ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
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-month periods ended June 30, 2024, and 2023.
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, and wiring devices, 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 June 30, 2024 and 2023
Sales. Net sales for the three months ended June 30, 2024, were $4,598,516 compared to $6,698,771 for the comparable three months in the prior year, a decrease of $2,100,255 (31.4%). The Company is experiencing supply chain constrictions in key components of its products such as computer chips. The decrease in sales is principally due to supply chain delays in obtaining components for the Company’s security 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 23.7% and 25.5% of sales for the quarters ended June 30, 2024, and 2023, respectively. Gross margins were negatively impacted in the periods ended June 30, 2024, and 2023 principally due to the mix of products sold and higher ocean freight costs.
Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $1,397,421 for the three months ended June 30, 2024, and $1,422,939 for the comparable three months in the prior year. As a percentage of net sales, these expenses increased to 30.4% for the three-month period ended June 30, 2024, from 21.2% for the 2023 period. These expenses increased as a percentage of net sales since selling, general, and administrative expenses do not fluctuate in direct proportion to sales.
Engineering and Product Development. Engineering and product development expenses were $87,601 for the three-month period ended June 30, 2024, compared to $64,963 for the comparable quarter of the prior year.