We are a national distributor of brand name electronic components and supplier of original designed and manufactured (ODM) electronic components (“ODM Components”), with our product offerings ranging from discrete semiconductors through small electronic devices. We also offer value-added engineering and turn-key services, focusing on providing contract electronic manufacturers (CEMs) and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) with ODM services for their multi-year turn-key projects. We are incorporated in California, and were originally formed in 1989. We maintain a majority-owned subsidiary in Mexico (our Mexico sales and distribution operations closed in May 2013) and divisions in Taiwan and China which were established in 1998, 1996 and 2005, respectively.

Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Taitron Components, its various divisions and its 60% majority-owned subsidiary, Taitron Components Mexico, SA de CV (“TCM”). All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The ownership interests of the noncontrolling investors in TCM are recorded in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as a part of shareholder’s equity with a balance of $104,000 and $110,000 as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

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 Management (see Note 3) accounted for approximately 33% and 28% of our net purchases for fiscal years 2015 and 2014, respectively. Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co. accounted for approximately 5% and 8% of our net purchases for fiscal years 2015 and 2014, 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.

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. Accounts on deposit at our primary domestic financial institution are non-interest-bearing transaction accounts with unlimited insurance coverage by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation through December 31, 2012. Our foreign 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.

We recognize revenue on arrangements in accordance with FASB ASC No. 605, “Revenue Recognition”. In all cases, revenue is recognized when we have evidence of an arrangement, a determinable fee, and when collection is considered to be probable and products are delivered. This occurs upon shipment of the merchandise, which is when legal transfer of title occurs. Reserves for sales allowances and customer returns are established based upon historical experience and management’s estimates of future returns. Sales returns for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 amounted to $96,000 and $8,000, respectively.

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 records an allowance to reduce the net receivable to the amount it reasonably believes it 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.

Inventory, consisting principally of products held for resale, is stated at the lower of cost, using the first-in, first-out method, or market. The amount presented in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet is net of valuation allowances of $5,674,000 and $6,582,000 at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Based upon our systematic methodology that includes regular evaluations of inventory to identify costs in excess of the lower of cost or market and slow-moving inventory, we increased our reserves by $600,000 and $900,000 for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

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.

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.

In accordance with ASC 350-30, 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.

Marketing costs consist primarily of payroll and related expenses for personnel engaged in marketing, business development, and selling activities. Advertising and other promotional costs, are expensed as incurred, and were $5,000 and $2,000 for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

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.

As a result of the implementation of certain provisions of ASC 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”), which clarifies the accounting and disclosure for uncertainty in tax positions, as defined, ASC 740 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 analyzed 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 jurisdiction. 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. In addition, we did not record a cumulative effect adjustment related to the adoption of 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.

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 it would transact and considers 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:

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.

Basic loss per share is computed by dividing net loss available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted loss per share includes potentially dilutive securities such as outstanding options and warrants, using various methods such as the treasury stock or modified treasury stock method in the determination of dilutive shares outstanding during each reporting period. Common equivalent shares, consisting primarily of stock options, of approximately 341,000 and 273,000 for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, are excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share as their effect is anti-dilutive.

The financial statements of our majority-owned subsidiary in Mexico and divisions in Taiwan and China are translated from the Mexican Peso, 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 income. 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.

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 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 the allowance for sales returns and allowances, doubtful accounts and inventory reserves. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior years’ financial statements in order to conform to the current year presentation. Such reclassifications are immaterial to both current and all previously issued financial statements taken as a whole and had no effect on previously reported results of operations.

We operate in one industry, the business of providing distribution and value-added services for 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 12 to the consolidated financial statements Geographic Information, for additional information.

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASU 2014-09) , which supersedes nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is to recognize revenues when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 defines a five step process to achieve this core principle and, in doing so, more judgment and estimates may be required within the revenue recognition process than are required under existing U.S. GAAP. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods therein, using either of the following transition methods: (i) a full retrospective approach reflecting the application of the standard in each prior reporting period with the option to elect certain practical expedients, or (ii) a retrospective approach with the cumulative effect of initially adopting ASU 2014-09 recognized at the date of adoption (which includes additional footnote disclosures). Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the pending adoption of ASU 2014-09 on its consolidated financial statements and has not yet determined the method by which it will adopt the standard beginning January 1, 2017.

In August, 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date. The amendment in this ASU defers the effective date of ASU No. 2014-09 for all entities for one year. Public business entities, certain not-for-profit entities, and certain employee benefit plans should apply the guidance in ASU 2014-09 to annual reporting periods beginning December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. Earlier application is permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 31, 2016, including interim reporting periods with that reporting period.

In February, 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis. ASU 2015-02 provides guidance on the consolidation evaluation for reporting organizations that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities such as limited partnerships, limited liability corporations, and securitization structures (collateralized debt obligations, collateralized loan obligations, and mortgage-backed security transactions). ASU 2015-02 is effective for periods beginning December 15, 2015. The adoption of ASU 2015-02 is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Early adoption is permitted.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330). 'The amendments in ASU 2015-11 require an entity to measure in scope inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. Subsequent measurement is unchanged for inventory measured using LIFO or the retail inventory method. The amendments do not apply to inventory that is measured using last-in, first-out (LIFO) or the retail inventory method. The amendments apply to all other inventory, which includes inventory that is measured using first-in, first-out (FIFO) or average cost. ASU 2015-11 is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. A reporting entity should apply the amendments prospectively with earlier application permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period.

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, Income Taxes (Topic 740). 'The amendments in ASU 2015-17 eliminates the current requirement for organizations to present deferred tax liabilities and assets as current and noncurrent in a classified balance sheet. Instead, organizations will be required to classify all deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent. ASU 2015-17 is effective for public business entities for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. The amendments may be applied prospectively to all deferred tax liabilities and assets or retrospectively to all periods presented.