BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

12 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2019

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation - 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 Asia. In addition, TTI operates testing facilities in the U.S. 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. In fiscal 2019, TTI conducted business in the foregoing four segments: Manufacturing (assembly), Testing Services, Distribution and Real Estate. TTI has subsidiaries in the U.S., Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and China as follows:

	Ownership	Location
Express Test Corporation (Dormant)	100%	Van Nuys, California
Trio-Tech Reliability Services (Dormant)	100%	Van Nuys, California
KTS Incorporated, dba Universal Systems (Dormant)	100%	Van Nuys, California
European Electronic Test Centre (Dormant)	100%	Dublin, Ireland
Trio-Tech International Pte. Ltd.	100%	Singapore
Universal (Far East) Pte. Ltd.  *	100%	Singapore
Trio-Tech International (Thailand) Co. Ltd. *	100%	Bangkok, Thailand
Trio-Tech (Bangkok) Co. Ltd.	100%	Bangkok, Thailand
(49% owned by Trio-Tech International Pte. Ltd. and 51% owned by Trio-Tech International (Thailand) Co. Ltd.)
Trio-Tech (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. (55% owned by Trio-Tech International Pte. Ltd.)	55%	Penang and Selangor, Malaysia
Trio-Tech (Kuala Lumpur) Sdn. Bhd.	55%	Selangor, Malaysia
(100% owned by Trio-Tech Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.)
Prestal Enterprise Sdn. Bhd.	76%	Selangor, Malaysia
(76% owned by Trio-Tech International Pte. Ltd.)
Trio-Tech (SIP) Co., Ltd. *	100%	Suzhou, China
Trio-Tech (Chongqing) Co. Ltd. *	100%	Chongqing, China
SHI International Pte. Ltd. (Dormant) (55% owned by Trio-Tech International Pte. Ltd)	55%	Singapore
PT SHI Indonesia (Dormant) (100% owned by SHI International Pte. Ltd.)	55%	Batam, Indonesia
Trio-Tech (Tianjin) Co., Ltd. *	100%	Tianjin, China

* 100% owned by Trio-Tech International Pte. Ltd.

The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP’’). The basis of accounting differs from that used in the statutory financial statements of the Company’s subsidiaries and equity investee companies, which are prepared in accordance with the accounting principles generally accepted in their respective countries of incorporation. In the opinion of management, the consolidated financial statements have reflected all costs incurred by the Company and its subsidiaries in operating the business.

All dollar amounts in the financial statements and in the notes herein are presented in thousands of United States dollars (US$’000) unless otherwise designated.

Liquidity – The Company earned net income attributable to common shareholders of $1,545 and $1,184 for fiscal years 2019 and 2018, respectively.

The Company’s core businesses - testing services, manufacturing (assembly) and distribution - operate in a volatile industry, whereby its average selling prices and product costs are influenced by competitive factors. These factors create pressures on sales, costs, earnings and cash flows, which will impact liquidity.  

Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions — The U.S. dollar is the functional currency of the U.S. parent company. The Singapore dollar, the national currency of Singapore, is the primary currency of the economic environment in which the operations in Singapore are conducted. The Company also has business entities in Malaysia, Thailand and China, of which the Malaysian ringgit (“RM”), Thai baht, Chinese renminbi (“RMB”) and Indonesian rupiah, are the national currencies. The Company uses the U.S. dollar for financial reporting purposes.

The Company translates assets and liabilities of its subsidiaries outside the U.S. into U.S. dollars using the rate of exchange prevailing at the fiscal year end, and the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income or loss is translated at average rates during the reporting period. Adjustments resulting from the translation of the subsidiaries’ financial statements from foreign currencies into U.S. dollars are recorded in shareholders' equity as part of accumulated other comprehensive gain - translation adjustments. Gains or losses resulting from transactions denominated in currencies other than functional currencies of the Company’s subsidiaries are reflected in income for the reporting period.

Use of Estimates — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Among the more significant estimates included in these financial statements are the estimated allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, reserve for obsolete inventory, reserve for warranty, impairments and the deferred income tax asset allowance. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates.

Revenue Recognition — On July 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU No. 2014-09, ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC Topic 606”). This standard update outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. We adopted using the modified retrospective method applied to all contracts that were not completed contracts at the date of initial application (i.e. July 1, 2019). Results for reporting periods after July 1, 2019 are presented under ASC Topic 606, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the Company’s historic accounting under ASC Topic 605.

We apply a five-step approach as defined in ASC Topic 606 in determining the amount and timing of revenue to be recognized: (1) identifying the contract with customer; (2) identifying the performance obligations in the contracts; (3) determining the transaction price; (4) allocating the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognizing revenue when the corresponding performance obligation is satisfied.

Revenue derived from testing services is recognized when testing services are rendered. Revenue generated from sale of products in the manufacturing and distribution segments are recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery of the products has occurred, customer acceptance has been obtained (which means the significant risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to the customer), the price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Certain customers can request for installation and training services to be performed for certain products sold in the manufacturing segment. These services are mainly on helping customers with the test runs of the machines sold and are considered a separate performance obligation. Such services can be provided by other entities as well and these do not significantly modify the product. The Company recognizes the revenue at point in time when the Company has satisfied its performance obligation.

In the real estate segment: (1) revenue from property development is earned and recognized on the earlier of the dates when the underlying property is sold or upon the maturity of the agreement; if this amount is uncollectible, the agreement empowers the repossession of the property, and (2) rental revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the respective leases. This means that, with respect to a particular lease, actual amounts billed in accordance with the lease during any given period may be higher or lower than the amount of rental revenue recognized for the period. Straight-line rental revenue is commenced when the tenant assumes possession of the leased premises. Accrued straight-line rents receivable represents the amount by which straight-line rental revenue exceeds rents currently billed in accordance with lease agreements.

GST / Indirect Taxes — The Company’s policy is to present taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities on a net basis. The Company records the amounts collected as a current liability and relieves such liability upon remittance to the taxing authority without impacting revenues or expenses.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts — During the normal course of business, the Company extends unsecured credit to its customers in all segments. Typically, credit terms require payment to be made between 30 to 90 days from the date of the sale. The Company generally does not require collateral from our customers.

The Company’s management considers the following factors when determining the collectability of specific customer accounts: customer credit-worthiness, past transaction history with the customer, current economic industry trends, and changes in customer payment terms. The Company includes any account balances that are determined to be uncollectible, along with a general reserve, in the overall 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 management, the Company believed that its allowance for doubtful accounts was adequate as of June 30, 2019 and 2018.

Warranty Costs — The Company provides for the estimated costs that may be incurred under its warranty program at the time the sale is recorded in its manufacturing segment. The Company estimates 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.

Cash and Cash Equivalents — The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.

Term Deposits — Term deposits consist of bank balances and interest-bearing deposits having maturities of 3 to 6 months. As of June 30, 2019, theCompany held approximately $1,426 of unrestricted term deposits in the Company’s Malaysia subsidiary and $113 of unrestricted term deposits in the Company’s 100% owned Thailand subsidiary, which were denominated in RM and Thai baht, as compared to $548 and $105 as of June 30, 2018. As of June 30, 2019, the Company held approximately $1,876 of unrestricted term deposits in the Company’s 100% owned Trio-Tech International Pte. Ltd., which were denominated in Singapore currency, and $728 of unrestricted term deposits in the Company’s 100% owned China subsidiary, which were denominated in RMB.

Restricted Term Deposits — The Company held certain term deposits in the Singapore and Malaysia operations which were considered restricted as they were held as security against certain facilities granted by the financial institutions. As of June 30, 2019 the Company held approximately $1,478 of restricted term deposits in the Company’s 100% owned Trio-Tech International Pte. Ltd., which were denominated in Singapore currency, and $228 of restricted term deposits in the Company’s 55% owned Malaysian subsidiary, which were denominated in RM, as compared to June 30, 2018 when the Company held approximately $1,468 of restricted term deposits in the Company’s 100% owned Trio-Tech International Pte. Ltd., which were denominated in Singapore currency, and $227 of restricted term deposits in the Company’s 55% owned Malaysian subsidiary, which were denominated in the currency of Malaysia.

Inventories — Inventories in the Company’s manufacturing and distribution segments consisting principally of raw materials, works in progress, and finished goods are stated at the lower of cost, using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method, or market value. The semiconductor industry is characterized by rapid technological change, short-term customer commitments and rapid changes in demand. Provisions for estimated excess and obsolete inventory are based on our regular reviews of inventory quantities on hand and the latest forecasts of product demand and production requirements from our customers. Inventories are written down for not saleable, excess or obsolete raw materials, works-in-process and finished goods by charging such write-downs to cost of sales. In addition to write-downs based on newly introduced parts, statistics and judgments are used for assessing provisions of the remaining inventory based on salability and obsolescence.

Property, Plant and Equipment & Investment Property — Property, plant and equipment, and investment property are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is provided for over the estimated useful lives of the assets using the straight-line method. Amortization of leasehold improvements is provided for over the lease terms or the estimated useful lives of the assets, whichever is shorter, using the straight-line method.

Maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are charged directly to expense as incurred. Additions and improvements to the assets are capitalized. When assets are disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation thereon are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is included in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income or loss.

Long-Lived Assets and Impairment – The Company’s business requires heavy investment in manufacturing facilities and equipment that are technologically advanced but can quickly become significantly under-utilized or rendered obsolete by rapid changes in demand.

The Company evaluates the long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and investment property, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. Factors considered important that could result in an impairment review include significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results, significant changes in the manner of use of the assets or the strategy for our business, significant negative industry or economic trends, and a significant decline in the stock price for a sustained period of time. Impairment is recognized based on the difference between the fair value of the asset and its carrying value, and fair value is generally measured based on discounted cash flow analysis, if there is significant adverse change.

The Company applies the provisions of ASC Topic 360, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets (“ASC Topic 360”), to property, plant and equipment. ASC Topic 360 requires that long-lived assets be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable through the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the assets. Whenever any such impairment exists, an impairment loss will be recognized for the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value.

Leases — The Company leases certain property, plant and equipment in the ordinary course of business. The leases have varying terms. Some may have included renewal and/or purchase options, escalation clauses, restrictions, penalties or other obligations that the Company considered in determining minimum lease payments. The leases were classified as either capital leases or operating leases, in accordance with ASC Topic 840, Accounting for Leases (“ASC Topic 840”). The Company records monthly rental expense equal to the total amount of the payments due in the reporting period over the lease term in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The difference between rental expense recorded and the amount paid is credited or charged to deferred rent, which is included in accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

The Company’s management expects that in the normal course of business, operating leases will be renewed or replaced by other leases. The future minimum operating lease payments, for which the Company is contractually obligated as of June 30, 2019, are disclosed in these notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Assets under capital leases are capitalized using interest rates appropriate at the inception of each lease and are depreciated over either the estimated useful life of the asset or the lease term on a straight-line basis. The present value of the related lease payments is recorded as a contractual obligation. The future minimum annual capital lease payments are included in the total future contractual obligations as disclosed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Comprehensive Income or Loss — ASC Topic 220, Reporting Comprehensive Income, (“ASC Topic 220”), establishes standards for reporting and presentation of comprehensive income or loss and its components in a full set of general-purpose financial statements. The Company has chosen to report comprehensive income or loss in the statements of operations. Comprehensive income or loss is comprised of net income or loss and all changes to shareholders’ equity except those due to investments by owners and distributions to owners.

Income Taxes — The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method in accordance with ASC Topic 740, Accounting for Income Taxes (“ASC Topic 740”). ASC Topic 740 requires an entity to recognize deferred tax liabilities and assets. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequence attributable to the difference between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements, which will result in taxable or deductible amounts in future years. Further, the effects of enacted tax laws or rate changes are included as part of deferred tax expenses or benefits in the period that covers the enactment date.

The calculation of tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex global tax regulations. The Company recognizes potential liabilities for anticipated tax audit issues in the U.S. and other tax jurisdictions based on its estimate of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes will be due. If payment of these amounts ultimately proves to be unnecessary, the reversal of the liabilities would result in tax benefits being recognized in the period when the Company determines the liabilities are no longer necessary. If the estimate of tax liabilities proves to be less than the ultimate assessment, a further charge to expense would result.

Retained Earnings — It is the intention of the Company to reinvest earnings of its foreign subsidiaries in the operations of those subsidiaries. These taxes are undeterminable at this time. The amount of earnings retained in subsidiaries was $14,019 and $12,393 at June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Research and Development Costs — The Company incurred research and development costs of $345 and $451 in fiscal year 2019 and in fiscal year 2018, respectively, which were charged to operating expenses as incurred.

Stock Based Compensation — Under ASC Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation (“ASC Topic 718”), stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the estimated fair value of the award using an option pricing model for stock options (Black-Scholes) and market price for restricted stock units, and is recognized as expense over the employee’s requisite service period.

Earnings per Share — Computation of basic earnings per share is conducted by dividing net income available to common shares (numerator) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding (denominator) during a reporting period. Computation of diluted earnings per share gives effect to all dilutive potential common shares outstanding during a reporting period. In computing diluted earnings per share, the average market price of common shares for a reporting period is used in determining the number of shares assumed to be purchased from the exercise of stock options.

Fair Values of Financial Instruments — Carrying values of trade accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses, and term deposits approximate their fair value due to their short-term maturities. Carrying values of the Company’s lines of credit and long-term debt are considered to approximate their fair value because the interest rates associated with the lines of credit and long-term debt are adjustable in accordance with market situations when the Company tries to borrow funds with similar terms and remaining maturities. See Note 17 for detailed discussion of the fair value measurement of financial instruments.

ASC Topic 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The financial assets and financial liabilities that require recognition under the guidance include available-for-sale investments, employee deferred compensation plan and foreign currency derivatives. The guidance establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of us. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect our assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available under the circumstances. As such, fair value is a market-based measure considered from the perspective of a market participant who holds the asset or owes the liability rather than an entity-specific measure. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the reliability of inputs as follows:

● Level 1—Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access. Since valuations are based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available in an active market, valuation of these products does not entail a significant degree of judgment. Financial assets utilizing Level 1 inputs include U.S. treasuries, most money market funds, marketable equity securities and our employee deferred compensation plan;

● Level 2—Valuations based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, directly or indirectly. Financial assets and liabilities utilizing Level 2 inputs include foreign currency forward exchange contracts, most commercial paper and corporate notes and bonds; and

● Level 3—Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. Financial assets utilizing Level 3 inputs primarily include auction rate securities. We use an income approach valuation model to estimate the exit price of the auction rate securities, which is derived as the weighted-average present value of expected cash flows over various periods of illiquidity, using a risk adjusted discount rate that is based on the credit risk and liquidity risk of the securities.

Concentration of Credit Risk — Financial instruments that subject the Company to credit risk compose of trade accounts receivable. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers for potential credit losses. The Company generally does not require collateral. The Company believes that its credit policies do not result in significant adverse risk and historically it has not experienced significant credit related losses.

Investments — The Company analyzes its investments to determine if it is a variable interest entity (a “VIE”) and would require consolidation. The Company (a) evaluates the sufficiency of the total equity at risk, (b) reviews the voting rights and decision-making authority of the equity investment holders as a group, and whether there are any guaranteed returns, protection against losses, or capping of residual returns within the group, and (c) establishes whether activities within the venture are on behalf of an investor with disproportionately few voting rights in making this VIE determination. The Company would consolidate an investment that is determined to be a VIE if it was the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is determined by a primarily qualitative approach, whereby the variable interest holder, if any, has the power to direct the VIE’s most significant activities and is the primary beneficiary. A new accounting standard became effective and changed the method by which the primary beneficiary of a VIE is determined. Through a primarily qualitative approach, whereby the variable interest holder, if any, who has the power to direct the VIE’s most significant activities and is the primary beneficiary. To the extent that the investment does not qualify as VIE, the Company further assesses the existence of a controlling financial interest under a voting interest model to determine whether the investment should be consolidated.

Equity Method — The Company analyzes its investments to determine if they should be accounted for using the equity method. Management evaluates both Common Stock and in-substance Common Stock to determine whether they give the Company the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies of the investment even though the Company holds less than 50% of the Common Stock and in-substance Common Stock. The net income of the investment, if any, will be reported as “Equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures, net of tax” in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.

Cost Method — Investee companies not accounted for under the consolidation or the equity method of accounting are accounted for under the cost method of accounting. Under this method, the Company’s share of the earnings or losses of such Investee companies is not included in the consolidated balance sheet or statements of operations and comprehensive income or loss. However, impairment charges are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income or loss. If circumstances suggest that the value of the investee Company has subsequently recovered, such recovery is not recorded.

Loan Receivables from Property Development Projects — The loan receivables from property development projects are classified as current asset, carried at face value and are individually evaluated for impairment. The allowance for loan losses reflects management’s best estimate of probable losses determined principally on the basis of historical experience and specific allowances for known loan accounts. All loans or portions thereof deemed to be uncollectible or to require an excessive collection cost are written off to the allowance for losses.

Interest income on the loan receivables from property development projects are recognized on an accrual basis. Discounts and premiums on loans are amortized to income using the interest method over the remaining period to contractual maturity. The amortization of discounts into income is discontinued on loans that are contractually 90 days past due or when collection of interest appears doubtful.

Contingent Liabilities — Certain conditions may exist as of the date the financial statements are issued, which may result in a loss to the Company, but which will only be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. The Company’s management and its legal counsel assess such contingent liabilities, and such assessment inherently involves an exercise of judgment. In assessing loss contingencies related to legal proceedings that are pending against the Company or un-asserted claims that may result in such proceedings, the Company’s legal counsel evaluates the perceived merits of any legal proceedings or un-asserted claims as well as the perceived merits of the amount of relief sought or expected to be sought therein.

If the assessment of a contingency indicates that it is probable that a material loss has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be estimated, then the estimated liability would be accrued in the Company’s financial statements. If the assessment indicates that a potentially material loss contingency is not probable, but is reasonably possible, or is probable but cannot be estimated, then the nature of the contingent liability, together with an estimate of the range of possible loss if determinable and material, would be disclosed.

Loss contingencies considered remote are generally not disclosed unless they involve guarantees, in which case the nature of the guarantee would be disclosed.