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HIGHPOWER INTERNATIONAL, INC. - 10-Q - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations(Edgar Glimpses Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) The following discussion relates to the financial condition and results of operations of Highpower International, Inc. (the "Company") and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Hong Kong Highpower Technology Company Limited ("HKHTC"), HKHTC's wholly-owned subsidiaries Shenzhen Highpower Technology Company Limited ("SZ Highpower"), Icon Energy System Company Limited ("ICON") and Highpower Energy Technology (Huizhou) Company limited ("HZ Highpower"), which has not yet commenced operations; SZ Highpower's wholly-owned subsidiary, Huizhou Highpower Technology Company Limited ("HZ HTC") and its 60%-owned subsidiary Ganzhou Highpower Technology Company Limited ("GZ Highpower"); and SZ Highpower's and HKHTC's jointly owned subsidiary, Springpower Technology (Shenzhen) Company Limited ("SZ Springpower"). Forward-Looking Statements This management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our unaudited consolidated financial statements and the related notes that are included in this Quarterly Report and the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 (the "Annual Report"). This report contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements other than historical facts contained in this report, including statements regarding our future financial position, results of operations, cash flows, business strategy and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. The words "anticipates," "believes," "expects," "plans," "intends," "seeks," "estimates," "projects," "predicts," "could," "should," "would," "will," "may," "might," and similar expressions, or the negative of such expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect management's current views with respect to future events and financial performance and involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, the current economic downturn and uncertainty in the European economy adversely affecting demand for our products; fluctuations in the cost of raw materials; our dependence on, or inability to attract additional, major customers for a significant portion of our net sales; our ability to increase manufacturing capabilities to satisfy orders from new customers; our ability to maintain increased margins; changes in the laws of the PRC that affect our operations; our ability to complete construction of and to begin manufacturing operations at our new manufacturing facilities on time; our ability to control operating expenses and costs related to the construction of our new manufacturing facilities; the devaluation of the U.S. Dollar relative to the Renminbi; our dependence on the growth in demand for portable electronic devices and the success of manufacturers of the end applications that use our battery products; our responsiveness to competitive market conditions; our ability to successfully manufacture our products in the time frame and amounts expected; the market acceptance of our battery products, including our lithium products; our ability to successfully develop products for and penetrate the electric transportation market; our ability to continue R&D development to keep up with technological changes; our exposure to product liability, safety, and defect claims; rising labor costs, volatile metal prices, and inflation; changes in foreign, political, social, business and economic conditions that affect our production capabilities or demand for our products; and various other matters, many of which are beyond our control. Actual results may vary materially and adversely from those anticipated, believed, estimated or otherwise indicated should one or more of these risks or uncertainties occur or if any of the risks or uncertainties described elsewhere in this report or in the "Risk Factors" section of our Annual Report occur. Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this filing are qualified by these cautionary statements and there can be no assurance of the actual results or developments. Overview Highpower was incorporated in the state of Delaware on January 3, 2006 and was originally organized as a "blank check" shell company to investigate and acquire a target company or business seeking the perceived advantages of being a publicly held corporation. On November 2, 2007, we closed a share exchange transaction, pursuant to which we (i) became the 100% parent of HKHTC and its wholly-owned subsidiary, SZ Highpower, (ii) assumed the operations of HKHTC and its subsidiary and (iii) changed our name to Hong Kong Highpower Technology, Inc. We subsequently changed our name to Highpower International, Inc. in October 2010. 33 HKHTC was incorporated in Hong Kong in 2003 under the Companies Ordinance of Hong Kong. HKHTC formed HZ Highpower and SZ Springpower in 2008. HZ Highpower has not yet commenced business operations as of August 12, 2014. On October 8, 2013, SZ Springpower further increased its registered capital to $15,000,000. SZ Highpower holds 69.97% of the equity interest of SZ Springpower, and HKHTC holds the remaining 30.03%. In February 2011, HKHTC formed another wholly-owned subsidiary, Icon Energy System Company Limited, a company organized under the laws of the PRC, which commenced operations in July 2011. SZ Highpower was founded in 2001 in the PRC. SZ Highpower formed GZ Highpower in September 2010. As of June 30, 2014, the paid-in capital of GZ Highpower was RMB30,000,000 ($4,807,847). SZ Highpower holds 60% of the equity interest of GZ Highpower, and the four founding management members of GZ Highpower hold the remaining 40%. SZ Highpower formed HZ HTC in March 2012, which engages in the manufacture of batteries. Through SZ Highpower, we manufacture Nickel Metal Hydride ("Ni-MH") batteries for both consumer and industrial applications. We have developed significant expertise in Ni-MH battery technology and large-scale manufacturing that enables us to improve the quality of our battery products, reduce costs, and keep pace with evolving industry standards. In 2008, we commenced manufacturing two lines of Lithium-Ion ("Li-ion") and Lithium polymer rechargeable batteries through SZ Springpower for higher-end, high-performance applications, such as laptops, digital cameras and wireless communication products. Our automated machinery allows us to process key aspects of the manufacturing process to ensure high uniformity and precision, while leaving the non-key aspects of the manufacturing process to manual labor. We employ a broad network of sales staff in China and Hong Kong, which target key customers by arranging in-person sales presentations and providing post-sale services. The sales staff works with our customers to better address customers' needs. Critical Accounting Policies, Estimates and Assumptions The Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") defines critical accounting policies as those that are, in management's view, most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and those that require significant judgments and estimates. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires our management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, as well as the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our financial statements. We base our estimates on historical experience, actuarial valuations and various other factors that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Some of those judgments can be subjective and complex and, consequently, actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. While for any given estimate or assumption made by our management there may be other estimates or assumptions that are reasonable, we believe that, given the current facts and circumstances, it is unlikely that applying any such other reasonable estimate or assumption would materially impact the financial statements. The accounting principles we utilized in preparing our consolidated financial statements conform in all material respects to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include, but are not limited to, revenues; the allowance for doubtful receivables; recoverability of the carrying amount of inventory; fair values of financial instruments; and the assessment of deferred tax assets or liabilities. These estimates are often based on complex judgments and assumptions that management believes to be reasonable but are inherently uncertain and unpredictable. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Accounts Receivable. Accounts receivable are stated at original amount less allowance made for doubtful receivables, if any, based on a review of all outstanding amounts at the period end. An allowance is also made when there is objective evidence that the Company will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of receivables. Bad debts are written off when identified. The Company extends unsecured credit to customers in the normal course of business and believes all accounts receivable in excess of the allowances for doubtful receivables to be fully collectible. The Company does not accrue interest on trade accounts receivable. 34 Revenue Recognition. The Company recognizes revenue when all of the following criteria exist: (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; (2) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered; (3) price to the buyer is fixed or determinable; and (4) collectability is reasonably assured. The Company does not have arrangements for returns from customers and does not have any future obligations directly or indirectly related to product resale by the customer. We have no incentive programs. Inventories. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value. Costs are determined on a weighted-average method. Inventory includes raw materials, packing materials, work-in-process, consumables and finished goods. The variable production overhead is allocated to each unit of production on the basis of the actual use of the production facilities. The allocation of fixed production overhead to the costs of conversion is based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. Income Taxes. The Company recognizes deferred assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements or tax returns. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized for the consequences in future years of differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts at each period end based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions. Highpower International's functional currency is the United States dollar ("US$"). HKHTC's functional currency is the Hong Kong dollar ("HK$"). The functional currency of the Company's subsidiaries in the PRC is the Renminbi ("RMB"). At the date a foreign currency transaction is recognized, each asset, liability, revenue, expense, gain, or loss arising from the transaction is measured initially in the functional currency of the recording entity by use of the exchange rate in effect at that date. The increase or decrease in expected functional currency cash flows upon settlement of a transaction resulting from a change in exchange rates between the functional currency and the currency in which the transaction is denominated is recognized as foreign currency transaction gain or loss that is included in determining net income for the period in which the exchange rate changes. At each balance sheet date, recorded balances that are denominated in a foreign currency are adjusted to reflect the current exchange rate. The Company's reporting currency is the US$. Assets and liabilities of HKHTC and the PRC subsidiaries are translated at the current exchange rate at the balance sheet dates, revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates during the reporting periods, and equity accounts are translated at historical rates. Translation adjustments are reported in other comprehensive income. Results of Operations Three Months Ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 Net sales for the three months ended June 30, 2014 were $38.1 million compared to $31.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013, an increase of $7.0 million, or 22.3%. The increase was due to a $5.2 million increase in net sales of our lithium batteries (resulting from a 28.8% increase in the volume of batteries sold and an 10.2% increase in the average selling price of such batteries) and a $1.3 million increase in net sales of our Ni-MH batteries (resulting from a 18.2% increase in the number of Ni-MH battery units sold which was partly offset a 9.3% decrease in the average selling price of such batteries), and a $486,699 increase in revenue from our new material business. The increase in the number of Ni-MH battery units sold in the three months ended June 30, 2014 was primarily attributable to increased orders from our new customers and the increase in the volume of lithium batteries sold in the three months ended June 30, 2014 was primarily attributable growth in global demand for mobile and portable products, and electrical vehicles. Cost of sales mainly consists of nickel, cobalt, lithium derived materials, labor, and overhead. Costs of sales were $30.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, as compared to $25.4 million for the comparable period in 2013. As a percentage of net sales, cost of sales decreased to 79.7% for the three months ended June 30, 2014 compared to 81.6% for the comparable period in 2013. This decrease was attributable to increase in the average selling price of lithium batteries. 35 Gross profit for the three months ended June 30, 2014 was $7.7 million, or 20.3% of net sales, compared to $5.7 million, or 18.4% of net sales for the comparable period in 2013. Management considers gross profit margin a key performance indicator in managing our business. Gross profit margins are usually a factor of cost of sales, product mix and demand for product. This increase was attributable to increase in the average selling price of lithium batteries. To cope with pressure on our gross margins we control production costs by preparing budgets for each department and comparing actual costs with our budgeted figures monthly and quarterly. Additionally, we have reorganized the Company's production structure and have focused more attention on employee training to enhance efficiency. We also intend to expand our market share by investing in greater promotion of our products in regions such as the U.S., Russia, Europe and India, and by expanding our sales team with more experienced sales personnel. We have also begun production capacity expansion for our lithium batteries business to take advantage of the strong demand for such products globally. Research and development expenses were approximately $2.0 million, or 5.2% of net sales, for the three months ended June 30, 2014 as compared to approximately $1.4 million, or 4.3% of net sales, for the comparable period in 2013, an increase of 46.3%. The increase was due to the expansion of our workforce to expand our research and development in lithium batteries, particularly in the area of new product development for the electrical vehicles and energy storage sectors. Selling and distribution expenses were $1.6 million, or 4.2% of net sales, for the three months ended June 30, 2014 compared to $1.4 million, or 4.5% of net sales, for the comparable period in 2013, an increase of 14.0%. Selling and distribution expenses increased due to the expansion of our sales force and marketing activities, participation in industry trade shows, and international travel to promote and sell our products globally. General and administrative expenses were $3.3 million, or 8.7% of net sales, for the three months ended June 30, 2014, compared to $2.6 million, or 8.4% of net sales, for the comparable period in 2013. The primary reason for the increase was due to the expansion of our workforce at our Huizhou facility, Included in this amount was non-cash share-based compensation expense of $515,298, up from $45,671 in the second quarter of 2013. We experienced a gain of $247,102 for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and a loss of $180,010 for the three months ended June 30, 2013 on the exchange rate difference between the U.S. Dollar and the RMB. The gain in exchange rate difference was due to the depreciation of the RMB relative to the U.S. Dollar over the respective periods. We experienced a gain on derivative instruments of $21,147 in the three months ended June 30, 2014, which included a gain of $14,814 on settled currency forwards and a gain of $6,333 on unsettled currency forwards, as compared to a gain of $112,335 for the comparable period in 2013, which included a gain of $104,689 on settled currency forwards and a gain of $7,646 on unsettled currency forwards. Interest expenses were $474,162 for the three months ended June 30, 2014, as compared to approximately $365,146 for the comparable period in 2013. The fluctuation was due to a $109,016 increase in interest expense related to an increase in bank borrowing. Other income, which consists of bank interest income, government grants and sundry income, was approximately $361,954 for the three months ended June 30, 2014, as compared to approximately $281,236 for the comparable period in 2013, an increase of $80,718. The increase was due to an increase in government grants and bank interest income. During the three months ended June 30, 2014, we recorded provision for income tax expenses of $281,364 as compared to income tax expense of $159,110 for the comparable period in 2013. The increase was due to the increase in net income during the three months ended June 30, 2014. Net income attributable to the Company (excluding net loss attributable to non-controlling interest) for the three months ended June 30, 2014 was $812,498, compared to net income attributable to the Company (excluding net loss attributable to non-controlling interest) of $109,289 for the comparable period in 2013. 36 Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 Net sales for the six months ended June 30, 2014 were $67.3 million compared to $55.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013, an increase of $11.7 million, or 21.1%. The increase was due to a $9.3 million increase in net sales of our lithium batteries (resulting from a 26.1% increase in the volume of batteries sold and an 13.6% increase in the average selling price of such batteries) and a $1.7 million increase in net sales of our Ni-MH batteries (resulting from a 12.8% increase in the number of Ni-MH battery units sold which was partly offset a 6.7% decrease in the average selling price of such batteries), and a $672,086 increase in revenue from our new material business. The increase in the number of Ni-MH battery units sold in the six months ended June 30, 2014 was primarily attributable to increased orders from our new customers and the increase in the volume of lithium batteries sold in the six months ended June 30, 2014 was primarily attributable growth in global demand for mobile and portable products, and electrical vehicles. Cost of sales mainly consists of nickel, cobalt, lithium derived materials, labor, and overhead. Costs of sales were $53.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, as compared to $45.1 million for the comparable period in 2013. As a percentage of net sales, cost of sales decreased to 79.7% for the six months ended June 30, 2014 compared to 81.1% for the comparable period in 2013. This decrease was attributable to increase in the average selling price of lithium batteries. Gross profit for the six months ended June 30, 2014 was $13.7 million, or 20.3% of net sales, compared to $10.5 million, or 18.9% of net sales for the comparable period in 2013. Management considers gross profit margin a key performance indicator in managing our business. Gross profit margins are usually a factor of cost of sales, product mix and demand for product. This increase was attributable to increase in the average selling price of lithium batteries. To cope with pressure on our gross margins we control production costs by preparing budgets for each department and comparing actual costs with our budgeted figures monthly and quarterly. Additionally, we have reorganized the Company's production structure and have focused more attention on employee training to enhance efficiency. We also intend to expand our market share by investing in greater promotion of our products in regions such as the U.S., Russia, Europe and India, and by expanding our sales team with more experienced sales personnel. We have also begun production capacity expansion for our lithium batteries business to take advantage of the strong demand for such products globally. Research and development expenses were approximately $3.8 million, or 5.6% of net sales, for the six months ended June 30, 2014 as compared to approximately $2.5 million, or 4.4% of net sales, for the comparable period in 2013, an increase of 54.4%. The increase was due to the expansion of our workforce to expand our research and development in lithium batteries, particularly in the area of new product development for the electrical vehicles and energy storage sectors. Selling and distribution expenses were $3.1 million, or 4.6% of net sales, for the six months ended June 30, 2014 compared to $2.8 million, or 5.0% of net sales, for the comparable period in 2013, an increase of 12.1%. Selling and distribution expenses increased due to the expansion of our sales force and marketing activities, participation in industry trade shows, and international travel to promote and sell our products globally. General and administrative expenses were $6.9 million, or 10.2% of net sales, for the six months ended June 30, 2014, compared to $5.4 million, or 9.8% of net sales, for the comparable period in 2013. The primary reason for the increase was due to the expansion of our workforce at our Huizhou facility, Included in this amount was non-cash share-based compensation expense of $916,244, up from $94,710 in the first half of 2013. We experienced a gain of $349,695 for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and a loss of $219,957 for the six months ended June 30, 2013 on the exchange rate difference between the U.S. Dollar and the RMB. The gain in exchange rate difference was due to the depreciation of the RMB relative to the U.S. Dollar over the respective periods. We experienced a loss on derivative instruments of $116,134 in the six months ended June 30, 2014. The primary reason for a loss of $130,948 on unsettled currency forwards for the depreciation of the RMB relative to the U.S. Dollar, as compared to a gain of $222,283 for the comparable period in 2013, which included a gain of $345,483 on settled currency forwards and a loss of $123,200 on unsettled currency forwards. 37 Interest expenses were $1.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, as compared to approximately $701,412 for the comparable period in 2013. The fluctuation was due to a $368,131 increase in interest expense related to an increase in bank borrowing. Other income, which consists of bank interest income, government grants and sundry income, was approximately $903,374 for the six months ended June 30, 2014, as compared to approximately $497,385 for the comparable period in 2013, an increase of $405,989. The increase was due to an increase in government grants and bank interest income. During the six months ended June 30, 2014, we recorded provision for income tax expense of $189,213 as compared to income tax expense of $207,329 for the comparable period in 2013. Net loss attributable to the Company (excluding net loss attributable to non-controlling interest) for the six months ended June 30, 2014 was $122,651, compared to net income attributable to the Company (excluding net loss attributable to non-controlling interest) of $499,591 for the comparable period in 2013. Foreign Currency and Exchange Risk Though the reporting currency is the US$, the Company maintains its financial records in the functional currency of Renminbi ("RMB"). Substantially all of our operations are conducted in the PRC and we pay the majority of our expenses in RMB. Approximately 60% of our sales are made in U.S. Dollars. During the six months ended June 30, 2014, the exchange rate of the RMB to the U.S. Dollar devaluated 0.9% from the level at the end of December 31, 2013. Future appreciation of the RMB against the U.S. Dollar would increase our costs when translated into U.S. Dollars and could adversely affect our margins unless we make sufficient offsetting sales. Conversion of RMB into foreign currencies is regulated by the People's Bank of China through a unified floating exchange rate system. Although the PRC government has stated its intention to support the value of the RMB, there can be no assurance that such exchange rate will not continue to appreciate significantly against the U.S. Dollar. Exchange rate fluctuations may also affect the value, in U.S. Dollar terms, of our net assets. In addition, the RMB is not freely convertible into foreign currency and all foreign exchange transactions must take place through authorized institutions. Due to the volatility of the US Dollar to our functional currency the Company put into place a hedging program to attempt to protect it from significant changes to the US Dollar which affects the value of its US dollar receivables and sales. As of June 30, 2014, the Company had a series of currency forwards totaling a notional amount of $4.0 million expiring from June to October. The terms of these derivative contracts are generally for 24 months or less. Changes in the fair value of these derivative contracts are recorded in earnings to offset the impact of loss on derivative instruments. The net loss of $116,134 are included in "loss of derivative instruments" for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and $222,283 attributable to these activities are included in "gain of derivative instruments" for the six months ended June 30, 2013, respectively. Liquidity and Capital Resources We had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $12.8 million as of June 30, 2014, as compared to $8.0 million as of December 31, 2013. Our funds are kept in financial institutions located in the PRC, which do not provide insurance for amounts on deposit. Moreover, we are subject to the regulations of the PRC which restrict the transfer of cash from the PRC, except under certain specific circumstances. Accordingly, such funds may not be readily available to us to satisfy obligations incurred outside the PRC. To provide liquidity and flexibility in funding our operations, we borrow amounts under bank facilities and other external sources of financing. As of June 30, 2014, we had in place general banking facilities with nine financial institutions aggregating $59.8 million. The maturity of these facilities is generally within one year. The facilities are subject to regular review and approval. Certain of these banking facilities are guaranteed by our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Dang Yu Pan, and contain customary affirmative and negative covenants for secured credit facilities of this type. Interest rates are generally based on the banks' reference lending rates. No significant commitment fees are required to be paid for the banking facilities. As of June 30, 2014, we had utilized approximately $28.6 million under such general credit facilities and had available unused credit facilities of $31.2 million. 38 On April 17, 2014, we issued 1,000,000 shares of common stock and warrants exercisable for 500,000 shares of common stock in a registered direct offering at a price of $5.05 per fixed combination. The net proceeds from the offering was $4,6 million, after deducting fees due the placement agent and offering expenses. For the six months ended June 30, 2014, net cash provided by operating activities was approximately $4.8 million, as compared to $0.2 million for the comparable period in 2013. The net cash increase of $4.6 million provided by operating activities is primarily attributable to, among other items, a decrease of $837,555 in cash outflow from inventories, a decrease of $5.5 million in outflow from accounts payable, which was significantly offset by a increase of $3.9 million in cash outflow from other payables and accrued liabilities, and a decrease of $1.4 in cash inflow from notes receivable. Net cash used in investing activities was $3.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 compared to $7.3 million for the comparable period in 2013. The net decrease of $3.8 million of cash used in investing activities was primarily attributable to a decrease in cash outflow from acquisition of plant and equipment for our strategic change. Net cash provided by financing activities was $3.8 million during the six months ended June 30, 2014, as compared to $2.9 million for the comparable period in 2013. The net increase of $870,848 in net cash used in financing activities was primarily attributable to an increase of $4.6 million in proceeds from issuance of capital stock, an increase of $1.7 million in proceeds from notes payable, a decrease of $1.3 million in repayment of notes payable, a decrease of 5.0 million in restricted cash, which was partly offset by a decrease of $6.0 million in proceeds from short-term bank loans, an increase of $5.9 million in repayment of short-term bank loans,. For the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, our inventory turnover was 5.3 times and 5.1 times, respectively. The average days outstanding of our accounts receivable at June 30, 2014 was 90 days, as compared to 82 days at June 30, 2013. Inventory turnover and average days outstanding are key operating measures that management relies on to monitor our business. In the next 12 months, we expect to expand our research, development and manufacturing of lithium-based batteries and anticipate additional capital expenditures. We are required to contribute a portion of our employees' total salaries to the Chinese government's social insurance funds, including medical insurance, unemployment insurance and job injuries insurance, and a housing assistance fund, in accordance with relevant regulations. Total contributions to the funds were approximately $348,804 and $452,729 in the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $703,703 and $823,060 in the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. We expect the amount of our contribution to the government's social insurance funds to increase in the future as we expand our workforce and operations. Based upon our present plans, we believe that cash on hand, cash flow from operations and funds available under our bank facilities will be sufficient to meet our capital needs for the next 12 months. However, our ability to maintain sufficient liquidity depends partially on our ability to achieve anticipated levels of revenue, while continuing to control costs. If we did not have sufficient available cash, we would have to seek additional debt or equity financing through other external sources, which may not be available on acceptable terms, or at all. Failure to maintain financing arrangements on acceptable terms would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. The use of working capital is primarily for the maintenance of our accounts receivable and inventory. We provide our major customers with payment terms ranging from 10 to 90 days. Additionally, our production lead time is approximately 30 to 40 days, from the inspection of incoming materials, to production, testing and packaging. We need to keep a large supply of raw materials, work-in-process and finished goods inventory on hand to ensure timely delivery of our products to customers. We use two methods to support our working capital needs: (i) paying our suppliers under payment terms ranging from 60 to 150 days; and (ii) using short-term bank loans. Upon receiving payment for our accounts receivable, we pay our short-term loans. Our working capital management practices are designed to ensure that we maintain sufficient working capital. Recent Accounting Pronouncements The FASB issued ASU No. 2013-01 up to ASU 2014-14, which are not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements upon adoption. 39 |