transfers of Assets from Customers 2
Various
 
Annual Improvements to HKFRSs 2008 6
 
Notes
 
1
Effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2009
 
2
Effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 July 2009
 
3
Effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 July 2008
 
4
Effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 October 2008
 
5
Effective for annual periods ending on or after 30 June 2009
 
6
Generally effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2009 unless otherwise stated in the specific HKFRS

The directors anticipate that all of the pronouncements will be adopted in the group's accounting policy for the first period beginning after the effective date of the pronouncements.
 
Among these new standards and interpretations, HKAS 1 (Revised) Presentation of Financial Statements is expected to materially change the presentation of the group’s financial statements. The amendments affect the presentation of owner changes in equity and introduce a statement of comprehensive income. The group will have the option of presenting items of income and expenses and components of other comprehensive income either in a single statement of comprehensive income with subtotals, or in two separate statements (a separate income statement followed by a statement of comprehensive income). The amendment does not affect the financial position or results of the group but will give rise to additional disclosures.
 
JV-8


2.
ADOPTION OF NEW AND AMENDED HKFRSs (Continued)
 
2.2
Impact of new and amended HKFRSs which are issued but not yet effective (Continued)
The directors are currently assessing the impact of other new and amended HKFRSs upon initial application.  So far, the directors have preliminary concluded that the initial application of these HKFRSs is unlikely to have a significant impact on the group's results and financial position.
 
3.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
3.1
Basis of preparation
The significant accounting policies that have been used in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements are summarised below.  These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented unless otherwise stated.
 
The financial statements have been prepared on an historical cost basis except for the revaluation of certain financial assets and liabilities.  The measurement bases are fully described in the accounting policies below.
 
It should be noted that accounting estimates and assumptions are used in preparation of the financial statements. Although these estimates are based on management's best knowledge and judgment of current events and actions, actual results may ultimately differ from those estimates.  The areas involving a higher degree of judgment or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the financial statements, are disclosed in note 4.
 
3.2
Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the company and its subsidiaries made up to 31 March each year.
 
3.3
Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries are those entities (including special purpose entities) over which the group has the power to control the financial and operating policies so as to obtain benefits from their activities.  The existence and effect of potential voting rights that are currently exercisable or convertible are considered when assessing whether the group controls another entity.  Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the group.  They are excluded from consolidation from the date that control ceases.
 
Business combinations (other than for combining entities under common control) are accounted for by applying the purchase method.  This involves the estimation of fair value of all identifiable assets and liabilities, including contingent liabilities of the subsidiary, at the acquisition date, regardless of whether or not they were recorded in the financial statements of the subsidiary prior to acquisition.  On initial recognition, the assets and liabilities of the subsidiary are included in the consolidated balance sheet at their fair values, which are also used as the bases for subsequent measurement in accordance with the group's accounting policies.

 
JV-9

 
 
3.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
 
3.3
Subsidiaries (Continued)
Intra-group transactions, balances and unrealised gains on transactions between group companies are eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements.  Unrealised losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred.
 
In the company's balance sheet, subsidiaries are carried at cost less any impairment loss.  The results of the subsidiaries are accounted for by the company on the basis of dividends received and receivable at the balance sheet date.
 
 
3.4
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at acquisition cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses.
 
Subsequent costs are included in the asset's carrying amount or recognised as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the group and company and the cost of the item can be measured reliably.  All other repairs and maintenance are charged to the income statement during the period in which they are incurred.
 
Depreciation is provided to write off the cost of property, plant and equipment over their estimated useful lives, using the straight line method, at the following rates per annum :
 
Buildings
5% or where shorter over 16 - 19 years
Leasehold improvements
20%
Plant and machinery
20%
Furniture and fixtures
20%
Motor vehicles
20%
Computer equipment and software
50%

Construction in progress represents costs incurred in the construction of buildings.  These costs are not depreciated until such time as the relevant assets are completed and put into use, at which time the relevant costs are transferred to the appropriate category of property, plant and equipment.
 
The assets' residual values, depreciation methods and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at each balance sheet date.
 
The gain or loss arising on the retirement or disposal is determined as the difference between the sales proceeds and the carrying amount of the assets and is recognised in the consolidated income statement.

 
JV-10

 

3.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
 
3.4
Property, plant and equipment (Continued)
Subsequent costs are included in the assets' carrying amounts or recognized as separate assets, as appropriate, only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the items will flow to the group and the cost of the items can be measured reliably.  All other costs, such as repairs and maintenance, are expensed in the consolidated income statement during the period in which they are incurred.
 
 
3.5
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value.  Cost is determined using first-in, first-out method and, in case of work in progress and finished goods, comprise direct materials, direct labour and an appropriate proportion of overheads.  Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less estimated cost  of completion and applicable selling expenses.
 
 
3.6
Financial assets
The group's accounting policies for financial assets other than investments in subsidiaries are set out below.
 
Classification of financial assets
Financial assets other than hedging instruments are classified into the following categories: (i) loans and receivables, and (ii) available-for-sale financial assets.
 
(i)
Loans and receivables
Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market.  Loans and receivables are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment losses.  Amortised cost is calculated taking into account any discount or premium on acquisition and includes fees that are an integral part of the effective interest rate and transaction cost.
 
(ii)
Available-for-sale financial assets
Available-for-sale financial assets include non-derivative financial assets that do not qualify for inclusion in any of the other categories of financial assets.  All financial assets within this category are subsequently measured at fair value.  Gain or loss arising from a change in the fair value excluding any dividend and interest income is recognised directly in equity, except for impairment losses and foreign exchange gains and losses on monetary assets, until the financial asset is derecognised, at which time the cumulative gain or loss previously recognised in equity would be recycled to income statement.  Upon disposal, the cumulative gain or loss previously recognised in equity is transferred to the income statement.

 
JV-11

 

3.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
 
3.6
Financial assets (Continued)
(ii)
Available-for-sale financial assets (Continued)
The fair value of available-for-sale monetary assets denominated in a foreign currency is determined in that foreign currency and translated at the spot rate at the reporting date.  The change in fair value attributable to translation differences that result from a change in amortised cost of the asset is recognised in profit or loss, and other changes are recognised in equity.
 
Management determines the classification of its financial assets at initial recognition depending on the purpose for which the financial assets were acquired and, where allowed and appropriate, re-evaluates this designation at every reporting date.
 
Recognition and derecognition of financial assets
All financial assets are recognised when, any only when, the group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Regular way purchases of financial assets are recognised on trade date.  When financial assets are recognised initially, they are measured at fair value, plus, in the case of investments not at fair value through profit or loss, directly attributable transaction costs.
 
Derecognition of financial assets occurs when the rights to receive cash flows from the financial assets expire or are transferred and substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred.  At each balance sheet date, financial assets are reviewed to assess whether there is objective evidence of impairment.  If any such evidence exists, impairment loss is determined and recognised based on the classification of the financial asset.
 
Impairment of financial assets
At each balance sheet date, financial assets other than at fair value through profit or loss are reviewed to determine whether there is any objective evidence of impairment.
 
Objective evidence of impairment of individual financial assets includes observable data that comes to the attention of the group about one or more of the following loss events:
 
-
significant financial difficulty of the debtor;
-
a breach of contract, such as a default or delinquency in interest or principal payments;
-
it becoming probable that the debtor will enter bankruptcy or other financial reorganisation;
-
significant changes in the technological, market, economic or legal environment that have an adverse effect on the debtor; and
-
a significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of an investment in an equity instrument below its cost.

 
JV-12

 

3.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
 
3.6
Financial assets (Continued)
Impairment of financial assets (Continued)
Loss events in respect of a group of financial assets include observable data indicating that there is a measurable decrease in the estimated future cash flows from the group of financial assets. Such observable data includes but not limited to adverse changes in the payment status of debtors in the group and, national or local economic conditions that correlate with defaults on the assets in the group.
 
If any such evidence exists, the impairment loss is measured and recognised as follows:
 
(i)      Loans and receivables
If there is objective evidence that an impairment loss on loans and receivables carried at amortised cost has been incurred, the amount of the loss is measured as the difference between the asset's carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows (excluding future credit losses that have not been incurred) discounted at the financial asset's original effective interest rate (i.e. the effective interest rate computed at initial recognition).  The amount of the loss is recognised in the income statement of the period in which the impairment occurs.
 
If, in subsequent period, the amount of the impairment loss decreases and the decrease can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment was recognised, the previously recognised impairment loss is reversed to the extent that it does not result in a carrying amount of the financial asset exceeding what the amortised cost would have been had the impairment not been recognised at the date the impairment is reversed.  The amount of the reversal is recognised in income statement of the period in which the reversal occurs.
 
 (ii)    Available-for-sale financial assets
When a decline in the fair value of an available-for-sale financial asset has been recognised directly in equity and there is objective evidence that the asset is impaired, an amount is removed from equity and recognised in the income statement as impairment loss.  That amount is measured as the difference between the asset's acquisition cost (net of any principal repayment and amortisation) and current fair value, less any impairment loss on that asset previously recognised in the income statement.

 
JV-13

 

3.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
 
3.6
Financial assets (Continued)
Impairment of financial assets (Continued)
(ii)
Available-for-sale financial assets (Continued)
Reversals in respect of investment in equity instruments classified as available-for-sale are not recognised in the income statement.  The subsequent increase in fair value is recognised directly in equity.  Impairment losses in respect of debt securities are reversed if the subsequent increase in fair value can be objectively related to an event occurring after the impairment loss were recognised.  Reversal of impairment losses in such circumstances are recognised in the income statement.
 
Where the recovery of trade receivables is considered doubtful but not remote, the impairment losses for doubtful receivables are recorded using an allowance account.  When the group is satisfied that recovery of trade receivables is remote, the amount considered irrecoverable is written off against trade receivables directly and any amounts held in the allowance account in respect of that receivable are reversed. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously charged to the allowance account are reversed against the allowance account. Other changes in the allowance account and subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off directly are recognised in income statement.
 
Impairment losses recognised in an interim period in respect of available for sale equity securities and unquoted equity securities carried at cost are not reversed in a subsequent period.
 
 
3.7
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash at bank and in hand, demand deposits with bank or financial institutions and short-terms highly liquid investments that are readily convertible into known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value, having been within three months of maturity at acquisition.
 
 
3.8
Impairment of non-financial assets
The group's property, plant and equipment and the company's investments in subsidiaries are subject to impairment testing.
 
An impairment loss is recognised as an expense immediately for the amount by which the asset's carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount.  The recoverable amount is the higher of fair value, reflecting market conditions less costs to sell, and value in use.  In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects the current market assessment of the time value of money and the risk specific to the asset.

 
JV-14

 

3.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
 
3.8
Impairment of non-financial assets (Continued)
For the purposes of assessing impairment, where an asset does not generate cash inflows largely independent from those from other assets, the recoverable amount is determined for the smallest group of assets that generate cash inflow independently (i.e. cash-generating units). As a result, some assets are tested individually for impairment and some are tested at the cash-generating unit level.
 
Impairment losses is charged pro rata to the assets in the cash generating unit, except that the carrying value of an asset will not be reduced below its individual fair value less cost to sell, or value in use, if determinable.
 
An impairment loss is reversed if there has been a favourable change in the estimates used to determine the asset's recoverable amount and only to the extent that the asset's carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortisation, if no impairment had been recognised.
 
 
3.9
Financial liabilities
The financial liabilities include trade and other payables, amounts due to group and related companies and borrowings.
 
Financial liabilities are recognised when the group becomes a party to the contractual agreements of the instrument.  All interest related charges are recognised as an expense in the income statement.
 
A financial liability is derecognised when the obligation under the liability is discharged or cancelled or expires.
 
Where an existing financial liability is replaced by another from the same lender on substantially different terms, or the terms of an existing liability are substantially modified, such an exchange or modification is treated as a derecognition of the original liability and the recognition of a new liability, and the difference in the respective carrying amount is recognised in the income statement.
 
Finance lease liabilities
Finance lease liabilities are measured at initial value less the capital element of lease repayments (see note 3.14).
 
Borrowings
Borrowings are recognised initially at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred. Borrowings are subsequently stated at amortised cost; any difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption value is recognised in the income statement over the period of the borrowings using the effective interest method.  Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the group has an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least twelve months after the balance sheet date.
 
JV-15


3.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
3.9
Financial liabilities (Continued)
Trade and other payables
Trade and other payables are recognised initially at their fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost, using the effective interest method.
 
 
3.10
Employee benefits
Retirement benefits costs
The company operates a defined contribution Mandatory Provident Fund retirement benefits scheme (the "MPF Scheme") under the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Ordinance, for all of its employees in Hong Kong.  The MPF Scheme became effective on 1 December 2000.  Contributions are made based on a percentage of the employees' basic salaries, limited to a maximum of HK$1,000 per month, and are charged to the income statement as they become payable in accordance with the rules of the MPF Scheme.  The assets of the MPF Scheme are held separately from those of the company in an independently administered fund.  The company's employer contributions vest fully with the employees when contributed into the MPF Scheme.  The employees of the group's subsidiary which operates in Mainland China are required to participate in a central pension scheme operated by the local municipal government. The subsidiary is required to contribute certain percentage of its payroll costs to the central pension scheme. The contributions are charged to the income statement as they become payable in accordance with the rules of the central pension scheme.
 
Short-term employee benefits
Employee entitlements to annual leave are recognised when they accrue to employees.  A provision is made for the estimated liability for annual leave as a result of services rendered by employees up to the balance sheet date.  Non-accumulating compensated absences such as sick leave and maternity leave are not recognised until the time of leave.
 
 
3.11
Share capital
Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Share capital is determined using the nominal value of shares that have been issued.
 
Any transaction costs associated with the issuing of shares are deducted from equity (net of any related income tax benefits) to the extent they are incremental cost directly attributable to the equity transaction that otherwise would have been avoided. The cost of an equity transaction that is abandoned are recognised as an expense.
 
 
3.12
Foreign currency translation
The consolidated financial statements are presented in Hong Kong Dollars (HK$), which is also the functional currency of the company.

 
JV-16

 

3.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
 
3.12
Foreign currency translation (Continued)
In the individual financial statements of the consolidated entities, foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency of the individual entity using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions.  At the balance sheet date, monetary assets are liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the foreign exchange rates ruling at the balance sheet date.  Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the balance sheet date retranslation of monetary assets and liabilities are recognised in the income statement.
 
Non-monetary items are carried at fair value that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing on the date when the fair value was determined and are reported as part of the fair value gain or loss.  Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are not re-translated.
 
In the consolidated financial statements, all individual financial statements of foreign operations, originally presented in a currency different from the group’s presentation currency, have been converted into Hong Kong dollars.  Assets and liabilities have been translated into Hong Kong dollars at the closing rate at the balance sheet date.  Income and expenses have been converted into Hong Kong dollars at the exchange rates ruling at the transaction dates, or at the average rates over the reporting period, provided that the exchange rates do not fluctuate significantly.  Any differences arising from this procedure have been dealt with separately in the exchange reserve in equity.
 
Other exchange differences arising from the translation of the net investment in foreign entities and of borrowings are taken to shareholders' equity.  When a foreign operation is sold, such exchange differences are recognized in the income statement as part of the gain or loss on the sale.
 
 
3.13
Accounting for income taxes
Income tax comprises current tax and deferred tax.
 
Current income tax assets and/or liabilities comprise those obligations to, or claims from, tax authorities relating to the current or prior reporting period, that are unpaid at the balance sheet date.  They are calculated according to the tax rates and tax laws applicable to the periods to which they relate, based on the taxable profit for the year.  All changes to current tax assets or liabilities are recognised as a component of income tax expense in the income statement.

 
JV-17

 

3.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
 
3.13
Accounting for income taxes (Continued)
Deferred tax is calculated using the liability method on temporary differences at the balance sheet date between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all taxable temporary differences. Deferred tax assets are recognised for all deductible temporary differences, tax losses available to be carried forward as well as other unused tax credits, to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary differences, unused tax losses and unused tax credits can be utilised.

Deferred tax is calculated, without discounting, at tax rates that are expected to apply in the period the liability is settled or the asset realised, provided they are enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.
 
Changes in deferred tax assets or liabilities are recognised in the income statement, or in equity if they relate to items that are charged or credited directly to equity.
 
 
3.14
Leases
An arrangement, comprising a transaction or a series of transactions, is or contains a lease if the group determines that the arrangement conveys a right to use a specific asset or assets for an agreed period of time in return for a payment or a series of payments.  Such a determination is made based on an evaluation of the substance of the arrangement and is regardless of whether the arrangement takes the legal form of a lease.
 
(i)
Classification of assets leased to the group
Assets that are held by the group under leases which transfer to the group substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are classified as being held under finance leases.  Leases which do not transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the group are classified as operating leases.
 
(ii)
Assets acquired under finance leases
Where the group acquires the use of assets under finance leases, the amounts representing the fair value of the leased assets, or, if lower, the present value of the minimum lease payments, of such assets are included in property, plant and equipment and the corresponding liabilities, net of finance charges, are recorded as obligation under finance leases.
 
Subsequent accounting for assets held under finance lease agreements corresponds to those applied to comparable acquired assets.  The corresponding finance lease liability is reduced by lease payments less finance charges.
 
Finance charges implicit in the lease payments are charged to income statement over the period of the leases so as to produce an approximately constant periodic rate of charge on the remaining balance of the obligations for each accounting period.

 
JV-18

 
 
3.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
 
3.14
Leases (Continued)
(iii)
Operating lease charges as the lessee
Where the group has the right to use of assets held under operating leases, payments made under the leases are charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the lease terms except where an alternative basis is more representative of the pattern of benefits to be derived from the leased assets.
 
 
3.15
Revenue recognition
Revenue comprises the fair value for the sale of goods, rendering of services and the use by others of the group's assets yielding interest, net of rebates and discounts.  Provided it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the group and the revenue and costs, if applicable, can be measured reliably, revenue is recognised as follows :
 
Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised when the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods have been transferred to customers. This is usually taken as the time when the goods are delivered and the customer has accepted the goods.
 
Rental income from properties letting under operating leases is recognised on a straight line basis over the lease terms.
 
Interest income is recognised on a time proportion basis using the effective interest rate method.
 
 
3.16
Related parties
For the purposes of these financial statements, a party is considered to be related to the group if:
 
(i)
the party has the ability, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, to control the group or exercise significant influence over the group in making financial and operating policy decisions, or has joint control over the group;
 
(ii)
the group and the party are subject to common control;
 
(iii)
the party is an associate of the group or a joint venture in which the group is a venturer;
 
(iv)
the party is a member of key management personnel of the group or the group's parent, or a close family member of such an individual, or is an entity under the control, joint control or significant influence of such individuals;
 
(v)
the party is a close family member of a party referred to in (i) or is an entity under the control, joint control or significant influence of such individuals; or
 
(vi)
the party is a post-employment benefit plan which is for the benefit of employees of the group or of any entity that is a related party of the group.
 
 
JV-19

 

3.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
 
3.16
Related parties (Continued)
Close family members of an individual are those family members who may be expected to influence, or be influenced by, that individual in their dealings with the entity.
 
3.17
Provisions and contingent liabilities
Provisions are recognised when the group has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate of the amount of the obligation can be made.  Where the time value of money is material, provisions are stated at the present value of the expenditure expected to settle the obligation. All provisions are reviewed at each balance sheet date and adjusted to reflect the current best estimate.
 
Where it is not probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required, or the amount cannot be estimated reliably, the obligation is disclosed as a contingent liability, unless the probability of outflow of economic benefits is remote.  Possible obligations, whose existence will only be confirmed by the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more future uncertain events not wholly within the control of the group are also disclosed as contingent liabilities unless the probability of outflow of economic benefits is remote.
 
Contingent liabilities are recognised in the course of the allocation of purchase price to the assets and liabilities acquired in a business combination. They are initially measured at fair value at the date of acquisition unless the fair value cannot be measured reliably, and subsequently measured at the higher of the amount that would be recognised in a comparable provision as described above and the amount initially recognised less any accumulated amortisation, if appropriate.
 
4.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS
Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.
 
The group makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future.  The resulting accounting estimates will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results.  The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below :
 
Depreciation and amortisation
The group and company depreciates the property, plant and equipment on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives, starting from the date on which the assets are placed into productive use. The estimated useful lives reflect the directors' estimate of the periods that the group intends to derive future economic benefits from the use of the group's and company's property, plant and equipment.
 
JV-20

 
4.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS (Continued)
Impairment of receivables
The policy for the impairment of receivables of the group is based on the evaluation of collectibility and ageing analysis of accounts and on the management's judgement. A considerable amount of judgement is required in assessing the ultimate realisation of these receivables, including the current creditworthiness and the past collection history of each debtor.
 
Net realisable value of inventories
Net realisable value of inventories is the actual or estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less further costs of completion and the estimated costs necessary to make the sale. These estimates are based on the current market condition and the historical experience of selling products of similar nature. It could change significantly as a result of competitor actions in response to changes in market condition. Management reassesses these estimations at each balance sheet date.
 
Current taxation and deferred taxation
The group is subject to income taxes in Hong Kong and the People's Republic of China ("PRC").  Significant judgement is required in determining the amount of the provision of taxation and the timing of payment of the related taxations.  There are many transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain during the ordinary course of business.  Where the final tax outcome of these matters is different from the amounts that were initially recorded, such differences will impact the income tax and deferred tax provisions in the period in which such determination is made.
 
5.
TURNOVER
Revenue, which is also the group's turnover, represents total invoiced value of goods supplied, less discounts and returns.
 
6.
OTHER INCOME

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
HK$
   
HK$
   
HK$
 
                   
Gain on disposal of available-for-sale financial assets
    61,620       -       -  
Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment
    -       94       347,500  
Interest income
    1,413,626       2,384,538       2,289,039  
Rental income, less outgoings
    271,985       268,800       268,800  
Sundry income
    865,256       2,697,363       1,787,853  
      2,612,487       5,350,795       4,693,192  

7.
FINANCE COSTS

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
HK$
   
HK$
   
HK$
 
                   
Interest charges on :
                 
- Discounted bills
    112,823       210,016       405,953  
 
JV-21

 
8.
PROFIT BEFORE INCOME TAX

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
HK$
   
HK$
   
HK$
 
                   
Profit before income tax is arrived at after charging/(crediting) :
                 
Amortisation of advanced lease payments
    581,797       427,392       424,328  
Auditors' remuneration
    306,505       285,000       270,000  
Cost of inventories recognised as expenses
    206,656,292       176,141,949       213,147,126  
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
    8,721,931       10,166,942       5,752,971  
Exchange loss/(gain), net
    5,010,006       (203,865 )     1,141,163  
(Gain)/loss on disposal of  available-for-sale financial assets
    (61,620 )     34,344       87,565  
Loss/(Gain) on disposal of property, plant and equipment
    42,989       (94 )     (347,500 )
Operating lease charges in respect of land and buildings
    3,169,108       1,861,592       1,343,100  
Retirement benefits scheme contributions
    1,723,997       970,426 #      563,150 # 
Staff costs (excluding retirement benefits scheme contributions)
    27,101,257       23,882,056       23,430,733  
 
 # Comparative figures have been reclassified to conform with the current year's presentation.

9.
INCOME TAX EXPENSE

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
HK$
   
HK$
   
HK$
 
                   
The tax charge comprises :
                 
Hong Kong profits tax
                 
- current year
    4,649,786       3,908,368       6,480,183  
- under provision in prior years
    101,589       16,512       1,549  
                         
PRC Foreign Enterprise Income Tax
                       
- current year
    11,678       459,206       1,100,442  
- (over)/under provision in prior years
    -       (10,000 )     732,849  
      4,763,053       4,374,086       8,315,023  
                         
Deferred tax (Note 24)
                       
- current year
    (187,543 )     (200,835 )     533,712  
- attributable to reduction in tax rate
    (33,582 )     -       -  
      (221,125 )     (200,835 )     533,712  
Total income tax expense
    4,541,928       4,173,251       8,848,735  

Hong Kong profits tax has been provided at the rate of 16.5% (2008 : 17.5% and 2007 : 17.5%) on the group's estimated assessable profits arising in Hong Kong for the year.
 
The Hong Kong SAR Government enacted a reduction in the Profits Tax Rate from 17.5% to 16.5% with effect from the year of assessment 2008 / 2009.  Accordingly, the relevant current and deferred tax liabilities have been calculated using the new tax rate of 16.5%.
 
JV-22

 
9.
INCOME TAX EXPENSE (Continued)
The PRC enterprise income tax ("EIT") is computed according to the relevant laws and regulations in the PRC.  The applicable income tax rate was 25% for the year (2008: 33% and 25% and 2007: 33%).  Pursuant to the tax law passed by the Tenth National People's Congress on 16 March 2007, the new EIT rates for domestic and foreign enterprises in Mainland China are unified at 25% with effective from 1 January 2008.
 
Reconciliation between tax expense and accounting profit at applicable tax rates :
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
HK$
   
HK$
   
HK$
 
                   
Profit before income tax
    35,922,897       29,679,534       74,021,948  
                         
Tax on profit before income tax, calculated at the rates applicable to profits in the tax jurisdictions concerned
      4,728,140         4,649,735         12,867,002  
Tax effect of non-deductible expenses
    841,220       324,620       440,037  
Tax effect of non-taxable revenue
    (4,888,010 )     (4,110,784 )     (6,390,922 )
Tax effect on temporary differences not recognised
    287,661       715,642       (160,409 )
Tax effect on unrecognised tax losses
    3,504,910       2,587,526       1,358,629  
Underprovision in prior years
    101,589       6,512       734,398  
Effect on opening deferred tax balances resulting from a reduction in tax rate during the year
    (33,582 )       -         -  
Actual tax expense
    4,541,928       4,173,251       8,848,735  

10.
PROFIT ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE EQUITY HOLDERS OF THE COMPANY
Of the consolidated profit attributable to the equity holders of the company of  HK$31,380,969, HK$25,506,283 and HK$65,173,213 in 2009, 2008 and 2007 respectively, HK$45,194,052, HK$39,423,630 and HK$74,184,878 in 2009, 2008 and 2007 respectively have been dealt with in the financial statements of the company.
 
11.
DIVIDENDS

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
HK$
   
HK$
   
HK$
 
                   
Dividends attributable to the year :
                 
                   
First interim dividend of HK$543,472 (2008 : HK$2,524,985 and 2007 : HK$ HK$1,165,043) per share
     1,086,944         5,049,970         2,330,086  
Second interim dividend of HK$1,146,153 (2008 : HK$5,833,098 and 2007 : HK$4,352,339) per share
      2,292,306         11,666,197         8,704,677  
Third interim dividend of HK$3,375,558.50 (2008 : Nil and 2007 : HK$4,421,894) per share
      6,751,117         -         8,843,788  
Fourth interim dividend of HK$2,469,290.50 (2008 : Nil and 2007 : HK$4,994,086) per share
      4,938,581         -         9,988,171  
      15,068,948       16,716,167       29,866,722  

JV-23

 
12.
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Group
 
   
 
Buildings
   
Leasehold
improvements
   
Construction
in progress
   
Plant and
machinery
   
Furniture
and fixtures
   
Motor
vehicles
   
Computer
equipment
and software
   
 
Total
 
   
HK$
   
HK$
   
HK$
   
HK$
   
HK$
   
HK$
   
HK$
   
HK$
 
At 1 April 2007
                                               
Cost
    38,684,246       10,630,874       609,886       48,310,888       5,204,128       5,589,456       2,130,013       111,159,491  
Accumulated depreciation
    (11,297,192 )     (9,517,837 )     -       (25,594,456 )     (3,979,251 )     (3,680,666 )     (1,919,905 )     (55,989,307 )
Net book amount
    27,387,054       1,113,037       609,886       22,716,432       1,224,877       1,908,790       210,108       55,170,184  
                                                                 
Year ended 31 March 2008
                                                               
Opening net book amount
    27,387,054       1,113,037       609,886       22,716,432       1,224,877       1,908,790       210,108       55,170,184  
Additions
    -       -       6,780,946       3,958,891       73,740       790,251       111,646       11,715,474  
Disposals
    -       -       -       (34,300 )     -       (2,106 )     -       (36,406 )
Depreciation
    (2,256,840 )     (463,581 )     -       (5,907,397 )     (443,656 )     (904,600 )     (190,868 )     (10,166,942 )
Exchange differences
    1,878,883       -       345,123       679,609       79,145       100,412       2,459       3,085,631  
Reclassifications
    427,081       -       (628,941 )     194,000       7,860       -       -       -  
Closing net book amount
    27,436,178       649,456       7,107,014       21,607,235       941,966       1,892,747       133,345       59,767,941  
                                                                 
At 31 March 2008
                                                               
Cost
    40,995,158       10,630,874       7,107,014       53,262,896       5,407,450       6,609,833       2,249,796       126,263,021  
Accumulated depreciation
    (13,558,980 )     (9,981,418 )     -       (31,655,661 )     (4,465,484 )     (4,717,086 )     (2,116,451 )     (66,495,080 )
Net book amount
    27,436,178       649,456       7,107,014       21,607,235       941,966       1,892,747       133,345       59,767,941  
                                                                 
Year ended 31 March 2009
                                                               
Opening net book amount
    27,436,178       649,456       7,107,014       21,607,235       941,966       1,892,747       133,345       59,767,941  
Additions
    -       167,723       7,781,535       1,713,093       7,579       47,660       6,730       9,724,320  
Disposals
    -       -       -       -       -       -       (42,989 )     (42,989 )
Depreciation
    (2,379,031 )     (266,935 )     -       (4,876,238 )     (439,574 )     (677,036 )     (83,117 )     (8,721,931 )
Exchange differences
    1,848,918       -       725,095       780,320       61,157       69,941       2,182       3,487,613  
Reclassifications
    63,793       -       (1,245,354 )     1,181,561       (2,736 )     -       2,736       -  
Closing net book amount
    26,969,858       550,244       14,368,290       20,405,971       568,392       1,333,312       18,887       64,214,954  
                                                                 
At 31 March 2009
                                                               
Cost
    42,915,495       10,798,597       14,368,290       56,169,704       5,528,247       6,893,273       2,214,668       138,888,274  
Accumulated depreciation
    (15,945,637 )     (10,248,353 )     -       (35,763,733 )     (4,959,855 )     (5,559,961 )     (2,195,781 )     (74,673,320 )
Net book amount
    26,969,858       550,244       14,368,290       20,405,971       568,392       1,333,312       18,887       64,214,954  
 
JV-24

 
12.
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Continued)
Company
 
   
 
Buildings
   
Leasehold
improvements
   
Plant and
machinery
   
Furniture
and fixtures
   
Motor
vehicles
   
Computer
equipment
and software
   
 
Total
 
   
HK$
   
HK$
   
HK$
   
HK$
   
HK$
   
HK$
   
HK$
 
At 1 April 2007
                                         
Cost
    2,829,732       2,599,402       12,627,898       1,689,183       1,944,233       1,324,164       23,014,612  
Accumulated depreciation
    (2,230,721 )     (1,677,075 )     (1,195,227 )     (1,401,327 )     (1,896,528 )     (1,147,988 )     (9,548,866 )
Net book amount
    599,011       922,327       11,432,671       287,856       47,705       176,176       13,465,746  
                                                         
Year ended 31 March 2008
                                                       
Opening net book amount
    599,011       922,327       11,432,671       287,856       47,705       176,176       13,465,746  
Additions
    -       -       421,454       -       -       80,551       502,005  
Disposals
    -       -       (34,300 )     -       -       -       (34,300 )
Depreciation
    (141,487 )     (276,861 )     (3,036,258 )     (107,531 )     (47,705 )     (154,100 )     (3,763,942 )
Closing net book amount
    457,524       645,466       8,783,567       180,325       -       102,627       10,169,509  
                                                         
At 31 March 2008
                                                       
Cost
    2,829,732       2,599,402       13,015,052       1,689,183       1,944,233       1,399,675       23,477,277  
Accumulated depreciation
    (2,372,208 )     (1,953,936 )     (4,231,485 )     (1,508,858 )     (1,944,233 )     (1,297,048 )     (13,307,768 )
Net book amount
    457,524       645,466       8,783,567       180,325       -       102,627       10,169,509  
                                                         
Year ended 31 March 2009
                                                       
Opening net book amount
    457,524       645,466       8,783,567       180,325       -       102,627       10,169,509  
Additions
    -       167,724       575,295       -       -       -       743,019  
Disposals
    -       -       -       -       -       (42,989 )     (42,989 )
Depreciation
    (141,487 )     (262,945 )     (2,976,067 )     (79,541 )     -       (56,167 )     (3,516,207 )
Closing net book amount
    316,037       550,245       6,382,795       100,784       -       3,471       7,353,332  
                                                         
At 31 March 2009
                                                       
Cost
    2,829,732       2,767,126       13,590,347       1,683,983       1,944,233       1,340,756       24,156,177  
Accumulated depreciation
    (2,513,695 )     (2,216,881 )     (7,207,552 )     (1,583,199 )     (1,944,233 )     (1,337,285 )     (16,802,845 )
Net book amount
    316,037       550,245       6,382,795       100,784       -       3,471       7,353,332  
 
JV-25

 
13.
ADVANCED LEASE PAYMENTS
The group's advanced lease payments represent up-front payments to acquire long term interests in the usage of land held in Mainland China on leases of between 10 to 50 years.
 
   
Group
   
Company
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
HK$
   
HK$
   
HK$
   
HK$
 
                         
Land use rights
    13,946,685       13,354,491       -       -  
Advanced lease payments, net
    407,310       668,775       407,310       668,775  
      14,353,995       14,023,266       407,310       668,775  

14.
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE FINANCIAL ASSETS

   
Group
   
Company
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
HK$
   
HK$
   
HK$
   
HK$
 
                         
Available-for-sale financial assets :
                       
Listed outside Hong Kong, at market value
    21,667,859       23,535,756       21,667,859       23,535,756  
Less: Portion included in current assets
    -       (15,633,540 )     -       (15,633,540 )
Portion included in non-current assets
    21,667,859       7,902,216       21,667,859       7,902,216  

15.
INTERESTS IN SUBSIDIARIES
Company
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
HK$
   
HK$
 
             
Unlisted shares, at cost
    106,890,975       95,190,975  
Less : Impairment
    (200,000 )     (200,000 )
      106,690,975       94,990,975  
                 
Amount due to a subsidiary
    (8 )     (8 )
      106,690,967       94,990,967  

At 31 March 2009 and 31 March 2008, the amount due to a subsidiary is unsecured, interest-free and has no fixed terms of repayment and the amounts due from subsidiaries are repayable on demand and accordingly, are classified as current assets (note 18).
 
JV-26

 
15.
INTERESTS IN SUBSIDIARIES (Continued)
Details of the subsidiaries as at 31 March 2009 are as follows :
 
Name
 
Place of
incorporation/
establishment
 
Nominal value of
issued capital/
registered capital
 
Percentage of
issued capital
held by the
company directly
 
Principal activities
                 
Fujian Taisun Electronics Technologies Co., Ltd.
 
The PRC
 
US$15,000,000
 
100%
 
Manufacture of consumer electronic products
                 
Fujian Taisun Fire Safety Technologies Co., Ltd.
 
The PRC
 
US$5,000,000
 
100%
 
Manufacture of consumer electronic products (operations not commenced yet)
                 
Sound Well (Hong Kong) Co. Limited
 
Hong Kong
 
HK$200,000
 
100%
 
Trading of consumer electronic products and investment holding
                 
Kimbager International Limited
 
British Virgin Islands
 
US$1
 
100%
 
Trading of machinery and equipment
                 
Kimbager Limited
 
Hong Kong
 
HK$10,000
 
100%
 
Dormant

16.
INVENTORIES

   
Group
   
Company
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
HK$
   
HK$
   
HK$
   
HK$
 
                         
Raw materials
    19,361,203       18,488,454       19,361,203       18,488,454  
Work in progress
    4,130,713       3,074,264       4,130,713       3,074,264  
Finished goods
    4,353,773       6,791,779       4,353,773       6,791,779  
      27,845,689       28,354,497       27,845,689       28,354,497  

17.
TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

   
Group
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
HK$
   
HK$
 
             
Accounts receivable
    2,888,368       2,428,718  
Bills receivable
    341,250       971,312  
Deposits, prepayments and other receivables
    1,955,097       2,274,604  
      5,184,715       5,674,634  
 
JV-27

 
17.
TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES (Continued)
At each of the balance sheet dates, the group’s trade receivables were individually determined to be impaired.  The group encountered difficulties in collection of certain trade receivables and appropriate provision for impairment has been made against these trade receivables.  The individually impaired receivables are recognised based on the credit history of the customers, such as financial difficulties or default in payments, and current market conditions.  Consequently, specific impairment provision was recognised.  The group does not hold any collateral over these balances.
 
Ageing analysis of trade receivables (including accounts receivables and bills receivables) that are past due but not impaired is as follows:
 
   
Group
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
HK$
   
HK$
 
             
Neither past due nor impaired
    707,850       1,861,234  
0 – 30 days past due
    2,521,768       1,538,796  
      3,229,618       3,400,030  

Trade receivables that were past due but not impaired relate to a number of independent customers that had a good track record with the group.
 
Based on past experience, the management believe that no impairment allowance is necessary in respect of these balances as there has not been a significant change in credit quality and the balances are still considered fully recoverable.  The group does not hold any collateral or other credit enhancements over these balances.
 
18.
AMOUNTS DUE FROM SUBSIDIARIES

   
2009
   
2008
 
   
HK$
   
HK$
 
             
Trade *
    16,511,520       11,320,559  
Non-trade **
    13,404,310       12,501,170  
      29,915,830       23,821,729  
Less : Provision for impairment
    (1,636,991 )     (975,147 )
      28,278,839       22,846,582  

*
The amount is unsecured and arises from trading activities of which the settlement period is in accordance with normal commercial terms.
 
**
The amount is unsecured, interest-free and repayable on demand.
 
JV-28


19.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

   
Group
   
Company
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
HK$
   
HK$
   
HK$
   
HK$
 
                         
Bank and cash balances
    57,930,200       35,944,286       41,624,118       16,869,461  
Short-term deposits
    5,950,118       14,743,310       5,950,118       14,743,310  
Long-term deposit
    567,050       -       567,050       -  
      64,447,368       50,687,596       48,141,286       31,612,771  
                                 
Less: Long-term pledged deposit-guarantee for electricity supply
    (567,050 )       -       (567,050 )       -  
      63,880,318       50,687,596       47,574,236       31,612,771  

The effective interest rates of short-term bank deposits of the group ranged from 0.8% to 3.6% (2008: from 5.47% to 7.09%).  These deposits have maturity periods 31 days (2008: 31 days) on inception and are eligible for immediate cancellation without penalty but any interest for the last deposit period would be forfeited.   The effective interest rate of long-term deposit of the group was 1.71%.  The long-term deposit was denominated in RMB and deposited with bank in Mainland China as at 31 March 2009 (2008: Nil) to guarantee for the electricity supply of its manufacturing plant.
 
Deposits with banks earn interest at floating rates based on daily bank deposit rates.
 
At 31 March 2009, the group had cash and cash equivalents denominated in Reminbi ("RMB") amounting to approximately HK$6,797,444 (2008: HK$12,107,794), representing deposits placed with banks in Mainland China.
 
Renminbi is not freely convertible into foreign currencies.  Under the PRC's Foreign Exchange Control Regulations and Administration of Settlement, Sales and Payment of Foreign Exchange Regulations, the group is permitted to exchange RMB for foreign currencies through banks which are authorised to conduct foreign exchange business.
 
20.
AMOUNT DUE FROM/(TO) A SHAREHOLDER / A RELATED COMPANY
The amount is unsecured, interest-free and repayable on demand.
 
21.
DIVIDEND PAYABLE
At a board meeting held on 7 February 2004, the directors declared a final dividend of  HK$5,850,000 per share, totalling HK$11,700,000, which was expected to be payable to the shareholders upon successful initial listing of the company's shares on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited ("the HKEX").
 
22.
LOANS FROM SHAREHOLDERS
The loans are unsecured, interest-free and repayable on demand by the respective shareholders with the consent of each other and upon successful initial listing of the company's shares on the Main Board of HKEX, whichever is earlier.
 
JV-29

23.
COLLATERALISED BANK ADVANCES
This amount represents the recognition of the bills discounted with recourse at 31 March 2009.
 
24.
DEFERRED TAX
At 31 March 2009, the major deferred tax liabilities recognised in the balance sheets and the movements during the current and prior years :
 
Group and Company
 
   
Accelerated tax
depreciation
 
   
HK$
 
       
Balance at 31 March 2007
    788,712  
Credit to income statement (Note 9)
    (200,835 )
Balance at 31 March 2008
    587,877  
Credit to income statement (Note 9)
    (221,125 )
Balance at 31 March 2009
    366,752  

   
2009
   
2008
 
   
HK$
   
HK$
 
             
Deferred tax liabilities recognised in the balance sheets of the group and company
    366,752       587,877  

At the balance sheet date, the major components of the deferred tax asset that has not been recognised is the temporary differences in respect of the tax loss and pre-operating expenses incurred by Fujian Taisun Electronics Technologies Co., Ltd. and Fujian Taisun Fire Safety Technologies Co., Ltd, the PRC subsidiaries of the company, of approximately HK$8,696,145 (2008: HK$5,198,144) and HK$378,689 (2008: HK$278,014), respectively, as it is not certain that future taxable profits will be available against which these deductible temporary difference may be utilised.
 
25.
SHARE CAPITAL

   
2009
   
2007
 
   
HK$
   
HK$
 
             
Authorised :
           
100 ordinary shares of HK$100 each
    10,000       10,000  
                 
Issued and fully paid :
               
2 ordinary shares of HK$100 each
    200       200  
 
 
JV-30

 

26.
RESERVES
The amounts of the group's reserves and the movements therein for the current and prior years are presented in consolidated statement of changes in equity on page 5 of the financial statements.
 
Company
 
   
Retained
profits
   
Fair value
reserve
   
Total
 
   
HK$
   
HK$
   
HK$
 
                   
Balance at 1 April 2006
    112,076,351       (750,629 )     111,325,722  
                         
Profit for the year
    74,184,878       -       74,184,878  
Change in fair value of available-for-sale financial assets
    -       292,456       292,456  
Dividends
    (29,866,722 )     -       (29,866,722 )
Balance at 31 March 2007 and 1 April 2007
    156,394,507       (458,173 )     155,936,334  
                         
Profit for the year
    39,423,630       -       39,423,630  
Change in fair value of available-for-sale financial assets
    -       577,549       577,549  
Dividends
    (16,716,167 )     -       (16,716,167 )
Balance at 31 March 2008 and 1 April 2008
    179,101,970       119,376       179,221,346  
                         
Profit for the year
    45,194,052       -       45,194,052  
Change in fair value of available-for-sale financial assets
    -       (44,862 )     (44,862 )
Dividends
    (15,068,948 )     -       (15,068,948 )
Balance at 31 March 2009
    209,227,074       74,514       209,301,588  

27.
OPERATING LEASE ARRANGEMENTS
At 31 March 2009, the total future minimum rental receivable under non-cancellable operating leases in respect of land and buildings are as follows :
 
   
Group and Company
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
HK$
   
HK$
 
             
Within one year
    77,701       82,581  
In the second to fifth years
    90,115       61,935  
      167,816       144,516  
 
 
JV-31

 

27.
OPERATING LEASE ARRANGEMENTS (Continued)
At 31 March 2009, the total future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases in respect of land and buildings are payable as follows :
 
   
Group
   
Company
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
HK$
   
HK$
   
HK$
   
HK$
 
                         
Within one year
    1,312,200       1,160,600       991,200       966,000  
In the second to fifth years
    2,219,000       3,059,000       2,093,000       3,059,000  
      3,531,200       4,219,600       3,084,200       4,025,000  

The group and the company lease land and buildings under operating leases.  The leases run for an initial period of one to five years, with an option to renew the leases at the expiry dates.  None of the leases includes contingent rentals.
 
28.
CAPITAL COMMITMENTS

   
Group
   
Company
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
HK$
   
HK$
   
HK$
   
HK$
 
                         
Contracted but not provided for the construction of the factory premises in the PRC
    3,067,505       5,575,352       -       -  
Capital contributions payable to PRC wholly-owned subsidiaries
    -       -       49,309,580       61,009,580  
      3,067,505       5,575,352       49,309,580       61,009,580  

29.
CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
The current and prior years' tax provisions have been prepared on the basis that the management fees and bonuses are deductible in the determination of the assessable profits of the company and the company is entitled to the offshore claims.  During the year ended 31 March 2006, the company received enquiries from the Hong Kong Inland Revenue Department regarding these deductions and offshore claims.  As at the date of approval of these financial statements, the outcome of the enquiries is uncertain.  In the opinion of the directors, no provision for additional taxes is required.  The total contingent tax exposures to the group and company in respect of the deductions and offshore claims are estimated to be approximately HK$5.0 million and HK$23.3 million, respectively.
 
Except as disclosed above, the group and company have no contingent liabilities at 31 March 2009.

 
JV-32

 

30.
DIRECTORS' REMUNERATION
Remuneration of the directors of the company disclosed pursuant to section 161 of the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance is as follows :
 
   
Group
   
Company
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
HK$
   
HK$
   
HK$
   
HK$
   
HK$
   
HK$
 
                                     
Fees
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Other emoluments
    -       -       -       -       -       -  

31.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
In addition to the transactions and balances disclosed elsewhere in the financial statements, during the year, the group had the following transactions with related parties :
 
       
Group
 
       
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
Note
 
HK$
   
HK$
   
HK$
 
                       
Transactions with a related company
 
(i)
                 
Rental expense
        2,864,308       1,581,655       1,080,000  
Management fee expense
        4,434,600       4,434,600       4,434,600  
Management bonus expense
        3,381,063       2,329,153       7,113,550  
Purchase of motor vehicles
        -       788,051       -  
                             
Transactions with a shareholder
                           
Sales
        177,267,419       152,324,873       148,477,931  
Purchases
        10,733,357       4,508,889       8,451,104  
Sales commission expense
        6,901,737       4,791,769       2,250,179  
Interest income
        -       103,997       195,000  
Note:
 
(i)
The group entered into those transactions with Taisun Magnetics Limited, in which Mr. Lam Wai Shuen, Shiman and Dr. Lam Wai Wing, Malcolm, directors of the company, had interests.
 
32.
MAJOR NON-CASH TRANSACTION
During the year ended 31 March 2009, HK$5,831,637 (2008: HK$2,524,985 and 2007: HK$5,517,381) of the dividends for the year was settled through the current account with a shareholder.
 
During the year ended 31 March 2009, amount due to a related company of HK$Nil (2008: HK$3,830,555) was settled by the transfer of the available-for-sales financial assets at fair value.

 
JV-33

 

33.
FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
The group's major financial assets and liabilities include bank balances and cash, available-for-sale financial assets, trade receivables and payables, other payables and amounts due from/to related parties.  Details of these financial instruments are disclosed in respective notes.  The risks associated with these financial instruments and the policies on how to mitigate these risks are set out below.  The management manages and monitors these exposures to ensure appropriate measures are implemented on a timely and effective manner.
 
Interest rate risk
The group is exposed to interest rate risk through the impact of interest rate changes on cash and cash equivalents. The interest rates of cash and cash equivalent of the group are disclosed in note 19. The group currently does not have an interest rate hedging policy. However, the directors monitor interest rate change exposure and will consider hedging significant interest rate exchange exposure should the need arises.
 
Interest rate sensitivity
 
At 31 March 2009, the group was exposed to changes in market interest rates through cash and cash equivalent, which are subject to variable interest rates. The following table illustrates the sensitivity of the profit after tax for the year and retained earnings to a change in interest rates of +1% and -1% (2008: +1% and -1%), with effect from the beginning of the year.  The calculations are based on the group's and the company's bank balance held at each balance sheet date. All other variables are held constant.
 
   
Group
   
Company
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
HK$
   
HK$
   
HK$
   
HK$
 
If interest rates were 1% (2008: 1%) higher
                       
Net profit for the year
    644,473       506,868       481,413       316,128  
                                 
If interest rates were 1% (2008: 1%) lower
                               
Net profit for the year
    (644,473 )     (506,868 )     (481,413 )     (316,128 )
 
 
JV-34

 

33.
FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES (Continued)
Price risk
The group is exposed to equity price risk through its investment in listed securities which are classified as available-for-sale financial assets.  The management manages this exposure by maintaining a portfolio of investments with different risk and return profiles and will consider hedging the risk exposure should the need arise. The group is not exposed to commodity price risk.
 
At 31 March 2009, if securities prices had increased/decreased by 1% and all other variables were held constant, fair value reserve would increase/decrease by approximately HK$216,679 (2008: fair value reserve would increase/decrease by approximately HK$235,358).  This is mainly due to the changes in available-for-sale financial assets.  This sensitivity analysis has been determined assuming that the price change had occurred at the balance sheet date and had been applied to the group's investment on that date.
 
Foreign currency risk
The group mainly operates in the Asia Pacific Region and is exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from various currency exposures, primarily with respect to the US dollar, RMB, AUD and GBP.  The HK dollar is pegged to the US dollar at an exchange rate of approximately 7.8, the foreign exchange exposure between US dollar and HK dollar is therefore minimal.  The group's exposure to RMB is minimal as majority of the subsidiaries of the group operates in the PRC with most of the transactions denominated and settled in Renminbi.  The group holds foreign currency time deposits which are exposed to foreign currency risk.  To mitigate the group's exposure to foreign currency risk, the group manages its foreign exchange risk by actively monitoring its foreign currency translations.
 
 
(a)
Exposure to currency risk
 
The following table details the group's and the company's exposure at the balance sheet date to currency risk arising from recognized assets or liabilities denominated in a currency other than the group's functional currency.
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
HK$
   
HK$
 
Group and Company
           
Net financial assets/(liabilities)
           
AUD
    5,705,970       6,711,953  
GBP
    5,950,118       8,033,244  

 
JV-35

 

33.
FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES (Continued)
Foreign currency risk (Continued)
 
(b)
Sensitivity analysis
 
The sensitivity analysis has been determined assuming that the reasonably possible change in foreign exchange rates had occurred at the balance sheet date and had been applied to the group's exposure to currency risk for financial instruments in existence at that date, and that all other variables, in particular interest rates, remain constant.  The stated changes represent management's assessment of reasonably possible changes in foreign exchange rates over the period until the next annual balance sheet date.  A 1% strengthening/(weakening) of HK$ against AUD and GBP at the balance sheet date would increase/(decrease) the group's and the company's profit after tax and retained profits by the amount shown below.  Other components of equity would not be affected by changes in the foreign exchange rates.
 
   
2009
 
2008
 
   
Changes in
foreign exchange
rates
   
Effect on profit
after tax and
retained profits
 
Changes in
Foreign
Exchange
rates
   
Effect on profit after
tax and retained
profits
 
         
HK$
       
HK$
 
Group and Company
                     
AUD
    +1%/-1 %     54,129/(54,129
) 
  +1%/-1 %  
 72,766/(72,766
GBP
    +1%/-1 %     58,821/(58,821
) 
  +1%/-1 %  
 78,674/(78,674
 
Credit risks
Credit risk arises from the possibility that the counterparty to a transaction is unwilling or unable to fulfill its obligation with the results that the group thereby suffers financial loss. The carrying amounts of trade and other receivables and cash and cash equivalents included in the consolidated balance sheet represent the group's maximum exposure to credit risk in relation to financial assets. No other financial assets carry a significant exposure to credit risk. The group monitors the trade and other receivables on an ongoing basis and only trades with creditworthy third parties.  In addition, all the group's cash and cash equivalents are deposited with major banks located in Hong Kong and the PRC. Accordingly, the group has no significant concentrations of credit risk.
 
Fair values
The fair values of the group's current financial assets and liabilities are not materially different from their carrying amounts because of the immediate or short term maturity of these financial instruments.
 
Liquidity risks
As at 31 March 2009, the group had net current assets of HK$71,110,746 (2008: HK$69,152,852) and net assets of HK$171,516,152 (2008: HK$150,205,698).  The management considered the liquidity risk to be minimal.
 
The group exercised liquidity risk management policy by maintaining sufficient cash and cash equivalents level deemed adequate to finance the group's operations, investment opportunities and expected expansion.

 
JV-36

 

33.
FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES (Continued)
Liquidity risks (Continued)
Individual operating entities within the group are responsible for their own cash management, including the short term investment of cash surpluses and the raising of loans to cover expected cash demands, subject to approval by the parent company's board when the borrowings exceed certain predetermined levels of authority.  The group's policy is to regularly monitor its liquidity requirements and its compliance with lending covenants, to ensure that it maintains sufficient reserves of cash and readily realisable marketable securities and adequate committed lines of funding from major financial institutions to meet its liquidity requirements in the short and longer term.
 
The following table details the remaining contractual maturities at the balance sheet dates of the group's and the company's non-derivative financial liabilities, which are based on contractual undiscounted cash flows (including interest payment computed using contractual rate or, if floating, based on rates current at the balance sheet date) and the earliest date the group and the company can be required to pay :
 
Group
   
Carrying
amount
   
Total
contractual
undiscounted
cash flow
   
On
demand or
within
1 year
   
More than
1 year but
less than
2 years
   
More than
2 years but
less than
5 years
 
   
HK$
   
HK$
   
HK$
   
HK$
   
HK$
 
                               
At 31 March 2009
                             
Trade and other payables
    17,231,889       17,231,889       17,231,889       -       -  
Obligations under finance lease
    52,700       52,700       21,000       21,000       10,700  
Amount due to a related company
    3,381,063       3,381,063       3,381,063       -       -  
Dividend payable
    11,700,000       11,700,000       11,700,000       -       -  
Loans from shareholders
    2,868,954       2,868,954       2,868,954       -       -  
Collateralised bank advances
    341,250       341,250       341,250       -       -  
      35,575,856       35,575,856       35,544,156       21,000       10,700  
 
 
JV-37

 

33.
FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES (Continued)
Liquidity risks (Continued)
Group
 
   
Carrying
amount
   
Total
contractual
undiscounted
cash flow
   
On
demand or
within
1 year
   
More than
1 year but
less than
2 years
   
More than
2 years but
less than
5 years
 
   
HK$
   
HK$
   
HK$
   
HK$
   
HK$
 
                               
At 31 March 2008
                             
Trade and other payables
    21,499,786       21,499,786       21,499,786       -       -  
Obligations under finance lease
    73,700       73,700       21,000       21,000       31,700  
Amount due to a related company
    2,329,153       2,329,153       2,329,153       -       -  
Dividend payable
    11,700,000       11,700,000       11,700,000       -       -  
Loans from shareholders
    2,868,954       2,868,954       2,868,954       -       -  
Collateralised bank advances
    971,312       971,312       971,312       -       -  
      39,442,905       39,442,905       39,390,205       21,000       31,700  

Company
 
   
Carrying
amount
   
Total
contractual
undiscounted
cash flow
   
On
demand or
within
1 year
   
More than
1 year but
less than
2 years
   
More than
2 years but
less than
5 years
 
   
HK$
   
HK$
   
HK$
   
HK$
   
HK$
 
                               
At 31 March 2009
                             
Trade and other payables
    12,437,284       12,437,284       12,437,284       -       -  
Obligations under finance lease
    52,700       52,700       21,000       21,000       10,700  
Amount due to a related company
    3,381,063       3,381,063       3,381,063       -       -  
Dividend payable
    11,700,000       11,700,000       11,700,000       -       -  
Loans from shareholders
    2,868,954       2,868,954       2,868,954       -       -  
      30,440,001       30,440,001       30,408,301       21,000       10,700  
                                         
At 31 March 2008
                                       
Trade and other payables
    17,513,855       17,513,855       17,513,855       -       -  
Obligations under finance lease
    73,700       73,700       21,000       21,000       31,700  
Amount due to a related company
    2,329,153       2,329,153       2,329,153       -       -  
Dividend payable
    11,700,000       11,700,000       11,700,000       -       -  
Loans from shareholders
    2,868,954       2,868,954       2,868,954       -       -  
      34,485,662       34,485,662       34,432,962       21,000       31,700  
 
 
JV-38

 

33.
FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES (Continued)
Summary of financial assets and liabilities by category
The carrying amounts of the group's and the company's financial assets and liabilities as recognised at balance sheet dates may be categorised as follows.  See notes 3.6 and 3.9 for explanations about how the category of financial instruments affects their subsequent measurement.
 
   
Group
   
Company
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
HK$
   
HK$
   
HK$
   
HK$
 
Financial assets
                       
Pledged bank balances
    567,050       -       567,050       -  
Available-for-sale financial assets
    21,667,859       23,535,756       21,667,859       23,535,756  
Loans and receivables:
                               
Trade and other receivables
    3,345,818       3,400,030       116,200       -  
Amount due from shareholder
    13,940,881       9,392,116       -       -  
Amount due from subsidiaries
    -       -       28,278,839       22,846,582  
Cash and cash equivalents
    63,880,318       50,687,596       47,574,236       31,612,771  
      103,401,926       87,015,498       98,204,184       77,995,109  
                                 
Financial liabilities
                               
Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost:
                               
Trade and other payables
    17,231,889       21,499,786       12,437,284       17,513,855  
Obligations under finance lease
    52,700       73,700       52,700       73,700  
Amount due to a related company
    3,381,063       2,329,153       3,381,063       2,329,153  
Dividend payable
    11,700,000       11,700,000       11,700,000       11,700,000  
Loans from shareholders
    2,868,954       2,868,954       2,868,954       2,868,954  
Collateralised bank advances
    341,250       971,312       -       -  
      35,575,856       39,442,905       30,440,001       34,485,662  

34.
CAPITAL MANAGEMENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
The group's objectives when managing capital are:
 
 
(a)
To safeguard the group's ability to continue as a going concern, so that it continues to provide returns and benefits for its stakeholders;
 
 
(b)
To support the group's stability and growth; and
 
 
(c)
To provide capital for the purpose of strengthening the group's risk management capability.
 
The group actively and regularly reviews and manages its capital structure to ensure optimal capital structure and shareholder returns, taking into consideration the future capital requirements of the group and capital efficiency, prevailing and projected profitability, projected operating cash flows, projected capital expenditures and projected strategic investment opportunities.  To maintain or adjust the capital structure, the group may adjust the dividend payables to shareholders, issue new shares or raise and repay debts. The group's capital management objectives, policies or processes were unchanged during the year ended 31 March 2009 and 31 March 2008.  Management regards total equity of HK$171,516,152 (2008: HK$150,205,698) as capital, for capital management purpose.

 
JV-39