Trio-Tech International - 10-Q quarterly report FY

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

R QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2008

OR

For the Transition Period from ___ to ___

Commission File Number 1-14523

TRIO-TECH   INTERNATIONAL

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)

 

           Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code:  818-787-7000

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,”“accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large Accelerated Filer £                                                                                Accelerated Filer £

 

  Non-Accelerated Filer £                                                              Smaller Reporting Company R

 

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

Number of shares of common stock outstanding as of November 1, 2008 is 3,227,430

TRIO-TECH    INTERNATIONAL

 

           The discussions of Trio-Tech International’s (the “Company”) business and activities set forth in this Form 10-Q and in other past and future reports and announcements by the Company may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and assumptions regarding future activities and results of operations of the Company.  In light of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the Company: market acceptance of Company products and services; changing business conditions or technologies and volatility in the semiconductor industry, which could affect demand for the Company’s products and services; the impact of competition; problems with technology; product development schedules; delivery schedules; changes in military or commercial testing specifications which could affect the market for the Company’s products and services; difficulties in profitably integrating acquired businesses, if any, into the Company; risks associated with conducting business internationally and especially in Southeast Asia, including currency fluctuations and devaluation, currency restrictions, local laws and restrictions and possible social, political and economic instability; other economic, financial and regulatory factors beyond the Company’s control; and the sharp correction in the housing market and the significant fluctuations of oil prices which occurred in 2007 and 2008. See the discussions elsewhere in this Form 10-Q, for more information. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “potential,” “believes,” “can impact,” “continue,” or the negative thereof or other comparable terminology.

           We undertake no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events, changed circumstances, or the occurrence of unanticipated events.

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

TRIO-TECH INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

TRIO-TECH INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

TRIO-TECH INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

TRIO-TECH INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

1.    ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

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

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X.  All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The unaudited consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars.  The accompanying financial statements do not include all the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for fair presentation have been included.  Operating results for the three months ended September 30, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009.  For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company's annual report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008.

 Certain prior year balances may have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

 

2.    NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In April 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”)  issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) No. SFAS 142-3, “Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets” (“FSP SFAS 142-3”). FSP SFAS 142-3 amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (“SFAS 142”). The intent of FSP SFAS 142-3 is to improve the consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS 142 and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the asset under SFAS No. 141R (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” and other applicable accounting literature. FSP SFAS 142-3 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 and must be applied prospectively to intangible assets acquired after the effective date. The adoption of this statement is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. This statement identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles to be used in the preparation of financial statements of nongovernmental entities that are presented in conformity with U.S. GAAP. This statement is effective 60 days following the SEC’s approval of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board amendments to AU Section 411, The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity With Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. The Company does not expect the implementation of this statement to have an impact on its results of operations or financial position.

In March 2008, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. The new standard is intended to improve financial reporting about derivative instruments and hedging activities by requiring enhanced disclosures to enable investors to better understand their effects on an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. It is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with early application encouraged. The Company does not expect the implementation of this statement to have a material impact on its results of operations or financial position.

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141 (Revised 2007), Business Combinations, or SFAS No. 141R.  SFAS No. 141R will change the accounting for business combinations in a number of areas including the treatment of contingent considerations, pre-acquisition contingencies, transaction costs, in-process research and development, and restructuring costs.  Under SFAS No. 141R, an acquiring entity will be required to recognize all the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a transaction at the acquisition-date fair value with limited exceptions.  SFAS No. 141R applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008.  The Company believes the adoption of SFAS 141R will have an impact on the accounting for future acquisitions.

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements — An Amendment of ARB No. 51, or SFAS No. 160.  SFAS No. 160 establishes new accounting and reporting standards for the non-controlling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary.  SFAS No. 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact adoption may have on its financial condition or results of operations.

 

In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, or SFAS No. 159.   SFAS No. 159 permits, but does not require, entities to choose to measure eligible items at fair value.  The objective is to improve financial reporting by providing entities with the opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions.  SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of a fiscal year that begins on or before November 15, 2007, provided that a company also elects to apply the provisions of SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements.  The Company adopted SFAS No. 159 on July 1, 2008 and it has no impact on its financial condition or results of operations.

3.    INVENTORIES

Inventories consisted of the following:

4.    STOCK OPTIONS

 

As of September 30, 2008, the Company had 2,750 shares of stock options outstanding under the 1998 Employee Option Plan, which was terminated on December 2, 2005 by the Company’s Board of Directors.

On September 24, 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors unanimously adopted the 2007 Employee Stock Option Plan and the 2007 Directors Equity Incentive Plan, which were approved by the shareholders on December 3, 2007.  The 2007 Employee Stock Option Plan provides for awards of up to 300,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock to employees, consultants and advisors.  The 2007 Directors Equity Incentive Plan provides for awards of up to 200,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock to the members of the Board of Directors in the form of non-qualified options and restricted stock. These two plans are administered by the Board, which also establishes the terms of the awards.

Effective July 1, 2005, the Company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment” (SFAS No 123R), which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all stock-based payment awards made to the Company’s employees and directors including stock options and employee stock purchases.  Stock-based compensation expense for stock options and employee stock purchases granted subsequent to July 1, 2005 was based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123R.  During the process of estimating the fair value of the stock options granted and recognizing share-based compensation, the following assumptions were adopted.

 

           Assumptions

The fair value for these awards was estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions, assuming no expected dividends:

The expected volatilities are based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock.  The observation is made on a weekly basis.  The observation period covered is consistent with the expected life of options.  The expected life of stock options is based on the historical experience of similar stock options granted and observed.  The risk-free rate is consistent with the expected terms of the stock options and is based on the United States Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.

           2007 Employee Stock Option Plan

 

The Company’s 2007 Employee Stock Option Plan (the “2007 Employee Plan”), which is shareholder-approved, permits the grant of stock options to its employees of up to 300,000 shares of Common Stock.  Under the 2007 Employee Plan, all options must be granted with an exercise price of not less than “fair market value” as of the grant date and the options granted should be exercisable within a maximum of ten years after the date of grant, or such lesser period of time as is set forth in the stock option agreements. They shall be exercisable (a) immediately as of the effective date of the stock option agreement granting the Option, or (b) in accordance with a schedule related to the date of the grant of the Option, the date of first employment, or such other date as may be set by the Compensation Committee.  Generally, options granted under the 2007 Employee Plan are exercisable within five years after the date of grant, and vest over the period as follows: 25% vesting on the grant date and the remaining balance vesting in equal installments on the next three succeeding anniversaries of the grant date.  The share-based compensation will be recognized in terms of the grade method over the vesting period. Certain option awards provide for accelerated vesting if there is a change in control (as defined in the 2007 Employee Plan).

During the first quarter of fiscal 2009, pursuant to the 2007 Employee Plan, 50,000 shares of stock options were granted to certain officers and employees with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the Company’s Common Stock (as defined under the 2007 Employee Plan in conformity with Regulation 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended) at the date of grant.  These options vest over the period as follows: 25% vesting on the grant date, and the balance vesting in equal installments on the next three succeeding anniversaries of the grant date.  The fair market value of 50,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock issuable upon exercise of stock options granted was approximately $136 based on the fair value of $2.71 per share determined by using the Black Scholes option pricing model.

 

The Company recognized stock-based compensation expense of approximately $75 in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 under the 2007 Employee Plan.  Unamortized stock-based compensation of $172 based on fair value on the grant date related to options granted under the 2007 Employee Plan is expected to be recognized over a period of three years.

As of September 30, 2008, there were 23,000 shares of vested employees’ stock options. The weighted-average exercise price was $7.03 and the weighted average remaining contractual term was 4.50 years. The total intrinsic value of vested employees’ stock options during the three months ended September 30, 2008 was zero.  A summary of option activities under the 2007 Employee Plan during the three months ended September 30, 2008 is presented as follows:

A summary of the status of the Company’s non-vested employees’ stock options during the three month period ended September 30, 2008 is presented below:

 

           2007 Directors Equity Incentive Plan

The 2007 Directors Equity Incentive Plan (the “2007 Directors Plan”), which is shareholder-approved, permits the grant of 200,000 shares of Common Stock to its duly elected non-employee directors in the form of non-qualified options and restricted stock. The exercise price of the non-qualified options is 100% of the fair market value of the underlying shares on the grant date.  The options have five-year contractual terms and are generally exercisable immediately as of the grant date.

During the first quarter of 2009, pursuant to the 2007 Directors Plan, 60,000 shares of stock options were granted to our directors with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of our Common Stock (as defined under the 2007 Directors Plan in conformity with Regulation 409A or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended) at the date of grant.  The fair market value of 60,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock issuable upon exercise of stock options granted was approximately $163 based on the fair value of $2.71 per share determined by the Black Scholes option pricing model.  There were no options exercised during the three month period ended September 30, 2008.  The Company recognized stock-based compensation expense of $163 in the three months ended September 30, 2008 under the 2007 Directors Plan.

A summary of option activities under the 2007 Directors Plan during the three month period ended September 30, 2008 is presented as follow:

A summary of option activities under the 1998 Plan during the three month period ended September 30, 2008 is presented as follow:

 

The intrinsic value of 2,750 options exercised was zero. Cash received from options exercised in the first quarter of 2009 was approximately $3. There were no unvested stock options under the 1998 Plan as of September 30, 2008.

5.    EARNINGS PER SHARE

The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 128,Earnings per Share(“EPS”).  Basic EPS are computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders (numerator) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding (denominator) during the period.  Diluted EPS give effect to all dilutive potential common shares outstanding during a period.  In computing diluted EPS, the average price for the period is used in determining the number of shares assumed to be purchased from the exercise of stock options and warrants.

Options to purchase 214,750 shares of Common Stock at exercise prices ranging from $4.40 to $9.57 per share as of September 30, 2008 were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because their effect would have been anti-dilutive.

Options to purchase 13,050 shares of common stock at exercise prices ranging from $2.66 to $4.40 per share were outstanding as of September 30, 2007. No options were excluded in the determination of common shares equivalents, because the average market price of common shares was greater than the exercise price of the stock options. The resulting common shares equivalents were approximately 11,000 shares and are presented in the following table for earnings per share calculation purposes.

6.            ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS

Accounts receivable are customer obligations due under normal trade terms.  We sell our products and services to manufacturers in the semiconductor industry.  We perform continuing credit evaluations of our customers’ financial conditions, and although we generally do not require collateral, letters of credit may be required from our customers in certain circumstances.

Senior management reviews accounts receivable on a monthly basis to determine if any receivables will potentially be uncollectible.  We include any accounts receivable balances that are determined to be uncollectible in our allowance for doubtful accounts.  After all attempts to collect a receivable have failed, the receivable is written off against the allowance.  Based on the information available to us, we believe our allowance for doubtful accounts for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and the twelve months ended June 30, 2008 was adequate.  

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

7.          WARRANTY ACCRUAL

The Company provides for the estimated costs that may be incurred under its warranty program at the time the sale is recorded.  The Company provides warranty for products manufactured in the term of one year.  The Company estimates the warranty costs based on the historical rates of warranty returns.  The Company periodically assesses the adequacy of its recorded warranty liability and adjusts the amounts as necessary.

8.           ADOPTION OF FASB INTERPRETATION NO. 48

9.            INVESTMENT IN CHONGQING

 

 

On August 27, 2007, Trio-Tech (Chongqing) Co., Ltd. entered into a Memorandum Agreement with JiaSheng Property Development Co., Ltd. (JiaSheng hereafter) to jointly develop a piece of property with 24.91 acres owned by JiaSheng located in Chongqing City, China, which is intended for sale after the completion of development.  Pursuant to the signed agreement, the capital to be invested by Trio-Tech (Chongqing) Co., Ltd. was RMB 10,000, equivalent to approximately U.S. $1,473 based on the exchange rate on September 30, 2008 published by the Federal Reserve System.  On August 28, 2007, Trio-Tech (Chongqing) Co., Ltd. transferred the required amount from its bank account into a special bank account jointly monitored by both Trio-Tech (Chongqing) Co., Ltd. and JiaSheng.  The investment was accounted under the cost method.

On October 22, 2007, the parties received approval from the Chinese District Zoning Regulation Bureau to increase the square meters of the buildings specified in the original Memorandum Agreement dated August 27, 2007 by 9,885 square meters.  As a result, the construction costs of the proposed building project also increased.  On November 15, 2007, Trio-Tech (Chongqing) Co., Ltd. entered into a Supplement Agreement to the Memorandum Agreement dated August 27, 2007 with JiaSheng.  The purpose of this Supplement Agreement was to document another agreement reached by both parties regarding the additional capital infusion to be committed by the respective parties in order to finance the increase in construction costs. The Supplement Agreement does not modify the terms and obligations of both parties specified in the original Memorandum Agreement.  Under the terms of the Supplement Agreement, the Company agreed to invest an additional RMB 9,000, or approximately U.S. $1,326 based on the exchange rate as of September 30, 2008 published by the Federal Reserve System.   On December 17, 2007, Trio-Tech (Chongqing) Co., Ltd. received a list of additional costs incurred for this project, which were RMB 4,000 less than the estimated cost of RMB 9,000.  Accordingly, the Company only transferred RMB 5,000, approximately U.S. $737, from its bank account into the special bank account jointly monitored by both Trio-Tech (Chongqing) Co., Ltd. and JiaSheng.  After that extra infusion, the equity ratio owned by the Company in that joint venture was 20%.

 

In the fourth quarter of 2008, the investment of RMB 5,000, approximately U.S. $737 based on the exchange rate as of September 30, 2008 published by the Federal Reserve System was returned to the Company, which reduced the investment in this project to $1,473.  After that return of investment, the equity ratio owned by the Company in that joint venture was 15%. The Company also recorded a profit of RMB 750, approximately $103 based on theexchange rate as of September 30, 2008 published by the Federal Reserve System, in investment income in the fourth quarter of 2008.

 

In accordance with APB 18, the Equity Method of Accounting for Investments in Common Stock, management believes that the cost method of accounting is appropriate.

 

On January 4, 2008, Trio-Tech (Chongqing) Co., Ltd. entered into a Memorandum Agreement with MaoYe Property Ltd. to purchase an office space of 827.2 square meters on the 35th floor of a 40 story high office building located in Chongqing, China.  The total cash purchase price was RMB 5,554 (Chinese yuan), equivalent to approximately U.S. $818 based on the exchange rate as of September 30, 2008 published by the Federal Reserve System.  Under the terms of the agreement, the Company paid the purchase price in full on January 4, 2008.  The Company rented this property to a third party on July 13, 2008. The term of the rent agreement is five years with a monthly rental income of RMB 39, or approximately $5 for the first three years, with an increase of 8% in the fourth year and another 8% in the fifth year. It the first quarter of fiscal 2009, this property generated a rental income of $15.

 

The following table presents the Company’s investment in China in fiscal 2008. The exchange rate is based on the exchange rate on September 30, 2008 published by the Federal Reserve System.

 

 

 

11.     MINORITY INTEREST

12.    SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

13.    LOAN COVENANT VIOLATION

TRIO-TECH INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

The following should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements and notes in Item I above and with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes, and with the information under the headings “Risk factors” and “Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations” in the most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Overview

Founded in 1958, Trio-Tech International provides third-party semiconductor testing and burn-in services primarily through its laboratories in Southeast Asia.  The Company also designs, manufactures and markets equipment and systems, and distributes semiconductor processing and testing equipment manufactured by others. The Company operates in three business segments: Testing Services, Manufacturing and Distribution.

We own and operate facilities that provide testing services for semiconductor devices and other electronic components to meet the requirements of military, aerospace, industrial and commercial applications.  We currently operate four testing facilities, one in the United States, three in Southeast Asia. The Company uses its own proprietary equipment for certain burn-in, centrifugal and leak tests, and commercially available equipment for various other environmental tests.  The Company conducts the majority of its testing operations in Southeast Asia and China with facilities in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and China.  Our facilities require substantial investment to construct and are largely fixed-costs assets once in operation. Because we own most of the testing capacity, a significant portion of our operating costs is fixed. In general, these costs do not decline with reductions in customer demand or the utilization of our testing capacity, and can adversely affect profit margins as a result. Conversely, as product demand rises and factory utilization increases, the fixed costs are spread over the increased output, which should improve profit margins.

In the third quarter of fiscal 2008, one of our major customers ceased their advanced burn-in testing service contract with us due to one of their product lines reaching the end of its life cycle earlier than expected. The net sales in the testing segment decreased by $2,445 to $3,098 for the three months ended September 30, 2008 as the result of the loss of revenue from this major customer.  Management took immediate action to reduce expenses in an effort to match future cash flows and is in the process of developing new customer relationships in China and Malaysia and exploring new business opportunities to offset the lost testing revenue from this contract.  

Our manufacturing segment manufactures Artic Temperature Controlled Wafer Chucks, which are used for test, characterization and failure analysis of semiconductor wafers, Wet Process Stations, which wash and dry wafers at a series of 100 to 300 additional processing steps after the etching or deposition of integrated circuits, and other microelectronic substrates in what is commonly called the “front-end,” or creation, of semiconductor circuits.  Additionally, we also manufacture centrifuges, leak detectors, HAST (Highly Accelerated Stress Test) systems and “burn-in" systems that are used primarily in the “back-end” of the semiconductor manufacturing process to test finished semiconductor devices and electronic components.

In the United States, our manufacturing segment focused on marketing used and refurbished equipment, which some of our customers are more willing to purchase since it is less expensive than new equipment.

Due to the competitive environment in the manufacturing segment, we anticipate that we will continue to implement our cost reduction plan by outsourcing a portion of our manufacturing process to outside suppliers, such as electrical and mechanical fabrication houses, and seek competitively priced materials.

Our distribution segment operates primarily in Southeast Asia.  This segment markets and supports distribution of our own manufactured equipment in addition to distributing complementary products supplied by other manufacturers that are used by our customers and other semiconductor and electronics manufacturers.  We expanded the distribution business to include a strategic business unit mainly to serve as a distributor of electronic components to customers.  It is the strategy of management to focus on the sales of our own manufactured products. We believe this will help us to reduce our exposure to multiple risks arising from being a mere distributor of manufactured products from others.

In June 2007, Trio-Tech International Pte., Ltd. established a subsidiary in Chongqing, China.  This subsidiary, Trio-Tech (Chongqing) Co., Ltd., has registered capital of RMB 20,000 (Chinese yuan), or approximately U.S. $2,600, and is wholly owned by Trio-Tech International Pte., Ltd.  On August 27, 2007, Trio-Tech (Chongqing) Co., Ltd. entered into a Memorandum Agreement with JiaSheng Property Development Co., Ltd. (JiaSheng) to jointly develop a piece of property with 24.91 acres owned by JiaSheng located in Chongqing City, China, which is intended for sale after the completion of development.  In fiscal 2008, the Company invested an aggregate of RMB 15,000, equivalent to approximately U.S. $2,210 based on the exchange rate on September 30, 2008 published by the Federal Reserve System on this project. In the fourth quarter of 2008, the investment of RMB 5,000, or approximately $737 was returned to the Company, which reduced the investment in this project to $1,473.  The Company also recorded a profit of RMB 750, approximately $103 in investment income in the fourth quarter of 2008.  In accordance with APB 18,The Equity Method of Accounting for Investments in Common Stock, management believes that the cost method of accounting is appropriate.

 

On January 4, 2008, Trio-Tech (Chongqing) Co., Ltd. entered into a Memorandum Agreement with MaoYe Property Ltd. to purchase an office space of 827.2 square meters on the 35th floor of a 40 story high office building located in Chongqing, China.  The total cash purchase price was RMB 5,554 (Chinese yuan), equivalent to approximately $818 based on the exchange rate as of September 30, 2008 published by the Federal Reserve System.  The Company rented this property out to a third party on July 13, 2008.  The term of the rent agreement is five years with a monthly rental income of RMB 39, or approximately $5 for the first three years, with an increase of 8% in the fourth year and another 8% in the fifth year. It the first quarter of fiscal 2009, this property generated a rental income of $15.

The investment income generated by Trio-Tech (Chongqing) Co., Ltd. in the first quarter of fiscal year 2009 was classified as investment income, which was included in other income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the three months ended September 30, 2008. There was no investment income in the same period of fiscal 2008.

Subsequent Events

On October 23, 2008, Trio-Tech Chongqing Co., Ltd. entered into a Memorandum Agreement with JiaSheng Property Development Co., Ltd. (“JiaSheng”) to purchase four units of commercial property and two units of residential property, totaling 1,391.70 square meters, at JiaSheng Jingyun Huafu Project located at No. 17 Puyun Avenue in Chongqing, China.

The total cash purchase price to be paid by the Company under the Memorandum Agreement is RMB 7,043 (Chinese yuan) or approximately $1,030 (U.S. dollars) based on the exchange rate as of October 23, 2008 published by the Federal Reserve Statistical Release. Under the terms of the Memorandum Agreement, the Company made a down payment of 10% in cash in the amount of RMB 704 or U.S. $103 based on the exchange rate as of October 23, 2008 published by the Federal Reserve Statistical Release in October 2008 and the balance of 90% was paid on November 4, 2008, using internally generated funds of the Company.

Additionally, on October 23, 2008, the Company entered into a lease agreement with JiaSheng for the six units purchased from JiaSheng pursuant to the Memorandum Agreement.  The lease provides for a two year term with an annual rental income of RMB 1,392 (Chinese yuan) or approximately $204 (U.S. dollars). The lease commenced November 1, 2008.

Results of Operations and Business Outlook

The following table sets forth our revenue components for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2008 were $6,230, a decrease of $5,820, or 48.3%, compared to $12,050 for the same quarter last fiscal year.

Net sales into and within China and the Southeast Asia regions and other countries (except sales into and within the United States) decreased by $6,692, or 63.2% to $3,898 for the three months ended September 30, 2008, compared with $10,590 for the same period of last fiscal year. The decrease was primarily due to a drop in sales in the testing segment in our Singapore and China operations. Net sales into and within the United States were $2,332, an increase of $872, or 59.7% compared to the same quarter last fiscal year 2008, due to an increase in market demand for our refurbished equipment.

The decrease in net sales can be discussed within three segments as follows:

Manufacturing Segment

As a percentage of the total revenue, the revenue generated by the testing segment in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 accounted for 49.7% of total sales, an increase of 3.7%, compared to 46.0% in the same period of fiscal 2008.  In terms of dollar amount, the revenue of the testing segment for the first quarter of fiscal 2009 was $3,098, reflecting a decrease of $2,445, or 44.1%, compared to $5,543 for the first quarter of fiscal 2008. This decrease in revenue was due to the loss of our maincustomer due to one of its product lines reaching the end of its life cycle earlier than expected, rendering our testing services in the Singapore, Thailand and China operations for that product no longer necessary.

Distribution Segment

The distribution segment accounted for 1.4% of total net sales in the first quarter of fiscal 2009, an increase of 0.5% compared to 0.9% in the first quarter of fiscal 2008. The absolute amount of net sales decreased by $25 for the three months ended September 30, 2008, from $111 in the first quarter of fiscal 2008 to $86 in the first quarter of fiscal 2009. The drop in revenue was due to lower demand in the current market for back-end products such as Vibration equipment and chambers and, we believe, a saturation of equipment and electronic components in the current market.

Uncertainties and Remedies

There are several influencing factors which create uncertainties when forecasting performance, such as the ever-changing nature of technology, specific requirements from the customer, decline in demand for certain types of burn-in devices or equipment, and other similar factors.  Based on a number of economic indicators, it appears that growth in global economic activity has slowed substantially. At the present time, the rate at which the global economy will slow has become increasingly uncertain. A continued slowing of global economic growth, and, in particular, in the United States, will likely to have a negative impact on our growth and results of operations. One of these factors is the highly competitive nature of the semiconductor industry.   Another is that some customers are unable to provide a forecast of the products required in the upcoming weeks; hence it is difficult to plan for the resources needed to meet these customers’ requirements due to short lead time and last minute order confirmation. This will normally result in a lower margin for these products, as it is more expensive to purchase materials in a short time frame.  However, the Company has taken certain actions and formulated certain plans to deal with and to help mitigate these unpredictable factors.  For example, in order to meet customers’ demands upon short notice, the Company maintains higher inventories, but continues to work closely with its customers to avoid stock piling.  We continue to cut costs by upgrading some of our existing facilities to cater to the changing requirements of customers and by maintaining a lean headcount, while still keeping quality high so as to sell new products at a competitive price. We have also been improving customer service from staff by keeping our staff up to date on the newest technology and stressing the importance of understanding and meeting the stringent requirements of our customers.  Finally, the Company is exploring new markets and products, looking for new customers, and upgrading and improving burn-in technology while at the same time searching for improved testing methods of higher technology chips.

Comparison of the First Quarters Ended September 30, 2008 (“Q1 2009”) and September 30, 2007 (“Q1 2008”)

The following table sets forth certain consolidated statements of income data as a percentage of net sales for the first quarters of fiscal 2009 and 2008, respectively:

Overall Gross Margin

Overall gross margin as a percentage of revenue decreased by 4.3% to 20.9%, for the three months ended September 30, 2008 from 25.2% in the first quarter of last year primarily due to the decrease in the gross margin in the testing segment.

Gross profit margin as a percentage of revenue in the manufacturing segment decreased from 14.9% in the first quarter of fiscal 2008 to 14.4% in the first quarter of fiscal 2009.  The decrease in gross margin was due to an increase in sales of lower margin burn-in systems pass-through products vis-à-vis higher margin systems in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 compared with the mix of systems in the same period of fiscal 2008. In addition, there was a decrease in the average sales price of burn-in boards and burn-in systems as a result of strong competition in the market place.  However, the Company currently intends to continue manufacturing low-margin burn-in systems and boards in order to maintain market share of these products with its current customers. In absolute amounts, gross profits deceased by $512 to $438 for the three months ended September 30, 2008, from $950 for the three months ended September 30, 2007.

Gross profit margin as a percentage of revenue in the testing segment decreased by 10.2% for the three months ended September 30, 2008, from 37.2% to 27.0%, compared to the same quarter last fiscal year.  In terms of dollar amount, gross margin in the testing segment in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 was $837, a decrease of $1,226, or 59.4%, compared to $2,063 in the same period of fiscal 2008.  The decrease in the gross margin was primarily due to a decrease in testing volume coupled with a decrease in sales prices in the first quarter of fiscal year 2009. Additionally, because significant portions of our operating costs are fixed in the testing segment, as service demands and factory utilization decrease, the fixed costs are spread over the decreased output, which deteriorates profit margin. In addition, our customers changed their demands and specifications for burn-in hours, which resulted in a lower average unit selling price for burn-in services.

 

Gross profit margin as a percentage of revenue in the distribution segment improved by 5.3% for the first quarter of fiscal 2009, from 26.1% in the first quarter of fiscal 2008 to 31.4%, compared to the same quarter last fiscal year. The improvement in the gross profit as a percentage of sales was due to an increase in average sales prices in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 compared to the same quarter of fiscal 2008. In terms of dollar amount, gross margin in the distribution segment in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 was $27, a decrease of $2, or 6.9%, compared to $29 in the same period of fiscal 2008.  . The gross margin of the distribution segment is not only affected by the market price of our products, but also our product mix, which changes frequently as a result of changes in market demand.

 

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses for the first quarters of 2009 and 2008 were as follows:

General and administrative expenses increased by $370, or 22.5%, from $1,645 to $2,015 for the three months ended September 30, 2008, compared to the same period of last fiscal year.  The increase wasprimarily attributable to an increase of noncash stock option expenses of $238 in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 and a reversal of bonus provision of $154 in the first quarter of fiscal year 2008 as discussed in our annual report for the year-ended June 30, 2008. We didnot have any bonus reversal in the first quarter of fiscal 2009. The increase was offset by a decrease in the officer and executive compensation in the first quarter of fiscal 2009. On February 27, 2008, in view of anticipated reductions in service revenue for fiscal 2008, our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and directors voluntarily decreased their base salary to 50% of the base salary agreed to in July 2007. As a result, our compensation for the officers and executives decreased by $99 in the first quarter of fiscal 2009.

Selling expenses decreased slightly by $1, or 0.8%, from the three months ended September 30, 2008, from $124 to $123 compared to the same quarter of fiscal 2008.

In first quarter of fiscal 2009, research and development expenses were $10 compared to $19 for the first quarter of fiscal 2008. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in full time employee headcount in the U.S. operation.

Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment was $159 for the first quarter of fiscal year 2009, which mainly resulted from the disposal of certain idle fixed assets at a gain in the Singapore operation. We had no such gain for the same period of fiscal year 2008.

(Loss) Income from Operations

Loss from operations increased by $1,941, or 154.8%, from an income from operations of $1,254 for the three months ended September 30, 2007 to a loss of $687 for the three months ended September 30, 2008, mainly due to the decrease in revenue and an increase in operating expenses, as previously discussed.

 

Interest Expense

Interest expense for the first quarters of 2009 and 2008 was as follows:

Interest expense decreased by $27 for the three months ended September 30, 2008 from $85 to $58, primarily due to a decrease in the loan payable and capital lease obligation. We are trying to keep our debt at minimum in order to save financing costs. Our credit rating provides us with ready and adequate access to funds in global markets.  As of September 30, 2008, the Company has an unused line of credit of $15,657.

Other (Expenses) Income

Other (expenses) income for the first quarters of 2009 and 2008 were as follows:

Other income increased by $265 to $215 for the three months ended September 30, 2008 from an expense of $50 in the same quarter of last fiscal year, primarily due to an increase in rental income and currency transaction gain. Currency transaction gain increased by $275 for the three months ended September 30, 2008, from a transaction loss of $118 to a transaction gain of $157, compared to the same quarter of fiscal 2008. This was attributable to the strengthening of U.S. dollar against foreign currency with regard to transactions denominated in U.S.dollars. Rental income, which consisted mainly of space in the Malaysia operation and investment property in Chongqing operation rented to outside vendors, increased by $27 to $64 for the three months ended September 30, 2008 compared to $37 in the same period of fiscal 2008.

Income Tax

Income tax provision for the three months ended September 30, 2008 was $98, a decrease of $74 compared to the income tax provision of $172 for the same quarter last fiscal year. The decrease in income tax provision was mainly due to a lower tax provision for the decreased income generated from the Singapore operations in the first quarter of fiscal 2009.

We assessed our income tax liability of $382 as of September 30, 2008 in accordance with FIN48, which is related to the allocation of corporate management expenses to our Singapore operation in terms of Singapore tax law.  We did not see any potential benefits arising from this tax position.  Accordingly, no impact of this tax position was recognized in the statement of operations for this quarter of fiscal 2009.  We did not include any potential income tax position in federal and state income tax returns currently filed.

 

Minority Interest

As of September 30, 2008, we held a 55% interest in Trio-Tech Malaysia. In the first quarter of fiscal 2009, minority interest in the net income of subsidiaries was $91, a decrease of $105, or 53.6%, compared to a minority interest in the net income of $196 for the same quarter of fiscal 2008.  The decrease in the minority interest was due to the decrease in the net income generated from the Malaysia testing operation due to a decrease in revenue as the result of lesser market demands from our customers.

Net Income/Loss

Net loss was $719 in the first quarter of fiscal 2009, an increase of $1,470 from a net income of $751 for the three months ended September 30, 2008. The loss was mainly due to a decrease in revenue and an increase in operating expenses, which was offset by an increase in other income and a decrease in interest expenses and income tax provision, as previously discussed.

Earnings/Loss per Share

Basic and diluted loss per share for the three months ended September 30, 2008 increased by $0.45 to $0.22, from earnings of $0.23 per basic and diluted per share in the same quarter of the prior fiscal year.

Segment Information

The revenue, gross margin and income from each segment for the first quarter of fiscal 2009 and the first quarter of fiscal 2008, respectively, are presented below. As the segment revenue and gross margin for each segment have been discussed in the previous section, only the comparison of income from operations is discussed below.

Manufacturing Segment

The revenue, gross margin and income from operations for the manufacturing segment for the first quarters of 2009 and 2008 were as follows:

 

Testing Segment

The revenue, gross margin and income from operations for the testing segment for the first quarters of 2009 and 2008 were as follows:

Loss from operations in the testing segment in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 was $222,an increase of $1,240, or 121.8%, compared to an income of $1,018 in the same period of fiscal 2008 primarily due to the loss of  one of our major customer as their product lines reaching the end of its life cycle earlier than expected.  The loss from operations was attributable to a decrease of $1,226 in gross profit due to a drop in testing volume coupled with reducing unit sales price as a result of changes in customers’ demands, and an increase of $14 in operating expenses. Operating expenses were $1,059 and $1,045 for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The increase in operating expenses was mainly due to a reversal of $111 in bonus provision for the first quarter of fiscal 2008, there being no such reversal in the first quarter of fiscal 2009.

Distribution Segment

The revenue, gross margin and loss from operations for the distribution segment for the first quarters of 2009 and 2008 were as follows:

Income from operations in the distribution segment increased by $53 to $31 for the three months ended September 30, 2008, from an operating loss of $22 in the first quarter of fiscal 2008. The increase in operating income was mainly due to a decrease of operating expenses of $55, but offset by a decrease in gross profit of $2 as the result of a decrease in revenue. Operating expenses were negative $4 and $51 for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The decrease in operating expenses was mainly due to a decrease in commission expenses incurred in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 as the result of a decrease in commissionable sales and also a gain of $24 in the selling of property, plant and equipment.

 

Corporate

The income (loss) from operations for corporate for the first quarters of 2009 and 2008 were as follow:

 

Corporate operating loss decreased by $16 to $52 for the three months ended September 30, 2008, from $68 in the same period last fiscal year. The decrease is mainly due to an increase in corporate management fee and a decrease in officers and executive compensation. In March 2008, we increased the corporate management fee which is based on the percentage of revenue imposed on all the subsidiaries due to a decrease in the revenue from oursubsidiaries.  The revenue percentage charged on subsidiaries is a reimbursement to the corporate office to cover its operating expenses. Management reviews this percentage periodically to make sure the amount charged is sufficient to cover its corporate expenses. In terms of dollar amount, there was an increase of $143 in the fees we imposed on all the subsidiaries in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 as compared to the same period of fiscal 2008.

On February 27, 2008, in view of anticipated reductions in service revenue for fiscal 2008, our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and directors voluntarily decreased their base salary to 50% of the base salary agreed to in July 2007. As a result, our compensation for the officers and executives decreased by $99 in the first quarter of fiscal 2009. However, such decrease in corporate expenses was offset by a $238stock options expense in the first quarter of fiscal 2009, there being no such expense in the same period of the last fiscal year.

During the three months ended September 30, 2008, total assets decreased $3,085 from $34,759 at June 30, 2008 to $31,674 at September 30, 2008. The majority of the decrease was in cash, accounts receivables and inventory.

 

At the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2009, total cash and short-term deposits were $13,026, reflecting a decrease of $1,320 from fiscal year-end 2008. The decrease was primarily due to a net loss of $719, a repayment of bank loans and capital lease of $551 and capital expenditures of $659 in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 to acquire machinery equipment as discussed below. 

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets at September 30, 2008 were $195, an increase of $57 from the balance at June 30, 2008, primarily due to increased prepayments to suppliers and an increase in prepaid Singapore Goods and Services Tax related to material purchases according to the related Singapore tax regulations.

 

Property, plant and equipment decreased by $198, from $8,136 at June 30, 2008 to $7,938 at September 30, 2008, due to the depreciation of the Company’s fixed assets in the ordinary course of business. Capital expenditures were $659 for the first quarter of fiscal 2009, compared with $545 for the first quarter of fiscal 2008.  The increase in capital expenditure was mainly due to purchases of machinery and equipment in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 by the Singapore operations in order to meet product specifications from our customers.

Depreciation was $518 for the first quarter of fiscal 2009, compared with $778 for the first quarter of fiscal 2008. The decrease in depreciation expenses was mainly due to the write-off of certain fixed assets in the Singapore and China operations in the third and fourth quarters of fiscal year 2008,  as a result of the termination of a testing service contract with one of our major customers and .change in customers’ demand for certain burn-in testing services.

Other assets were $735 at September 30, 2008, a decrease of $78 from the balance at June 30, 2008. The decrease in other assets was primarily due to a decrease of $4 in the deposit for rental and utilities and a decrease of $74 in the down payment of fixed assets in the Malaysia operation.

 

Net cash provided by operating activities increased by $415 to $33 for the three months ended September 30, 2008 from a net cash outflow of $382 in the same period of last fiscal year. The increase in net cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to the collection of accounts receivable and usage of inventory during this first quarter of fiscal 2009 compared to an increase of accounts receivable and inventory build up for the same period in the prior year.  This was offset by a net loss of $719 and decrease in accounts payable of $1,565 during the first quarter of fiscal 2009.

Net cash used in investing activities decreased by $1,871 to $1,068 for the three months ended September 30, 2008 from $2,939 for the same period of fiscal 2008. In the first quarter of fiscal 2008, we invested RMB 10,000, equivalent to approximately U.S. $1,331 based on the average exchange rate for the three month ended September 30, 2007, in Chongqing, China to jointly develop a piece of property with 24.91 acres with JiaShengProperty Development Co. Ltd. We didnot make a similar investment in the first quarter of fiscal 2009. In the first quarter of 2009, there was an increase of $493 in the investment in short term deposits and an increase of $161 in the proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment. We did not sale any property, plant and equipment in the same period of fiscal 2008.These decreases in the net cash used in investing activities were offset by an increase in capital expenditure of $114 in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 compared with the same period of fiscal 2008.  The increase in capital expenditure was primarily for the purchase of machinery and equipment in the Singapore operations in order to meet customers’ demands.  

Net cash used in financing activities in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 was $548, representing an increase of $3,950 compared to net cash inflow of $3,402 during the first quarter of fiscal 2008.  The increase was due mainly to an increase of $134 in the repayment of bank loans and capital leases, a decrease of $209 in the net borrowings on line of credit and a decrease of $3,610 from the proceeds from long-term bank loans compared with the same period of last fiscal year. We are trying to keep our debt at minimum in order to save financing costs. Our credit rating provides us with ready and adequate access to funds in global markets.  As of September 30, 2008, the Company has an unused line of credit of $15,657. In the first quarter of fiscal 2008, we increased our borrowing from bank loans to meet our daily operation needs and to support future potential expansion opportunities at that time.

We believe we have the necessary financial resources to meet our projected cash requirements for at least the next twelve months.

As the Company suffered a loss in the first quarter of fiscal 2009, the Singapore operations did not fulfill one of the loan covenants conditions, which requires the company to maintain the debt to EBITDA ratio of no more than 2.5 times at all times during the terms of the loan.  As a result, the Company has reclassified the related long term portion of the bank loan of $1,215 to the current portion of the liabilities.  The management has communicated to the bank and requested a waiver of this particular covenant.  As of the filing date of this 10Q report, the bank is still in the process of reviewing the Company’s request.

 

Corporate Guarantee Arrangement

The Company provides a corporate guarantee of approximately $1,745 to one of its subsidiaries in Southeast Asia to secure line-of-credit and term loans from a bank to finance the operations of such subsidiary. With the strong financial position of the subsidiary company, the Company believes this corporate guarantee arrangement will have no material impact on its liquidity or capital resources.

On October 23, 2008, Trio-Tech Chongqing Co., Ltd. entered into a Memorandum Agreement with JiaSheng Property Development Co., Ltd. (“JiaSheng”) to purchase four units of commercial property and two units of residential property, totaling 1,391.70 square meters, at JiaSheng Jingyun Huafu Project located at No. 17 Puyun Avenue in Chongqing, China.  The total cash purchase price to be paid by the Company under the Memorandum Agreement is RMB 7,043 (Chinese yuan) or approximately $1,030 (U.S. dollars) based on the exchange rate as of October 23, 2008 published by the Federal Reserve Statistical Release. Under the terms of the Memorandum Agreement, the Company made a down payment of 10% in cash in the amount of RMB 704 or U.S. $103 in October 2008 and the balance of 90% was paid on November 4, 2008, using internally generated funds of the Company.

There have been no significant changes in the critical accounting polices disclosed in “Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations” included in the most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.

We prepare the consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  The preparation of these financial statements requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Management periodically evaluates the estimates and judgments made.  Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.  Actual results may differ from these estimates as a result of different assumptions or conditions.

Not applicable

 

 

An evaluation was carried out by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of September 30, 2008, the end of the period covered by this Form 10-Q. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures were effective at a reasonable level.  

 

Our internal control system is designed 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 in the United States.  There is no assurance that our disclosure controls or our internal controls over financial reporting can prevent all errors.  An internal control system, no matter how well designed and operated, has inherent limitations, including the possibility of human error.  Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error may occur and not be detected.  We monitor our disclosure controls and internal controls and make modifications as necessary.  Our intent in this regard is that our disclosure controls and our internal controls will improve as systems change and conditions warrant.

 

During the period covered by this report, there have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company’s internal control overall financial reporting.

 

TRIO-TECH INTERNATIONAL

Item 1.    Legal Proceedings

 

          Not applicable

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

 

          Not applicable

Item 2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Malaysian and Singapore regulations prohibit the payment of dividends if the Company does not have sufficient retained earnings and tax credit. In addition, the payment of dividends can only be made after making deductions for income tax pursuant to the regulations. Furthermore, the cash movements from the Company’s 55% owned Malaysian subsidiary to overseas are restricted and must be authorized by the Central Bank of Malaysia. California law also prohibits the payment of dividends if the Company does not have sufficient retained earnings or cannot meet certain asset to liability ratios.

Item 3.    Defaults Upon Senior Securities

                  Not applicable

Item 4.    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

                  Not applicable

Item 5.    Other Information

                  Not applicable

Item 6.     Exhibits

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

                                                                TRIO-TECH INTERNATIONAL

By: /s/ Victor H.M. Ting

      VICTOR H.M. TING

      (Principal Financial Officer)

      Dated: November 14, 2008