Solitron Devices Inc 10-K for FY2024
Solitron Devices Inc (SODI)
About this 10-K
Solitron Devices Inc filed this 10-K on July 12, 2024, covering the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024 (FY2024).
Headline figures
Fiscal year ended February 29, 2024, as reported in this filing, compared with the same period a year earlier where the filing states it.
- Revenue
- $12.76M
- up 99.1% from $6.41M a year earlier
- Net income
- $5.8M
- up 602.3% from net income of $826K a year earlier
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
(Mark One)
For the fiscal year ended
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock, $0.01 par value
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Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐
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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 accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of August 31, 2023, was $
The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock, $0.01 par value, outstanding as of July 10, 2024, was
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Table of Contents
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
GENERAL
Solitron Devices, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company" or "Solitron"), designs, develops, manufactures and markets solid‑state semiconductor components and related devices primarily for the military and aerospace markets. The Company manufactures a large variety of bipolar and metal oxide semiconductor ("MOS") power transistors, power and control hybrids, junction and power MOS field effect transistors ("Power MOSFETS"), field effect transistors and other related products. Most of the Company's products are custom made pursuant to contracts with customers whose end products are sold to the United States government. Other products, such as Joint Army/Navy ("JAN") transistors, diodes and Standard Military Drawings (“SMD”) voltage regulators, are sold as standard or catalog items.
The Company was incorporated under the laws of the State of New York in March 1959 and reincorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware in August 1987. For information concerning the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, and related financial data, you should review the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” sections of this Annual Report. You should also review and consider the risks relating to the Company’s business, operations, financial performance, and cash flows below under “Risk Factors.”
On September 1, 2023 the Company closed the acquisition of Micro Engineering Inc. (“MEI”). MEI specializes in solving design layout and manufacturing challenges for electronic components while maximizing efficiency and keeping flexibility to meet unique customer needs. Since 1980, the MEI team has been dedicated to overcoming obstacles to provide cost efficient and rapid results. MEI specializes in low to mid volume projects that require engineering dedication, quality systems and efficient manufacturing.
PRODUCTS
The Company designs, manufactures and assembles bipolar and MOS power transistors, power and control hybrids, junction and Power MOSFETs, field effect transistors and other related products.
Set forth below by principal product type are the percentage contributions to the Company's total sales of each of the Company's principal product lines for the fiscal years ended February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023.
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| Percentage of Sales |
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| FY 2024 |
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| FY 2023 |
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Power Transistors |
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| 31 | % |
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| 17 | % |
Power MOSFETS |
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| 25 | % |
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| 35 | % |
Hybrids |
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| 37 | % |
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| 35 | % |
Field Effect Transistors |
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| 5 | % |
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| 9 | % |
Wafers / Dice |
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| 2 | % |
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| 4 | % |
Total |
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| 100 | % |
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| 100 | % |
The variation in the proportionate share of each product line for each period reflects changes emanating from a variety of sources including: demand, Congressional appropriations, the process and timing associated with awards of defense contracts, shifts in technology and consolidation of defense prime contractors. The Company’s microelectronic products can be classified as active electronic components. Active electronic components are those that control and direct the flow of electrical power by means of a control signal such as a voltage or current.
It is customary to subdivide active electronic components into those of a discrete nature and those which are non‑discrete. Discrete devices contain a single microelectronic element; and non-discrete devices consist of integrated circuits or hybrid circuits, which contain two or more elements, either active or passive, that are interconnected to make up an electrical circuit. An integrated circuit incorporates various active and passive elements into a single silicon chip. A hybrid circuit, on the other hand, comprises a number of individual components that are mounted onto a suitable surface material, interconnected by various means, and suitably encapsulated. Hybrid and integrated circuits can be analog or digital; presently, the Company manufactures analog components. The Company’s products are either standard devices, such as catalog type items (e.g., transistors and voltage regulators), or application‑specific devices, also referred to as custom or semi‑custom products. The latter are designed and manufactured to meet a customer’s particular requirements. For the fiscal years ended February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023, respectively, approximately 95% and 89% of the Company’s sales have been of custom products, and the remaining 5% and 11%, respectively have been of standard or catalog products.
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Approximately 72% of the semiconductor components produced by the Company are manufactured pursuant to approved Source Control Drawings (“SCD”) from the United States government and/or its prime contractors; the remainder are primarily JAN qualified products approved for use by the military. The Company’s semiconductor products are used as components of military, commercial, and aerospace electronic equipment, such as ground and airborne radar systems, power distribution systems, missiles, missile control systems, satellites, and space applications. The Company’s products have been used on the space shuttle and on the space missions to the moon, to Jupiter (on Galileo), and to Mars (on Global Surveyor and Mars Sojourner). For the fiscal years ended February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023, approximately 72% and 81%, respectively, of the Company’s sales have been attributable to contracts with customers whose products are sold to the United States government. The remaining 28% and 19%, respectively of sales are for non-military, scientific and industrial applications, or to distributors where we do not have end user information.
Custom products are typically sold to the United States government and defense or aerospace companies, such as Raytheon Technologies Corporation, Lockheed Martin, L3Harris Technologies, General Electric Aviation, Honeywell International, and Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, while standard products are sold to the same customer base and to the general electronic industry. The Company has standard and custom products available in all of its major product lines.
The following is a general description of the principal product lines manufactured by the Company.
Power Transistors
Power transistors are high current and/or high voltage control devices commonly used for active gain applications in electronic circuits. The Company manufactures a large variety of power bipolar transistors for applications requiring currents in the range of 0.1A to 300A or voltages in the range of 30V to 1000V. The Company employs over 60 types of silicon chips to manufacture over 500 types of power bipolar transistors and is currently expanding this line in response to increased market demand resulting from other companies’ departure from the military market. The Company also manufactures power diodes under the same military specification. The Company is qualified to deliver these products under MIL-PRF-19500 in accordance with JAN, JANTX and JANTXV. JAN, JANTX AND JANTXV denotes various quality military screening levels. The Company manufactures both standard and custom power transistors. Additionally, it manufactures power N‑Channel and P‑Channel MOSFET transistors and is continuously expanding that line in accordance with customers’ requirements.
The Company has been certified and qualified since 1968 under MIL-PRF-19500 (and its predecessor) standards promulgated by the Defense Supply Center Columbus (“DSCC”). These standards specify the uniformity and quality of bipolar transistors and diodes purchased for United States military programs. The purpose of the program is to standardize the documentation and testing for bipolar semiconductors for use in United States military and aerospace applications. Attainment of certification and/or qualification to MIL-PRF-19500 requirements is important since it is a prerequisite for a manufacturer to be selected to supply bipolar semiconductors for defense-related purposes. MIL-PRF-19500 establishes specific criteria for manufacturing construction techniques and materials used for bipolar semiconductors and assures that these types of devices will be manufactured under conditions that have been demonstrated to be capable of continuously producing highly reliable products. This program requires a manufacturer to demonstrate its products’ performance capabilities. A manufacturer receives certification once its Product Quality Assurance Program Plan is reviewed and approved by DSCC. A manufacturer receives qualification once it has demonstrated that it can build and test a sample product in conformity with its certified Product Quality Assurance Program Plan. The Company expects that its continued maintenance of MIL-PRF-19500 qualification will continue to improve its business posture by increasing product marketability. The Company continues to expand its power transistor product offering.
Hybrids
Hybrids are compact electronic circuits that contain passive and active components mounted on thick film printed substrates and encapsulated in appropriate packages. The Company manufactures thick film hybrids, which generally contain discrete semiconductor chips, integrated circuits, chip capacitors and thick film or thin film resistors. Most of the hybrids are of the high-power type and are custom manufactured for military and aerospace systems. Some of the Company’s hybrids include high power voltage regulators, power amplifiers, power drivers, boosters and controllers. The Company manufactures both standard and custom hybrids.
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The Company has been certified (since 1990) and qualified (since 1995) under MIL-PRF-38534 Class H (and its predecessor) standards promulgated by the DSCC. These standards specify the uniformity and quality of hybrid products purchased for United States military programs. The purpose of the program is to standardize the documentation and testing for hybrid microcircuits for use in United States military and aerospace applications. Attainment of certification and/or qualification under MIL-PRF-38534 Class H requirements is important since it is a prerequisite for a manufacturer to be selected to supply hybrids for defense-related purposes. MIL-PRF-38534 Class H establishes definite criteria for manufacturing techniques and materials used for hybrid microcircuits and assures that these types of devices will be manufactured under conditions that have been demonstrated to be capable of continuously producing highly reliable products. This program requires a manufacturer to demonstrate its products’ performance capabilities. Certification is a prerequisite of qualification. A manufacturer receives certification once its Product Quality Assurance Program Plan is reviewed and approved by DSCC. A manufacturer receives qualification once it has demonstrated that it can build and test a sample product in conformity with its certified Product Quality Assurance Program Plan. The Company expects that its continued maintenance of MIL-PRF-38534 Class H qualification will continue to improve its business posture by increasing product marketability.
Voltage Regulators
Voltage regulators provide the power required to activate electronic components such as the integrated circuits found in all electronic devices from radar and missile systems to smart phones.
Power MOSFETs
Power MOSFETs perform the same function as bipolar transistors except that power MOSFETs are current controlled and bipolar transistors are voltage controlled. MOSFETs are popular due to their high input impedance, fast switching speed, and resistance to thermal runaway and secondary breakdown. Power MOSFETs are available in very high voltage and current ratings.
Field Effect Transistors
Field effect transistors are surface-controlled devices where conduction of electrical current is controlled by the electrical potential applied to a capacitively coupled control element. The Company manufactures about 30 different types of junction field effect transistor chips. They are used to produce over 350 different field effect transistor types. Most of the Company’s field effect transistors conform to standard Joint Electronic Device Engineering Council designated transistors, commonly referred to with standard 2N designation numbers. The Company continues to expand its field effect transistor product offering. The Company manufactures both standard and custom field effect transistors.
MANUFACTURING
The Company’s engineers design its transistors, diodes, field effect transistors and hybrids, as well as other customized products, based upon requirements established by customers, with the cooperation of the Company’s product and marketing personnel. The design of standard or catalog products is based on specific industry standards.
Each new design is first produced on a CAD/CAE (Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Engineering) computer system. The design layout is then reduced to the desired geometry and transferred to silicon wafers in a series of steps that include photolithography, chemical or plasma etching, oxidation, diffusion and metallization. The wafers then go through a fabrication process. When the process is completed, each wafer contains a large number of silicon chips, each chip being a single transistor device or a single diode. The wafers are tested using a computerized test system prior to being separated into individual chips. The chips are then assembled in standard or custom packages, incorporated in hybrids or sold as chips to other companies. The chips are normally mounted inside a chosen package using eutectic, solder or epoxy die attach techniques, and then wire bonded to the package pins using gold or aluminum wires. Many of the packages are manufactured by the Company and, in most cases, the Company plates its packages with gold, nickel or other metals utilizing outside vendors to perform the plating operation. In the case of hybrids, design engineers formulate the circuit layout designs. Ceramic substrates are then printed with thick film gold conductors to form the interconnect pattern and with thick film resistive inks to form the resistors of the designed circuit. Semiconductor chips, resistor chips, capacitor chips and inductors are then mounted on the substrates and sequential wire bonding is used to interconnect the various components to the printed substrate, as well as to connect the circuit to the package's external pins.
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In addition to Company-performed testing and inspection procedures, certain of the Company’s products are subject to source inspections required by customers (including the United States Government). In such cases, designated inspectors are authorized to perform a detailed on-premise inspection of each individual device prior to encapsulation in a casing or before dispatch of the finished unit to ensure that the quality and performance of the product meets the prescribed specifications.
ISO 9001 and AS9100
The Company is certified by NQA to AS 9100:2016 (sometimes previously referred to as AS 9100D) and ISO 9001:2015 standards. The certification is valid until September 2024 and was reissued on October 27, 2022 for the cycle starting September 8, 2021. The AS 9100 certification defines a Quality Management System that is oriented to the aerospace industry. It was released in 1999 by the European Association of Aerospace Industries along with the Society of Automotive Engineers. AS 9100 encompasses ISO 9001 requirements so the certification to AS 9100 standards includes ISO 9001 standards. It is broadly accepted or endorsed as a requirement for aerospace manufacturers among many Solitron customers.
MARKETING AND CUSTOMERS
During the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024, RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies Corporation) accounted for approximately 35% of net sales, ConMed Linvatec 20% of net sales, and L3Harris 17% of net sales. No other customer accounted for ten percent or more of net sales. During the fiscal year ended February 28, 2023, RTX Corporation accounted for approximately 46% of net sales. No other customer accounted for ten percent or more of net sales. Nine of the Company’s customers accounted for approximately 89% of the Company’s net sales during the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024, as compared to nine customers accounting for 88% of net sales for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2023. It has been the Company’s experience that a large percentage of its sales have been attributable to a relatively small number of customers in any particular period. Due to mergers and acquisitions activity in general, and among large defense contractors in particular, the number of large customers will most likely continue to decline in number, but this does not necessarily mean that the Company will experience a decline in sales. As a result, the Company expects customer concentration to continue. The loss of any major customer without offsetting orders from other sources could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition and results of operations of the Company. See “Item 1A – Risk Factors” for more information.
Sales to foreign customers accounted for less than 1% of the Company’s net sales for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024 as compared to 7% of the Company’s net sales for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2023. All sales to foreign customers are conducted utilizing exclusively U.S. dollars. See Note 12 of the financial statements for more information regarding export sales to customers.
BACKLOG
The Company’s order backlog, which consists of semiconductor and hybrid related open orders, was approximately $11,207,000 at February 29, 2024, as compared to $7,633,000 at February 28, 2023. Approximately 90% of the backlog is scheduled for delivery within twelve months. For the years ended February 29, 2024, and February 28, 2023, the entire backlog consisted of orders for electronic components.
The Company’s backlog as of any particular date may not be representative of actual sales for any succeeding period because lead times for the release of purchase orders depend upon the scheduling practices of individual customers. The delivery times of new or non-standard products can be affected by scheduling factors and other manufacturing considerations, variances in the rate of booking new orders from month to month and the possibility of customer changes in delivery schedules or cancellations of orders. Also, delivery times of new or non-standard products are affected by the availability of raw material, scheduling factors, manufacturing considerations and customer delivery requirements.
The rate of booking new orders varies significantly from month to month, mostly as a result of sharp fluctuations in the government budgeting and appropriation process. The Company has historically experienced somewhat decreased levels of bookings during the summer months, primarily as a result of such budgeting and appropriation activities. For these reasons, and because of the possibility of customer changes in delivery schedules or cancellations of orders, the Company’s backlog as of any particular date may not be indicative of actual sales for any succeeding period. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Bookings and Backlog.”
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PATENTS
The Company previously owned 33 patents (all of which have since expired or have been allowed to lapse) relating to the design and manufacture of its products. To date, the expirations or lapses of these patents have not had a material adverse effect on the Company. The Company believes that engineering standards, manufacturing techniques and product reliability are more important to the successful manufacture and sale of its products than the expired or lapsed patents it held.
COMPETITION
The electronic component industry, in general, is highly competitive and has been characterized by price erosion, rapid technological changes and foreign competition. However, in the market segments in which the Company operates, while highly competitive and subject to the same price erosion, technological change has been relatively gradual and minimal. The Company believes that it is well regarded by its customers in the segments of the market in which competition is dependent less on price and more on product reliability, performance and service. Management believes, however, that to the extent the Company’s business is targeted at the military and aerospace markets, where there has been virtually no foreign competition, it is subjected to less competition than manufacturers of commercial electronic components. Additionally, the decline in military orders in programs the Company participates in and the shift in the requirement of the Defense Department whereby the use of Commercial Off The Shelf (“COTS”) components is encouraged over the use of high reliability components that the Company manufactures, prompting the number of competitors to decline, afford the Company the opportunity to increase its market share. In the non-military, non-aerospace markets, the Company is subject to greater price erosion and foreign competition.
The Company has numerous competitors across all of its product lines. The Company is not in direct competition with any other semiconductor manufacturer for an identical mixture of products; however, one or more of the major manufacturers of semiconductors manufacture some of the Company’s products. Other competitors in the military market include Infineon Technologies, Microsemi Corporation, Anaren, Inc., NEOTech and Sensitron Semiconductor. The Company competes principally on the basis of product quality, turn-around time, customer service and price. The Company believes that competition for sales of products that will ultimately be sold to the United States Government has intensified and will continue to intensify as United States defense spending on high reliability components continues to decrease and the Department of Defense pushes for implementation of its 1995 decision to purchase COTS standard products in lieu of products made in accordance with more stringent military specifications.
The Company believes that its primary competitive advantage is its ability to produce high quality products as a result of its years of experience, its sophisticated technologies and its experienced staff. The Company believes that its ability to produce highly reliable custom hybrids in a short period of time will give it a strategic advantage in attempting to penetrate high-end commercial markets and in selling military products complementary with those currently sold, as doing so would enable the Company to produce products early in design and development cycles.
The Company believes that it will be able to improve its capability to respond more quickly to customer needs and deliver products ahead of schedule.
HUMAN CAPITAL
At February 29, 2024, the West Palm Beach facility had 44 employees, 29 of whom were engaged in production activities, 2 in sales and marketing, 5 in executive and administrative capacities and 8 in technical and support activities. Of the 44 employees, 41 were full-time employees and 3 were part-time employees. The Apopka facility had 25 employees, 19 of whom were engaged in production activities, 3 in executive and administrative capacities and 3 in technical and support activities. Of the 25 employees, 23 were full-time employees and 2 were part-time employees.
The Company has never had a work stoppage, and none of its employees are represented by a labor organization. The Company considers its employee relations to be good.
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SOURCES AND AVAILABILITY OF RAW MATERIAL
The Company purchases its raw materials from multiple suppliers and has a minimum of two suppliers for most of its material requirements. The largest supplier in the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024 was Ametek, representing 20% of total purchases. Other suppliers that represented more than 10% of total purchases were Wuxi Streamtek, which accounted for 19% of total purchases, and Stellar Industries, which accounted for 12% of total purchases. The largest supplier in the fiscal year ended February 28, 2023 was Platronics Seals, representing 21% of total purchases. Other suppliers that represented more than 10% of total purchases were Wuxi Streamtek, which accounted for 16% of total purchases, and Stellar Industries, which accounted for 15% of total purchases. Because of a diminishing number of sources for components and packages in particular, and the increase in the prices of raw silicon semiconductor wafers, precious metals and gold (used in the finish of the packages), the Company has been obliged to pay higher prices, which results in higher costs of goods sold. Most of the packages the Company uses are gold plated, thus they are subject to the volatility and cost fluctuations of gold.
EFFECT OF GOVERNMENT REGULATION
The Company has received DSCC approval to supply its products in accordance with MIL-PRF-19500 and Class H of MIL-PRF-38534. These qualifications are required of vendors to supply to the United States Government or its prime contractors. The Company expects that its continued maintenance of these qualifications will continue to improve its business posture by increasing product marketability. The Company is also certified in accordance with AS9100 which is a core requirement of most defense aerospace contracts. Certain product-specific regulatory and certification requirements and processes are described in more detail under “Item 1 – Business-Products” beginning on page 1.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
During the fiscal years ended February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023, the Company spent $32,440 and $65,000, respectively, of its own funds on research and development. The Company may decide to increase research and development expenditures in the future. The cost of designing custom products has historically been borne in full by the customer, either as a direct charge or is amortized in the unit price charged to the customer.
ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION
While the Company believes that it has the environmental permits necessary to conduct its business and that its operations conform to current environmental regulations, increased public attention has been focused on the environmental impact of semiconductor manufacturing operations. The Company, in the conduct of its manufacturing operations, has handled and does handle materials that are considered hazardous, toxic or volatile under federal, state and local laws and, therefore, is subject to regulations related to their use, storage, discharge and disposal. No assurance can be made that the risk of accidental release of such materials can be completely eliminated. In the event of a violation of environmental laws, the Company could be held liable for damages and the costs of remediation. In addition, the Company, along with the rest of the semiconductor industry, is subject to variable interpretations and governmental priorities concerning environmental laws and regulations. The annual cost of complying with the regulations is minimal.
Environmental statutes have been interpreted to provide for joint and several liability and strict liability regardless of actual fault. There can be no assurance that the Company and its subsidiaries will not be required to incur costs to comply with, or that the operations, business or financial condition of the Company will not be materially adversely affected by current or future environmental laws or regulations.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
We maintain a website at www.solitrondevices.com. Information contained on our website is not a part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and the inclusion of our website address in this report is an inactive textual reference only.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
The following important business risks and factors, and those business risks and factors described elsewhere in this report or our other Securities and Exchange Commission filings, could cause our actual results to differ materially from those stated in our forward-looking statements, and which could affect the value of an investment in the Company. All references to “we”, “us”, “our” and the like refer to the Company.
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Risks Related to our Business and Industry
We are subject to substantial customer concentration, and any loss of, or reduction of business from, one or more of our significant customers could hurt our business by reducing our revenues, profitability and cash flow.
During the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024, four customers accounted for approximately 75% of revenue. During the fiscal year ended February 28, 2023, five customers accounted for approximately 74% of revenue. The loss or financial failure of any significant customer or distributor, any reduction in orders by any of our significant customers or distributors, or the cancellation of a significant order could materially and adversely affect our business. Furthermore, due to continued industry consolidation, the loss of any one customer or significant order may occur with greater frequency and/or have a greater impact than we anticipate. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to retain long-term relationships or secure renewals of short-term relationships with our more substantial customers in the future.
Our complex manufacturing processes may lower yields and reduce our revenues.
Our manufacturing processes are highly complex, require advanced and costly equipment and are continuously being modified in an effort to improve yields and product performance. Minute impurities or other difficulties in the manufacturing process can lower yields. Our manufacturing efficiency will be an important factor in our future profitability, and we cannot assure you that we will be able to maintain our manufacturing efficiency or increase manufacturing efficiency to the same extent as our competitors.
In addition, as is common in the semiconductor industry, we have from time to time experienced difficulty in effecting transitions to new manufacturing processes. As a consequence, we may suffer delays in product deliveries or reduced yields. We may experience manufacturing problems in achieving acceptable yields or experience product delivery delays in the future as a result of, among other things, capacity constraints, upgrading or expanding our existing facility or changing our process technologies, any of which could result in a loss of future revenues. Our operating results could also be adversely affected by the increase in fixed costs and operating expenses related to increases in production capability if revenues do not increase proportionately.
Our ability to repair and maintain the aging manufacturing equipment we own may adversely affect our ability to deliver products to our customers’ requirements. We may be forced to expend significant funds in order to acquire replacement manufacturing equipment that may not be readily available, thus resulting in manufacturing delays.
Our business could be materially and adversely affected if we are unable to obtain qualified supplies of raw materials, parts and finished components on a timely basis and at a cost-effective price.
The Company relies on its relationships with certain key suppliers for its supply of raw materials, parts and finished components that are qualified for use in the end-products the Company manufactures. While the Company currently has favorable working relationships with its suppliers, it cannot be sure that these relationships will continue in the future. Additionally, the Company cannot guarantee the availability or pricing of raw materials. The price of qualified raw materials can be highly volatile due to several factors, including a general shortage of raw materials, an unexpected increase in the demand for raw materials, disruptions in the suppliers’ business and competitive pressure among suppliers of raw materials to increase the price of raw materials. In particular, the Company has experienced from time to time increases in the prices of raw silicon semiconductor wafers, copper, and precious metals (gold and silver). Suppliers may also choose, from time to time, to extend lead times or limit supplies due to a shortage in supplies. Additionally, some of the Company’s key suppliers of raw materials may have the capability of manufacturing the end products themselves and may therefore cease to supply the Company with its raw materials and compete directly with the Company for the manufacture of the end-products. Any interruption in availability of these qualified raw materials may impair the Company’s ability to manufacture its products on a timely and cost-effective basis. If the Company must identify alternative sources for its qualified raw materials, it would be adversely affected due to the time and process required in order for such alternative raw materials to be qualified for use in the applicable end-products. Any significant price increase in the Company’s raw materials that cannot be passed on to customers or a shortage in the supply of raw materials could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations.
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Our acquisition of MEI may subject us to risks and unintended negative consequences.
The acquisition of MEI may present challenges to us and our management, including the integration of MEI’s operations and personnel we retained, and other risks including unanticipated liabilities, unanticipated costs, and a diversion of our management’s attention. Any failure to identify or appropriately quantify a liability in our due diligence process could result in the assumption of unanticipated liabilities arising from the prior operations of MEI, some of which may not be adequately reserved and may not be covered by indemnification obligations.
While we believe that the acquisition of MEI can benefit our business including due to the comparable and complementary nature of its business with our own, there can be no guarantee that the perceived benefits of the acquisitions will be realized. The success of these acquisitions may be negatively impacted, by, among other things:
| · | Challenges in integrating MEI’s business and personnel into our operations, including in maintaining the employee and customer bases of MEI following the acquisition; |
| · | Failure to achieve the anticipated results or benefits from the acquisition, including entering into contracts with third parties and improved brand recognition and reputation due to having expanded product offerings and capabilities; |
| · | Diversion of management’s attention and resources from operational and other matters or potential disruptions in connection with our existing business; |
| · | Difficulties incorporating or fostering the growth of MEI’s operations and the personnel we retained with our existing business; |
| · | Risks and liabilities arising from MEI’s prior operations, such as performance, operational, product liability or workforce or other compliance or tax issues, some of which we may not have discovered or accurately estimated during our due diligence and may not be covered by indemnification obligations; and |
| · | Additional financial reporting and accounting challenges. |
We cannot assure you that we will successfully integrate or manage MEI’s business in a manner which results in the benefits sought, or avoids unanticipated negative consequences, which may materially adversely impact our business and an investment in us.
We may be unable to successfully execute our acquisition strategy, which may have adverse impacts on our growth and your investment.
We plan to continue to seek potential acquisitions and strategic partnerships to grow and enhance our existing business, operating capabilities and market presence. Although we plan to identify and pursue suitable acquisition and partnership candidates that complement our business, there is no guarantee any suitable candidates will be identified. We may incur substantial costs in searching for and conducting due diligence on potential candidates that do not result in a successful acquisition or partnership opportunity. If we do acquire a suitable candidate through an acquisition, there can be no assurances that we can successfully complete the integration process of the acquired business without substantial costs, delays, disruptions, or other operational or financial problems, including due to the potential risks described in the immediately preceding risk factor. Any failure or inability to detect liabilities and risks during the due diligence failure, and a resulting assumption of unknown liabilities could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial position. Further, in searching for suitable acquisition or partnership candidates, our management’s attention may be diverted from operational and other matters that may lead to potential disruptions in our existing business. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that we will successfully complete any transactions of the nature described above, and any completed transaction could negatively impact our business, results of operation, and financial condition, which may negatively impact your investment.
If the inflationary pressures in the United States and elsewhere where we operate continue, we could experience reduced margins and lose future business.
While the current inflationary pressures have not materially affected our margins, and inflation in the U.S. has declined in response to increased interest rates which began in 2022, we could become subject to adverse inflationary pressures on the raw materials, labor and other goods and services we utilize in our operations. Supply chain shortages or delays can further cause problems in our manufacturing and sale of products, including by contributing to pricing pressures experienced by us. To the extent we increase prices in the future to account for increases in operating costs arising from inflation or otherwise, such action could result in reduced demand for our products, and/or customer loss. Similarly, rising labor costs in the U.S. may further tighten margins.
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Our inventories may become obsolete and other assets may be subject to risks.
The life cycles of some of our products depend heavily upon the life cycles of the end products into which our products are designed. Products with short life cycles require us to manage closely our production and inventory levels. Inventory may also become obsolete because of adverse changes in end-market demand. We may in the future be adversely affected by obsolete or excess inventories which may result from unanticipated changes in the estimated total demand for our products or the estimated life cycles of the end products into which our products are designed. The asset values determined under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles for inventory and other assets each involve the making of material estimates by us, many of which could be based on mistaken assumptions or judgments.
Environmental regulations could require us to incur significant costs.
In the conduct of our manufacturing operations, we have handled and do handle materials that are considered hazardous, toxic or volatile under federal, state and local laws and, therefore, are subject to regulations related to their use, storage, discharge and disposal. No assurance can be made that the risk of accidental release of such materials can be completely eliminated. In the event of a violation of environmental laws, we could be held liable for damages and the cost of remediation and, along with the rest of the semiconductor industry, we are subject to variable interpretations and governmental priorities concerning environmental laws and regulations. Environmental statutes have been interpreted to provide for joint and several liability and strict liability regardless of actual fault. There can be no assurance that we will not be required to incur costs to comply with, or that our operations, business or financial condition will not be materially affected by current or future environmental laws or regulations.
Our business is highly competitive and increased competition could reduce gross profit margins and the value of an investment in our Company.
The semiconductor industry, and the semiconductor product markets specifically, are highly competitive. Competition is based on price, product performance, quality, turn-around time, reliability and customer service. The gross profit margins realizable in our markets can differ across regions, depending on the economic strength of end-product markets in those regions. Even in strong markets, price pressures may emerge as competitors attempt to gain more market share by lowering prices, which may in turn force us to lower prices or lose existing business which we may be unable to replace in whole or in part. Competition in the various markets in which we participate comes from companies of various sizes, many of which are larger and have greater financial and other resources than we have and thus can better withstand adverse economic or market conditions. In addition, companies not currently in direct competition with us may introduce competing products in the future.
Our operating results may decrease due to the decline of profitability or other adverse developments in the semiconductor industry.
Intense competition and a general slowdown in the demand for military-rated semiconductors worldwide have resulted in decreases in the profitability of many of our products. In 2023, the demand and sales for semiconductors worldwide saw a significant decline. We expect that profitability for many of our products will continue to decline in the future, and/or fluctuate in an unpredictable manner. A decline in profitability for our products, if not offset by reductions in the costs of manufacturing these products, increased volumes, increases in the profitability of our other products, or the development and introduction of new products that are more profitable, would result in decreasing our profitability and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may not achieve the intended effects of our business strategy which could adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In recognition of the changes in global geopolitical affairs and in United States military spending, we have for a number of years attempted to increase sales of our products for non-military, scientific and industrial niche markets, such as medical electronics, machine tool controls, satellites, telecommunications networks and other market segments in which purchasing decisions are generally based primarily on product quality, long-term reliability and performance, rather than on product price. We are also attempting to offer additional products to the military markets that are complementary to those we currently sell to the military markets. We cannot assure you that these efforts will be successful and, if they are, that they will have the intended effects of increasing profitability. Furthermore, as we attempt to shift our focus to the sale of products having non-military, non-aerospace applications, we will be subject to greater price erosion and foreign competition.
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Our inability to introduce new products could result in decreased revenues and loss of market share to competitors; new technologies could also reduce the demand for our products.
Rapidly changing technology and industry standards, along with frequent new product introductions, characterize the semiconductor industry. Our success in these markets depends on our ability to design, develop, manufacture, assemble, test, market and support new products and enhancements on a timely and cost-effective basis. There can be no assurance that we will successfully identify new product opportunities and develop and bring new products to market in a timely and cost-effective manner or those products or technologies developed by others will not render our products or technologies obsolete or noncompetitive. A fundamental shift in technology in our product markets could have a material adverse effect on us. Changes in technology may reduce the demand for the products we offer. For example, new or developing technologies could displace the military or aerospace equipment and activities to which our product offerings relate, and improvements in existing technology may allow competitors to enhance their products or produce them in a more cost-effective manner and in turn pose a threat to our market share. Alternatively, our customers could perform more manufacturing processes internally, including due to acquisitions with others in our or their industry, which would cause our business to suffer. In light of the fact that many of our competitors have substantially greater revenues than us and that we have not spent significant funds on research and development in recent years, we may not be able to accomplish the foregoing, which might have a material adverse effect on the Company, our business, prospects, financial condition or results of operations.
The nature of our products exposes us to potentially significant product liability risk.
Our business exposes us to potential product liability risks that are inherent in the manufacturing and marketing of high-reliability electronic components for critical applications. No assurance can be made that our product liability insurance coverage is adequate or that present coverage will continue to be available at acceptable costs, or that a product liability claim would not materially and adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition or results of operations.
We depend on the recruitment and retention of qualified personnel and our failure to attract and retain such personnel could seriously harm our business.
Due to the specialized nature of our business, our future performance is highly dependent on the continued services of our key engineering personnel and executive officers. Our prospects depend on our ability to attract and retain qualified engineering, manufacturing, marketing, sales and management personnel for our operations as well as conduct appropriate succession planning for our executive officers. Competition for personnel is intense, and we may not be successful in attracting or retaining qualified personnel. Our failure to compete for these personnel could seriously harm our business, prospects, results of operations and financial condition.
Failure to protect our proprietary technologies or maintain the right to use certain technologies may negatively affect our ability to compete.
We rely heavily on our proprietary technologies. Our future success and competitive position may depend in part upon our ability to obtain or maintain protection of certain proprietary technologies used in our principal products. We do not have patent protection on any aspects of our technology, and certain of our technology was previously protected by patents that have since expired or lapsed. Our reliance upon protection of some of our technology as “trade secrets” will not necessarily protect us from the use by other persons of our technology, or their use of technology that is similar or superior to that which is embodied in our trade secrets. Others may be able to independently duplicate or exceed our technology in whole or in part, or otherwise gain access to proprietary aspects of our products and processes, notwithstanding our efforts to protect these aspects of our business. We may not be successful in maintaining the confidentiality of our technology, dissemination of which could have material adverse effects on our business. In addition, litigation may be necessary to determine the scope and validity of our proprietary rights.
Obtaining or protecting our proprietary rights may require us to defend claims of intellectual property infringement by our competitors. We could become subject to lawsuits in which it is alleged that we have infringed or are infringing upon the intellectual property rights of others with or without our prior awareness of the existence of those third-party rights, if any.
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If any infringements, real or imagined, exist, arise or are claimed in the future, we may be exposed to substantial liability for damages and may need to obtain licenses from the patent owners, discontinue or change our processes or products or expend significant resources to develop or acquire non-infringing technologies. We may not be successful in such efforts, or such licenses may not be available under reasonable terms. Our failure to develop or acquire non-infringing technologies or to obtain licenses on acceptable terms or the occurrence of related litigation itself could have material adverse effects on our operating results, financial condition and cash flows.
We cannot guarantee that we will have sufficient capital resources to make necessary investments in manufacturing technology and equipment.
The semiconductor industry is capital intensive. Semiconductor manufacturing requires a regular upgrading of process technology to remain competitive, as new and enhanced semiconductor processes are developed which permit smaller, more efficient and more powerful semiconductor devices. We maintain certain of our own manufacturing, assembly and test facilities, which have required and will continue to require significant investments in manufacturing technology and equipment, especially for new technologies we develop. We are also attempting to add the appropriate level and mix of capacity to meet our customers' future demand. There can be no assurance that we will have sufficient capital resources to make necessary investments in manufacturing technology and equipment. Although we believe that anticipated cash flows from operations and existing cash reserves will be sufficient to satisfy our future capital expenditure requirements, we cannot guarantee that this will be the case or that alternative sources of capital or credit will be available to us on favorable terms or at all.
We may make substantial investments in plant and equipment that may become impaired or obsolete.
Some of our investments in plant and equipment support particular technologies, processes or products, and may not be applicable to other or newer technologies, processes or products. Also, the ability to relocate and qualify equipment for our operations, whether within our Company or to and from third party contractors could be time consuming and costly. To the extent we invest in more equipment, or a mix of equipment, than we can use efficiently, experience low plant or equipment utilization due to reduced demand or adverse market conditions, our plant or equipment becomes older or outmoded, or we are not able to efficiently recover and/or utilize equipment on loan at third party contractors, we may incur significant costs or impairment charges that could materially adversely affect our results of operation and financial condition.
While we attempt to monitor the creditworthiness of our customers, we may be at risk due to the adverse financial condition of one or more customers.
We have established procedures for the review and monitoring of the creditworthiness of our customers and/or significant amounts owing from customers. Despite our monitoring and procedures, especially in the current macroeconomic situation, we may find that, despite our efforts, one or more of our customers become insolvent or face bankruptcy proceedings. Such events could have an adverse effect on our operating results if our receivables applicable to that customer become uncollectible in whole or in part, or if our customers' financial situation result in reductions in whole or in part of our ability to continue to sell our products or services to such customers at the same levels or at all.
Our international operations expose us to material risks, including risks under U.S. export laws.
A portion of our revenue is derived from foreign sources. Revenues from foreign markets as a percentage of total revenues may be substantial or higher in future periods as we attempt to diversify our business and seek new sources of revenue. Our involvement in foreign markets exposes us to certain risks. Among others, these risks include: changes in, or impositions of, legislative or regulatory requirements, including tax laws in the United States and in the countries in which we manufacture or sell our products; trade restrictions; transportation delays; work stoppages; economic and political instability; crime; kidnapping; war; terrorism; and fluctuating foreign currency and prices and exchange rates. Additionally, in certain jurisdictions where we use third party contractors, the legal systems do not provide effective remedies to us when the contractor has breached its obligation or otherwise fails to perform.
In addition, it is more difficult in some foreign countries to protect our products or intellectual property rights to the same extent as is possible in the United States. Therefore, the risk of piracy or misuse of our technology and product may be greater in these foreign countries. Although we have not experienced any material adverse effect on our operating results as a result of these and other factors, such factors could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and operating results in the future.
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If we fail to comply with anti-bribery, anti-corruption, anti-money laundering laws, and similar laws, or allegations of such failure, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.
We are subject to various anti-bribery, anti-corruption, anti-money laundering laws, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 (the “FCPA”), the U.S. Travel Act, and the USA PATRIOT Act. In addition, to the extent we operate or do business in foreign jurisdictions, we are or may become subject to similar or corresponding laws and regulations in those jurisdictions. Anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws have been enforced aggressively in recent years and are interpreted broadly to generally prohibit companies, their employees, agents, representatives, business partners, and third-party intermediaries from authorizing, offering, or providing, directly or indirectly, improper payments or benefits to recipients in the public or private sector.
We, our employees, agents, representatives, business partners and third-party intermediaries may have direct or indirect interactions with officials and employees of government agencies or state-owned or affiliated entities and may be held liable for the corrupt or other illegal activities of these employees, agents, representatives, business partners or third-party intermediaries even if we do not explicitly authorize such activities.
These laws also require that we keep accurate records and maintain internal controls and compliance procedures designed to prevent any such actions. While we have policies and procedures to address compliance with such laws, we cannot assure you that none of our employees, agents, representatives, business partners or third-party intermediaries will take actions in violation of our policies and applicable law, for which we may be ultimately held responsible. In addition, we may be held liable for violations committed of the FCPA or similar foreign laws by companies that we acquire.
Any alleged or actual violation of the FCPA or other applicable anti-bribery, anti-corruption laws, and anti-money laundering laws could result in whistleblower complaints, investigations, enforcement actions, fines and other criminal or civil sanctions, adverse media coverage, loss of export privileges, or suspension or termination of government contracts. Responding to any investigation or enforcement action would require significant attention of our management and resources, including significant defense costs and other professional fees. Failure to comply with anti-bribery, anti-corruption, anti-money laundering laws, and similar laws, or allegations of such failure, could therefore have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and future prospects.
Compliance with regulations regarding the use of "conflict minerals" could limit the supply and increase the cost of certain metals used in manufacturing our products.
Pursuant to Section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) promulgated disclosure rules for manufacturers of products containing certain minerals which are mined from the Democratic Republic of Congo and adjoining countries. These "conflict minerals" are commonly found in metals used in the manufacture of semiconductors. Manufacturers are also required to disclose their efforts to prevent the sourcing of such minerals and metals produced from them. While certain aspects of these rules continue to be litigated and a ruling by the Federal Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit has led to further uncertainty regarding the SEC’s enforcement of the rule, the disclosure rules, as modified by the ruling, went into effect in 2014. The implementation of these regulations may limit the sourcing and availability of some of the metals used in the manufacture of our products. The regulations may also reduce the number of suppliers who provide conflict-free metals and may affect our ability to obtain products in sufficient quantities or at competitive prices. Finally, some of our customers may elect to disqualify us as a supplier if we are unable to verify that the metals used in our products are free of conflict minerals.
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Risks Related to Government Contracts and Policies
We are dependent on government contracts, which are subject to termination, price renegotiations and regulatory compliance, which can increase the cost of doing business and negatively impact our revenues.
All of our contracts with the United States Government and its prime contractors contain customary provisions permitting termination at any time at the convenience of the United States Government or its prime contractors upon payment to us for costs incurred plus a reasonable profit. Certain contracts are also subject to price renegotiations in accordance with United States Government sole source procurement provisions. Nevertheless, we cannot assure you that the foregoing government contracting risks will not materially and adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition or results of operations. Furthermore, we cannot assure you that we would be able to procure new government contracts to offset any revenue losses incurred due to early termination or price renegotiation of existing government contracts.
Our government business is also subject to specific procurement regulations, which increase our performance and compliance costs. These costs might increase in the future, reducing our margins. Failure to comply with procurement regulations could lead to suspension or debarment, for cause, from government subcontracting for a period of time. Among the causes for debarment are violations of various statutes, including those related to procurement integrity, export control, government security regulations, employment practices, protection of the environment, and accuracy of records. The termination of a government contract or relationship as a result of any of these violations would have a negative impact on our reputation and operations and could negatively impact our ability to obtain future government contracts.
Changes in government policy or economic conditions could negatively impact our results.
A large portion of the Company’s sales are to military and aerospace markets which are subject to the business risk of changes in governmental appropriations and changes in national defense policies and priorities.
Our results may also be affected by changes in trade, monetary and fiscal policies, laws and regulations, or other activities of U.S. and non-U.S. governments, agencies and similar organizations. Furthermore, our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected by the shift in the requirement of the United States Department of Defense policy toward the use of standard industrial components over the use of high reliability components that we manufacture. Our results may also be affected by social and economic conditions, which impact our sales, including in markets subject to ongoing political hostilities, such as regions of the Middle East.
Changes in Defense related programs and priorities could reduce the revenues and profitability of our business.
We depend on the U.S. government and its suppliers for a substantial portion of our business, and changes in government defense spending and priorities could have consequences on our financial position, results of operations and business. U.S. government contracts are subject to uncertain levels of funding and timing, as well as termination. The funding of U.S. government programs is subject to congressional appropriations, which are made on a fiscal year basis even for multi-year programs. Consequently, programs are often only partially funded initially and may not continue to be funded in future years. We may also experience significant changes in our operating profit margins as a result of variations in sales, changes in product mix, price competition for orders and costs associated with the introduction of new products.
The U.S. federal government is presently in discussions regarding increasing its debt ceiling, and is constantly evaluating its budget in general, either of which could result in the adoption of changes in current government spending programs, trends or practices in a manner which adversely affects us or our customers or industry. For example, in recent years the U.S. has experienced an increased focus among policymakers and other stakeholders towards climate change and other environmental/social/governance, or “ESG,” initiatives and away from traditionally more highly prioritized budgetary items such as military and defense programs. If the U.S. federal government elects to reduce spending on programs on which our business depends, our business, and your investment in us, could be materially adversely affected.
General Risks
Because of continued conflicts abroad, as well as high inflation and increased Federal Reserve interest rates in response, the effect on the capital markets and the economy is uncertain, and we may have to deal with a recessionary economy and economic uncertainty including possible adverse effects upon our business and industry.
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Our operations and those of third party customers and suppliers on which we depend are or may become subject to widescale risks beyond our control, including the continued conflicts in the Ukraine and Middle East affecting the global and United States economies, continued inflation, higher Federal Reserve interest rates, substantial increases in the prices of various raw materials, goods and services, and declines in the capital markets. While this has initially caused increased defense spending by the United States and other countries, the extent and duration of these events and their impact are at best uncertain, and continuation may result in adverse consequences to us, third parties on which we rely, our industry or the economy in general. The U.S. economy may experience a recession with uncertain and potentially severe impacts upon public companies and us. We cannot predict how this will affect the market for solid‑state semiconductor components and related devices, but the impact may be adverse. For example, if our customers are no longer able to pay us on existing contracts or are unwilling or unable to enter into new contracts for our products due to an economic downturn, our operating results would be materially adversely impacted.
Security breaches and other disruptions could compromise the integrity of our information and expose us to liability, which would cause our business and reputation to suffer.
We routinely collect and store sensitive data, including intellectual property and other proprietary information about our business and that of our customers, suppliers and business partners. The secure processing, maintenance and transmission of this information is critical to our operations and business strategy. Despite our security measures, our information technology and infrastructure may be vulnerable to attacks by hackers or breached due to employee error, malfeasance or other disruptions. Any such breach could compromise our networks and the information stored there could be accessed, publicly disclosed, lost or stolen. Any such access, disclosure or other loss of information could result in legal claims or proceedings and liability under laws that protect the privacy of personal information. It could also result in regulatory penalties, disrupt our operations and the services we provide to customers, damage our reputation and cause a loss of confidence in our products and services, which could adversely affect our business/operating margins, revenues and competitive position.
Our failure to remediate the material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting or our identification of any other material weaknesses in the future may adversely affect the accuracy and timing of our financial reporting.
We are responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and Rule 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). A material weakness is defined as a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
We have implemented remediation measures and we are in the process of identifying any additional appropriate remediation measures. There is the potential that our remediation efforts may not be successful. Until our remediation plan is fully implemented, our management will continue to devote significant time and attention to these efforts. If we fail to complete our remediation plan in a timely fashion, or at all, or if our remediation plan is inadequate or we encounter difficulties in the implementation or maintenance of our internal control over financial reporting or disclosure controls and procedures, there will continue to be an increased risk that we will be unable to timely file future periodic reports with the SEC. In addition, any failure to implement our remediation plan or any difficulties we encounter with our remediation plan could result in additional material weaknesses or deficiencies in our internal control or future material misstatements in our annual or interim financial statements. Further, if any other material weakness or deficiency in our internal control over financial reporting exists and goes undetected, our financial statements could contain material misstatements that, when discovered in the future, could cause us to fail to meet our future reporting obligations. Moreover, our failure to remediate the material weaknesses identified in this Form 10-K or the identification of additional material weaknesses, could adversely affect our stock price and investor confidence.
Natural disasters, like hurricanes, or occurrences of other natural disasters whether on our production facility, in the United States or internationally may affect the markets in which our common stock trades, the markets in which we operate and our profitability.
Natural disasters, like those related to hurricanes, or threats or occurrences of other similar events, whether in the United States or internationally, may affect the markets in which we operate and our profitability. Hurricanes have affected us in the past, and may continue to affect us in the future, resulting in damage to our manufacturing facilities in Florida and our manufacturing equipment, office closures and impairing our ability to produce and deliver our products. All of our manufacturing capabilities are focused on two facilities in West Palm Beach, and Apopka, Florida, and any permanent or prolonged damage or cessation, suspension or decline in production that could result from any of the foregoing or other adverse events with respect to one of our facilities would materially adversely affect us. Such events could also affect our domestic and international sales, disrupt our supply chains, primarily for raw materials and process chemicals and gases, affect the physical facilities of our suppliers or customers, and make transportation of our supplies and products more difficult or cost prohibitive. Due to the broad and uncertain effects that natural events have had on financial and economic markets and stock exchanges and market quotation systems generally, we cannot provide any estimate of how these activities might affect our future results.
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Risks Relating to our Common Stock
The price of our common stock has fluctuated widely in the past and may fluctuate widely in the future.
Our common stock, which is quoted on the OTC Pink Market, has experienced and may continue to experience significant price and volume fluctuations that could adversely affect the market price of our common stock without regard to our operating performance. In addition, we believe that factors such as quarterly fluctuations in financial results, financial performance, acquisitions and strategic transactions, and other activities of other publicly traded companies in the semiconductor industry could cause the price of our common stock to fluctuate substantially. In addition, in recent periods, our common stock, the stock market in general and the market for shares of semiconductor industry-related stocks in particular have experienced extreme price fluctuations which have often been unrelated to the operating performance of the affected companies. Any similar fluctuations in the future could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
There is currently a limited trading market for the Company’s common stock.
Our common stock is quoted on the OTC Pink Market under the symbol “SODI.” However, there is currently a limited trading market in our common stock which trades on a limited basis, and we cannot give any assurance that a consistent, active trading market will develop. In general, the OTC Pink Market is relatively illiquid. Even if an active market for our common stock develops, there can be no assurance that such market will be maintained. The lack of an active market may impair your ability to sell your shares at the time you wish to sell them or at a price that you consider reasonable.
We cannot guarantee that we will declare future cash dividend payments, nor repurchase any shares of our common stock pursuant to our stock repurchase program.
We do not have an annual dividend policy in place. We have not declared and paid a cash dividend since June 29, 2015. Our Board of Directors has authorized a repurchase program under which the Company may repurchase up to $1,000,000 of the Company's common stock. The Company did not repurchase any shares of common stock in fiscal 2024 or fiscal 2023. Any determination to pay cash dividends or repurchase shares of the Company’s common stock in the future is contingent on a variety of factors, including our financial condition, results of operations, business requirements, and our Board of Directors' determination that such dividends or stock repurchases are in the best interests of our stockholders and in compliance with all applicable laws and agreements. Accordingly, there is no assurance that we will pay cash dividends or repurchase stock pursuant to our stock repurchase program, or that any declaration of cash dividends or stock repurchases under our stock repurchase program will have a beneficial impact on our stock price.
Provisions in our charter documents could make it more difficult to acquire our Company and may reduce the market price of our stock.
Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws contain certain provisions, each of which could delay or prevent a change in control of our company or the removal of management. These corporate provisions could also deter potential acquirers from making an offer to our stockholders and limit any opportunity to realize premiums over prevailing market prices of our common stock.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.
None
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ITEM 1C. CYBERSECURITY.
Like all companies that utilize technology, we are subject to threats of breaches of our technology systems. To mitigate the threat to our business, we take a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity risk management. Our Board and our management actively oversee our risk management program, including the management of cybersecurity risks. We have established policies, standards, processes and practices for assessing, identifying, and managing material risks from cybersecurity threats, including those discussed in our Risk Factors. We have devoted resources to implement and maintain security measures to meet regulatory requirements and shareholder expectations, and we intend to continue to make investments to maintain the security of our data and cybersecurity infrastructure. While there can be no guarantee that our policies and procedures will be properly followed in every instance or that those policies and procedures will be effective, we believe that the Company’s sustained investment in these efforts and technologies have put the Company in a position to protect against potential compromises, and we do not believe that risks from prior cybersecurity threats have materially affected our business to date. We can provide no assurance that there will not be incidents in the future or that past or future attacks will not materially affect us, including our business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition.
Risk Management and Strategy:
At a high level, the key objectives for the Company’s cybersecurity program are to implement and sustain effective security controls to stop intrusion attempts and to maintain and continuously improve its ability to respond to attacks and incidents. Success in achieving these objectives relies upon using quality technology solutions, cultivating and maintaining a team of skilled professionals, and improving processes continuously. Our cybersecurity program in particular focuses on the following key areas:
Risk Assessment: At least annually, we conduct a cybersecurity risk assessment that takes into account information from our employees, known information security vulnerabilities, and information from external sources, including reported security incidents that have impacted other companies, industry trends, and evaluations by third parties and consultants. The results of the assessment are used to develop initiatives to enhance our security controls, make recommendations to improve processes, and inform a broader Company-wide risk assessment that are then reported to our Board and members of management.
Technical Safeguards: We regularly assess and deploy technical safeguards designed to protect our information systems from cybersecurity threats. Such safeguards are regularly evaluated and improved based on vulnerability assessments, cybersecurity threat intelligence and incident response experience.
Incident Response and Recovery Planning: We have established comprehensive incident response and recovery plans that guide our response in the event of a cybersecurity incident. We continuously test and evaluate the effectiveness of those plans.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.
The Company’s corporate headquarters and manufacturing operations are located in a purchased facility in West Palm Beach, Florida. The facility is approximately 24,000 sq. ft. The Company completed its move into the new facility in fiscal 2023. The Company believes that its facility in West Palm Beach is suitable and adequate to meet its requirements.
The Company purchased the MEI facility located in Apopka, Florida on May 21, 2024. The facility is approximately 10,900 sq. ft. The Company believes that its facility in Apopka is suitable and adequate to meet its requirements.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
We may from time to time become a party to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. As of February 29, 2024, we had no known material current, pending, or threatened litigation.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.
Not applicable.
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PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
The Company’s Common Stock trades on the OTC Pink Tier of the OTC Markets under the symbol “SODI”.
As of February 29, 2024, there were approximately 550 holders of record of the Company’s Common Stock. On July 10, 2024, the last sale price of the Common Stock as reported on the OTC Pink was $18.82 per share.
The following table sets forth for the periods indicated, high and low sales prices of the Common Stock as reported by the OTC Pink.
Fiscal Year Ended February 29, 2024 |
| HIGH PRICE |
|
| LOW PRICE |
| ||
Fourth Quarter |
| $ | 19.00 |
|
| $ | 13.80 |
|
Third Quarter |
| $ | 20.80 |
|
| $ | 9.80 |
|
Second Quarter |
| $ | 11.03 |
|
| $ | 9.90 |
|
First Quarter |
| $ | 10.80 |
|
| $ | 10.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal Year Ended February 28, 2023 |
| HIGH PRICE |
|
| LOW PRICE |
| ||
Fourth Quarter |
| $ | 10.95 |
|
| $ | 8.10 |
|
Third Quarter |
| $ | 12.50 |
|
| $ | 9.60 |
|
Second Quarter |
| $ | 13.00 |
|
| $ | 7.50 |
|
First Quarter |
| $ | 10.50 |
|
| $ | 9.00 |
|
We have no current plans to pay dividends. We plan on reinvesting our earnings, if any, for use in the business, for acquisitions, or for share repurchases.
The Company currently has a repurchase program under which the Company may repurchase up to $1,000,000 of its outstanding common stock without an expiration date to the repurchase program. Under the current repurchase program, repurchases may be made by the Company from time to time in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions depending on market conditions, stock price, corporate and regulatory requirements, and other factors. The Company did not repurchase shares of common stock during fiscal 2024 or fiscal 2023.
Securities Issued Under Equity Compensation Plan
No shares were issued in fiscal 2024 or fiscal 2023.
ITEM 6. [RESERVED]
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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
You should read the following discussion in conjunction with the “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. You also should review and consider the risks relating to the Company’s business, operations, financial performance, and cash flows presented earlier under “Risk Factors.”
INTRODUCTION
The Company designs, develops, manufactures and markets solid-state semiconductor components and related devices primarily for the military and aerospace markets. The Company manufactures a large variety of bipolar and MOS power transistors, power and control hybrids, junction and power MOFSETs, field effect transistors and other related products. Most of the Company’s products are custom made pursuant to contracts with customers whose end products are sold to the United States government. Other products, such as JAN transistors, diodes and SMD voltage regulators, are sold as standard or catalog items.
The following table is included solely for use in comparative analysis to complement Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations:
The following table sets forth our statements of operations for the fiscal year periods indicated (in 000’s):
|
| 2/29/2024 |
|
| 2/28/2023 |
| ||
Net Sales |
| $ | 12,757 |
|
| $ | 6,406 |
|
Cost of Sales |
|
| 8,950 |
|
|
| 5,005 |
|
Gross Profit |
|
| 3,807 |
|
|
| 1,401 |
|
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses |
|
| 2,873 |
|
|
| 2,052 |
|
Operating Income (Loss) |
|
| 934 |
|
|
| (651 | ) |
Total Other Income |
|
| 1,843 |
|
|
| 1,477 |
|
Net Income Before Taxes |
|
| 2,777 |
|
|
| 826 |
|
Income Taxes |
|
| 3,024 |
|
|
| - |
|
Net Income |
| $ | 5,801 |
|
| $ | 826 |
|
The following table sets forth our statements of operations as a percentage of total revenue for the periods indicated:
|
| 2/29/2024 |
|
| 2/28/2023 |
| ||
Net Sales |
|
| 100 | % |
|
| 100 | % |
Cost of Sales |
|
| 70 | % |
|
| 78 | % |
Gross Profit |
|
| 30 | % |
|
| 22 | % |
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses |
|
| 23 | % |
|
| 32 | % |
Operating Income (Loss) |
|
| 7 | % |
|
| (10 | )% |
Total Other Income |
|
| 14 | % |
|
| 23 | % |
Net Income Before Taxes |
|
| 22 | % |
|
| 13 | % |
Income Taxes |
|
| 24 | % |
|
| 0 | % |
Net Income |
|
| 45 | % |
|
| 13 | % |
TRENDS AND UNCERTAINTIES:
During the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024, the Company’s book-to-bill ratio was approximately 1.11 to 1 as compared to approximately 1.49 to 1 for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2023, reflecting an increase in the volume of orders booked. Historically, the Company has experienced seasonality in its bookings, with the fiscal fourth quarter experiencing the highest level of bookings. Going forward we expect more variability in bookings.
The Company has been seeking out additional revenue sources, which may involve new products and/or products the Company has not manufactured in recent years, or before. The Company may incur difficulty manufacturing those products, which could result in decreased margins.
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Results of Operations
Comparison of Fiscal Year Ended February 29, 2024 vs. Fiscal Year Ended February 28, 2023
Revenue. Net sales for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024, increased by approximately 99% to $12,757,000 versus $6,406,000 for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2023. The increase was primarily attributable to the acquisition of MEI in fiscal 2024, and the return to more normal production levels after the relocation into our new West Palm Beach facility in fiscal 2023. The relocation resulted in minimal shipments in the fiscal 2023 third quarter.
Net bookings for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024, were approximately 11% more than net sales. Backlog increased by approximately 47% to $11,207,000 as of February 29, 2024, from $7,633,000 as of February 28, 2023. The increase was due to increased order activity by our customers and the acquisition of MEI.
During the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024, the Company shipped 74,924 units as compared with 52,924 units shipped during the fiscal year ended February 28, 2023, primarily due to the acquisition of MEI and to increased shipments by the Company upon completion of relocating its facilities. It should be noted that since the Company manufactures a wide variety of products with an average sales price ranging from a few dollars to several hundred dollars, such periodic variations in the Company’s volume of units shipped might not be a reliable indicator of the Company’s performance.
Cost of Sales. Cost of sales for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024, increased to $8,950,000 from $5,005,000 for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2023. Expressed as a percentage of sales, cost of sales decreased to 70% for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024, as compared to 78% for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2023. Included in cost of sales in fiscal 2024 was $718,000 of non-cash cost due to the fair value adjustment of inventory as required in the MEI acquisition.
Gross Profit. Gross profit for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024, increased to $3,807,000 from $1,401,000 for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2023, due primarily to increased net sales and the acquisition of MEI. Expressed as a percentage of sales, gross profit for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024, increased to 30% as compared to 22% for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2023 due primarily to increased revenue.
Selling, General & Administrative Expenses. During the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024, selling, general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of sales, decreased to approximately 23% as compared to 32% for the year ended February 28, 2023. In terms of dollars, selling, general and administrative expenses increased 40% to $2,873,000 for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024, from $2,052,000 for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2023. This increase is primarily due to professional and legal fees related to the acquisition of MEI and six months of SG&A at MEI.
Operating Income. Operating income for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024, was $934,000 as compared to an operating loss of ($651,000) for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2023. The increase in operating income was mainly attributable to the increase in net sales.
Total Other Income. Interest income and dividend income were $29,000 and $29,000, respectively for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024, compared to $36,000 and $31,000, respectively for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2023. Interest expense was ($177,000) for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024, compared to ($108,000) for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2023. The increased expense was primarily due to $53,000 of non-cash interest expense related to the contingent consideration associated with the acquisition of MEI. Realized gains (losses) on investments for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024, were $332,000 compared to loss of ($18,000) for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2023. The change in unrealized gains (loss) on investments for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024, was a loss of ($579,000) compared to a gain of $886,000 for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2023. Bargain purchase gain on the acquisition of MEI was $2,236,000 in the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024, versus $0 in the fiscal year ended February 28, 2023. Scrap income was $0 in the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024, as compared to $650,000 in the fiscal year ended February 28, 2023. Other income (expense) was ($27,000) in the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024, as compared to $0 in the fiscal year ended February 28, 2023.
Income Taxes. Income taxes for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024, was a benefit of $3,024,000 as compared to $0 for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2023. The tax benefit was due to the release of the Company’s deferred tax valuation.
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Net Income. Net income for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024, was $5,801,000 as compared to net income of $826,000 for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2023. The increase in net income was mainly attributable to the bargain purchase gain and increased operating income.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Operating Activities:
Net cash provided by operating activities was $1,917,000 for the year ended February 29, 2024, primarily reflecting net income of $5,801,000, a decrease in inventory of $945,000, and depreciation and amortization of $611,000 partially offset by non-cash gain on purchase of $2,236,000, non-cash deferred tax benefit of $3,024,000 and an increase in accounts receivable of $1,269,000.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $962,000 for the year ended February 28, 2023, primarily reflecting net income of $826,000, a decrease in accounts receivable of $807,000, and depreciation of $363,000 partially offset by net realized and unrealized gains of $868,000 and an increase in inventories of $155,000.
Investing Activities:
Net cash (used in) investing activities was ($1,037,000) for the year ended February 29, 2024, primarily reflecting ($2,425,000) in cash paid for acquisition, ($355,000) in purchases of property and equipment, and ($139,000) in purchases of marketable securities, partially offset by $1,000,000 in maturities of short-term investments and $882,000 from proceeds from the sale of marketable securities.
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities was ($3,491,000) for the year ended February 28, 2023, primarily reflecting ($2,494,000) in purchases of short-term investment, ($2,188,000) in purchases of property and equipment, and ($1,313,000) in purchases of marketable securities, partially offset by $1,533,000 in maturities of short-term investments and $971,000 from proceeds from the sale of marketable securities.
Financing Activities:
Net cash (used in) financing activities was ($110,000) for the year ended February 29, 2024, primarily reflecting ($107,000) in principal payments on the mortgage loan.
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities was ($112,000) for the year ended February 28, 2023, primarily reflecting ($103,000) in principal payments on the mortgage loan.
We expect our sole source of liquidity over the next twelve months to be cash from operations and cash and cash equivalents, if necessary. We anticipate that our capital expenditures required during the next twelve months to sustain operations will be approximately $0.3 million and will be funded from operations and cash and cash equivalents, if necessary.
At February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $2,217,000 and $1,447,000, respectively. The cash increase for the year ended February 29, 2024, was primarily due to cash from operating activities.
At February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023, the Company had short-term investments of approximately $0 and $986,000, respectively.
At February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023, the Company had investments in securities of approximately $904,000 and $1,895,000, respectively.
At February 29, 2024, the Company had working capital of $6,227,000 as compared with working capital at February 28, 2023 of $6,541,000. The decrease for the year ended February 29, 2024, was due primarily to the acquisition of MEI.
The Company had approximately $2,300,000 in cash and equivalents on hand as of June 30, 2024. Management estimates this amount will be sufficient to fund the Company’s operations and working capital requirements for the next twelve months.
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Stock Repurchase Program:
The Company’s previously authorized stock repurchase program permits the Company to acquire up to $1,000,000 of its outstanding common stock from time to time. Purchases under the amended stock repurchase program may be made through the open market or privately negotiated transactions as determined by the Company’s management, and in accordance with the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The timing and actual number of shares repurchased will depend on a variety of factors including price, corporate and regulatory requirements and other conditions.
The Company did not repurchase any shares during the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024, or the fiscal year ended February 28, 2023.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
See Note 2 in the financial statements for the Company’s significant accounting policies. Of the Company’s accounting policies, the following are considered to be critical – Revenue Recognition, Income Taxes, and Inventories.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company has not engaged in any off-balance sheet arrangements.
BOOKINGS AND BACKLOG
During the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024, the Company’s net bookings were $14,117,000 in new orders as compared with $9,572,000 for the year ended February 28, 2023, reflecting an increase in bookings of approximately 47%. The Company’s backlog increased to $11,207,000 at February 29, 2024 as compared with $7,633,000 as of February 28, 2023, reflecting an increase of approximately 47% in backlog.
In the event that bookings in the long-term decline significantly below the level experienced in the last fiscal year, the Company may be required to implement cost-cutting or other downsizing measures to continue its business operations. Such cost-cutting measures could inhibit future growth prospects. For the fiscal years ended February 29, 2024, and February 28, 2023, the entire backlog consisted of orders for electronic components.
See Part I, Item 1, “Business – Marketing and Customers” and “Backlog.”
FUTURE PLANS
The Company plans to continue its efforts in selling commercial semiconductors and power modules and to develop appropriate strategic alliance arrangements. If these plans are successful, the Company intends to aggressively pursue sales of these products which could require the Company to invest in the building up of inventories of finished goods and invest in capital equipment (assembly and test) to replace older generation equipment and to support new product manufacturing. Any financing necessary to fund these initiatives could come from equipment leasing, among other financing alternatives. Despite its intentions, the Company cannot assure you that any of the above-described plans will be successful in increasing liquidity, reducing costs or improving sales.
Based on various factors, including the Company’s desire to fully utilize its current net operating loss carryforwards, the Company may explore certain transactions or actions, including acquisitions, additional product lines, and/or investing a portion of its cash into common stocks or higher yielding debt instruments. The Company will continue to consider additional share repurchases under the Company's stock repurchase program in light of market conditions and the Company's liquidity needs and capital commitments.
INFLATION
The rate of inflation has not had a material effect on the Company’s revenues and costs and expenses, and it is not anticipated that inflation will have a material effect on the Company in the near future. However, to the extent the Federal Reserve’s interest rate increases or other factors cause a recession, such an event could adversely affect us.
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SEASONALITY
The Company’s bookings of new orders and sales are largely dependent on congressional budgeting and appropriation activities and the cycles associated therewith. The Company has historically experienced a decreased level of bookings during the summer months as a result of a slowdown in the level of budgeting and appropriation activities.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Some of the statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are “forward-looking statements”. These forward-looking statements include statements regarding our business, financial condition, results of operations, strategies or prospects. You can identify forward-looking statements by the fact that these statements do not relate strictly to historical or current matters. Rather, forward-looking statements relate to anticipated or expected events, activities, trends or results. Because forward-looking statements relate to matters that have not yet occurred, these statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause our actual activities or results to differ materially from the activities and results anticipated in forward-looking statements. These factors include those described under the caption “Risk Factors” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including those identified below. We do not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements, except as required by law.
Some of the factors that may impact our business, financial condition, results of operations, strategies or prospects include:
| · | Loss of, or reduction of business from, significant customers could hurt our business by reducing our revenues, profitability and cash flow. |
| · | Our complex manufacturing processes may lower yields and reduce our revenues. |
| · | Our business could be materially and adversely affected if we are unable to obtain qualified supplies of raw materials, parts and finished components on a timely basis and at a cost-effective price. |
| · | We are subject to risks and uncertainties arising from acquisitions and strategic transactions, including integration and other risks with respect to our acquisition of MEI in September 2023. |
| · | We are dependent on government contracts, which are subject to termination, price renegotiations and regulatory compliance, which can increase the cost of doing business and negatively impact our revenues. |
| · | Changes in government policy or economic conditions or technology to which our business relates could negatively impact our results. |
| · | Our inventories may become obsolete and other assets may be subject to risks. |
| · | Environmental regulations could require us to incur significant costs. |
| · | Our business is highly competitive and increased competition could reduce gross profit margins and the value of an investment in our Company. |
| · | Changes in Defense related programs and priorities could reduce the revenues and profitability of our business. |
| · | Our operating results may decrease due to the decline of profitability in the semiconductor industry. |
| · | Uncertainty of current economic conditions, domestically and globally, could continue to affect demand for our products and negatively impact our business. |
| · | We may not achieve the intended effects of our business strategy, which could adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. |
| · | Our inability to introduce new products could result in decreased revenues and loss of market share to competitors; new technologies could also reduce the demand for our products. |
| · | The nature of our products exposes us to potentially significant product liability risk. |
| · | We depend on the recruitment and retention of qualified personnel and our failure to attract and retain such personnel could seriously harm our business. |
| · | Provisions in our charter documents could make it more difficult to acquire our Company and may reduce the market price of our stock. |
| · | Natural disasters, like hurricanes, or occurrences of other natural disasters whether in the United States or internationally may affect the markets in which our common stock trades, the markets in which we operate and our profitability. |
| · | Failure to protect our proprietary technologies or maintain the right to use certain technologies may negatively affect our ability to compete. |
| · | We cannot guarantee that we will have sufficient capital resources to make necessary investments in manufacturing technology and equipment. |
| · | We may make substantial investments in plant and equipment that may become impaired. |
| · | While we attempt to monitor the creditworthiness of our customers, we may be at risk due to the adverse financial condition of one or more customers. |
| · | Our international operations expose us to material risks, including risks under U.S. export laws. |
| · | Security breaches and other disruptions could compromise the integrity of our information and expose us to liability, which would cause our business and reputation to suffer. |
| · | The price of our common stock has fluctuated widely in the past and may fluctuate widely in the future. |
| · | We cannot guarantee that we will declare future cash dividend payments, nor repurchase any shares of our common stock pursuant to our stock repurchase program. |
| · | Compliance with regulations regarding the use of "conflict minerals" could limit the supply and increase the cost of certain metals used in manufacturing our products. |
| · | Our failure to remediate the material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting or our identification of any other material weaknesses in the future may adversely affect the accuracy and timing of our financial reporting. |
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
Disclosure under this item is not required as the registrant is a smaller reporting company.
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ITEM 8. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
Index to Financial Statements
| 25 |
| Table of Contents |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Solitron Devices, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Solitron Devices, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of February 29, 2024, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of February 29, 2024, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
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 are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Acquisition of Micro Engineering, Inc. – Fair Value of Intangible Assets
Description of the Matter
As discussed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement by and among the Company and Micro Engineering, Inc.(“MEI”) and the shareholders of MEI, pursuant to which the Company agreed to purchase all the outstanding capital stock of MEI for a purchase price of $3,000,000 subject to adjustment, in addition to potential earn-out payments. The acquisition of MEI resulted in a total of $3.2 million of intangible assets, which are comprised primarily of customer lists and trademarks. The determination of fair value for the customer lists and trademarks required management to make estimates of discounted future cash flows and included their subjective assumptions of the appropriate discount rate, the growth of revenue, and rate of attrition for the related customers.
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We identified the fair value of the intangible assets acquired in the MEI business combination to be a critical audit matter due to the significant judgments made by management to estimate their fair values. This required a high degree of auditor judgment and an increased extent of effort, including the need to involve our fair value specialists, when performing audit procedures to evaluate the reasonableness of management’s estimates and assumptions related to the selection of discount and customer attrition rates, as well as forecasts of future revenues and cash flows.
How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit
Our audit procedures related to the discount rates, and forecasts of future revenues and cash flows used by management to estimate the fair value of both the intangible assets acquired in the MEI business combination included the following, among others:
· | With the assistance of our fair value specialists, we evaluated the reasonableness of the (i) valuation methodology, (ii) discount rates, (iii) client attrition rate, and (iv) future revenue and growth rates, including testing the source information underlying the determination of the discount rates, testing the mathematical accuracy of the calculations, and developing a range of independent estimates and comparing those to the discount rates selected by management. |
|
|
· | We evaluated management’s ability to accurately forecast future revenues and cash flows by considering the past financial performance of MEI and current economic factors. |
Realizability of Deferred Tax Assets
Description of the Matter
As discussed in Note -9 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company considers the need for a valuation allowance based on their assessment of the realizability of the Company’s deferred tax assets. As of February 29, 2024 the balance of the Company’s net deferred tax assets was approximately $1.8 million. A significant portion of the deferred tax assets are subject to future expiration. Management performs an analysis to determine whether sufficient future taxable income will be generated to support the realization of deferred tax assets prior to expiration in order to determine the need for a valuation allowance adjustment. This analysis involves a high degree of subjectivity and significant judgment. The deferred tax assets consist principally of net operating loss carryforwards. The future realization of the tax benefits from existing temporary differences and tax attributes ultimately depends on the existence of sufficient taxable income. In assessing the realization of the deferred tax assets, the Company considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized through the preparation of an undiscounted projected future cash flow analysis.
The principal considerations for our procedures relating to the realizability of deferred tax assets as a critical audit matter is that there was significant judgment by management in evaluating how the current economic environment could impact management’s projections of future taxable income. This required significant auditor judgment to evaluate management’s analysis of the overall realizability of deferred tax assets.
How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit
The primary procedures we performed included evaluating the quantitative and qualitative analysis management prepares to determine realizability of deferred tax assets. This analysis includes consideration of past years income, taxable income as well as management’s consideration of how the current economic environment could impact future operating results.
/s/ Whitley Penn LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2024.
Dallas, Texas
July 12, 2024
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of
Solitron Devices, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of Solitron Devices, Inc. (the “Company”) as of February 28, 2023, and the related statement of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of February 28, 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audit we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting 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.
Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
Critical audit matters are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. We determined that there are no critical audit matters.
/s/ MaloneBailey, LLP
www.malonebailey.com
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2020.
Houston, Texas
June 23, 2023
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SOLITRON DEVICES, INC. | ||||||||
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | ||||||||
AS OF FEBRUARY 29, 2024 AND FEBRUARY 28, 2023 | ||||||||
(in thousands, except for share and per share amounts) | ||||||||
|
| February 29, 2024 |
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| February 28, 2023 |
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ASSETS |
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CURRENT ASSETS |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
| $ |
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| $ |
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Short-term investments, held -to-maturity |
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Marketable securities |
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Accounts receivable |
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Inventories, net |
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Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
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TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS |
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Property, plant and equipment, net |
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Finance lease, right of use asset |
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Intangible assets |
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Deferred tax asset |
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Other assets |
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TOTAL ASSETS |
| $ |
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| $ |
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LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY |
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CURRENT LIABILITIES |
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Accounts payable |
| $ |
|
| $ |
| ||
Customer deposits |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Accrued contingent consideration, current |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Finance lease liability |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Mortgage loan, current portion |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accrued contingent consideration, non-current |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Mortgage loan, net of current portion |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
TOTAL LIABILITIES |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, authorized |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Common stock, $.01 par value, authorized |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Additional paid-in capital |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Retained earnings |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Less treasury stock |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY |
| $ |
|
| $ |
| ||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
| 29 |
| Table of Contents |
SOLITRON DEVICES, INC. | ||||||||
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS | ||||||||
FOR THE YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 29, 2024 AND FEBRUARY 28, 2023 | ||||||||
(in thousands except for share and per share amounts) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
| For The Fiscal Year Ended |
|
| For The Fiscal Year Ended |
| ||
|
| February 29, 2024 |
|
| February 28, 2023 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Net sales |
| $ |
|
| $ |
| ||
Cost of sales |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income (loss) |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other income (loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Interest expense |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
Dividend income |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Realized gain (loss) on investments |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | |
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
| |
Bargain purchase gain |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Scrap income |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Other expense |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
| |
Total other income |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income before income tax |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Income tax benefit |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
| $ |
|
| $ |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income per common share - basic and diluted |
| $ |
|
| $ |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic and diluted |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
| 30 |
| Table of Contents |
SOLITRON DEVICES, INC. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
FOR THE YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 29, 2024 AND FEBRUARY 28, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands, except for number of shares) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||
|
| Common Stock |
|
| Additional |
|
| Treasury |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||||||
|
| Number |
|
| Treasury |
|
|
|
|
| Paid-in |
|
| Stock |
|
| Retained |
|
|
|
| |||||||
|
| of Shares |
|
| Shares |
|
| Amount |
|
| Capital |
|
| Amount |
|
| Earnings |
|
| Total |
| |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||
Balance, February 28, 2022 |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
| $ |
|
| $ |
|
| $ | ( | ) |
| $ |
|
| $ |
| |||||
Net income |
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Balance, February 28, 2023 |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
| $ |
|
| $ |
|
| $ | ( | ) |
| $ |
|
| $ |
| |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Balance, February 29, 2024 |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
| $ |
|
| $ |
|
| $ | ( | ) |
| $ |
|
| $ |
| |||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
| 31 |
| Table of Contents |
SOLITRON DEVICES, INC. | ||||||||
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS | ||||||||
FOR THE YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 29, 2024 AND FEBRUARY 28, 2023 | ||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||
|
| 2024 |
|
| 2023 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Net income |
| $ |
|
| $ |
| ||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Amortization of right of use asset |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Net realized and unrealized (gains) losses on investments |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | |
Accrued interest income on short-term investments |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
Accrued interest expense on contingent consideration |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Accrued interest expense on finance lease |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Gain on purchase |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
| |
Deferred income tax benefit |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
| |
Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
| |
Inventories |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
Other assets, non-current |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | |
Accounts payable |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Customer deposits |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Accrued expenses, other current and non-current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Purchases of marketable securities |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
Purchases of short-term investments |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | |
Maturities of short-term investments |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Cash paid for acquisition, net of cash acquired |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
| |
Purchases of property and equipment |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
Net cash (used in) investing activities |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payments on finance lease liabilities |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
Principal payments on mortgage loan |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
Net cash (used in) financing activities |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | |
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of the year |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period |
| $ |
|
| $ |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-cash transactions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financing right of use asset assumed through lease liability |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income taxes paid |
| $ |
|
| $ |
| ||
Interest expense paid |
| $ |
|
| $ |
| ||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
| 32 |
| Table of Contents |
SOLITRON DEVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. BUSINESS DESCRIPTION
Nature of Operations and Activities
Solitron Devices, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company” or “Solitron”), designs, develops, manufactures, and markets solid-state semiconductor components and related devices primarily for the military and aerospace markets. The Company was incorporated under the laws of the State of New York in 1959 and reincorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware in August 1987. In September 2023, Solitron acquired Micro Engineering Inc. (“MEI”). Since 1980, MEI has specialized in solving design layout and manufacturing challenges for electronic components. MEI specializes in low to mid volume projects that require engineering, quality systems and efficient manufacturing.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and wholly owned subsidiary, Micro Engineering Inc. Significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of estimates
The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, costs and expenses and related disclosures. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that it believes to be reasonable. The Company could have reasonably used different accounting estimates. This applies in particular to inventory and valuation allowance for deferred tax assets. Actual results could differ significantly from our estimates. To the extent that there are material differences between these estimates and actual results, the Company’s future financial statement presentation, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows will be affected.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include demand deposits and money market accounts. The Company considers any short-term, highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less as cash and cash equivalents.
Short-term Held-to-Maturity Investments
Short-term investments consist of certificates of deposit and U.S. Treasury securities. The U.S. Treasury securities are classified as held to maturity, mature in less than twelve months, and are reported at amortized cost which approximates fair value of $
Investment in Marketable Securities
Investment in Securities includes investments in equity securities. Investments in securities are reported at fair value with changes in unrecognized gains or losses included in other income on the statements of operations.
The following table summarizes the Company's marketable securities:
February 29, 2024 |
|
|
|
| Gross |
|
| Gross |
|
|
|
| ||||
Marketable Securities: |
| Cost |
|
| Unrealized Gains |
|
| Unrealized Losses |
|
| Fair Value |
| ||||
Common Stocks |
| $ |
|
| $ |
|
| $ | ( | ) |
| $ |
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
February 28, 2023 |
|
|
|
|
| Gross |
|
| Gross |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Marketable Securities: |
| Cost |
|
| Unrealized Gains |
|
| Unrealized Losses |
|
| Fair Value |
| ||||
Common Stocks |
| $ |
|
| $ |
|
| $ | ( | ) |
| $ |
| |||
| 33 |
| Table of Contents |
As of February 29, 2024, two securities accounted for $
At February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023, the deferred tax liability related to unrecognized gains and losses on marketable securities was $
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” defines “fair value” as the price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. ASC 820 also sets forth a valuation hierarchy of the inputs (assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability) used to measure fair value. This hierarchy prioritizes the inputs into the following three levels:
Level 1: Observable inputs that reflect unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities traded in active markets.
Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.
Level 3: Inputs that are generally unobservable. These inputs may be used with internally developed methodologies that results in management’s best estimate of fair value.
The table below shows the company’s marketable securities as of February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023.
February 29, 2024 |
| Level 1 |
|
| Level 2 |
|
| Level 3 |
|
| Total |
| ||||
Common Stocks |
| $ |
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
| ||||
Total |
| $ | 904,000 |
|
| $ | - |
|
| $ | - |
|
| $ |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
February 28, 2023 |
| Level 1 |
|
| Level 2 |
|
| Level 3 |
|
| Total |
| ||||
Common Stocks |
| $ |
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
| ||||
Total |
| $ | 1,895,000 |
|
| $ | - |
|
| $ | - |
|
| $ |
| |
The carrying amounts of the Company’s short-term financial instruments, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities approximate their fair value due to the relatively short period to maturity for these instruments. The carrying value of long-term debt approximates fair value since the related rates of interest approximate current market rates.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable are stated at amounts management expects to collect from outstanding balances and do not bear interest. The Company regularly monitors and assesses its risk of not collecting amounts owed by customers. At each balance sheet date, the Company recognizes an expected allowance for credit losses. In addition, at each reporting date, this estimate is updated to reflect any changes in credit risk since the receivable was initially recorded. This estimate is calculated on a pooled basis where similar risk characteristics exist. If applicable, accounts receivable are evaluated individually when they do not share similar risk characteristics which could exist in circumstances where amounts are considered at risk or uncollectible. The accounts receivable balance as of February 29, 2024, February 28, 2023, and February 28, 2022 was $
The allowance estimate is derived from a review of the Company’s historical losses based on the aging of receivables. This estimate is adjusted for management’s assessment of current conditions, reasonable and supportable forecasts regarding future events, and any other factors deemed relevant by the Company. The Company believes historical loss information is a reasonable starting point in which to calculate the expected allowance for credit losses as the Company’s portfolio segment has remained consistent since the Company’s inception. The allowance for credit losses was $
| 34 |
| Table of Contents |
The Company writes off receivables when there is information that indicates the debtor is facing significant financial difficulty and there is no possibility of recovery. If any recoveries are made from any accounts previously written off, they will be recognized in income (or an offset to credit loss expense) in the year of recovery, in accordance with the Company’s accounting policy election. The total amount of write-offs for the years ended February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023 was $0 and $0, respectively.
Shipping and Handling
Shipping and handling costs billed to customers are recorded in net sales. Shipping costs incurred by the Company are recorded in cost of sales.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Cost is determined using the “first-in, first-out” (FIFO) method. The Company buys raw material only to fill customer orders. Excess raw material is created only when a vendor imposes a minimum quantity buy in excess of actual requirements. Such excess material will usually be utilized to meet the requirements of the customer’s subsequent orders. If excess material is not utilized after two fiscal years, it is fully reserved. Any inventory item once designated as reserved is carried at zero value in all subsequent valuation activities.
The Company does not classify a portion of inventories as non-current since we cannot reasonably estimate based on the length of our operating cycle which items will or will not be used within twelve months.
The Company’s inventory valuation policy is as follows:
Raw material /Work in process: | All material acquired or processed in the last two fiscal years is valued at the lower of its acquisition cost or net realizable value, except for wafers which function under a three- year policy. All material not used after two fiscal years is fully reserved for except wafers which were reserved for after three years. All raw wafers were fully reserved for when the wafer fab was decommissioned. Finished wafers produced in our former wafer fab are stored in the wafer bank and are considered work-in-process. Raw material in excess of five years’ usage that cannot be restocked, and slow-moving work in process are reserved for. |
|
|
Finished goods: | All finished goods with firm orders for later delivery are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. All finished goods with no orders are fully reserved. |
|
|
Direct labor costs: | Direct labor costs are allocated to finished goods and work in process inventory based on engineering estimates of the number of man-hours required from the different direct labor departments to bring each device to its particular level of completion. |
Property, Plant, Equipment, and Leasehold Improvements
Property, plant, and equipment is recorded at cost. Major renewals and improvements are capitalized, while maintenance and repairs that do not extend their expected life are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the lease term or the lives of the related assets:
Building | |
Building Improvements | |
Leasehold Improvements | Shorter of |
Machinery and Equipment |
| 35 |
| Table of Contents |
Concentrations of Credit Risk
Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk, consist principally of cash and account receivables. The Company places its cash with high credit quality institutions. At times, such amounts may be in excess of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insurance limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes that it is not exposed to any significant credit risk on the accounts. As of February 29, 2024, and February 28, 2023, all non-interest bearing checking accounts were FDIC insured to a limit of $
Revenue Recognition
The Company records revenue in accordance with ASC 606, Revenues from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods and services to customers. Revenue is recognized at a point in time, generally upon shipment of products to customers.
The core principle of the guidance in Topic 606 is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.
To achieve that core principle, the Company applied the following steps:
1. Identify the contract(s) with a customer.
The Company designs, develops, manufactures and markets solid-state semiconductor components and related devices. The Company’s products are used as components primarily in the military and aerospace markets.
The Company’s revenues are from purchase orders and/or contracts with customers associated with manufacture of products. We account for a contract when it has approval and commitment from both parties, the rights of the parties are identified, payment terms are identified, the contract has commercial substance and collectability of consideration is probable.
2. Identify the performance obligations in the contract.
The majority of the Company’s purchase orders or contracts with customers contain a single performance obligation, the shipment of products.
3. Determine the transaction price.
The transaction price reflects the Company’s expectations about the consideration it will be entitled to receive from the customer at a fixed price per unit shipped based on the terms of the contract or purchase order with the customer. To the extent our actual costs vary from the fixed price that was negotiated, we will generate more or less profit or could incur a loss.
4. Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract.
5. Recognize revenue when (or as) the Company satisfies a performance obligation.
This performance obligation is satisfied when control of the product is transferred to the customer, which generally occurs upon shipment. The Company receives purchase orders for products to be delivered over multiple dates that may extend across reporting periods. The Company accounting policy treats shipping and handling activities as a fulfillment cost. The Company invoices for each order upon shipment and recognizes revenues at the fixed price for each distinct product sold when transfer of control has occurred, which is generally upon shipment.
| 36 |
| Table of Contents |
In addition, the Company may have a contract or purchase order to provide a non-recurring engineering service to a customer. These contracts are reviewed and performance obligations are determined and we recognize revenue at the point in time in which each performance obligation is fully satisfied.
We recognize revenue on sales to distributors when the distributor takes control of the products ("sold-to" model). We have agreements with distributors that allow distributors a limited credit for unsaleable products, which we refer to as a "scrap allowance." Consistent with industry practice, we also have a "stock, ship and debit" program whereby we consider requests by distributors for credits on previously purchased products that remain in distributors' inventory, to enable the distributors to offer more competitive pricing. We have contractual arrangements whereby we provide distributors with protection against price reductions initiated by us after product is sold by us to the distributor and prior to resale by the distributor. In addition, we have a termination clause in one of our distributor agreements that would allow for a full credit for all inventory upon 60 days’ notice of terminating the agreement.
We recognize the estimated variable consideration to be received as revenue and record a related accrued expense for the consideration not expected to be received, based upon an estimate of product returns, scrap allowances, "stock, ship and debit" credits, and price protection credits that will be attributable to sales recorded through the end of the period. We make these estimates based upon sales levels to our customers during the period, inventory levels at the distributors, current and projected market conditions, and historical experience under the programs. Our estimates require the exercise of significant judgments. We believe that we have a reasonable basis to estimate future credits under the programs.
Related Party Transactions
The Company currently purchases and has purchased in the past die and wafers, as specified by the Company's customers, from ES Components. Mr. Aubrey, a director of the Company, is a minority owner, and an immediate family member of Mr. Aubrey is the majority owner of ES Components. For the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024, the Company purchased $
Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method of ASC 740-10, “Income Taxes”. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Under ASC 740-10, the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities or a change in tax rate is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Deferred tax assets are reduced to estimated amounts to be realized by the use of a valuation allowance.
The Company accounts for the uncertainty in income taxes in accordance with ASC 740-10 and evaluates its tax positions utilizing a two-step process. The first step is to determine whether it is more-likely-than-not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination based on the technical merits of the position. The second step is to measure the benefit to be recorded from tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold by determining the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement and recognizing that amount in the financial statements.
Refer to Note 9 for additional information on income taxes.
Net Income Per Common Share
Net income/loss per common share is presented in accordance with ASC 260-10 “Earnings per Share.” Basic earnings per common share are computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share incorporate the incremental shares issuable upon the assumed exercise of stock options to the extent they are not anti-dilutive using the treasury stock method. The Company had no potentially dilutive securities outstanding during the fiscal years ended February 29, 2024, and February 28, 2023, therefore there is no effect from dilution on earnings per share.
| 37 |
| Table of Contents |
Impairment of long-lived assets
Potential impairments of long-lived assets are reviewed annually or when events and circumstances warrant an earlier review. In accordance with ASC Subtopic 360-10, “Property, Plant and Equipment – Overall,” impairment is determined when estimated future undiscounted cash flows associated with an asset are less than the asset’s carrying value. No impairment losses were incurred during the fiscal years ended February 29, 2024, or February 28, 2023.
Stock-based Compensation
The Company records stock-based compensation in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 718, “Compensation-Stock Compensation,” which establishes accounting standards for transactions in which an entity exchanges its equity instruments for goods or services. Under ASC Topic 718, the Company recognizes an expense for the fair value of outstanding stock options and grants as they vest, whether held by employees or others. There are no stock options outstanding, and no options were granted or vested during the fiscal years ended February 29, 2024, and February 28, 2023 under the Company’s 2019 Stock Incentive Plan.
Leases
The Company capitalizes all leased assets pursuant to ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842),” which requires lessees to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liability, initially measured at present value of the lease payments, on its balance sheet for leases with terms longer than 12 months and classified as either financing or operating leases. The Company excludes short-term leases having initial terms of 12 months or less from Topic 842 as an accounting policy election and recognizes rent expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments,” which significantly changes the impairment model for most financial instruments. Current guidance requires the recognition of credit losses based on an incurred loss impairment methodology that reflects losses once the losses are probable. Under the new standard, the Company will be required to use a current expected credit loss model (“CECL”) that will immediately recognize an estimate of credit losses that are expected to occur over the life of the consolidated financial instruments that are in the scope of this update, including trade receivables. The CECL model uses a broader range of reasonable and supportable information in the development of credit loss estimates. The Company adopted the new guidance on a modified retrospective basis beginning with its first fiscal quarter of 2024. The Company estimates its expected credit losses based on the expected losses on its receivables based on a variety of data, including current economic conditions in the Company’s industry and the credit status of the Company’s customers. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
The Company does not believe that any recently issued effective pronouncements, or pronouncements issued but not yet effective, if adopted, would have a material effect on the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
3. ACQUISITION OF MICRO ENGINEERING, INC.
Effective September 1, 2023 (the “Closing Date”) the Company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) by and among the Company, Micro Engineering, Inc., a Florida corporation (“MEI”) and the shareholders of MEI (collectively, the “MEI Shareholders”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to purchase all the outstanding capital stock of MEI for a purchase price of $
In addition, under the Purchase Agreement the Company agreed to the following potential earn-out payments as additional consideration for the Acquisition: for each of (1) the period beginning on the Closing Date and ending on December 31, 2023, (2) the calendar year ending on December 31, 2024, (3) the calendar year ending December 31, 2025, and (3) the period beginning on January 1, 2026 and ending on the third anniversary of the Closing Date, the Company agreed to pay the MEI Shareholders
| 38 |
| Table of Contents |
During the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024, the Company incurred approximately $
The Company accounted for the acquisition as a business combination under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 805, Business Combinations. Intangible assets recorded represent customer relationship assets which we estimate to have a sixteen year life and trademark assets which we estimate to have a ten year life. The following table summarizes the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed on the date of acquisition, and is as follows (in 000’s):
Assets Acquired |
|
|
| |
Cash and cash equivalents |
| $ |
| |
Accounts receivable |
|
|
| |
Inventories, net |
|
|
| |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
|
| |
Property, plant and equipment, net |
|
|
| |
Intangible assets |
|
|
| |
Total assets acquired |
| $ |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities Assumed |
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable |
| $ |
| |
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
|
|
| |
Deferred tax liability, non-current |
|
|
| |
Total liabilities assumed |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets acquired |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Bargain purchase gain |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase consideration: |
|
|
|
|
Cash paid at closing |
|
|
| |
Contingent consideration |
|
|
| |
Reimbursed MEI Transaction expense |
|
| ( | ) |
Working capital adjustment |
|
| ( | ) |
Total purchase consideration |
| $ |
| |
The fair value of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed of $
| 39 |
| Table of Contents |
Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information (Unaudited) (In thousands)
The following presents the Company’s unaudited pro forma financial information for the fiscal years ended February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023 respectively, giving effect to the acquisition of MEI as if it had occurred at March 1, 2022. Included in the pro forma information is: adjustments to recognize transaction-related costs related to the acquisition of MEI and fair value adjustment to inventory as if acquired during the period ended February 28, 2022, and removal of purchase gain.
|
| For the |
|
| For the |
| ||
|
| fiscal year ended |
|
| fiscal year ended |
| ||
|
| February 29, 2024 |
|
| February 28, 2023 |
| ||
Revenue |
| $ |
|
| $ |
| ||
Net Income |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Diluted net income per share |
| $ |
|
| $ |
| ||
The pro forma financial information is for informational purposes only and does not purport to present what the Company’s results would actually have been had the transaction actually occurred on the dates presented or to project the combined company’s results of operations or financial position for any future period.
4. INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. The following table sets forth the components of the identifiable intangible assets acquired and their estimated useful lives as of February 29, 2024.
|
| Gross amount |
|
| Accumulated amortization |
|
| Net book value |
|
| Useful life (years) |
| ||||
Customer relationships |
| $ |
|
| $ | ( | ) |
| $ |
|
|
|
| |||
Trademarks |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Total identifiable assets |
| $ |
|
| $ | ( | ) |
| $ |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Intangible amortization expense was $
Amortization schedule (fiscal year ending) |
| |||
2025 |
| $ |
| |
2026 |
|
|
| |
2027 |
|
|
| |
2028 |
|
|
| |
2029 |
|
|
| |
5. REVENUE RECOGNITION
As of February 29, 2024, and February 28, 2023, sales returns and allowances accrual activity is shown below:
|
| February 29, 2024 |
|
| February 28, 2023 |
| ||
Beginning Balance |
| $ |
|
| $ |
| ||
Accrued Allowances |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Credits Issued |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Ending Balance |
| $ |
|
| $ |
| ||
| 40 |
| Table of Contents |
As noted in Note 2 above, one of our distributor agreements has a termination clause that would allow for a full credit for all inventory upon 60 days’ notice of terminating the agreement. As of February 29, 2024, and February 28, 2023, the inventory balance at that distributor was $
The Company warrants that its products, when delivered, will be free from defects in material workmanship under normal use and service. The obligations are limited to replacing, repairing, or reimbursing for, at the option of the Company, any products that are returned within one year after the date of shipment. The Company does not reserve for potential warranty costs based on historical experience and the nature of its cost tracking system.
6. INVENTORIES
As of February 29, 2024, inventories consist of the following:
|
| Gross |
|
| Reserve |
|
| Net |
| |||
Raw Materials |
| $ |
|
| $ | ( | ) |
| $ |
| ||
Work-In-Process |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
| ||
Finished Goods |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
| ||
Totals |
| $ |
|
| $ | ( | ) |
| $ |
| ||
As of February 28, 2023, inventories consist of the following:
|
| Gross |
|
| Reserve |
|
| Net |
| |||
Raw Materials |
| $ |
|
| $ | ( | ) |
| $ |
| ||
Work-In-Process |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
| ||
Finished Goods |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
| ||
Totals |
| $ |
|
| $ | ( | ) |
| $ |
| ||
Wafer bank inventory (completed wafers that are available to be consumed in the Company’s products), net of reserves, totaled $
7. PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT
As of February 29, 2024, and February 28, 2023, property, plant, and equipment consist of the following:
|
| February 29, 2024 |
|
| February 28, 2023 |
| ||
Land |
| $ |
|
| $ |
| ||
Building |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Leasehold Improvements |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Motor Vehicles |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Computer Equipment |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Machinery and Equipment |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Subtotal |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Less: Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
Net Property, Plant and Equipment |
| $ |
|
| $ |
| ||
| 41 |
| Table of Contents |
Depreciation and amortization expense was $
8. ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES
As of February 29, 2024, and February 28, 2023, accrued expenses and other current liabilities consist of the following:
|
| February 29, 2024 |
|
| February 28, 2023 |
| ||
Payroll and related employee benefits |
| $ |
|
| $ |
| ||
Legal fees |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Property, sales, and franchise taxes |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Return allowance |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Other liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Totals |
| $ | 1,080,000 |
|
| $ | 907,000 |
|
9. INCOME TAXES
The Company incurred a deferred tax benefit due to the release of the valuation allowance for the tax year ended February 29, 2024. The release was based on the Company expecting to be profitable such that all its historical net operating losses would be used up before any expiration.
A reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory tax rate to the Company’s effective tax rate for fiscal year ended February 29, 2024, and February 28, 2023, is as follows:
|
| 2024 |
|
|
|
|
| 2023 |
|
|
|
| ||||
Net Income/(Loss) Before Taxes |
| $ |
|
|
|
|
| $ |
|
|
|
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Provision/(Benefit) at statutory rate |
|
|
|
|
| % |
|
|
|
|
| % | ||||
State Tax Provision/(Benefit) net of federal benefit |
|
|
|
|
| % |
|
|
|
|
| % | ||||
Permanent Book/Tax Differences |
|
|
|
|
| % |
|
|
|
|
| % | ||||
Change in Valuation Allowance |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| - | % |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| - | % |
R&D Credit |
|
| - |
|
|
| 0.0 | % |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| - | % |
True-Up & Adjustments |
|
| - |
|
|
| 0.0 | % |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| - | % |
Bargain purchase price - MEI acquisition |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| 0.0 | % |
|
|
|
|
| 0.0 | % | |
Income Tax Provision / (Benefit) |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Effective income tax rate |
|
| - | % |
|
|
|
|
|
| 0.00 | % |
|
|
|
|
Total net deferred taxes are comprised of the following at February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023:
Deferred Tax Asset (Liability): |
| 2024 |
|
| 2023 |
| ||
Accrued Liabilities |
| $ |
|
| $ |
| ||
Inventory Allowance |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Allowance for Sales Reserve |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Capitalized R&D |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
R&D Credit Carryforward |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Unrealized Gains |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
MEI accrual to cash |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
| |
Inventory FMV adjustment |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
| |
Net book value of intangible assets |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
| |
Prepaid expenses |
|
| ( | ) |
|
|
| |
Net Book Value of Fixed Assets |
|
| ( | ) |
|
| ( | ) |
Total Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities) |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Valuation allowance |
|
|
|
|
| ( | ) | |
|
| $ |
|
|
|
| ||
| 42 |
| Table of Contents |
A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the deferred tax asset if, based on the weight of the evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. After consideration of all the evidence, both positive and negative, management has determined that no valuation allowance is necessary since the deferred tax asset is more likely than not to be realized for the year ended February 29, 2024, whereas a valuation allowance of $
On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act was enacted and signed into law. Certain provisions of the CARES Act could impact the 2019 income tax provision computations of the Company and will be reflected in the period of enactment (tax year 2020). The CARES Act, among other things, contains modifications on the limitation of business interest expense under Section 163(j), allow for NOL carryovers and carrybacks to offset
As of February 29, 2024, the Company estimates it has approximately $
Under Sections 382 and 383 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, (the Code), substantial changes in the Company’s ownership may limit the amount of net operating loss and research and development credit carryforwards that could be used annually in the future to offset taxable income. A formal Section 382 study has not been completed to determine if an ownership change has occurred and if its net operating losses are subject to an annual limitation. Such annual limitations could affect the utilization of NOL and tax credit carryforwards in the future.
The Federal net operating loss carryforwards will expire as follows:
Fiscal Year Ending February 28/29 |
| Amount |
| |
2029 |
| $ | 4,985,000 |
|
2037 |
|
| 322,000 |
|
indefinite |
|
|
| |
Total |
| $ |
| |
10. STOCK OPTIONS
There are no stock options outstanding, and no options have been granted during the fiscal years ended February 29, 2024, and February 28, 2023 under the Company’s 2019 Stock Incentive Plan.
| 43 |
| Table of Contents |
11. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
The Company has a 401k and Profit Sharing Plan (the “Profit Sharing Plan”) in which substantially all employees may participate after three months of service. Contributions to the Profit Sharing Plan by participants are voluntary. The Profit Sharing Plan allows for matching and discretionary employer contributions. In addition, the Company may make additional contributions at its discretion. The Company did not contribute to Solitron’s Profit Sharing Plan during the fiscal years ended February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023. The Company contributed $
12. DISAGGREGATION OF REVENUES AND MAJOR CUSTOMERS
Revenues from domestic and export sales to unaffiliated customers for the fiscal years ended February 29, 2024, and February 28, 2023, are as follows:
Geographic Region |
| February 29, 2024 |
|
| February 28, 2023 |
| ||
Europe and Australia |
| $ |
|
| $ |
| ||
Canada and Latin America |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
United States |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Totals |
| $ |
|
| $ |
| ||
Revenues from domestic and export sales are attributed to global geographic regions according to the location of the customer’s primary manufacturing or operating facilities.
For the fiscal years ended February 29, 2024, and February 28, 2023, approximately
For the year ended February 29, 2024, sales to RTX (Raytheon Technologies Corporation) accounted for approximately
For the year ended February 28, 2023, sales to RTX accounted for approximately
13. MAJOR SUPPLIERS
For the year ended February 29, 2024, purchases from the Company’s top supplier, Ametek accounted for
For the year ended February 28, 2023, purchases from the Company’s top supplier, Platronics Seals accounted for
14. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Finance leases:
During fiscal 2021, the Company entered into a
| 44 |
| Table of Contents |
In connection with the Acquisition of MEI, the Company also entered into a Lease Agreement pursuant to which it agreed to lease the facility occupied by MEI, consisting of approximately 10,926 square feet of useable office and production space in Orange County, Florida for $
Under ASC 842-10-25-2 there are five criteria to determine if a lease is a finance lease, one of those criteria is if a purchase option is reasonably certain to be exercised. Currently, the purchase option is likely to be exercised thus we have treated the lease as a finance lease and included the purchase price of $
|
| February 29, 2024 |
| |
Fiscal Year Ending February 28/29 |
| Amount |
| |
2024 |
|
|
| |
Total Future Undiscounted Cash Flows |
| $ |
| |
Less Imputed Interest to be recognized in lease expense |
|
|
| |
Finance Lease Liabilities, as reported |
| $ |
| |
Balance Sheet Classification |
| February 29, 2024 |
| |
Assets |
|
|
| |
Finance lease right-of-use assets, September 1, 2023 |
| $ |
| |
Amortization for the six months ended February 29, 2024 |
|
| ( | ) |
Total finance lease right-of-use asset, February 29, 2024 |
| $ |
| |
Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
|
Finance lease liability, short-term |
| $ |
| |
Non-current |
|
|
|
|
Finance lease liability, long-term |
|
|
| |
Total lease liabilities |
| $ |
| |
Operating lease:
On October 1, 2014, the Company extended its lease with its then landlord, CF EB REO II LLC, for the occupancy and use of a 47,000 square foot facility located at 3301 Electronics Way, West Palm Beach, Florida 33407 (the “Lease”). The property subsequently was sold to La Boheme Properties, Inc., a Florida corporation, and the Lease was assigned to them. The term of the Lease ended on December 31, 2021. The base rent provided in the Lease is $
Contingencies:
We may from time to time become a party to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. As of February 29, 2024, we had no known material current, pending, or threatened litigation.
| 45 |
| Table of Contents |
15. NOTES PAYABLE
On April 16, 2021, the Company closed on the acquisition of a facility and real estate located in West Palm Beach, Florida for a purchase price of $
On June 29, 2022, the Company received notification from the Bank that it had elected to suspend certain financial and reporting requirements set forth in the FCA. Specifically, the Bank elected on a going forward basis to suspend measurement of any of the following financial covenants to the extent they are included in Section 2.1, ‘Financial Covenants’ of the FCA: Tangible Net Worth; Debt Service Coverage Ratio; Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio; Asset Coverage Ratio; Funded Debt to EBITDA; and/or Liquidity. In addition, the Bank elected to suspend the requirements in the FCA, if any, for the submission of financial statements and information by the Borrower on a periodic basis as specified in Section 2.4, ‘Financial Information’ of the FCA. The Bank reserves the right in its sole discretion to require the Company to resume delivery of financial statements and other information and to evidence compliance with the financial covenant requirements as currently provided in the FCA.
Principal payments on the mortgage note payable is as follows for the fiscal years ended February 28/29:
|
| Total Principal Payments |
| |
2025 |
| $ |
| |
2026 |
|
|
| |
2027 |
|
|
| |
2028 |
|
|
| |
2029 |
|
|
| |
thereafter |
|
|
| |
Total principal payments |
| $ |
| |
16. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Repurchase Program
The Board of Directors has authorized a stock repurchase program of up to $
During the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024, the Company did not repurchase shares of common stock. During the fiscal year ended February 28, 2023, the Company did not repurchase shares of common stock.
| 46 |
| Table of Contents |
17. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On May 21, 2024, Micro Engineering, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Solitron purchased the property and facilities occupied by the Company, located at 401 Roger Williams Road, Apopka, Florida (the “Micro Property”), for a purchase price of $
Pursuant to the loan documentation,
| 47 |
| Table of Contents |
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
None.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in the Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance that the objectives of the control system are met and may not prevent or detect misstatements. In addition, any evaluation of the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting in future periods is subject to the risk that those internal controls may become inadequate because of a change in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer), Chief Operating Officer (principal operating executive) and the Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer), the Company’s management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting as of February 29, 2024. In making this assessment, the Company’s management used the criteria set forth in the framework in “Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013)” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on the evaluation conducted under the framework in “Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013)”, the Company’s management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of February 29, 2024 due to the material weaknesses described below. A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
The Company’s management determined that the following material weaknesses existed as of February 29, 2024:
| · | Failure in the design and operation of controls over the review and approval of journal entries at a sufficient level of precision. |
| · | Lack of segregation of duties within the financial reporting function resulting in limited level of multiple reviews. |
This Management’s Report of Internal Control over Financial Reporting does not include an attestation report of our independent registered public accounting firm due to the exemption provisions established by the Securities and Exchange Commission for smaller reporting companies.
| 48 |
| Table of Contents |
As of July 12, 2024, the Company’s Management was evaluating how to design and implement operation of controls over the review and approval of journal entries, and segregation of duties within the financial reporting function resulting in sufficient levels of reviews, in order to remediate the internal control deficiency.
The Company’s management believes the foregoing efforts will result in the establishment of procedures that will effectively remediate the material weakness after this control has operated effectively for a reasonable period of time. As we continue to evaluate and work to improve our internal control over financial reporting, management may determine to take additional measures to address the material weakness or determine to modify the remediation plan described above.
Solitron Devices, Inc.
July 12, 2024
Our Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of its management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e), and 15d-15(e) as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of February 29, 2024 due to the material weaknesses described above under “Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting”. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect all misstatements or fraud. Any control system, no matter how well designed and operated, is based upon certain assumptions and can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that its objectives will be met. This Annual Report does not include an attestation report of our registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. However, giving full consideration to the material weaknesses and the remediation plan, the Company’s management has concluded that the Company’s financial statements included in this Annual Report fairly present, in all material respects, the Company’s financial condition and results of operations as of and for the year ended February 29, 2024.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting.
There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter ended February 29, 2024, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
ITEM 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS
Not applicable.
| 49 |
| Table of Contents |
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.
Board of Directors
The following table sets forth certain information concerning the current directors:
Name |
| Age |
| Positions with the Company |
| Class |
| Year Term Expires and Class(4) |
Tim Eriksen |
| 55 |
| Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Director |
| Class II |
| 2024 |
Dwight P. Aubrey(1)(2) |
| 77 |
| Director |
| Class I |
| 2026 |
John F. Chiste(1)(3) |
| 68 |
| Director |
| Class I |
| 2026 |
David W. Pointer(2)(3) |
| 54 |
| Chairman |
| Class II |
| 2024 |
Charles Gillman(2)(3) |
| 53 |
| Director |
| Class III |
| 2025 |
________________
(1) | Member of the Audit Committee. |
(2) | Member of the Compensation Committee. |
(3) | Member of the Nominating Committee. |
(4) | The last annual meeting of stockholders was held on January 25, 2024. |
Tim Eriksen
Mr. Eriksen was elected a director on August 4, 2015. Mr. Eriksen served as a member of the Audit Committee from October 14, 2015 through July 22, 2016 when he resigned from the Audit Committee and was named Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Eriksen was appointed Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company on July 22, 2016. Mr. Eriksen founded Eriksen Capital Management LLC ("ECM"), a Lynden, Washington based investment advisory firm, in 2005. Mr. Eriksen is the Managing Member of ECM and Cedar Creek Partners LLC ("CCP"), a hedge fund founded in 2006 that focuses primarily on micro-cap and small cap stocks. Prior to founding ECM, Mr. Eriksen worked for Walker’s Manual, Inc., a publisher of books and newsletters on micro-cap stocks, unlisted stocks and community banks. Earlier in his career, Mr. Eriksen worked for Kiewit Pacific Co, a subsidiary of Peter Kiewit Sons, as an administrative engineer on the Benicia Martinez Bridge project. Mr. Eriksen received a B.A. from The Master’s University and an M.B.A. from Texas A&M University. Mr. Eriksen served as a director and member of the Audit Committee of Novation Companies Inc. from April 2018 through August 2021. He was elected a director of TSR Inc. on October 22, 2019, and appointed to the Audit, Nominating, Compensation, and Special Committee on December 30, 2019. He served as a director of TSR until its acquisition by Vienna Parent in June 2024. On August 31, 2021, Mr. Eriksen was elected to the board of PharmChem, Inc. He chose not to stand for re-election at the 2023 meeting. On September 1, 2023, after a transaction where CCP became the largest shareholder, he was appointed to the board of PharmChem as Chairman.
The Company believes that Mr. Eriksen’s extensive financial expertise, including knowledge of unlisted micro-cap companies and capital allocation, and his role as an officer of one of the Company's largest institutional stockholders highly qualifies him to serve as a member of the Board of Directors.
Dwight P. Aubrey
Mr. Aubrey was appointed a director on January 12, 2015. Mr. Aubrey also serves as Chairman of the Compensation Committee and a member of the Audit Committee. Mr. Aubrey served as the President of ES Components LLC, a franchised distributor for wire bondable die and surface mountable components used by hybrid and semiconductor component manufacturers, from 1981 through 2017. Since 2017, Mr. Aubrey has been a consultant for new business development at ES Components. An immediate family member of Mr. Aubrey is the majority owner of ES Components, and Mr. Aubrey is a minority owner. Mr. Aubrey also served as the President and Owner of Compatible Components, Inc., a manufacturer's representative company supplying microelectronic components, from 1979 until 2005 when he elected to close the business due to the growth of ES Components. Mr. Aubrey received an Associate of Arts in Business Administration from Central N.E. College in 1975.
The Company believes that Mr. Aubrey's extensive operational and business background in semiconductor component manufacturing highly qualifies him to serve as a member of the Board of Directors.
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John F. Chiste
Mr. Chiste was appointed a director on January 12, 2015. Mr. Chiste also serves as Chairman of the Audit Committee and a member of the Nominating Committee. Mr. Chiste has served as the Chief Financial Officer of Encore Housing Opportunity Fund I, Fund II, Fund III and Rescore Property Corp., a group of private equity funds with assets under management in excess of $1.0 billion focused on acquiring opportunistic and distressed residential real estate primarily in Florida, Texas, Arizona and California, since 2010. Mr. Chiste was a director and Chairman of the Audit Committee of Forward Industries, Inc., a Nasdaq listed manufacturer and distributor of specialty and promotional products, primarily for hand held electronic devices, from February 2008 through January 2015. Mr. Chiste has also served since 2005 as Chief Financial Officer of the Falcone Group which owns a diversified real estate portfolio of companies. Mr. Chiste previously served as Chief Financial Officer of Bluegreen Corporation, a NYSE listed developer and operator of timeshare resorts, residential land and golf communities, from 1997 until 2005. He also served as Chief Financial Officer of Computer Integration Corp., a Nasdaq listed provider of information products and services, from 1992 until 1997. From 1983 until 1992, Mr. Chiste served as a Senior Manager with Ernst & Young LLP, a nationally recognized accounting firm. Mr. Chiste received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. Mr. Chiste is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in the State of Florida.
The Company believes that Mr. Chiste's extensive financial and accounting experience highly qualifies him to serve as a member of the Board of Directors.
David W. Pointer
Mr. Pointer was elected a director on August 4, 2015. Mr. Pointer was named Chairman of the Board on July 22, 2016, and also serves as a member on the Nominating Committee and Compensation Committee. Since September 1, 2022, Mr. Pointer has been a Managing Director of Chapman Associates, a mergers and acquisitions advisory firm. Mr. Pointer is the founder and managing partner of VI Capital Management, LLC (“VICM”). VICM was founded on January 1, 2008, and was the general partner for VI Capital Fund, LP, a value-oriented investment limited partnership, until its liquidation in November 2023. VICM offers strategic and corporate governance consulting services. Prior to founding VICM, Mr. Pointer served as Senior Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager for ICM Investment Management (“ICM”). Prior to ICM, Mr. Pointer served as a Portfolio Manager for Invesco, Inc., where he worked with a senior partner in managing two mutual funds with assets in excess of $15 billion. Mr. Pointer was a member of the Board of Directors of CompuMed, Inc., a healthcare services company, from January 2014 through June 2023 (and served as Chairman of the Board from November 2014 through June 2023). From March 2018 through January 2022, Mr. Pointer served as Chief Executive Officer and a Board Member, including Chairman from March 2018 through August 2021, of Novation Companies Inc. Mr. Pointer has an M.B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania and holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.
The Company believes that Mr. Pointer’s experience as a director at other companies and his ability to relate to the broader investment community highly qualifies him to serve as a member of the Board of Directors.
Charles Gillman
Mr. Gillman was appointed a director on July 22, 2016. Mr. Gillman also serves as Chairman of the Nominating Committee, and a member of the Compensation Committee. The appointment of Mr. Gillman was a result of both mutual business interest and discussions between the Board and Novation Companies, Inc. regarding the avoidance of a proxy contest. In return for Novation Companies, Inc. agreeing to not pursue a proxy contest at the Company’s 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the Board agreed to appoint Mr. Gillman as a Class III director, nominate him for re-election at the 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and reimburse the reasonable expenses incurred to date by Novation Companies, Inc. regarding a potential proxy contest at the 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Mr. Gillman is the Owner and Executive Managing Director of the IDWR Multi-Family Office (the "IDWR"), a position he has held since 2013. The IDWR employs a team of analysts with expertise in finding publicly traded companies that require operational enhancement and an improvement in corporate capital allocation. Prior to his founding of IDWR, Mr. Gillman worked in the investment industry and as a strategic management consultant at McKinsey & Company, where he gained experience designing operational turnarounds of U.S. and international companies. Mr. Gillman previously served on the board of directors of the following publicly-traded companies: Digirad Corporation, Hill International, Points International, Hooper Holmes, Inc., Datawatch Corporation, and Novation Companies Inc. Mr. Gillman is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of the Wharton School and a Director of the Penn Club of New York which serves as the Manhattan home of the Wharton and Penn alumni community.
The Board believes that Mr. Gillman’s significant experience designing operational turnarounds of companies and his mergers and acquisition experience highly qualifies him to serve as a member of the Board of Directors.
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Executive Officers
Our executive officers are Tim Eriksen and Mark W. Matson. Mr. Eriksen's position with the Company, his age and his biographical and business experience appear above under the caption "Board of Directors."
Mark W. Matson
Mr. Matson, age 63, was appointed President and Chief Operating Officer on July 22, 2016. Mr. Matson served as a consultant to the Company from May 2016 through July 2016. Prior to working as a consultant to the Company, Mr. Matson provided consulting services from March 2012 to May 2016 through Avlet, Denali Advanced Integration and Tuxedo Technologies with respect to manufacturing supply chain issues and systems and software issues related to security and processes at global manufacturing plants. Mr. Matson served as the Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Operations at YSI, a maker of environmental monitoring instruments, sensors, software, systems and data collection platforms, from December 2010 to March 2012. Mr. Matson served as the Vice President of Global Operations and Engineering for Rockford Corporation, a company that designed, sourced and distributed high performance mobile audio products, from January 2006 to December 2010. Prior to joining Rockford Corporation, Mr. Matson was the General Manager and Chief Operations Officer for Benchmark Electronics' Division in Redmond, Washington from 2003 through 2005. Mr. Matson was a Vice President at Advanced Digital Information Corporation from 1998 to 2003 and prior to that at Interpoint Corporation. Mr. Matson has more than 20 years of operations experience.
Mr. Matson graduated with honors with a B.A. from California State University, Bakersfield.
Legal/Disciplinary History
Below is a summary of a consent order from the State of Washington Department of Financial Institutions, Securities Division that one of our directors was subject to and an SEC administrative order that one of our directors was subject to.
V.I. Capital Management, LLC (“V.I. Capital”) and Chairman of the Board David W. Pointer are subject to a consent order (the “Consent Order”) from the State of Washington Department of Financial Institutions, Securities Division, dated March 12, 2018 (Order Number S-16-2093-17-CO01), relating to alleged breaches of their fiduciary duty as investment advisors to their clients, including (i) failure to disclose certain conflict of interest stemming from Mr. Pointer’s service on the Boards of Directors of CompuMed and Solitron Devices, Inc., (ii) pledging V.I. Capital investment fund assets as collateral for a line of credit for CompuMed, Inc. and failing to disclose such pledge to V.I. Capital’s year-end auditor, and (iii) failure to timely distribute audited financial statements and a final fund audit to investors. As conditions of the Consent Order, V.I. Capital and Mr. Pointer agreed to (i) cease and desist from violating the Securities Act of 1933, (ii) pay a fine of $10,000 and (iii) pay costs of $2,500. Mr. Pointer also agreed that he will not be a principal, officer or owner of an investment adviser or broker-dealer for 10 years following the entry of the Consent Order, but he may apply for a securities salesperson or investment adviser representative registration with an acceptable plan of supervision.
Company director Charles M. Gillman is subject to an SEC administrative order, dated February 14, 2017 (Exchange Act Release No. 80038), relating to alleged violations of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules promulgated thereunder, including failing to disclose the members of a stockholder group, and further allegations that he violated Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act and the rules promulgated thereunder, including failing to timely file initial statements of beneficial ownership on Form 3 and changes thereto on Form 4. Without admitting or denying any violations, Mr. Gillman agreed to cease and desist from committing or causing any violations of (i) Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and Rules 13d-1 and 13d-2 promulgated thereunder and (ii) Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act and Rules 16a-2 and 16a-3 promulgated thereunder and paid a civil penalty to the SEC in the amount of $30,000.
Other than as described above, our directors and executive officers have not been convicted or named in a pending criminal proceeding (excluding traffic and other minor offenses), or subject to any judgment, order or legal proceeding of the nature described in Item 401(f) of Regulation S-K.
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Committees
The standing committees of the Board of Directors are the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Nominating Committee.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee consists of Messrs. Chiste (Chairman), and Aubrey. The Board of Directors has determined that the members of the Audit Committee are independent pursuant to the Nasdaq Rules. The Company’s Audit Committee generally has responsibility for appointing, overseeing and approving the compensation of our independent certified public accountants, reviewing and approving the discharge of our independent certified public accountants, reviewing the scope and approach of the independent certified public accountants’ audit, reviewing our audit and control functions, approving all non-audit services provided by our independent certified public accountants and reporting to our full Board of Directors regarding all of the foregoing. Additionally, our Audit Committee provides our Board of Directors with such additional information and materials as it may deem necessary to make our Board of Directors aware of significant financial matters that require its attention. The Company has adopted an Audit Committee Charter, a copy of which is published on the Company’s web site at www.solitrondevices.com on the Investor Relations page. The Company has determined that the "audit committee financial expert" is Mr. Chiste.
Compensation Committee
The members of the Compensation Committee are Messrs. Aubrey (Chairman), Gillman and Pointer. The Board of Directors has determined that the members of the Compensation Committee are independent pursuant to the Nasdaq Rules. The responsibilities and duties of the Compensation Committee consist of, but are not limited to: reviewing, evaluating and approving the agreements, plans, policies and programs of the Company to compensate the officers and directors of the Company and otherwise discharging the Board of Directors’ responsibilities relating to compensation of the Company’s officers and directors. The Compensation Committee has determined that no risks exist arising from the Company’s compensation policies and practices for its employees that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. The Company has adopted a Compensation Committee Charter, a copy of which is published on the Company's website, www.solitrondevices.com on the Investor Relations page.
Nominating Committee
The members of the Nominating Committee are Messrs. Gillman (Chairman), Chiste and Pointer. The Board of Directors has determined that the members of the Nominating Committee are independent pursuant to the Nasdaq Rules. The responsibilities and duties of the Nominating Committee consist of, but are not limited to: developing and periodically reviewing the criteria used to evaluate the suitability of potential candidates for membership on the Board of Directors; identifying and evaluating potential director candidates and submitting to the Board of Directors the candidates for director to be recommended by the Board of Directors for election at each annual meeting and to be added by the Board of Directors at any other times due to expansions to the Board of Directors, director resignations or retirements, and candidates for membership on each committee of the Board of Directors; making recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding the size and composition of the Board of Directors and its committees; and receiving and evaluating any stockholder nominations for directors received in accordance with Article II, Section 12 of the Company's By-laws in the same manner the Nominating Committee would evaluate a nomination received from any other party. The Company has adopted a Nominating Committee Charter, a copy of which is published on the Company's website at www.solitrondevices.com on the Investor Relations page.
Communications with our Board of Directors
Any stockholder who wishes to send a communication to our Board of Directors should address the communication either to the Board of Directors or to the individual director c/o David W. Pointer, Chairman of the Board, Solitron Devices, Inc., 901 Sansburys Way, West Palm Beach, Florida 33411. Mr. Pointer will forward to the directors all communications that, in his judgment, are appropriate for consideration by the directors. Examples of communications that would not be appropriate for consideration by the directors include commercial solicitations and matters not relevant to stockholders, to the functioning of the Board of Directors, or to the affairs of the Company.
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Nominees for Director
The Nominating Committee will consider all qualified director candidates identified by various sources, including members of the Board, management and stockholders. Candidates for directors recommended by stockholders will be given the same consideration as those identified from other sources. The Nominating Committee is responsible for reviewing each candidate’s biographical information and assessing each candidate’s independence, skills and expertise based on a number of factors. While we do not have a formal policy on diversity, when considering the selection of director nominees, the Nominating Committee considers individuals with diverse backgrounds, viewpoints, accomplishments, cultural backgrounds, and professional expertise, among other factors.
The Board of Directors has established board candidate selection criteria to be applied by the Nominating Committee and by the full Board of Directors in evaluating candidates for election to the Board. These criteria include general characteristics, areas of specific experience and expertise and considerations of diversity. The criteria include the following:
| · | Integrity and commitment to ethical behavior; |
|
|
|
| · | Personal maturity and leadership skills, especially in related fields; |
|
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| · | Independence of thought; |
|
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|
| · | Diversity of background and experience; |
|
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|
| · | Broad business and/or professional experience with the understanding of business and financial affairs and the complexity of the Company's business; |
|
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|
| · | Commitment to the Company's business and its continued well-being; and |
|
|
|
| · | Board members must be able to offer unbiased advice. |
In addition to the minimum qualifications for each candidate described above, the Nominating Committee shall recommend that the Board of Directors select individuals to help ensure that:
| · | Board members have executive management experience; |
|
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|
| · | Board members have an understanding of the electronics/components industry; |
|
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|
| · | A majority of the Board consists of independent directors; |
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| · | Each of the Company's Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating Committee shall be comprised entirely of independent directors; and |
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|
| · | At least one member of the Audit Committee shall have such experience, education and other qualifications necessary to qualify as an "audit committee financial expert" under SEC rules. |
Only individuals who are nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth in Article II, Section 12 of our By-laws shall be eligible for election as directors. Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors may be made at a meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected only (i) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or (ii) by any stockholder of the Company entitled to vote for the election of directors at the meeting who complies with the notice procedures set forth in Article II, Section 12 of our By-laws. Such nominations, other than those made by or at the direction of the Board of Directors, shall be made by timely notice in writing to the Secretary of the Company. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice must be delivered or mailed to and received at the principal executive offices of the Company not less than 30 days prior to the date of the meeting, provided, however, that in the event that less than 40 days’ notice or prior public disclosure of the date of the meeting is given or made to stockholders, to be timely, a stockholder’s notice must be so received not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which such notice of the date of the meeting was mailed or such public disclosure was made. Such stockholder’s notice shall set forth (i) as to each person whom such stockholder proposes to nominate for election or reelection as a director, all information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for election of directors, or is otherwise required, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act (including each such person’s written consent to serving as a director if elected); and (ii) as to the stockholder giving the notice (x) the name and address of such stockholder as they appear on the Company’s books, and (y) the class and number of shares of the Company’s capital stock that are beneficially owned by such stockholder.
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Code of Ethics
The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics for senior officers, which includes the Company’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer and controller, pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The Code of Ethics is published on the Company’s web site at www.solitrondevices.com on the Investor Relations page.
Insider Trading Policy
The Company has implemented an Insider Trading Policy applicable to its officers, directors and employees with access to material nonpublic information, as well as such persons’ family members, which prohibits such persons from conducting transactions involving the purchase or sale of the Company’s securities while in possession of material nonpublic information. A copy of the Company’s Insider Trading Policy is filed as Exhibit 19.1 of this Report.
While the granting of options and other equity awards to officers, directors and other employees is not expressly addressed in the Insider Trading Policy described above, the Company follows the same principles set forth in such Policy when granting equity awards, including options, to its officers, directors and other employees with access to material nonpublic information. Generally, the Board of Directors or Compensation Committee does not approve grants of such awards close in time to the disclosure of material nonpublic information and does not take material nonpublic information into account when determining the timing and terms of such an award. Further, the Company does not have a policy or practice of timing the disclosure of material nonpublic information for the purpose of affecting the value of executive compensation.
Anti-Hedging Policies
Under the Company’s Insider Trading Policy, all officers, directors and employees are prohibited from engaging in hedging, pledging or shoring transactions.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors, executive officers, and persons who own more than 10% of our common stock to file initial reports of ownership and changes in ownership of our common stock and other equity securities with the SEC. These individuals are required by the regulations of the SEC to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely on a review of the copies of the forms furnished to us, and written representations from reporting persons, we believe that all filing requirements applicable to our officers, directors and 10% beneficial owners were complied with during fiscal year 2024.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Summary Compensation Table
The following table provides certain summary information concerning compensation paid by the Company, to or on behalf of the following named executive officer for the fiscal years ended February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023.
Name and Principal Position |
| Year |
| Salary |
|
| Bonus |
|
| Stock Awards |
|
| All Other Compensation |
|
| Total |
| |||||
Tim Eriksen, CEO, CFO (1) |
| 2024 |
| $ | 90,000 |
|
| $ | - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
| $ | 90,000 |
|
|
| 2023 |
|
| 90,000 |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| 90,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mark Matson, President, COO (2) |
| 2024 |
|
| 240,000 |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| 55,603 | (3) |
|
| 295,603 |
|
|
| 2023 |
|
| 240,000 |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| 55,402 | (3) |
|
| 295,402 |
|
(1) | Mr. Eriksen was appointed Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer effective as of July 22, 2016. On December 23, 2021, the Company awarded Mr. Eriksen a discretionary bonus of $65,000 and approved an increase in base salary from $80,000 to $90,000 effective January 1, 2022. On February 19, 2024, the Company increased Mr. Eriksen’s base salary to $100,000 effective March 1, 2024. |
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|
(2) | Mr. Matson was appointed President and Chief Operating Officer effective as of July 22, 2016. On December 23, 2021, the Company awarded Mr. Matson a discretionary bonus of $162,500 and approved an increase in base salary from $200,000 to $240,000 effective January 1, 2022. On February 19, 2024, the Company increased Mr. Matson’s base salary to $285,000 effective March 1, 2024. |
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|
(3) | Represents Life, Disability and Medical Insurance premiums, personal auto expenses, allocation of the company’s corporate housing, and cell phone. For the year ended February 29, 2024, Life, Disability and Medical Insurance premiums were $21,684, housing allocation was $8,400, car expenses were $23,072, and cell phone was $2,447. For the year ended February 28, 2023, Life, Disability and Medical Insurance premiums were $21,045, housing allocation was $8,400, car expenses were $23,638, and cell phone was $2,319. |
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Director Compensation
The following table sets forth information regarding the compensation of our non-employee directors for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024.
Name and Principal Position |
| Year |
| Fees earned or paid in cash |
|
| Stock Awards |
|
| Total |
| |||
David W. Pointer, Chairman |
| 2024 |
| $ | 36,000 |
|
| $ | - |
|
| $ | 36,000 |
|
Dwight P. Aubrey, Director |
| 2024 |
|
| 24,000 |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| 24,000 |
|
John F. Chiste, Director |
| 2024 |
|
| 26,000 |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| 26,000 |
|
Charles Gillman |
| 2024 |
|
| 20,000 |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| 20,000 |
|
For the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024, each director who is not employed by the Company received $4,500 per quarter and the Chairman received $9,000 per quarter. The Chairman of the Audit Committee (Mr. Chiste) received $2,000 per quarter, the Compensation Committee Chairman (Mr. Aubrey) received $1,500 per quarter and the Nominating Committee Chairman (Mr. Gillman) received $500 per quarter. Payments for each quarter are paid in advance. All out-of-pocket expenses incurred by a director for attending Board or committee meetings are reimbursed by the Company. Mr. Eriksen does not receive any additional compensation as a director.
On February 19, 2024, the Company modified the compensation for directors, effective March 1, 2024. Chairman David Pointer’s annual cash compensation was increased to $40,000. Audit Committee Chairman John Chiste’s annual cash compensation was increased to $30,000. Compensation Committee Chairman Dwight Aubrey’s annual compensation was increased to $28,000. Nominating Committee Chairman Charles Gillman’s annual compensation was increased to $24,000.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of common stock of the Company as of July 10, 2024 by (i) all directors, (ii) the named executive officers for the year ended February 29, 2024, (iii) all executive officers and directors of the Company as a group, and (iv) each person known by the Company to beneficially own in excess of 5% of the Company’s outstanding common stock. Unless noted otherwise, the corporate address of each person listed below is 901 Sansburys Way, West Palm Beach, Florida 33411.
The Company does not know of any other beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of common stock other than as shown below. Unless otherwise indicated below, each stockholder has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares beneficially owned. Except as noted below, all shares were owned directly with sole voting and investment power.
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| Table of Contents |
Name and Address |
| Number of Shares Beneficially Owned(1) |
|
| Percentage of Outstanding Shares(1) |
| ||
Tim Eriksen |
|
| 323,223 | (2) |
|
| 15.5 | % |
Mark Matson |
|
| 176,573 |
|
|
| 8.5 | % |
Dwight P. Aubrey |
|
| 6,000 |
|
|
| 0.3 | % |
John F. Chiste |
|
| 6,000 |
|
|
| 0.3 | % |
Charles Gillman |
|
| 6,000 |
|
|
| 0.3 | % |
David W. Pointer |
|
| 29,188 |
|
|
| 1.4 | % |
All Executive Officers and Directors as a Group (6 persons) |
|
| 546,984 |
|
|
| 26.3 | % |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Olesen Value Fund L.P. |
|
| 276,210 | (3) |
|
| 13.3 | % |
60 W. Broad Street, Suite 304 |
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|
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18018 |
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|
Granite State Capital Management |
|
| 138,573 | 45) |
|
| 6.7 | % |
6725 Brindisi Place |
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|
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|
Round Rock, Texas 78665 |
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|
________________
(1) | Based on 2,083,436 shares of our common stock outstanding as of July 10, 2024. For purposes of this table, beneficial ownership is computed pursuant to Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act; the inclusion of shares beneficially owned should not be construed as an admission that such shares are beneficially owned for purposes of Section 16 of such Act. |
(2) | Represents 240,341 shares of common stock owned by Cedar Creek Partners LLC, an investment partnership, for which Eriksen Capital Management LLC ("ECM") is the Managing Member, 24,055 shares of common stock owned by managed accounts of ECM, 5,787 shares of common stock owned by Eriksen Family LLC which is managed by Mr. Eriksen, and 53,040 shares of common stock owned solely by Mr. Eriksen. The respective owners of the managed accounts are responsible to vote the shares of common stock. By virtue of ECM's investment advisory agreement with the clients of ECM, Mr. Eriksen may be deemed to beneficially own the shares owned by Cedar Creek Partners and the managed accounts. |
(3) | This information is based solely on the Form 4 filed on April 25, 2024. Olesen Value Fund L.P. ("OVF") is a private investment partnership existing under the laws of the State of Delaware. Olesen Capital Management LLC is the General Partner and Investment Advisor to OVF. Mr. Christian Olesen is the Managing Member of OVF and has the sole power to vote and dispose of the 276,210 shares of common stock. |
(4) | This information is based solely on the Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 26, 2024. Granite State Capital is an investment advisor to separately managed accounts. Mr. Eric Schleien is the Managing Member of Granite State Capital Management. |
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EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
The following table sets forth information about our common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of outstanding options and our common stock that remains available for future issuance as of February 28, 2023.
Plan Category |
| Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights |
|
| Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights |
|
| Number of securities remaining available for equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) |
| |||
|
| (a) |
|
| (b) |
|
| (c) |
| |||
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders |
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders |
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| 40,994 | (1) |
Total |
|
| - |
|
|
| - |
|
|
| 40,994 |
|
(1) | Represents 40,994 shares of common stock available under the Solitron Devices, Inc. 2019 Stock Incentive Plan (the "2019 Plan") after the grant of 23,006 shares on November 13, 2020. |
The 2019 Plan was created effective June 28, 2019 to enable the Company to attract, retain, reward and motivate eligible individuals by providing them with an opportunity to acquire or increase a proprietary interest in the Company and to incentivize them to expend maximum effort for the growth and success of the Company, so as to strengthen the mutuality of the interests between the eligible individuals and the stockholders of the Company. Pursuant to the 2019 Plan, the Company may grant common stock, options, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights and stock based awards to eligible individuals. Pursuant to the 2019 Plan, the Company was authorized to grant incentive awards for up to 225,000 shares of common stock subject to adjustment in the event of a stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization or similar capital change. All employees, officers, directors (employee or non-employee directors) of the Company were eligible to receive awards under the 2019 Plan.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
The Company currently purchases and has purchased in the past die and wafers, as specified by the Company's customers, from ES Components. Mr. Aubrey, a director of the Company, is a minority owner, and an immediate family member of Mr. Aubrey is the majority owner of ES Components. For the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024, the Company purchased $79,000 of die and $0 of used equipment from ES Components. For the fiscal year ended February 28, 2023, the Company purchased $116,000 of die and $0 of used equipment from ES Components. The Company has included these expenses in cost of goods sold in the accompanying statement of operations. The Company occasionally makes sales to ES Components. For the fiscal years ended February 29, 2024, and February 28, 2023, sales were $0.
Director Independence
The Board of Directors is currently composed of the following five directors: Messrs. Aubrey, Chiste, Eriksen, Gillman and Pointer. The Board has determined that Messrs. Aubrey, Chiste, Gillman and Pointer all meet the criteria for independence specified in the Nasdaq Stock Market Marketplace Rules (the "Nasdaq Rules").
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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Auditor Fees and Services
The following table sets forth the fees billed during fiscal 2024 by Whitley Penn LLP (“Whitley Penn”). Whitley Penn was our independent certified public accountant retained for the audit of the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024, and the audit of MEI for calendar year 2022 and 2023.
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| 2024 |
| |
Audit Fees |
| $ | 170,000 |
|
Audit-Related Fees |
|
| 151,700 |
|
Tax Fees |
|
| 6,000 |
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Totals |
| $ | 327,700 |
|
The following table sets forth the fees billed during fiscal 2023 by MaloneBailey LLP (“MaloneBailey”). MaloneBailey was our independent certified public accountant retained for the audit of the fiscal year ended February 28, 2023.
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| 2023 |
| |
Audit Fees |
| $ | 157,500 |
|
Audit-Related Fees |
|
| 3,000 |
|
Tax Fees |
|
| - |
|
All Other Fees |
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| - |
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Totals |
| $ | 160,500 |
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Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures for Audit and Permitted Non-Audit Services
The Audit Committee has a policy of considering and, if deemed appropriate, approving, on a case-by-case basis, any audit or permitted non-audit service proposed to be performed by the Company’s principal accountant in advance of the performance of such service. These services may include audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other services. The Audit Committee has not implemented a policy or procedure which delegates the authority to approve, or pre-approve, audit or permitted non-audit services to be performed by the Company’s principal accountant. In connection with making any pre-approval decision, the Audit Committee must consider whether the provision of such permitted non-audit services performed by the Company’s principal accountant is consistent with maintaining the Company’s principal accountant’s status as our independent auditors at such time.
Consistent with these policies and procedures, the Audit Committee approved all of the services rendered by Whitley Penn for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024, and MaloneBailey for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2023, as described above.
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PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a)(1) Financial Statements
Reference is made to the Index set forth on Page 20 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules
All schedules have been omitted because they are inapplicable or the information is provided in the financial statements, including the notes hereto.
(a)(3) Exhibits
3.1 | Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended February 28, 1993). |
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101.INS* | XBRL Instance Document |
101.SCH* | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema |
101.CAL* | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase |
101.DEF* | XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase |
101.LAB* | XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase |
101.PRE* | +Management contracts or compensatory plans, contracts or arrangements. |
104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101). |
* Filed herewith. | |
** Furnished herewith |
+ Certain schedules and other attachments have been omitted. The Company undertakes to furnish the omitted schedules and attachments to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.
Copies of this report (including the consolidated financial statements) and any of the exhibits referred to above will be furnished at no cost to our stockholders who make a written request to our Corporate Secretary at Solitron Devices, Inc., 901 Sansburys Way, West Palm Beach, FL 33411.
ITEM 16.FORM 10-K SUMMARY
The Company has elected not to include summary information.
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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.
SOLITRON DEVICES, INC. | |||
/s/ Tim Eriksen | |||
By: | Tim Eriksen | ||
Title: | Chief Executive Officer and | ||
Chief Financial Officer | |||
Date: July 12, 2024 | |||
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 |
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/s/ Tim Eriksen |
|
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| July 12, 2024 |
Tim Eriksen |
| Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. |
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/s/ Dwight Aubrey |
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| July 12, 2024 |
Dwight Aubrey |
| Director |
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/s/ John F. Chiste |
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| July 12, 2024 |
John F. Chiste |
| Director |
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/s/ Charles Gillman |
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| July 12, 2024 |
Charles Gillman |
| Director |
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/s/ David W. Pointer |
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| July 12, 2024 |
David W. Pointer |
| Chairman |
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| 62 |
EXHIBIT 19.1
EXHIBIT 21.1
SUBSIDIARIES
Micro Engineering, Inc., a Florida corporation
EXHIBIT 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Forms S-8 (File No. 333-263214 and 333-203311) of Solitron Devices, Inc. of our report dated July 12, 2024, relating to the consolidated financial statements appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Solitron Devices Inc. for the year ended February 29, 2024.
/s/ Whitley Penn LLP
Dallas, Texas
July 12, 2024
EXHIBIT 23.2
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on Forms S-8 (File Nos. 333-263214 and 333-203311) of our report dated June 23, 2023 with respect to the audited financial statements of Solitron Devices, Inc. appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 29, 2024.
/s/ MaloneBailey, LLP
www.malonebailey.com
Houston, Texas
July 11, 2024
EXHIBIT 31
CERTIFICATION
I, Tim Eriksen, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Solitron Devices, Inc., certify that:
| 1. | I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Solitron Devices, Inc.; |
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| 2. | Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
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| 3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
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| 4. | I am responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: |
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| a) | Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under my supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to me by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; |
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| b) | Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under my supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
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| c) | Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report my conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and |
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| d) | Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and |
| 5. | I have disclosed, based on my most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
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| a) | All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and |
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| b) | Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting. |
Date: July 12, 2024
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| /s/ Tim Eriksen |
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| Tim Eriksen |
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| Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer |
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EXHIBIT 32
Certification Required by 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
(as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
In connection with the Annual Report of Solitron Devices, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2023, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Tim Eriksen, as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Solitron Devices, Inc., certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 (as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002), that to my knowledge:
| 1. | the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and | |
| 2. | the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. |
Date: July 12, 2024
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| /s/ Tim Eriksen |
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| Tim Eriksen |
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| Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer |
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