Ispire Technology Inc

Previous wording

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes appearing elsewhere in this report. See “Cautionary Forward-Looking Statements.” Actual results could differ materially from those discussed below.

Current wording

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with our unaudited condensed financial statements and the related notes appearing elsewhere in this report. See “Cautionary Forward-Looking Statements.” Actual results could differ materially from those discussed below.

Previous wording

We are engaged in the research and development, design, commercialization, sales, marketing and distribution of branded e-cigarettes and cannabis vaping products. We sell our tobacco vaping products worldwide except for the People’s Republic of China (the “PRC”) and Russia. Our tobacco vaping products are marketed under the Aspire brand name and are sold primarily through our distribution network and we have plans to launch various third-party branded lines of tobacco vaping products in the future. We currently sell our cannabis vaping hardware only in the United States, and we have recently commenced marketing activities in Canada and Europe, primarily in the European Union. Most of our products are vaping hardware. Vaping refers to the practice of inhaling and exhaling the vapor produced by an electronic vaping device, and includes dabbing, which is the recreational inhalation of extremely concentrated tetrahydrocannabinol, the main psychotropic cannabinoid derived from the marijuana plant. Our cannabis vaping products are marketed under the Ispire brand name, primarily on an ODM basis to other cannabis vapor companies. ODM generally involves the design and customization of the core products to meet each brand’s unique image and needs, and our products are sold by our customers under their own brand names although they may also include our brand name on the products.

Current wording

We are engaged in the research and development, design, commercialization, sales, marketing and distribution of branded and non-branded vaping hardware products in both the nicotine and cannabis spaces. Vaping refers to the practice of inhaling and exhaling the vapor produced by an electronic vaping device. These products are sold into the global nicotine and cannabis markets in the form of e-cigarettes or cartridges filled with oils by our customers, respectively.

Previous wording

Regulation regarding e-cigarettes varies across countries, from no regulation to a total ban. The legal status of e-cigarettes is currently pending in many countries. As e-cigarettes have become more and more popular recently, many countries are considering imposing more stringent law and regulations to regulate this market. Changes in existing law and regulations and the imposition of new laws or regulations in countries and regions that our major customers are located in may adversely affect the Company’s business.

Current wording

Regulation regarding e-cigarettes varies across countries, from limited regulation to a total ban. The legal status of e-cigarettes is currently pending in many countries. As e-cigarettes have become more and more popular recently, many countries are considering imposing more stringent law and regulations to regulate this market. Changes in existing law and regulations and the imposition of new laws or regulations in countries and regions that our major customers are in may adversely affect our business.

Previous wording

The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires all Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (“ENDS”) product manufacturers that market products in the United States to submit Premarket Tobacco Product Applications (“PMTAs”) to the FDA. For ENDS products that were on the U.S. market on or before August 8, 2016, a PMTA was required to be submitted to the FDA before September 9, 2020; for ENDS products that were not on the U.S. market prior to August 8, 2016, and for which a PMTA was not filed before September 9, 2020, a PMTA premarket authorization issued by FDA is required before the subject product may enter the U.S. market. The Company has submitted a PMTA filing for one ENDS product, and, under apparent FDA policies, the agency will not enforce the premarket review requirements for that product pending review of its PMTA. However, even with submission of the PMTA application, the FDA may reject the Company’s application and may prevent the Company’s ENDS products from being sold in U.S., which will adversely affect the Company’s business.

Current wording

In the United States, the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires all Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (“ENDS”) product manufacturers that market products in the United States to submit Premarket Tobacco Product Applications (“PMTAs”) to the FDA. For ENDS products that were on the U.S. market on or before August 8, 2016, a PMTA was required to be submitted to the FDA before September 9, 2020. For ENDS products that were not on the U.S. market prior to August 8, 2016, and for which a PMTA was not filed before September 9, 2020, a PMTA premarket authorization issued by FDA is required before the subject product may enter the U.S. market. We have submitted a PMTA filing for one ENDS product, and, under apparent FDA policies, the agency will not enforce the premarket review requirements for that product pending review of its PMTA. However, even with submission of the PMTA application, the FDA may reject our application and may prevent our ENDS products from being sold in U.S., which will adversely affect our business.

Previous wording

The sale of tobacco and cannabis products is subject to regulations worldwide. Many countries prohibit the sale of any cannabis products, and many countries have regulations relating to tobacco products, with a particular emphasis on underage sales. As a result of regulations in the United States, we are able to sell only one tobacco vaping product line, the Nautilus Prime, in the United States. Our tobacco vaping sales in the United States were approximately $0.1 million and $88,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2024, respectively. Our tobacco vaping sales in the United States were approximately $0.6 million and $0.2 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2023 and 2024, respectively. Because the volume of sales did not justify the marketing and regulatory costs, we have ceased marketing tobacco vaping products in the United States. If any similar regulations are adopted with respect to cannabis products, our business may be severely impacted since nearly all of our cannabis revenue for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2023 and 2024, was generated from sales in the United States.

Current wording

As a result of ENDS regulation noted above, we can sell only one tobacco vaping product line, the Nautilus Prime, in the U.S. Our tobacco vaping sales related to this line in the U.S. were approximately $0.2 million and $0.6 million for the twelve months ended June 30, 2024, and 2023, respectively. Because the volume of sales did not justify the marketing and regulatory costs, we have ceased marketing tobacco vaping products in the U.S.

Previous wording

Amendments to the Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking (“PACT”) Act, which became law in 2021, extend the PACT Act to include e-cigarettes and all vaping products, and place significant burdens on sellers of vaping products in the United States which may make it difficult to operate profitably in the United States. Because of tighter government regulations, the Company has stopped marketing tobacco vaping products in the United States, as the volume of sales from the one tobacco vaping product which the Company may sell in the United States does not justify the marketing and regulatory costs involved.

Current wording

Amendments to the Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking (“PACT”) Act, which became law in 2021, extend the PACT Act to include e-cigarettes and all vaping products, and place significant burdens on sellers of vaping products in the United States which may make it difficult to operate profitably in the United States. Because of tighter government regulations, we have stopped marketing tobacco vaping products in the United States, as the volume of sales from the one tobacco vaping product which we may sell in the United States does not justify the marketing and regulatory costs involved.

Previous wording

In the United States, cannabis vaping products are governed by state laws, which vary from state to state. Most states do not permit the adult recreational use of cannabis, and no states permit the sale of recreational cannabis products to minors. As a result of the reduced revenue to states resulting from the effects of the COVID 19 pandemic and lingering inflationary effects, states may seek to raise revenue by permitting and taxing the use of cannabis products. Further, states may be more willing to permit recreational cannabis use given the DEA’s intention to reschedule cannabis as a Schedule III controlled substance allowing for medicinal use. The Company cannot predict what action states will take or the nature and amount of taxes they may impose. However, to the extent the PACT Act applies to cannabis products that aerosolize liquids, it may be more difficult to sell our products in states that permit the sale of cannabis.

Current wording

In the United States, cannabis vaping products are governed by state laws, which vary from state to state. Most states do not permit the adult recreational use of cannabis, and no states permit the sale of recreational cannabis products to minors.. Further, States may be more willing to permit recreational cannabis use in the future given the DEA’s intention to reschedule cannabis as a Schedule III controlled substance allowing for medicinal use. We cannot predict what action states will take or the nature and amount of taxes they may impose. However, to the extent the PACT Act applies to cannabis products that aerosolize liquids, it may be more difficult to sell our products in states that permit the sale of cannabis.

Previous wording

The European Commission issued the Tobacco Products Directive (the “TPD”), which became effective on May 19, 2014, and became applicable in the European Union member states on May 20, 2016. The TPD regulates e-cigarettes on the packaging, labelling and ingredients of the products on the European Union market, the creation of smoke-free environments, tax measures and activities against illegal trade and anti-smoke campaigns. Member states of the European Union are required to ensure that advertisements for any tobacco related product are prohibited, and no promotion shall be made as to those devices with an intention to promote e-cigarettes. For the e-cigarettes released after May 20, 2016, TPD requires e-cigarette manufacturers to submit product sales applications to the regulatory market six months in advance, and ensure their products can meet the TPD requirements before they can be released. The Company has complied with TPD requirement for all its tobacco products sold in Europe.

Current wording

The European Commission issued the Tobacco Products Directive (the “TPD”), which became effective on May 19, 2014, and became applicable in the European Union member states on May 20, 2016. The TPD regulates e-cigarettes on the packaging, labelling and ingredients of the products on the European Union market, the creation of smoke-free environments, tax measures and activities against illegal trade and anti-smoke campaigns. Member states of the European Union are required to ensure that advertisements for any tobacco-related product are prohibited, and no promotion shall be made as to those devices with an intention to promote e-cigarettes. For the e-cigarettes released after May 20, 2016, TPD requires e-cigarette manufacturers to submit product sales applications to the regulatory market six months in advance and ensure their products can meet the TPD requirements before they can be released. We have complied with TPD requirements for all our tobacco products sold in Europe.

Previous wording

The sale of cannabis vaping products is illegal in the European Union and the United Kingdom.

Current wording

The sale of cannabis vaping products is illegal in the European Union, save for Germany, and the United Kingdom.

Previous wording

Our business relies on the collection of accounts receivable from our customers in a timely manner to maintain liquidity and support our ongoing operations. The balance of the allowance for credit losses was $1.5 million and $4.0 million at June 30, 2023 and March 31, 2024, respectively. Our failure or inability to collect accounts receivable when due results from a number of factors, including (i) our customer’s failure to pay as a result of adverse economic conditions affecting the customers; (ii) our failure to implement effective collection efforts; and (iii) disputes over contract terms, product quality or delays in delivery. Although we may implement strategies to mitigate these risks, there can be no assurance that such measures will be entirely effective, and we may continue to incur write-offs of accounts receivable, which may impair our ability to operate profitably.

Current wording

Our failure or inability to collect accounts receivable when due results from a number of factors, including (i) our customer’s failure to pay as a result of adverse economic conditions affecting the customer’s cash flow; (ii) our failure to implement effective collection efforts; and (iii) disputes over contract terms, product quality or delays in delivery. Although we may implement strategies to mitigate these risks, there can be no assurance that such measures will be entirely effective, and we may continue to incur write-offs of accounts receivable, which may impair our ability to operate profitably.

Previous wording

The following table sets forth a summary of our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2024, and nine months ended March 31, 2023 and 2024 (dollars in thousands except share amounts).

Current wording

The following table sets forth a summary of our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 (dollars in thousands except per share amounts).

Previous wording

The following tables set out the breakdown of our revenue percentage by region based on information provided to us by our distributors on where the distributors are reselling to.

Current wording

The following tables set out the breakdown of our revenue percentage by region based on information provided to us by our distributors.

Previous wording

Cost of revenue mainly consists of cost of purchases of vaping products, which we mainly purchased from Shenzhen Yi Jia. Cost of revenue increased by $4,276,985, or 21.8%, from $19,616,098 for the three months ended March 31, 2023, to $23,893,083 for the three months ended March 31, 2024. The increase in cost of revenue reflects the increase in period-to-period unit sales.

Current wording

Cost of revenue mainly consists of cost of purchases of vaping products, that the majority of the purchase are from Shenzhen Yi Jia though there has been decreased reliance on this factory in 2024 vs 2023. Cost of revenue decreased by $4,355,864, or 12.1%, from $36,019,799 for the three months ended September 30, 2023, to $31,663,935 for the year ended September 30, 2024. The decrease in cost of revenue is in line with decrease in sales.

Previous wording

The following tables show the revenue, cost of revenue and gross profit of our tobacco and cannabis vaping products (dollars in thousands).

Current wording

The following tables show the revenue, cost of revenue and gross profit of our products (dollars in thousands).

Previous wording

Our sales and marketing expenses mainly consist of employees’ salaries and benefits, marketing expenses, travel expenses, stock-based compensation expenses and others.

Current wording

Our sales and marketing expenses mainly consist of employees’ salaries and benefits, marketing expense, travel expenses and others.

Previous wording

Our general and administrative expenses mainly consist of compensation and benefits, stock-based compensation expenses, rental expenses, professional fees and other administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses increased by $3,785,790, or 60.5%, from $6,261,326 for the three months ended March 31, 2023, to $10,047,116 for the three months ended March 31, 2024. The increase was primarily due to (i) stock-based compensation expense of $1.8 million incurred in the three months ended March 31, 2024, as compensation for management, employees and service providers, (ii) an increase in professional fees of $1.0 million for expenses incurred being a public company for the three months ended March 31, 2024, and (iii) an increase of $0.8 million for payroll expenses as more employees were hired by us for expansion of our cannabis business and building a manufacturing plant in Malaysia.

Current wording

Our general and administrative expenses mainly consist of employee’s salaries and benefits, rental expense, professional fees, share based payment expenses and other administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses increased by $3,247,126, or 48.5%, from $6,697,874 for the three months ended September 30, 2023 to $9,945,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2024. The increase was primarily due to (i) increase in stock-based compensation expense of $1.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, as compensation and incentive for management, employees and service providers, (ii) increase in bad debt expense as an allowance for credit losses of $1.9 million from accounts resulted from management’s assessment on Company’s account receivables balances.

Previous wording

Exchange loss (gain) changes by $714,664, or 108.2%, from net exchange gain of $660,760 for the three months ended March 31, 2023, to net exchange loss of $53,904 for three months ended March 31, 2024. Exchange loss (gain) changes by $202,565, or 110.6%, from net exchange gain of $183,178 for the nine months ended March 31, 2023, to net exchange loss of $19,387 for nine months ended March 31, 2024.

Current wording

Exchange loss(gain) changes by $113,924, or 3111.8%, from net exchange gain of $3,661 for the three months ended September 30, 2023 to net exchange gain of $117,585 for three months ended September 30, 2024.

Previous wording

As a result of these factors, other expense (income), net decreased by $607,541, from other income, net of $593,198 for the three months ended March 31, 2023, to other income, net of $14,343 for three months ended March 31, 2024. Other expense (income), net increased by $146,912, from other income, net of $151,940 for the nine months ended March 31, 2023, to other income, net of $298,852 for nine months ended March 31, 2024.

Current wording

As a result of these factors, other expense(income), net increased by $91,903, from other income, net of $32,703 for the three months ended September 30, 2023 to other income, net of $124,606 for three months ended September 30, 2024.

Previous wording

Income taxes increased by $17,493, or 7.4%, from $237,992 for the three months ended March 31, 2023, to $255,485 for the three months ended March 31, 2024. Income taxes increased by $33,711, or 3.2%, from $1,069,999 for the nine months ended March 31, 2023, to $1,103,710 for the nine months ended March 31, 2024. We had a consolidated net loss for both three- and nine-month periods ended March 31, 2023 and 2024, which was the combined effect of a profit by Aspire Science and a loss by Aspire North America and Ispire Malaysia. The profit from Aspire Science resulted in a current tax expense in Hong Kong. The increase in valuation allowance reflects our view that the taxable income in the future will not be sufficient to utilize the carryforward loss.

Current wording

Income taxes decreased by $39,292, or 0.2%, from $496,045 for the three months ended September 30, 2023 to $456,753 for the three months ended September 30, 2024. We had a consolidated net loss for both three month periods ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, which was the combined effect of a profit by Aspire Science and a loss by Aspire North America and Ispire Malaysia. The profit from Aspire Science resulted in a current tax expense. The increase in valuation allowance reflects our view that the taxable income in the future will not be sufficient to utilize the carryforward loss.

Previous wording

As a result of the foregoing, net loss increased by $3,615,528, from net loss of $2,334,223, or $(0.05) per share (basic and diluted) for the three months ended March 31, 2023, to a net loss of $5,949,751, or $(0.11) per share, for the three months ended March 31, 2024. Net loss increased by $6,834,177, from net loss of $4,512,513, or $(0.09) per share (basic and diluted) for the nine months ended March 31, 2023, to a net loss of $11,346,690, or $(0.21) per share, for the nine months ended March 31, 2024.

Current wording

As a result of the foregoing, net loss increased by $4,253,429, from net loss of $1,341,587, or $(0.02) per share (basic and diluted) for the three months ended September 30, 2023 to a net loss of $5,595,016, or $(0.10) per share, for the three months ended September 30, 2024.

Previous wording

The following table sets forth information as to consolidated cash flow information for the nine months ended March 31, 2023 and 2024 (dollars in thousands).

Current wording

The following table sets forth information as to consolidated cash flow information for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 (dollars in thousands).

Previous wording

Net cash flow provided by operating activities for the nine months ended March 31, 2023 of $1.6 million, reflected our net loss of $4.5 million, adjusted primarily as follows: an add back of credit loss expenses of $2.2 million, an increase in accounts payable of $13.7 million, offset by an increase in accounts receivable of $9.3 million, and an decrease in income tax payable of $0.5 million.

Current wording

Net cash flow provided by operating activities for the three months ended September 30, 2024 of $3.6 million, reflected our net loss of $5.6 million, adjusted primarily as follows: an add-back of credit loss expenses of $3.1 million, an add-back of stock based compensation expense of $2.0 million, increase in accounts payable of $9.5 million, offset by an increase in accounts receivable of $5.7 million.

Previous wording

Net cash flow used in operating activities for the nine months ended March 31, 2024, of $16.9 million, reflected our net loss of $11.3 million, adjusted primarily as follows: an increase in accounts payable of $11.9 million, add-back of stock-based compensation expenses of $4.7 million, an add-back of credit loss expenses of $3.3 million, a decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets of $1.7 million, an increase in accrued liabilities and other payables of $1.2 million, offset by an increase in accounts receivable of $26.6 million and increase in inventories of $2.5 million.

Current wording

Net cash flow used in operating activities for the three months ended September 30, 2023 of $13.1 million, reflected our net loss of $1.3 million, adjusted primarily as follows: an add-back of depreciation of right-of-use assets of $0.4 million, an add-back of stock-based compensation expenses of $1.0 million, an add-back of credit loss expenses of $0.2 million, a decrease in inventories of $1.9 million, a decrease of prepaid expenses and other current assets of $1.6 million, an increase in income tax payable of $0.5 million, offset by an increase in accounts receivable of $14.7 million and a decrease in accounts payable of $2.5 million.

Previous wording

Net cash flow provided by investing activities for the nine months ended March 31, 2024, of $5.9 million reflected primarily the maturity of short-term investment of $9.1 million, offset by purchase of property, plant and equipment of $1.2 million, purchase of non-marketable securities of $1.0 million and acquisition of intangible assets of $1.0 million.

Current wording

Net cash flow used in investing activities for the three months ended September 30, 2024 of $0.9 million reflected primarily purchase of property, plant and equipment of $0.3 million and acquisition of intangible assets of 0.6 million.

Previous wording

Net cash flow used in investing activities for the nine months ended March 31, 2023, of $10.1 million reflected primarily the purchase of short-term investment of $9.6 million, and purchase of property, plant and equipment of $0.5 million.

Current wording

Net cash flow used in investing activities for the three months ended September 30, 2023 of $0.8 million reflected primarily purchase of property, plant and equipment of $0.5 million and acquisition of intangible assets of $0.3 million.

Previous wording

To date, we have financed our operations primarily through cash flow from operations and working capital loans from our major stockholders, who are our co-chief executive officer and his wife, when necessary. We plan to support our future operations primarily from cash generated from our operations and cash on hand. We believe that our current cash and working capital will be sufficient to meet our working capital needs in the next 12 months. If we experience an adverse operating environment or incur unanticipated capital expenditure requirements, or if we decide to accelerate our growth, then additional financing may be required. We cannot give any assurance that additional financing will not be required or, if required, would be available on favorable terms if at all. Such financing may include the use of additional debt or the sale of additional equity securities. Any financing which involves the sale of equity securities or instruments that are convertible into equity securities could result in dilution to our stockholders which may be substantial.

Current wording

To date, we have financed our operations primarily through cash flow from operations and working capital accounts payable from our major stockholders, who are our co-chief executive officer and his wife, when necessary. We plan to support our future operations primarily from cash generated from our operations and cash on hand. We believe that our current cash and future cash flows provided by operating activities, and the net proceeds from our initial public offering of $18.3 million will be sufficient to meet our working capital needs in the next 12 months. If we experience an adverse operating environment or incur unanticipated capital expenditure requirements, or if we decide to accelerate our growth, then additional financing may be required. We cannot give any assurance that additional financing will not be required or, if required, would be available on favorable terms if at all. Such financing may include the use of additional debt or the sale of additional equity securities. Any financing which involves the sale of equity securities or instruments that are convertible into equity securities could result in dilution to our stockholders which may be substantial.

Previous wording

As of June 30, 2023, and March 31,2024, we had contract liabilities of $988,556 and $1,327,371, respectively. These liabilities are advance deposits received from customers after an order has been placed. We expect all of the contract liabilities to be settled in less than one year.

Current wording

As of September 30, 2024, and June 30, 2023, we had contract liabilities of $2,245,505 and $2,218,166, respectively. These liabilities are advance deposits received from customers after an order has been placed. We expect all of the contract liabilities to be settled in less than one year.

Previous wording

The balances for our right-of-use assets and lease liabilities where we are the lessee are presented as follow:

Current wording

The balances for the right-of-use assets and lease liabilities where we are the lessee are presented as follow:

Previous wording

As of March 31, 2024, we recorded an unpaid $1 million consideration in accrued liabilities and other payables on the consolidated balance sheet for a committed investment of $1 million into Touch Point Worldwide, Inc. d/b/a/ Berify’s preferred equity for 909,091 shares. We completed the investment on April 5, 2024.

Current wording

As of September 30, 2024, we recorded an unpaid $9 million consideration in accrued liabilities and other payables on the consolidated balance sheet for a committed investment of $9 million into a joint venture investment named IKE.

Previous wording

Other than as disclosed elsewhere in this Form 10-Q, we are not aware of any trends, uncertainties, demands, commitments, or events that are reasonably likely to have a material effect on our net revenues, income from operations, profitability, liquidity or capital resources, or that would cause reported financial information not necessarily to be indicative of future operating results or financial condition.

Current wording

Other than as disclosed elsewhere in this this Form 10-Q, we are not aware of any trends, uncertainties, demands, commitments, or events that are reasonably likely to have a material effect on our net revenues, income from continuing operations, profitability, liquidity or capital resources, or that would cause reported financial information not necessarily to be indicative of future operating results or financial condition.

Previous wording

As a company with less than $1.235 billion in revenue for our last fiscal year, we qualify as an “emerging growth company” pursuant to the JOBS Act. An emerging growth company may take advantage of specified reduced reporting and other requirements that are otherwise applicable generally to public companies. These provisions include exemption from the auditor attestation requirement under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 in the assessment of the emerging growth company’s internal control over financial reporting. The JOBS Act also provides that an emerging growth company does not need to comply with any new or revised financial accounting standards until such date that a private company is otherwise required to comply with such new or revised accounting standards. We have elected to take advantage of such exemptions. We could lose Emerging Growth Company status if we become a “Large Accelerated Filer.” This would occur if we had a public float of $700 million or more, as of the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter.

Current wording

As a company with less than $1.235 billion in revenue for our last fiscal year, we qualify as an “emerging growth company” pursuant to the JOBS Act. An emerging growth company may take advantage of specified reduced reporting and other requirements that are otherwise applicable generally to public companies. These provisions include exemption from the auditor attestation requirement under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 in the assessment of the emerging growth company’s internal control over financial reporting. The JOBS Act also provides that an emerging growth company does not need to comply with any new or revised financial accounting standards until such date that a private company is otherwise required to comply with such new or revised accounting standards. We have elected to take advantage of such exemptions.