Form 10KSB for ELECTRONIC SENSOR TECHNOLOGY, INC


2-Apr-2007

Annual Report


ITEM 6. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OR PLAN OF OPERATIONS.

You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with the financial statements and the related notes appearing in this annual report.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Electronic Sensor Technology records revenue from direct sales of products to end-users when the products are shipped, collection of the purchase price is probable and Electronic Sensor Technology has no significant further obligations to the customer. Costs of remaining insignificant obligations of Electronic Sensor Technology, if any, are accrued as costs of revenue at the time of revenue recognition. Cash payments received in advance of product shipment or service revenue are recorded as deferred revenue.

The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the recorded amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Electronic Sensor Technology reviews long-lived assets, such as property and equipment, to be held and used or disposed of, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If the sum of the expected cash flows, undiscounted and without interest, is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value. At December 31, 2006 no assets were impaired.

We account for liquidated damages during 2006 and 2005 pursuant to Emerging Issue Task Force ("EITF")05-04, View C, "The Effect of a Liquidated Damages Clause on a Freestanding Financial Instrument Subject to EITF Issue No. 00-19, "Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments Indexed to, and Potentially Settled in, a Company's Own Stock". In December 2006, FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. EITF 00-19-2 "Accounting for Registration Payment Arrangements" ("FSP 00-19-2"), which superseded EITF 05-04. FSP 00-19-2 provides that the contingent obligation to make future payments or otherwise transfer consideration under a registration payment arrangement, should be separately recognized and measured in accordance with FASB Statement No.5, "Accounting for Contingencies". The registration statement payment arrangement should be recognized and measured as a separate unit of account from the financial instrument(s) subject to that arrangement. If the transfer of consideration under a registration payment arrangement is probable and can be reasonably estimated at inception, such contingent liability is included in the allocation of proceeds from the related financing instrument. Pursuant to EITF 05-04, View C, the liquidated damages paid in cash or stock are accounted for as a separate derivative, which requires a periodical valuation of its fair value and a corresponding recognition of liabilities associated with such derivative. FSP00-19-2 did not have an impact on our accounting of the liquidated damages.

We registered all shares underlying the convertible debentures as well as all shares underlying the warrants related to the convertible debentures on November 21, 2006, and December 21, 2006, respectively.

We account for embedded conversion features and freestanding warrants pursuant to SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities", which requires a periodic valuation of their fair value and a corresponding recognition of liabilities associated with such derivatives. The recognition of derivative liabilities related to the issuance of shares of common stock is applied first to the proceeds of such issuance, at the date of issuance, and the excess of derivative liabilities over the proceeds is recognized as other expense in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The recognition of derivative liabilities related to the issuance of convertible debt is applied first to the proceeds of such issuance as a debt discount, at the date of issuance, and the excess of derivative liabilities over the proceeds is recognized as other expense in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Any subsequent increase or decrease in the fair value of the derivative liabilities, which are measured at the balance sheet date, are recognized as other expense or other income, respectively.

Accounts receivable are reported at net realizable value. We have established an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon factors pertaining to the credit risk of specific customers, historical trends, and other information. Delinquent accounts are written-off when it is determined that the amounts are uncollectible.

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, cost determined by the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. The company writes down its inventory for estimated obsolescence or unmarketable inventory using the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions.

We are required to estimate our income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate as part of the process of preparing our consolidated financial statements. SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes", requires a valuation allowance to reduce the deferred tax assets reported if, based on the weight of the evidence, it is not more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. Management reviews deferred tax assets periodically for recoverability and makes estimates and judgments regarding the expected geographic sources of taxable income, gains from investments, as well as tax planning strategies in assessing the need for a valuation allowance. We determined that a valuation allowance of approximately $2,000,000 relating to net operating loss carryovers was necessary to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount that will more likely than not be realized. As a result, at December 31, 2006, the company has no net deferred tax assets. If the estimates and assumptions used in our determination change in the future, we could be required to revise our estimates of the valuation allowances against our deferred tax assets and adjust our provisions for additional income taxes. In the ordinary course of global business, there are transactions for which the ultimate tax outcome is uncertain, thus judgment is required in determining the worldwide provision for income taxes. We provide for income taxes on transactions based on our estimate of the probable liability. We adjust our provision as appropriate for changes that impact our underlying judgments. Changes that impact provision estimates include such items as jurisdictional interpretations on tax filing positions based on the results of tax audits and general tax authority rulings.

PLAN OF OPERATIONS

Over the course of the next 12 months, we intend to execute our business plan and focus our business development efforts in the following key areas:

o By diversifying our product offerings to enhance the usefulness of our solutions for customers who will have already adopted one or more products;

o By enhancing our product lines and developing new products to attract new customers; and

o By developing partnering relationships with wide-ranging sales and distribution channel leaders already serving our vertical market space in a way that assists them in developing new revenue streams and opportunities through improved technical and sales support and customer services.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2006 COMPARED TO FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2005
 
     The following table sets forth certain items included in our Income
Statements (see Financial Statements and Notes) for the periods indicated:
 
                                                         Year Ended
                                                         December 31,                  Variation $     Variation %
                                                --------------------------------         2006 vs         2006 vs
                                                    2006              2005                2005            2005
                                                --------------    --------------     --------------   --------------
In $
REVENUES                                        $    2,180,208    $    2,122,349            57,859              2.7%
COST OF SALES                                        1,085,056         1,302,602          (217,546)           (16.7%)
                                                --------------    --------------    --------------    ---------------
   GROSS PROFIT                                      1,095,152           819,747           275,405             33.6%
 
OPERATING EXPENSES:
  Research and development                             833,791           260,125           573,666            220.5%
  Selling                                              822,954           653,092           169,862             26.0%
  Compensation                                         655,045           466,421           188,624             40.4%
  General and administrative                         1,200,800         1,522,451          (321,651)           (21.1%)
                                                --------------    --------------    --------------    ---------------
   TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES                          3,512,590         2,902,089           610,501             21.0%
                                                --------------    --------------    --------------    ---------------
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS                                (2,417,438)       (2,082,342)         (335,096)           (16.1%)
 
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSE:
  Other income - derivative liabilities              2,414,605         7,577,929        (5,163,324)           (68.1%)
  Other expense - derivative liabilities                     0        (2,401,358)        2,401,358            100.0%
  Other income                                           2,140                               2,140              NM**
  Gain (loss) on sale of property and equipment         (1,615)            9,287           (10,902)          (117.4%)
  Interest expense                                  (2,809,682)         (324,540)       (2,485,142)          (765.7%)
                                                --------------    --------------    --------------    ---------------
   TOTAL OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)                       (394,552)        4,861,318        (5,255,870)          (108.1%)
                                                --------------    --------------    --------------    ---------------
NET INCOME LOSS                                 $   (2,811,990)   $    2,778,976        (5,590,966)          (201.2%)
                                                ==============    ==============    --------------    ---------------
 

**NM = not meaningful.

The following table sets forth, as a percentage of revenues, certain items included in our Income Statements (see Financial Statements and Notes) for the periods indicated:

                                        Year Ended
                                        December 31,
                                   ----------------------
                                      2006        2005
                                   ----------  ----------
As a % of revenues
REVENUES                                100%        100%
COST OF SALES                            49%         61%
GROSS PROFIT                             51%         39%
OPERATING EXPENSES                      161%        136%
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS                   (110%)       (97%)
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSE                (18%)       229%
NET INCOME (LOSS)                      (128%)       132%
 

Revenues primarily consist of the sale of our zNose products. Revenues in 2006 were better than 2005 due to slightly higher sales volume. Product revenues increased approximately 2.5% over 2005 as a result of a greater number of zNose units shipped, 58 units versus 56 units. Product support sales improved 8% over 2005 primarily due to greater revenues generated from training and technical support.

Cost of Sales primarily consists of manufacturing costs and licensing fees. Cost of sales as a percentage of revenues improved from 61% in 2005 to 49% in 2006. The improvement was due to sales mix in which lower cost products accounted for a larger percentage of sales in 2006 than in 2005. There were also some additional production efficiencies achieved through refinement of the production process.

Research and development expenses primarily consist of salaries and related benefits, material and supplies associated with our efforts in developing and enhancing our products. The increase in our research and development expenses during 2006 is primarily attributable to an increase in salaries and related benefits resulting from the hiring of personnel whose time is devoted to the development and enhancement of our products.

Selling expenses primarily consist of salaries, commissions and related benefits associated with our selling and marketing efforts. The increase in selling expenses during 2006 when compared to 2005 is attributable to an increase in personnel on the marketing staff as well as greater expenditures for advertising, promotion and attendance at trade shows.

Compensation expenses primarily consist of salaries and related benefits of our general and administrative personnel. The increase in compensation expenses during 2006 when compared to 2005 is primarily attributable to payment of severance to the former President and Chief Executive Officer of the company and an increase in personnel to support the growth of our operations.

General and administrative expenses for 2006 were 21% less than 2005. The improvement of approximately $322,000 resulted primarily from non-recurring professional fees associated with the company's reverse merger in 2005. The improvement was offset by an increase in personnel to support the company's growth.

Other income - derivative liabilities primarily consists of the decrease in the fair value of derivative liabilities between balance sheet dates. The decrease in other income-derivative liabilities during 2006 when compared to 2005 is primarily attributable to a decrease in the fair value of our stock between issuance of the derivative contracts and the measurement dates during 2005.

Other expense - derivative liabilities primarily consists of the recognition of derivative liabilities we issued during 2005. No such derivatives were issued during 2006.

Interest expense primarily consists of debt discount amortization and interest on certain debt. The increase in interest expense during 2006 when compared to 2005 is primarily attributable to the recognition of debt discount amortization associated with the issuance of convertible debentures in December 2005. In 2005, only one month's debt discount amortization was recognized while twelve (12) months of debt discount amortization was recorded to interest expense in 2006.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our cash and cash equivalents amounted to approximately $1.094 million at December 31, 2006.

During 2006, we used approximately $2.963 million in our operating activities which is the result of the following:

o A net loss of approximately $2.812 million adjusted for:

o the amortization of debt discount of approximately $2.333 million, amortization of deferred financing costs of approximately $182,000 and a decrease in the fair value of the derivative liabilities of approximately $2.415 million.

o An increase in inventories of approximately $383,000 for materials required for the production of several new products introduced during the year. A decrease in accounts receivable and accounts payable and accrued expenses of approximately $165,000, and $77,000 respectively, due to better collection efforts and control over expenditures.

During 2006, we used approximately $162,000 in investing activities mostly for purchase of property and equipment of approximately $129,000.

During 2006, we did not have any financing activities.

The company has a revolving line of credit for borrowings up to $500,000 with East West Bank. The line of credit is collateralized with a certificate of deposit in the amount of $250,000. Borrowings under this agreement bear interest at prime. The maturity date of the line of credit is March 31, 2007 and the line of credit is in the process of being renewed with East West Bank.

During 2005, we used approximately $2.945 million in our operating activities which is the result of the following:

o A net income of approximately $2.779 million adjusted for:

o the recognition of derivative liabilities of approximately $2.401 million resulting from the issuance of such derivative (convertible debentures and warrants) and a decrease in the fair value of the derivative liabilities of approximately $7.578 million.

o An increase in accounts receivables, inventories, and accounts payable and accrued expenses of approximately $435,000, $459,000, $267,000, respectively, resulting from increased revenues, increased production to meet the increased demand for our products and a general increase in our expenses associated with our growth.

During 2005, we used approximately $1.001 million in investing activities by purchasing a certificate of deposit of approximately $919,000 to satisfy collateral requirement of our line of credit and by incurring capital expenditures of approximately $127,000.

During 2005, we generated approximately $8.140 million in financing activities by generating proceeds of approximately $7.000 million and $3.812 million from the issuance of our convertible debentures and our shares of common stock, respectively, offset by the repayment of our line of credit of approximately $1.969 million and by paying financing costs of approximately $593,000.

Although Electronic Sensor Technology possesses a bank operating line of credit, there can be no assurance that these proceeds will be adequate for our capital needs. There can be no assurance that any required or desired financing will be available through any other bank borrowings, debt, or equity offerings, or otherwise, on acceptable terms. If future financing requirements are satisfied through the issuance of equity securities, investors may experience significant dilution in the net book value per share of common stock. There is no guarantee that a market will exist for the sale of our shares.

Our primary capital needs are to fund our growth strategy, which includes expanding our sales and marketing staff for the marketing, advertising and selling of the zNose(R) family of chemical detection products, increasing distribution channels both in the U.S. and foreign countries, introducing new products, improving existing product lines and development of a strong corporate infrastructure. We do not believe that we will have to incur significant capital expenditures in the near future in order to meet our growth strategy goals.

As of December 31, 2006, our cash balance and working capital were $1,796,223 and $3,215,511, respectively. Our current monthly cash burn rate is approximately less than $200,000 and we do not anticipate any extraordinary cash payments that we will have to make in the near future until the first principal payment of approximately $780,000 is due on the convertible debentures that we issued on December 7, 2005, which such payment is to be made on January 1, 2008. Based on our current monthly cash burn rate, the cash balance in the bank and our sales backlog of approximately $1.750 million; we believe that we will not require any financing until the first half of 2008. Accordingly, we believe that we will be able to continue as a going concern for at least the next twelve months.

SEASONALITY AND QUARTERLY RESULTS

We do not foresee any seasonality to our revenues or our results of operations.

INFLATION

Although we currently use a limited number of sources for most of the supplies and services that we use in the manufacturing of our vapor detection and analysis technology, our raw materials and finished products are sourced from cost-competitive industries. While prices for our raw materials may vary significantly based on market trends, we do not foresee any material inflationary trends for our product sources.

OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.