Accounting Policies, by Policy (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2023

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States.

Reclassification, Comparability Adjustment [Policy Text Block]

Reclassifications

Certain amounts in the prior period consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the presentation of the current period consolidated financial statements. These reclassifications had no effect on the previously reported net income. Prior period results reflect reclassifications, for comparative purposes, related to the change in the purchase of marketable securities, sales of marketable securities, and changes in values of marketable securities.

Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Principles of Consolidation

Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Taitron Components and its two divisions.

Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Concentration of Risk

A significant number of the products we distribute are manufactured in Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, South Korea and the Philippines. The purchase of goods manufactured in foreign countries is subject to a number of risks, including economic disruptions, transportation delays and interruptions, foreign exchange rate fluctuations, imposition of tariffs and import and export controls and changes in governmental policies, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

The ability to remain competitive with respect to the pricing of imported components could be adversely affected by increases in tariffs or duties, changes in trade treaties, strikes in air or sea transportation, and possible future U.S. legislation with respect to pricing and import quotas on products from foreign countries. For example, it is possible that political or economic developments in China, or with respect to the relationship of the United States with China, could have an adverse effect on our business. Our ability to remain competitive could also be affected by other government actions related to, among other things, anti-dumping legislation and international currency fluctuations. While we do not believe that any of these factors adversely impact our business at present, we cannot provide assurance that these factors will not materially adversely affect us in the future. Any significant disruption in the delivery of merchandise from our suppliers, substantially all of whom are foreign, could also have a material adverse impact on our business and results of operations. Management estimates that over 90% of our products purchased were produced in Asia.

Grand Shine Electronics and Zowie Technology (see also Note 5 – Other Assets) together accounted for approximately 61.2% and 49.1% of our net purchases for each of the fiscal years 2023 and 2022, respectively. However, we do not regard any one supplier as essential to our operations, since equivalent replacements for most of our products are either available from one or more of our other suppliers or are available from various other sources at competitive prices. We believe that, even if we lose our direct relationship with a supplier, there exist alternative sources for a supplier’s products.

We had customers accounting for more than 10% of our net sales. In 2023, we had three customers each for approximately 52%, 14% and 12%, and in 2022, we had two customers each for approximately 46% and 24%.

We had customers accounting for more than 10% of our trade accounts receivable, net of allowances. As of December 31, 2023, we had one customer of approximately 40% and as of December 31, 2022 we had one customer of approximately 78%.

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-Term Investments [Text Block]

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and on deposit at banking institutions as well as all highly liquid short-term investments with original maturities of 90 days or less. Our cash equivalents are comprised primarily of money market investments. Our deposit accounts are not insured, however, we do not believe there is a significant credit risk with respect to the non-performance of these institutions based on their respective creditworthiness and liquidity.

Certificates of Deposit

Certificates of deposit are included in cash equivalents and consist of restricted cash invested in bank time deposits. They are valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair value and included as a Level 2 measurement in the following Fair Value Measurements table below.

Short-term Investments

Short-term investments consist of equity securities in publicly-traded companies and are classified as short-term based on the nature of the securities and their availability for use in current operations. Measurement is based on fair value with both realized and unrealized gains and losses recorded in other income (expense), net on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.

Revenue from Contract with Customer [Policy Text Block]

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue from contracts with customers in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) ASC Topic 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“ASC 606”). Revenue is recognized at the point at which control of the underlying products are transferred to the customer. Satisfaction of our performance obligations occur upon the transfer of control of products, either from our facilities or directly from suppliers to customers. We consider customer purchase orders to be the contracts with a customer. All revenue is generated from contracts with customers. Reserves for sales allowances and customer returns are established based upon historical experience and management’s estimates of future returns. Sales returns for each of the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 amounted to $0.

Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Business Segments

We operate in one industry, the business of supplying ODM products and electronic components. Management designates the internal reporting used by the chief executive officer for making decisions and assessing performance as the source of our reportable segments. See Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements Geographic Information, for additional information.

Revenue [Policy Text Block]

Nature of products

We are primarily a supplier of original designed and manufactured (ODM) products that include value-added engineering and turn-key solutions. The following is a description of major products lines from which we generate our revenue:

ODM Projects - Our custom made small devices for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and contract electronic manufacturers (CEMs) in their multi-year turn-key projects and marketed in specific industries such as: wild animal feeders, timers for DC motors, public street light controllers, and battery chargers.

ODM Components - Our private labeled electronic components.

Distribution Components - Our name brand electronic components.

Disaggregation of revenue

In the following table, revenue is disaggregated by primary geographical market, major product line, and timing of revenue recognition.

	Twelve Months Ended December 31,
	2023		2022
Primary geographical markets:
United States	$	5,753,000	$	8,099,000
Asia		327,000		298,000
Other		28,000		26,000
		6,108,000		8,423,000
Major product lines:
ODM projects	$	3,900,000	$	5,986,000
ODM components		2,149,000		2,296,000
Distribution components		59,000		141,000
		6,108,000		8,423,000
Timing of revenue recognition:
Products transferred at a point in time	$	6,108,000	$	8,423,000

Receivable [Policy Text Block]

Allowances for Sales Returns and Doubtful Accounts

Sales Returns - We may, on a case-by-case basis, accept returns of products from our customers, without restocking charges, when they can demonstrate an acceptable cause for the return. Requests by a distributor to return products purchased for its own inventory generally are not included under this policy. We may, on a case-by-case basis, accept returns of products upon payment of a restocking fee, which is generally 10% to 30% of the net sales price. We will not accept returns of any products that were special-ordered by a customer or that otherwise are not generally included in our inventory.

Doubtful Accounts - Accounts receivable are recorded at net realizable value or the amount we expect to collect on gross customer trade receivables. We evaluate the collectability of our accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. If we become aware of a customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations after a sale has occurred, we record an allowance to reduce the net receivable to the amount we reasonably believe we will be able to collect from the customer. For all other customers, we recognize allowances for doubtful accounts based on the length of time the receivables are past due, the current business environment and historical experience. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate or if economic conditions worsen, additional allowances may be required in the future. All of our accounts receivables are trade-related receivables.

The allowances for sales returns and doubtful accounts at December 31, 2023 and 2022 amounted to $7,000.

Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Inventory

Inventory, consisting principally of products held for resale, is stated at the lower of cost, using the first-in, first-out method, and net realizable value. The amount presented in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets is net of valuation allowances of 5,141,000 and $5,069,000 at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Based upon regular evaluations of inventory to identify costs in excess of the lower of cost and net realizable value, slow-moving inventory and potential obsolescence, we increased our reserves by $74,000 and $180,000 during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, while also applying $2,000 and $3,000 of our existing reserves to the underlying inventory values during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively (see Note 3 – Inventory).

Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment are computed principally using accelerated and straight-line methods using lives from 5 to 7 years for furniture, equipment, computer software and hardware and 31.5 years for building and building improvements. Property and equipment amortized using an accelerated method does not result in a material difference over the straight-line method. Renewals and betterments, which extend the life of an existing asset, are capitalized while normal repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.

Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Investments

Investments are accounted for using the equity method if the investment provides us the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over an investee. Significant influence is generally deemed to exist if we have an ownership interest in the voting stock of the investee between 20% and 50%, although other factors, such as representation on the investee's Board of Directors, are considered in determining whether the equity method is appropriate.

All other equity investments, which consist of investments for which we do not possess the ability to exercise significant influence, are accounted for under the cost method. Under the cost method of accounting, investments are carried at cost and are adjusted only for other-than-temporary declines in realizable value and additional investments.

Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of

In accordance with ASC 360, we evaluate long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their net book value may not be recoverable. When such factors and circumstances exist, we compare the projected undiscounted future cash flows associated with the related asset or group of assets over their estimated useful lives against their respective carrying amount. Impairment, if any, is based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value, based on market value when available, or discounted expected cash flows, of those assets and is recorded in the period in which the determination is made. We currently believe there is no impairment of our long-lived assets. There can be no assurance, however, that market conditions will not change or demand for our products under development will continue. Either of these could result in future impairment of long-lived assets.

Cost of Goods and Service [Policy Text Block]

Shipping Activities

Outbound shipping charges to customers are included in “Net sales”. Outbound shipping-related costs are included in “Cost of products sold”.

Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Policy Text Block]

Stock-Based Compensation

We account for all share-based compensation in accordance ASC 718-20. Stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the estimated fair value of the award, and is recognized as expense over the requisite vesting period.

Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Income Taxes

We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which the temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are recorded, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

ASC 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”), which clarifies the accounting and disclosure for uncertainty in tax positions, as defined, seeks to reduce the diversity in practice associated with certain aspects of the recognition and measurement related to accounting for income taxes. We adopted the provisions of ASC 740 as of January 1, 2007, and have analysed filing positions in each of the federal and state jurisdictions where we are required to file income tax returns, as well as all open tax years in these jurisdictions. We have identified the U.S. federal and California as our "major" tax jurisdictions. With limited exceptions, we remain subject to Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) examination of our income tax returns filed within the last three (3) years, and to California Franchise Tax Board examination of our income tax returns filed within the last four (4) years. However, we have certain tax attribute carryforwards which will remain subject to review and adjustment by the relevant tax authorities until the statute of limitations closes with respect to the year in which such attributes are utilized.

We believe that our income tax filing positions and deductions will be sustained on audit and do not anticipate any adjustments that will result in a material change to our financial position. Therefore, no reserves for uncertain income tax positions have been recorded pursuant to ASC 740. Our policy for recording interest and penalties associated with income-based tax audits is to record such items as a component of income taxes.

Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Fair Value Measurements

When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities required or permitted to be recorded at fair value, we consider the principal or most advantageous market in which we would transact and consider assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, such as inherent risk, transfer restrictions, and risk of nonperformance. We use the following three levels of inputs in determining the fair value of our assets and liabilities, focusing on the most observable inputs when available:

● Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.

● Level 2 - Quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

● Level 3 - Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable.

To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement is disclosed is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

The following tables presents assets (liabilities) measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

	As of December 31, 2023
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Certificates of deposit				199,000				199,000
U.S. Treasury securities				197,000				197,000
Mortgage-backed securities				50,000				50,000
Corporate debt securities				198,000				198,000
Marketable securities		2,986,000		-		-		2,986,000
	$	2,986,000	$	644,000	$	-	$	3,630,000

	As of December 31, 2022
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Marketable securities		2,034,000		-		-		2,034,000
	$	2,034,000	$	-	$	-	$	2,034,000

Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Net Income Per Share

Basic income per share is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted income per share includes potentially dilutive securities such as outstanding options and warrants, using the treasury stock method in the determination of dilutive shares outstanding during each reporting period.

Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block]

Foreign Currency Translation

The financial statements of our divisions in Taiwan and China are translated from the Taiwanese Dollar and the Chinese Yuan, respectively, into U.S. dollars for financial reporting purposes. Balance sheet accounts are translated at year-end or historical rates while income and expenses are translated at weighted-average exchange rates for the year. Translation gains or losses related to net assets are shown as a separate component of shareholders’ equity as accumulated other comprehensive loss. Gains and losses resulting from realized foreign currency transactions (transactions denominated in a currency other than the entities’ functional currency) are included in operations. The transactional gains and losses are not significant to the consolidated financial statements.

Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Use of Estimates

Our management has made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities to prepare these consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These estimates have a significant impact on our valuation and reserve accounts relating to income taxes, the allowance for sales returns and allowances, doubtful accounts and inventory reserves. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. This ASU enhances the disclosures related to segment reporting for public entities. It requires entities to disclose significant segment expenses for each reportable segment, providing greater transparency in segment performance. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and for interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating how this ASU will impact its consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. This ASU enhances the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures. It is designed to provide more detailed information about an entity’s income tax expenses, liabilities, and deferred tax items, potentially affecting how companies report and disclose their income tax-related information. The ASU is effective for public business entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating how this ASU will impact its consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

Management does not believe any other recently issued, but not yet effective accounting pronouncements would have a material effect on our present or future consolidated financial statements.