UNIVERSAL SECURITY INSTRUMENTS INC - Quarter Report: 2020 December (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarterly period ended December 31, 2020

OR

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission file number 001-31747

UNIVERSAL SECURITY INSTRUMENTS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Inapplicable

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year if changed from last report.)

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 every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files). Yes x No ¨

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

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

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

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

At February 9, 2021, the number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock was 2,312,887.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

UNIVERSAL SECURITY INSTRUMENTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

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

UNIVERSAL SECURITY INSTRUMENTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

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

UNIVERSAL SECURITY INSTRUMENTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

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

UNIVERSAL SECURITY INSTRUMENTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(Unaudited)

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

UNIVERSAL SECURITY INSTRUMENTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

NINE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020

(Unaudited)

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

UNIVERSAL SECURITY INSTRUMENTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

NINE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019

(Unaudited)

* Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

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

UNIVERSAL SECURITY INSTRUMENTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

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

UNIVERSAL SECURITY INSTRUMENTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Statement of Management

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Universal Security Instruments, Inc. (USI, we, our, or the Company) and its wholly-owned subsidiary. Except for the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2020, which was derived from audited financial statements, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited. Significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. In the opinion of the Company’s management, the interim condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (US-GAAP) have been condensed or omitted. The interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s March 31, 2020 audited financial statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 10-K on August 11, 2020. The interim operating results are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full fiscal year.

Liquidity and Management Plans

As the Company previously reported, on August 31, 2020, the Company received a letter from NYSE American LLC (the “Exchange”) stating that the Exchange has determined that the Company is not in compliance with the Exchange’s continued listing requirements as the result of the Company’s failure to maintain stockholders’ equity of $6.0 million after reporting losses from continuing operations and/or net losses in its five most recent fiscal years. On September 23, 2020, the Company submitted to the Exchange the Company’s plan (the “Plan”) of actions the Company has taken or will take to regain compliance with the continued listing standards by February 28, 2022 (the “Plan Period”). On November 5, 2020, the Company received a letter from the Exchange advising the Company that the Exchange has accepted the Plan and granted the Plan Period through February 28, 2022. The Exchange will review the Company periodically to determine whether the Company is making progress consistent with the Plan. The Company is working diligently to execute its Plan to regain compliance with the Exchange’s continued listing requirements.

As our products are sold primarily to the construction industry and do-it-yourself centers, restrictions and limitations imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic have had an impact on the Company’s sales. We are not yet able to quantify the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our sales and financial results, but we believe that during the first half of calendar 2020 (our fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 and first quarter of fiscal 2021) sales were negatively impacted by lower sales resulting from steps taken to combat the spread of COVID-19. Sales in our second and third fiscal quarters ended September 30, 2020, and December 31, 2020 increased significantly when compared to sales for the comparable 2019 periods due to the Company’s ability to fill orders from inventory for a large national retailer new customer, when the national retailer’s usual supplier was unable to fill the orders due to delays caused by the pandemic. Our sales growth was also due to sales of two products to another large national retailer which purchased certain of our models as a 1,350 store test, which should be completed later this fiscal year. We anticipate that the increase in sales, the associated increase in availability from the Factor resulting from these increased sales, and the funds received from the Paycheck Protection Program will provide sufficient working capital for the next twelve months following the date of this report. Our financial results were also positively impacted by a reduction in research and interest expenses for the nine months ended December 31, 2020.

Our short-term borrowings to finance any operating losses, trade accounts receivable, and foreign inventory purchases are provided pursuant to the terms of its Factoring Agreement with Merchant Factors Corporation (Merchant or Factor). Borrowings under the Factoring Agreement bear interest at prime plus 2% and are secured by trade accounts receivable and inventory. Advances from Merchant are at the sole discretion of Merchant based on Merchant’s assessment of the Company’s receivables, inventory and financial condition at the time of each request for an advance. The unused availability of this facility totaled approximately $3,482,000 at December 31, 2020.

The Company has a history of sales that are insufficient to generate profitable operations, and has limited sources of financing. Management’s plan in response to these conditions includes increasing sales resulting from the delivery of our line of sealed battery ionization smoke alarms, carbon monoxide products, and ground fault circuit interrupters. The Company has seen positive results on this plan due to increased sales of its product offerings to a major home improvement retailer during the second and third quarters of our fiscal year ending March 31, 2021. The increase in sales to major home improvement retailers has resulted in significant additional availability under the provisions of our facility with the Factor. Management anticipates this sales growth to continue going forward. In addition, effective March 31, 2020, the Company sold its ownership interest in its former Hong Kong Joint Venture reducing its current liabilities due to the Hong Kong Joint Venture by $4,000,000. Furthermore, in May, 2020 we received a Paycheck Protection Program loan of $221,400 under the CARES Act and expect the loan will be forgiven in compliance with the provisions of the Act. Though no assurances can be given, if management’s plan continues to be successful over the next twelve months, we anticipate that the Company should be able to meet its cash needs for the next twelve months following the issuance date of this report. Cash flows and credit availability are expected to be adequate to fund operations for one year from the issuance date of this report.

Line of Credit – Factor

On January 15, 2015, the Company entered into the Factoring Agreement (the Agreement) with Merchant for the purpose of factoring the Company’s trade accounts receivable and to provide financing secured by finished goods inventory. Under the Agreement the Company may borrow eighty percent (80%) of eligible accounts receivable. Additional funding, characterized by Merchant as an over advance, may be provided up to one hundred percent (100%) of eligible accounts receivable. The over advance portion, if any, may not exceed fifty percent (50%) of eligible inventory up to a maximum of $500,000. The Agreement has been extended and now expires on January 6, 2022, and provides for continuation of the program for successive two year periods until terminated by one of the parties to the Agreement. As of December 31, 2020, the Company had no borrowings under the Agreement, and the Company had availability under the Agreement of approximately $3,482,000. Advances on factored trade accounts receivable are secured by all of the Company’s trade accounts receivable and inventories, are repaid periodically as collections are made by Merchant but are otherwise due upon demand, and bear interest at the prime commercial rate of interest, as published, plus two percent (Effective rate 5.25% at December 31, 2020). Advances under the factoring agreement are made at the sole discretion of Merchant, based on their assessment of the receivables, inventory and our financial condition at the time of each request for an advance.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with US-GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.

Revenue Recognition

The Company’s primary source of revenue is the sale of safety and security products based upon purchase orders or contracts with customers. Revenue is recognized at a point in time once the Company has determined that the customer has obtained control over the product. Control is typically deemed to have been transferred to the customer when the product is shipped or delivered to the customer. Customers may not return, exchange or refuse acceptance of goods without our approval. Generally, the Company does not grant extended payment terms. Shipping and handling costs associated with outbound freight, after control over a product has transferred to a customer, are accounted for as a fulfillment cost and are recorded in selling, general and administrative expense.

The amount of revenue recognized reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for products sold. Revenue is recorded at the transaction price net of estimates of variable consideration. The Company uses the expected value method based on historical data in considering the impact of estimates of variable consideration, which may include trade discounts, allowances, product returns (including rights of return) or warranty replacements. Estimates of variable consideration are included in revenue to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur.

We have established allowances to cover anticipated doubtful accounts based upon historical experience.

Disaggregation of Revenue

The Company presents below revenue associated with sales of products acquired from Eyston Company Ltd. (Eyston) separately from revenue associated with sales of ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI’s) and ventilation fans. The Company believes this disaggregation best depicts how our various product lines perform and are affected by economic factors. Revenue recognized by these categories for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 are as follows:

Concentrations

The Company is primarily a distributor of safety products for use in home and business under both its trade names and private labels for other companies.  The Company acquires all of the smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm safety products that it sells from Eyston Company, Ltd. In addition, the Company had one customer in the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2020 that represented 14.1% of the Company’s net sales. Sales to this one customer represented 26.4% of net sales for the nine months ended December 31, 2020.

Receivables

Receivables are recorded when the Company has an unconditional right to consideration. We have established allowances to cover anticipated doubtful accounts based upon historical experience.

Remaining Performance Obligations

Remaining performance obligations represent the transaction price of firm orders for satisfied or partially satisfied performance obligations on contracts with an original expected duration of one year or more. The Company’s contracts are predominantly short-term in nature with a contract term of one year or less. For those contracts, the Company has utilized the practical expedient in ASC Topic 606 exempting the Company from disclosure of the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations if the performance obligation is part of a contract that has an original expected duration of one year or less.

Joint Venture

The Company held a fifty percent interest in Eyston Company Limited, the former 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. The Company sold its fifty percent interest in the Hong Kong Joint Venture effective March 31, 2020. There are no material differences between US-GAAP and the basis of accounting used by the former Hong Kong Joint Venture for the periods ended December 31, 2019. The following represents summarized balance sheet and income statement information of the former Hong Kong Joint Venture as of and for the nine months ended December 31, 2019:

During the nine months ended December 31, 2019 the Company purchased $6,204,745 of products directly from the Hong Kong Joint Venture for resale. For the nine months ended December 31, 2019 the Company increased its investment in the Joint Venture to reflect a decrease of $47,900 in inter-Company profit on purchases held by the Company in inventory.

Income Taxes

We calculate our interim tax provision in accordance with the guidance for accounting for income taxes in interim periods. We estimate the annual effective tax rate and apply that tax rate to our ordinary quarterly pre-tax income. The tax expense or benefit related to discrete events during the interim period is recognized in the interim period in which those events occurred.

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 condensed consolidated financial statements. These temporary differences may 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 a valuation allowance is provided whenever it is more likely than not that a deferred tax asset will not be realized. After a review of projected taxable income and the components of the deferred tax asset in accordance with applicable accounting guidance it was determined that it is more likely than not that the tax benefits associated with the remaining components of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. This determination was made based on the Company’s history of losses from operations and the uncertainty as to whether the Company will generate sufficient taxable income to use the deferred tax assets prior to their expiration. Accordingly, a valuation allowance was established to fully offset the value of the deferred tax assets. Our ability to realize the tax benefits associated with the deferred tax assets depends primarily upon the timing of future taxable income and the expiration dates of the components of the deferred tax assets. If sufficient future taxable income is generated, we may be able to offset a portion of future tax expenses.

The Company follows ASC 740-10 which provides guidance for tax positions related to the recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return and requires that we recognize in our condensed consolidated financial statements the impact of a tax position, if that position is more likely than not to be sustained upon an examination, based on the technical merits of the position.  Interest and penalties, if any, related to income tax matters are recorded as income tax expenses.

Accounts Receivable and Amount Due From Factor

The Company assigns the majority of its short-term receivables arising in the ordinary course of business to our factor. At the time a receivable is assigned to our factor the credit risk associated with the credit worthiness of the debtor is assumed by the factor. The Company continues to bear any credit risk associated with delivery or warranty issues related to the products sold.

Management assesses the credit risk of both its trade accounts receivable and its financing receivables based on the specific identification of accounts that have exceeded credit terms. An allowance for uncollectible receivables is provided based on that assessment. Changes in the allowance account are charged to operations in the period the change is determined. Amounts ultimately determined to be uncollectible are eliminated from the receivable accounts and from the allowance account in the period that the receivables’ status is determined to be uncollectible.

Based on the nature of the factoring agreement and prior experience, no allowance related to Amounts Due from Factor has been provided. At December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2020, an allowance of approximately $157,000 and $57,000, respectively, has been provided for uncollectible trade accounts receivable.

Earnings (Loss) per Common Share

Basic earnings (loss) per common share is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the periods presented. Diluted earnings (loss) per common share is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the effect of stock options and other potentially dilutive common stock equivalents. The dilutive effect of stock options and other potentially dilutive common stock equivalents is determined using the treasury stock method based on the Company’s average stock price. There were no potentially dilutive common stock equivalents outstanding during the nine month periods ended December 31, 2020 or 2019. As a result, basic and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding are identical for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

Contingencies

From time to time, the Company is involved in various claims and routine litigation matters. In the opinion of management, after consultation with legal counsel, the outcomes of such matters are not anticipated to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows in future years.

Long-Term Note Payable – Eyston Company Ltd.

Effective March 31, 2020 the Company sold its fifty percent ownership interest in the Hong Kong Joint Venture. On April 19, 2020, the Company converted $1,081,440 of trade accounts payable due to the Hong Kong Joint Venture to an unsecured long-term note payable. Interest is based on the Shanghai Commercial Bank Limited in Hong Kong US Dollar prime rate published on the first day of each calendar month plus 2% (5.25% effective rate at December 31, 2020) and is payable monthly. The principal balance of $1,081,440 is due and payable on April 19, 2022.

Note Payable – Bank

On May 6, 2020, the Company received a Paycheck Protection Program loan under the CARES Act (Act) in the amount of $221,400. The loan bears interest at one percent and provides for monthly payments that have been deferred, and that has a maturity date of May 6, 2022. Under the provisions of the Act, if the proceeds of the loan are used for certain specified costs, repayment of the loan will be forgiven. The Company has applied for and expects the loan to be forgiven. Until the Company receives notification from the Small Business Administration that the loan is forgiven, the loan is classified as a current liability as management expects the loan balance to be extinguished within one year from the balance sheet date.

Leases

The Company is a lessee in lease agreements for office space. Certain of the Company’s leases contain provisions that provide for one or more options to renew at the Company’s sole discretion. The Company’s leases are comprised of fixed lease payments, with its real estate leases including lease payments subject to a rate or index which may be variable. Certain real estate leases also include executory costs such as common area maintenance (non-lease component). As a practical expedient permitted under Accounting Standards Codification “ASC” 842, the Company has elected to account for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component. Lease payments, which may include lease components and non-lease components, are included in the measurement of the Company’s lease liabilities to the extent that such payments are either fixed amounts or variable lease amounts based on a rate or index (fixed in substance) as stipulated in the lease contract.

None of the Company’s lease agreements contain any residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. As a result of the Company’s election of the package of practical expedients permitted within ASC 842, which among other things, allows for the carryforward of historical lease classification, all of the Company’s lease agreements in existence at the date of adoption that were classified as operating leases under ASC 840 have been classified as operating leases under ASC 842. Lease expense for payments related to the Company’s operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the related lease term, which includes options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option.

Right-of-use assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset during the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments as specified in the lease. Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities related to the Company’s operating leases are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the present value of the remaining lease payments over the lease term and amounted to approximately $485,000 at the date of adoption. When the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available surrounding the Company’s borrowing rates at the lease commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The right-of use asset also includes any lease payments made at or before lease commencement less any lease incentives. As of December 31, 2020, the Company had right-of-use assets of $211,526 and lease liabilities of $211,526 related to its operating leases. Right-of-use assets are included in property and equipment, net, on the condensed consolidated balance sheet and lease liabilities related to the Company’s operating leases are included in short-term and long-term lease liability on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. As of December 31, 2020 the Company’s weighted-average remaining lease term and weighted-average discount rate related to its operating leases were 1.25 years and 6.0%, respectively. During the nine months ended December 31, 2020, the cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities related to the Company’s operating leases was $142,536, which is included as an operating cash outflow within the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. During the nine months ended December 31, 2020, the Company did not enter into any Material lease agreements set to commence in the future and there were no newly leased assets for which a right-of use asset was recorded in exchange for a new lease liability, other than those lease assets recorded upon implementation.

The future minimum payments under operating leases were as follows at December 31, 2020 for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2021:

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

Changes to US-GAAP are established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) in the form of Accounting Standards Updates (ASU’s) to the FASB’s Accounting Standards Codification. The Company considers the applicability and impact of all ASU’s. Management determined that recently issued ASU’s did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements at December 31, 2020.

As used throughout this Report, “we,” “our,” “the Company” “USI” and similar words refers to Universal Security Instruments, Inc.

Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains certain forward-looking statements reflecting our current expectations with respect to our operations, performance, financial condition, and other developments. These forward-looking statements may generally be identified by the use of the words “may”, “will”, “believes”, “should”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “estimates”, and similar expressions. These statements are necessarily estimates reflecting management’s best judgment based upon current information and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. 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 could affect our financial performance and could cause our actual results for future periods to differ materially from those anticipated or projected. While it is impossible to identify all such factors, such factors include, but are not limited to, those risks identified in our periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

overview

We are in the business of marketing and distributing safety and security products. Our financial statements detail our sales and other operational results for the three and nine month periods ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. Due to the sale of the Company’s interest in the Hong Kong Joint Venture effective March 31, 2020, the equity method financial results of the former Hong Kong Joint Venture are only included for the periods ended December 31, 2019. Accordingly, the following discussion and analysis of the three and nine month periods ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 relate to the operational results of the Company.

In light of the shutdowns, quarantines and other restrictions and delays in operations and travel caused by or related to COVID-19 in Hong Kong, the PRC and the United States, the Company may experience delays in shipping and receiving of products.

As our products are sold primarily to the construction industry and do-it-yourself centers, restrictions and limitations imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic have had an impact on the Company’s sales. We are not yet able to quantify the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our sales and financial results, but we believe that during the first half of calendar 2020 (our fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 and first quarter of fiscal 2021) sales were negatively impacted by lower sales resulting from steps taken to combat the spread of COVID-19. Sales in our second and third fiscal quarters ended September 30, 2020, and December 31, 2020 increased significantly when compared to sales for the comparable 2019 periods due to the Company’s ability to fill orders from inventory for a large national retailer new customer, when the national retailer’s usual supplier was unable to fill the orders due to delays caused by the pandemic. Our sales growth was also due to sales of two products to another large national retailer which purchased certain of our models as a 1,350 store test, which should be completed later this fiscal year. We anticipate that the increase in sales, the associated increase in availability from the Factor resulting from these increased sales, and the funds received from the Paycheck Protection Program will provide sufficient working capital for the next twelve months following the date of this report. Our financial results were also positively impacted by a reduction in research and interest expenses for the nine months ended December 31, 2020.

The Company has developed products based on new smoke and gas detection technologies, with what the Company believes are improved sensing technology and product features. Most of our new technologies and features have been trademarked under the trade name IoPhic.

Changes in international trade duties and other aspects of international trade policy, both in the U.S. and abroad, could materially impact the cost of our products. All of our products are imported from the Peoples Republic of China (PRC). To date, only certain of our products such as Carbon Monoxide and Photoelectric alarms have been subjected to tariffs of 25%. We are monitoring these developments and will determine our strategies as additional information becomes available. Any increase in tariffs that is not offset by an increase in our sales prices could have an adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Results of Operations

Three Months Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019

Sales. Net sales for the three months ended December 31, 2020 were $5,124,750 compared to $3,223,678 for the comparable three months in the prior year, an increase of $1,901,072 (59.0%). Sales increased principally due to the Company’s ability to fill orders from inventory for a large national retailer new customer, when the national retailer’s usual supplier was unable to fill the order due to delays caused by the pandemic. The Company attributes the increased sales to the fact that the Company had significant inventory on hand prior to the beginning of the pandemic and was not adversely affected by decreased production by its suppliers and to sales to a second national retailer conducting a test of our products.

Gross Profit Margin. Gross profit margin is calculated as net sales less cost of goods sold expressed as a percentage of net sales. Our gross profit margin was 29.7% and 23.9 % of sales for the quarters ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Margins in the quarter ended December 31, 2019 were negatively impacted by tariffs on certain of our products imported from the Peoples Republic of China.

Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $1,321,311 for the three months ended December 31, 2020, compared to $1,083,913 for the comparable three months in the prior year. As a percentage of net sales, these expenses decreased to 25.8% for the three month period ended December 31, 2020, from 33.6% for the 2019 period. Selling expenses, as a dollar amount, increased partially due to commissions on increased sales and freight out, incurred on increased sales during the period ended December 31, 2020. These expenses decreased as a percentage of net sales since selling, general, and administrative expenses do not fluctuate in direct proportion to sales.

Research and development expenses were $106,608 for the three month period ended December 31, 2020 compared to $169,768 for the comparable quarter of the prior year, a decrease of $63,160 (37.2%). The primary reason for the decrease is lower amounts paid to engineering consultants for services towards meeting revised smoke alarm testing standards.

Interest Expense. Our interest expense was $14,086 for the quarter ended December 31, 2020, compared to interest expense of $119,308 for the quarter ended December 31, 2019. Interest expense is primarily dependent upon the total amounts borrowed on average from the Factor and, in the prior year, extended trade payables due to the Hong Kong Joint Venture and on interest rates which vary with the prime rate of interest. Effective March 31, 2020, our interest in the Hong Kong Joint Venture was sold and the proceeds from the sale were used to reduce our indebtedness to the Hong Kong Joint Venture.

Net Income (loss). We reported net income of $78,318 for the quarter ended December 31, 2020, compared to a net loss of $(1,011,833) for the corresponding quarter of the prior fiscal year, a $1,090,151 (107.7%) decrease in the net loss. The primary reason for the decrease in the net loss is increased sales in the current quarter, and the decrease in the loss from our investment in the former Hong Kong Joint Venture.

Nine Months Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019

Sales. Net sales for the nine months ended December 31, 2020 were $14,522,813 compared to $11,189,238 for the comparable nine months in the prior period, an increase of $3,333,575 (29.8%). Sales increased principally due to the Company’s ability to fill an order from inventory for a large national retailer new customer, when the national retailer’s usual supplier was unable to fill the order due to delays caused by the pandemic. The Company attributes the increased sales to the fact that the Company had significant inventory on hand prior to the beginning of the pandemic and was not adversely affected by decreased production by its suppliers.

Gross Profit Margin. The gross profit margin is calculated as net sales less cost of goods sold expressed as a percentage of net sales. The Company’s gross profit margin was 32.4% for the period ended December 31, 2020 and 27.8% for the period ended December 31, 2019. The Company was assessed and paid tariffs on imported products that were subsequently determined not to be subject to the tariffs. Accordingly, gross margins are positively impacted in the current period ended December 31, 2020, principally due to refunds of tariffs previously paid and lower tariff costs.

Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $3,572,189 for the nine months ended December 31, 2020 compared to $3,455,661 for the comparable nine months in the prior year. As a percentage of sales, these expenses were 24.6% for the nine month period ended December 31, 2020 and 30.9% for the comparable 2019 period. These expenses decreased as a percentage of net sales since selling, general, and administrative expenses do not fluctuate in direct proportion to sales. Selling expenses as a dollar amount increased principally due to selling expenses incurred on increased sales during the nine month period ended December 31, 2020.

Research and development expenses were $332,276 for the nine months ended December 31, 2020 compared to $487,144 for the comparable period of the prior year, a decrease of $154,868 (31.8%). The primary reason for the decrease is lower amounts paid to engineering consultants for services towards meeting revised smoke alarm testing standards.

Interest Expense. Our interest expense was $71,848 for the nine months ended December 31, 2020, compared to interest expense of $332,336 for the nine months ended December 31, 2019. Interest expense is dependent upon the total amounts borrowed on average from the Factor and on extended trade payables due to the Hong Kong Joint Venture and on interest rates which vary with the prime rate of interest. Effective March 31, 2020, our interest in the Hong Kong Joint Venture was sold and the proceeds from the sale were used to reduce our indebtedness to the Hong Kong Joint Venture.

Net Income (Loss). We reported net income of $725,181 for the nine months ended December 31, 2020 compared to a net loss of $2,321,601 for the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year, a decrease in the net loss of $3,046,782 (131.2%). The primary reason for the decrease in the net loss is increased sales, the decrease in the loss from our investment in the former Hong Kong Joint Venture, the refund of tariffs as discussed above, and the decrease in interest paid to the former Hong Kong Joint Venture.

Management Plans and Liquidity

As the Company previously reported, on August 31, 2020, the Company received a letter from NYSE American LLC (the “Exchange”) stating that the Exchange has determined that the Company is not in compliance with the Exchange’s continued listing requirements as the result of the Company’s failure to maintain stockholders’ equity of $6.0 million after reporting losses from continuing operations and/or net losses in its five most recent fiscal years. On September 23, 2020, the Company submitted to the Exchange the Company’s plan (the “Plan”) of actions the Company has taken or will take to regain compliance with the continued listing standards by February 28, 2022 (the “Plan Period”). On November 5, 2020, the Company received a letter from the Exchange advising the Company that the Exchange has accepted the Plan and granted the Plan Period through February 28, 2022. The Exchange will review the Company periodically to determine whether the Company is making progress consistent with the Plan. The Company is working diligently to execute its Plan to regain compliance with the Exchange’s continued listing requirements.

As our products are sold primarily to the construction industry and do-it-yourself centers, restrictions and limitations imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic have had an impact on the Company’s sales. We are not yet able to quantify the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our sales and financial results, but we believe that during the first half of calendar 2020 (our fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 and first quarter of fiscal 2021) sales were negatively impacted by lower sales resulting from steps taken to combat the spread of COVID-19. Sales in our second and third fiscal quarters ended September 30, 2020, and December 31, 2020 increased significantly when compared to sales for the comparable 2019 periods due to the Company’s ability to fill orders from inventory for a large national retailer new customer, when the national retailer’s usual supplier was unable to fill the orders due to delays caused by the pandemic. Our sales growth was also due to sales of two products to another large national retailer which purchased certain of our models as a 1,350 store test, which should be completed later this fiscal year. We anticipate that the increase in sales, the associated increase in availability from the Factor resulting from these increased sales, and the funds received from the Paycheck Protection Program will provide sufficient working capital for the next twelve months following the date of this report. Our financial results were also positively impacted by a reduction in research and interest expenses for the nine months ended December 31, 2020.

Our short-term borrowings to finance any operating losses, trade accounts receivable, and foreign inventory purchases are provided pursuant to the terms of its Factoring Agreement with Merchant Factors Corporation (Merchant or Factor). Borrowings under the Factoring Agreement bear interest at prime plus 2% and are secured by trade accounts receivable and inventory. Advances from Merchant are at the sole discretion of Merchant based on Merchant’s assessment of the Company’s receivables, inventory and financial condition at the time of each request for an advance. The unused availability of this facility totaled approximately $3,482,000 at December 31, 2020.

The Company has a history of sales that are insufficient to generate profitable operations, and has limited sources of financing. Management’s plan in response to these conditions includes increasing sales resulting from the delivery of our line of sealed battery ionization smoke alarms, carbon monoxide products, and ground fault circuit interrupters. The Company has seen positive results on this plan due to increased sales of its product offerings to a major home improvement retailer during the second and third quarters of our fiscal year ending March 31, 2021. The increase in sales to major home improvement retailers has resulted in significant additional availability under the provisions of our facility with the Factor. Management anticipates this sales growth to continue going forward. In addition, effective March 31, 2020, we sold its ownership interest in its former Hong Kong Joint Venture reducing its current liabilities due to the Hong Kong Joint Venture by $4,000,000. Furthermore, in May, 2020 we received a Paycheck Protection Program loan of $221,400 under the CARES Act and expect the loan will be forgiven in compliance with the provisions of the Act. Though no assurances can be given, if management’s plan continues to be successful over the next twelve months, we anticipate that the Company should be able to meet its cash needs for the next twelve months following the issuance date of this report. Cash flows and credit availability are expected to be adequate to fund operations for one year from the issuance date of this report.

Operating activities provided cash of $1,827,375 for the nine months ended December 31, 2020. This was primarily due to a decrease in inventories, prepaid expenses and other of $2,018,807, net income of $725,181, and an increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $94,255, offset by an increase in accounts receivable and amounts due from factor of $1,017,400. Operating activities provided cash of $309,795 for the nine months ended December 31, 2019. This was primarily due to a decrease in accounts receivable and amounts due from factor of $885,657, an increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $301,966, a decrease in inventories, prepaid expenses and other of $287,955, and offset by a net loss of $2,321,601. The net loss includes a non-cash loss from the investment in the Hong Kong Joint Venture of $1,151,627.

There were no investing activities for the nine months ended December 31, 2020 or 2019.

Financing activities used cash of $1,340,265 and $506,930 during the nine months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, which is comprised of loan proceeds of $221,400 under the Paycheck Protection Program of the CARES Act for the nine months ended December 31, 2020, and repayments, net of advances on the line of credit from our factor, of $1,561,665 and $506,930 for the periods ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Critical Accounting Policies

In the notes to the consolidated financial statements, and in “Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in our Form 10-K, we have disclosed those accounting policies that we consider to be significant in determining our results of Operations and financial condition. There have been no material changes to those policies that we consider to be significant since the filing of our Form 10-K. The accounting principles used in preparing our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements conform in all material respects to accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S.

ITEM 4.        CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain a system of disclosure controls and procedures (as such item is defined in Rules 13a – 15(e) and 15d – 15(e) of the Exchange Act) 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, 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 in accordance with applicable Securities and Exchange Commission guidance as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report, and have concluded that disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have not been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2020, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

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.

*Filed herewith

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements 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.