CORRECTION - Universal Security Instruments Reports Third-Quarter Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Universal Security Instruments (NYSE: UUU) reported its fiscal third quarter and nine months results ended December 31, 2024. Despite sales increasing 18.9% to $5.5M in Q3 and 15.0% to $17.3M for the nine-month period, the company reported significant losses. Q3 saw a net loss of $936,639 ($0.40 per share) compared to a net income of $102,176 ($0.04 per share) last year.

The company has entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement with Feit Electric Company on October 29, 2024. The lower quarterly results were attributed to bulk sales of excess inventory at reduced margins and substantial expenses related to the potential asset sale. If shareholders don't approve the asset sale, the company may consider delisting from NYSE MKT and terminating its periodic reporting obligations.

Positive

• Sales increased 18.9% to $5.5M in Q3 2024
• Nine-month sales grew 15.0% to $17.3M

Negative

• Q3 net loss of $936,639 compared to $102,176 profit last year
• Nine-month net loss of $801,867 versus $80,881 profit in 2023
• Reduced gross profit margins due to bulk sales of excess inventory
• Potential NYSE delisting if asset sale not approved
• Substantial expenses incurred related to potential asset sale

Insights

Financial Analyst

The Q3 FY2024 results reveal a company in transition, with concerning financial metrics despite topline growth. While sales increased 18.9% to $5.5M, the dramatic swing to a $936,639 loss from a previous profit signals severe operational challenges.

The balance sheet shows critical stress signals: cash reserves of just $58,882 represent dangerously low liquidity, while inventory levels increased 24.2% to $6.06M. The company's working capital structure has deteriorated, with current liabilities surging 59% to $5.43M, primarily driven by a 82.6% increase in accounts payable to $3.43M.

The proposed asset sale to Feit Electric appears less a strategic choice and more a necessity for survival. The company's disclosure about potential delisting and termination of SEC reporting obligations if the sale fails suggests alternatives. The bulk liquidation of inventory at reduced margins, while necessary for the transition, has severely impacted profitability and may continue to pressure results until the sale closes.

For shareholders, the situation presents a critical decision point. The asset sale, expected to close in Q2 2025 if approved, represents a potential exit strategy, but the terms and valuation will be important given the company's weakened negotiating position. The alternative scenario of delisting would likely result in significantly reduced liquidity for shareholders' holdings.

OWINGS MILLS, Md., Feb. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a press release published Friday, February 14, by Universal Security Instruments, Inc. (NYSE: UUU), the headline incorrectly stated the quarter. The release covered the third quarter results, not second quarter as previously stated. The corrected release follows:

Universal Security Instruments Reports Third-Quarter Results

Universal Security Instruments, Inc. (NYSE AMEX: UUU) today announced results for its fiscal third quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2024.

For the three months ended December 31, 2024, sales increased 18.9% to $5,535,148 compared to sales of $4,654,978 for the same period last year. The Company reported a net loss of $936,639, or $0.40 per basic and diluted share, compared to net income of $102,176 or $0.04 per basic and diluted share for the same period last year.

For the nine months ended December 31, 2024, sales increased 15.0% to $17,336,933 versus $15,071,204 for the same period last year. The Company reported a net loss of $801,867, or $0.35 per basic and diluted share, compared to net income of $80,881 or $0.03, per basic and diluted share for the corresponding 2023 period.

Harvey Grossblatt, CEO said: “As previously reported, on October 29, 2024, the Company entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement with Feit Electric Company, Inc. The quarterly and year-to-date results for the periods ended December 31, 2024, were lower due to bulk sales of excess and obsolete inventory at reduced gross profit margins and substantial expenses which we incurred in the quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2024, in furtherance of the potential asset sale. The Company expects to continue business as usual while it seeks shareholder approval of the potential sale and closing of the Asset Purchase Agreement which, if approved, is expected to occur in the second quarter of calendar 2025.”

Mr. Grossblatt added: “Our Board approved the asset sale to Feit after much consideration to allow the Company to drive long-term value for our shareholders. If the asset sale is not approved, the Company will need to consider alternatives, including delisting its shares from the NYSE MKT and terminating its periodic reporting obligations under the federal securities laws.” For assistance in voting your shares, please call our proxy solicitor, Laurel Hill Advisory Group LLC, at 1-888-742-1305.

UNIVERSAL SECURITY INSTRUMENTS, INC. is a U.S.-based manufacturer and distributor of safety and security devices. Founded in 1969, the Company has an over 56-year heritage of developing innovative and easy-to-install products, including smoke, fire and carbon monoxide alarms. For more information on Universal Security Instruments, visit our website at www.universalsecurity.com.

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"Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Certain matters discussed in this news release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws that inherently include certain risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in or contemplated by the forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including, among other items, currency fluctuations, the impact of current and future laws and governmental regulations affecting us and other factors which may be identified from time to time in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings and other public announcements. We do not undertake and specifically disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements. We will revise our outlook from time to time and frequently will not disclose such revisions publicly.

UNIVERSAL SECURITY INSTRUMENTS, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
	Three Months Ended December 31,
		2024			2023
Sales	$	5,535,148		$	4,654,978
Net (loss) income		(936,639	)		102,176
(Loss) Earnings per share:
Basic and diluted	$	( 0.40	)	$	0.04
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic and diluted		2,312,887			2,312,887

	Nine Months Ended December 31,
		2024			2023
Sales	$	17,336,933		$	15,071,204
Net (loss) income		(801,867	)		80,881
(Loss) Earnings per share:
Basic and diluted	$	(0.35	)	$	0.03
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic and diluted		2,312,887			2,312,887

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
ASSETS
	Dec. 31, 2024			Dec. 31, 2023
Cash	$	58,882		$	39,178
Accounts receivable and amount due from factor		3,277,573			3,353,127
Inventory		6,060,327			4,880,508
Prepaid expense		123,744			399,318
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS		9,520,526			8,672,131
PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS–NET		67,861			231,823
OTHER ASSETS		-			-
TOTAL ASSETS	$	9,588,387		$	8,903,954
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Line of credit – factor. Short-term portion of operating lease liability Accounts payable	$	1,499,653 53,289 3,431,950		$	1,121,064 156,851 1,878,990
Accrued liabilities		442,335			254,062
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES		5,427,227			3,410,967
LONG TERM PORTION OF OPERATING LEASE LIABILITY		-			53,289
TOTAL LONG-TERM LIABILITIES		-			53,289
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Common stock, $.01 par value per share; authorized 20,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 2,312,887 at December 31, 2024 and 2023		23,129			23,129
Additional paid-in capital		12,885,841			12,885,841
Accumulated Deficit		(8,747,810	)		(7,469,272	)
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY		4,161,160			5,439,698
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$	9,588,387		$	8,903,954

Contact: Harvey Grossblatt, CEO
Universal Security Instruments, Inc.
(410) 363-3000, Ext. 224
or
Zachary Mizener
Lambert & Co.
(315) 529-2348

FAQ

What was UUU's revenue growth in Q3 2024?

Universal Security Instruments reported an 18.9% increase in sales to $5,535,148 in Q3 2024 compared to $4,654,978 in the same period last year.

Why did UUU report a loss in Q3 2024?

The loss was due to bulk sales of excess inventory at reduced gross profit margins and substantial expenses related to the potential asset sale to Feit Electric Company.

What is the status of UUU's Asset Purchase Agreement with Feit Electric?

The agreement was signed on October 29, 2024, and is pending shareholder approval. If approved, the sale is expected to close in Q2 2025.

What happens if UUU shareholders don't approve the Feit Electric asset sale?

If not approved, the company will consider alternatives, including delisting from NYSE MKT and terminating its periodic reporting obligations under federal securities laws.

How much did UUU lose per share in Q3 2024?

UUU reported a loss of $0.40 per basic and diluted share in Q3 2024, compared to earnings of $0.04 per share in Q3 2023.