Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K/A
x | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended: December 31, 2008
OR
o | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from __________ to ____________
Commission File Number: 000-28543
CHINA NEW ENERGY GROUP COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware | | 65-0972647 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | | (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) |
20F., Centre Plaza, No. 188 Jiefang Road, Heping District, Tianjin, China.
(Address of principal executive office and zip code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Common Stock, par value $0.001
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o No x
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
Yes o No x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer o | Accelerated filer o | Non-accelerated filer o | Smaller reporting company x |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).
Yes o No x
As of June 30, 2009, the aggregate market value of the shares of the Registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates (based upon the closing price of such shares as reported on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board) was approximately $6.2 million. Shares of the Registrant’s common stock held by each executive officer and director have been excluded in that such persons may be deemed to be affiliates of the Registrant. This determination of affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other purposes.
As of April 13, 2010, there were 105,395,032 shares of the Registrant’s common stock outstanding.
Annual Report on FORM 10-K
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2008
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Number | | | | Page |
PART I | | | | |
| | | | |
Item 1. | | Business | | 6 |
Item 1A. | | Risk Factors | | 21 |
Item 2. | | Description of Property | | 32 |
Item 3. | | Legal Proceedings | | 32 |
Item 4. | | Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders | | 32 |
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PART II | | | | |
| | | | |
Item 5. | | Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities | | 32 |
Item 6. | | Selected Financial Data | | 34 |
Item 7. | | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | | 34 |
Item 7A. | | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | | 43 |
Item 8. | | Financial Statements and Supplementary Data | | 43 |
Item 9. | | Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure | | 44 |
Item 9A. | | Controls and Procedures | | 46 |
Item 9B. | | Other Information | | 47 |
| | | | |
PART III | | | | |
| | | | |
Item 10. | | Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance | | 48 |
Item 11. | | Executive Compensation | | 53 |
Item 12. | | Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters | | 55 |
Item 13. | | Certain Relationships and Related Transactions | | 58 |
Item 14. | | Principal Accountant Fees and Services | | 60 |
| | | | |
PART IV | | | | |
| | | | |
Item 15. | | Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules | | |
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements contained in this report under “Item 1—Business,” “Item 6—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” “Item 9—Directors and Officers of the Registrant” and “Item 10—Executive Compensation” including, without limitation, those concerning our liquidity and capital resources, contain forward-looking statements concerning our operations; financial condition; management forecasts; liquidity; anticipated growth; the economy; future economic performance; future acquisitions and dispositions; potential and contingent liabilities; management’s plans; taxes; and the development and utilization of our intellectual property. Because such statements involve risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These statements may be preceded by, followed by or include the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates” or similar expressions.
Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance and by their nature are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. We caution you therefore that you should not rely on these forward-looking statements. You should understand the risks and uncertainties, discussed in the section on “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this report, could affect our future results and could cause those results or other outcomes to differ materially from those expressed or implied in our forward-looking statements.
Any forward-looking information contained in this report speaks only as of the date of the report. Factors or events may emerge from time to time and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, changed circumstances or unanticipated events.
In this report, unless indicated otherwise, references to:
| · | “China New Energy,” “the company,” “we,” “us,” or “our,” are references to the combined business of China New Energy Group Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Willsky, Wuyuan,Tianjin Investment,SingOcean, Chensheng and Yingkou Zhongneng, Zhanhua Jiutai, Binhai Zhongneng,but do not include the stockholders of China New Energy; |
| | |
| · | “Willsky” are references to Willsky Development, Ltd. |
| · | “Wuyuan” are references to Wuyuan County Zhongran Gas Limited. |
| · | “Tianjin Investment” are references to China New Energy(Tianjin) Investment & Consulting Co.,Ltd. |
| | |
| · | “SingOcean” are references to Tianjin SingOcean Public Utility Development Co., Ltd. |
| | |
| · | “Chensheng” are references to Qinhuangdao Chensheng Gas Co. Ltd. |
| | |
| · | “Yingkou Zhongneng” are reference to Yingkou Zhongneng Gas Development Company Limited. |
| · | “Zhanhua Jiutai” are reference to Zhanhua Jiutai Gas Co.Limited. |
| | |
| · | “Binhai Zhongneng” are reference to Tianjin Binhai Zhongneng Gas Company Limited. |
| | |
| · | “China,” “Chinese” and “PRC,” are references to the People’s Republic of China; |
| | |
| · | “BVI” are references to the British Virgin Islands; |
| · | “RMB” refer to Renminbi, the legal currency of China; |
| | |
| · | “U.S. dollar,” “$” and “US$” are to the legal currency of the United States; |
| · | “SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission; and |
| | |
| · | “Securities Act” mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and “Exchange Act” mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. |
EXPLANATORY NOTE REGARDING RESTATEMENT
This Amendment No. 1 ("Form 10-K/A") to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 ("Form 10-K"), which was filed with the SEC on April 15, 2009, amends the Form 10-K to reflect restated amounts and revised disclosures of the Company's consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2008.
The principal changes to our Report in this amendment are as follows:
1. There were errors in the recording of the fair value of the assets acquired during the acquisition of Chensheng. Therefore, the Group has recorded the increase to the fair value from the book value of several assets, including $1,036,655 of Property, plant and equipment, $3,012 of Inventories, and $63,014 of Goodwill and the decrease in $505,941 in Land use right. Consequently, we recalculated the $96,489 of the depreciation for such increment of those assets and minority interest in Chensheng, which caused a decrease to the minority interest by $77,647 in the consolidated balance sheet and a decrease to the minority interest’s share of net income by $414,763 in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income.
2. There was an error in the elimination of its intercompany accounts. Therefore, we have recorded a decrease in the related party receivable balances by $84,120 and an increase in the general and administrative expenses by $54,196 and the comprehensive income of $29,924.
3. We have reassessed the nature of the preferred stock together with warrants and we reclassified $1,857 and $7,029,961 (total amounting to $7,031,818) from preferred stock and additional paid in capital. Also, we reclassified warrant liabilities of $2,952,273 from additional paid in capital and recognized a $2,553,870 loss from the change in fair value of the warrant liabilities in the income statement and the total amount of the warrant liabilities was $5,506,143 as of December 31, 2008. In addition, we have accrued $900,000 registration right liabilities as of December 31, 2008.
4. There was an error in recording the pre-acquisition cash flow activities of the newly acquired subsidiary, Chensheng and the cash flow activities of disposed subsidiary, Hunchun. We have excluded the cash flow activities of Chensheng and included the cash flow activities of Hunchun under discontinued operations in each section of the cashflow activities. As a result, we made those adjusting entries in the cash flow statement for the year ended December 31, 2008.
5. We have some reclassifications in both Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.
6. In addition, management made a determination that the Company’s financial statements in each of its quarterly reports filed in 2009 could not be relied on that it will restate the Company’s financial statements for each of the quarterly reports it filed in 2009. The Company filed a current Report on Form 8-K disclosing these determinations under item 4.02 of Form 8-K concurrent with the filing of this Annual report.
Overview of Our Business
We are a vertically integrated natural gas company engaged in the development of natural gas distribution networks, and the distribution of natural gas to residential, and industrial and commercial customers in small and medium sized cities in China.
We currently own the exclusive rights to develop distribution networks to provide natural gas to industrial, commercial and domestic consumers in the cities of Dashiqiao, Nandaihe, Zhanhua and Wuyuan. Currently, these distribution networks provide natural gas to an aggregate of approximately 64,000 consumers in these cities
We are able to procure our natural gas by purchasing natural gas from third-party suppliers. Once natural gas is extracted, all water content and impurities are removed. Natural gas is then delivered by truck either to (1) our natural gas supply stations, where the gas is either depressurized and then delivered to households through pipelines or delivered directly to customers in pressurized tanks, or (2) gas stations where the gas is sold for use in motor vehicles.
Our major business activities include development and construction of local gas distribution networks, transportation of natural gas from suppliers to our storage facilities in a given operational location, and operating and maintaining the gas distribution networks.
Acquisition of SingOcean
In 2005, Willsky acquired 99% of the equity of SingOcean, which was formed in the PRC as an equity joint venture to be operated for a period of 50 years until January 18, 2054 with registered capital of $4.5 million (RMB31,897,000). SingOcean set up a branch division in Acheng, Tianjin, called Tianjin Sing Ocean Public Utility Development Co., Ltd. – Acheng Division (“SingOcean – Acheng Division”) and is to be operated for a period of 5 years until December 28, 2010. On December 22, 2009, our wholly-owned subsidiary, SingOcean, completed the sale of its Acheng Division (“Acheng division of SingOcean”) to Harbin Hengsheng Real Estate Development Co., Ltd.
Private Placement
On August 20, 2008, we completed a private placement in which we sold to China Hand Fund I, LLC, or China Hand, and its designees for a purchase price of $9,000,000 1,857,373 shares of our Series A Preferred Stock and warrants to purchase 13,001,608 shares of our common stock at an initial exercise price of $0.187 per share (subject to adjustments) for a period of 5 years following the date of issuance. After the deduction of offering expenses in the amount of approximately $1.92 million we had approximately $7.08 million in net proceeds.
Kuhns Brothers Securities Corporation, or Kuhns Brothers, acted as placement agent in connection with this private placement. As compensation for its services, Kuhns Brothers received a cash fee equal to $900,000, representing 10% of the gross proceeds received from the private placement, as well as warrants to purchase 6,500,804 shares of our common stock, representing 10% of the aggregate number of shares of common stock issuable to China Hand in the private placement upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock. We are under a contractual obligation to register the shares of our common stock underlying the Series A Preferred Stock within a pre-defined period. At present, we have not filed a registration statement regarding those shares and, as of October 4, 2008, we began to incur liquidated damages payable to China Hand at a rate of one percent of China Hand’s investment per month.
In connection with this private placement, we agreed to certain make good provisions that will require us to issue to China Hand up to an aggregate of 1,114,424 (557,212 shares for each of 2008 and 2009) additional shares of our Series A Preferred Stock if we do not achieve the targeted after-tax net income, or ATNI, and earnings per share targets for 2008 and 2009. The 2008 after tax net income target is $4.3 million and the 2008 earnings per share target is 0.0261 on a fully-diluted basis. The 2009 after tax net income target, or the 2009 ATNI Target, is $6.0 million and the 2009 earnings per share target, or 2009 EPS Target, is $0.0294 on a fully diluted basis. We were unable to achieve the targeted ATNI for 2008, and therefore, pursuant to the make good provisions, we were obligated to release from the escrow, which was established at the time of the private placement, 557,212 shares of our Series A Preferred Stock for transfer to China Hand,. In connection with the closing of the May 1 private placement (described below), the Company and China Hand executed a Waiver (the “Waiver”) of certain post-closing obligations relating to the August 2008 private placement.
On April 30, 2009, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with China Hand and on May 1, 2009, we issued to China Hand 1,116,388 shares of the Company’s Series B Convertible Preferred Stock and 7,814,719 warrants to purchase Common Stock, for aggregate gross proceeds of $5,400,000.
Kuhns Brothers acted as placement agent in connection with the second private placement. As compensation for its services, Kuhns Brothers received a cash fee of $540,000, representing 10% of the gross proceeds received from the private placement, as well as warrants to purchase 3,907,358 shares of the Company’s Common Stock, representing 10% of the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock issuable to China Hand on conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock.
Additionally, the Company agreed to make good provisions that will require the Company to issue to China Hand up to 334,916 additional shares (the “Make Good Shares”) of its Series B Preferred Stock if it did not achieve an audited after-tax net income of $5.0 million for the year ending December 31, 2009 (the “2009 Income Target”); if the Company is successful in achieving the 2009 Income Target, China Hand will transfer 22,327 shares of its Series B Preferred Stock to certain members of the Company’s management, which shares have been deposited into an escrow account. (As the 2009 Income Target was achieved the 22,327 shares of Series B Preferred Stock will be distributed to management at a later date.) The Company also agreed to issue to China Hand 27,910 shares of Series B Preferred Stock if the Company’s Common Stock is not listed for trading on a national securities exchange on or before January 31, 2010 (the “Listing Shares”). (The Company’s common stock has not been listed on a national securities exchange, however, the 27,910 shares of Series B Preferred Stock have not yet been issued to China Hand.)
Also in connection with the closing of the Private Placement, the Company entered into a Securities Escrow Agreement with China Hand and the Escrow Agent, whereby the Company delivered the Make Good Shares and the Listing Shares to the Escrow Agent, which shall be released from escrow to China Hand in accordance with the SPA as described above.
As partial consideration for the Company’s issuance of the Series B Preferred Stock, and in connection with the closing of the Private Placement, the Company and China Hand executed a Waiver (the “Waiver”) of certain post-closing obligations relating to the private placement consummated between the parties on August 20, 2008. Under the Waiver, China Hand waived its rights (i) to 557,212 shares of the Company’s Series A Preferred Stock held in escrow and due to China Hand pursuant to a Securities Purchase Agreement dated August 8, 2008 (the “August SPA”); provided that the Company agreed to deliver to China Hand 241,545 shares of Series A Preferred Stock and to place an additional 241,545 shares of Series A Preferred Stock into escrow, to be delivered to China Hand if the Company’s after-tax net income for the year ending December 31, 2009 is not at or above $5 million (the “Amended Series A Make Good”) (which target was achieved); (ii) under Section 6.18 of the August SPA in favor of the Amended Series A Make Good; (iii) to liquidated damages under Section 6.31 of the August SPA arising from the Company’ s failure to effect a reverse split of its Common Stock prior to March 31, 2009; and (iv) its rights to liquidated damages under a Registration Rights Agreement dated August 20, 2008, provided that the parties enter into the Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement.
Equity Swap
On September 16, 2008, we, through our subsidiary SingOcean, entered into an Equity Swap Agreement with Mr. Xiu Hai Tian, whereby we acquired from Mr. Tian a 49% ownership interest in Qinhuangdao Chensheng Gas Co., Ltd. (“Chensheng”), in exchange for our 99% ownership in Hunchun SingOcean. The parties to the Equity Swap Agreement determined that the value of the 49% interest in Chensheng and the 99% interest in Hunchun Sing Ocean were approximately equal and therefore there was no cash or other consideration involved in the transaction from either party.
On December 10, 2008, the Company entered into an Agreement for Equity Transfer with the holders of the remaining 51% outstanding equity in Chensheng. Pursuant to the Agreement for Equity Transfer, the Company agreed to purchase the remaining 51% of the outstanding equity of Chensheng from 17 individuals for an aggregate purchase price of RMB 12.56 million (approximately $1.84 million). The transaction was consummated on December 30, 2008, following which the Company now owns 51% of the equity of Chensheng, and our 99%-owned subsidiary SingOcean now owns 49% of the equity of Chensheng and therefore, the Group ultimately held 99.5% of the equity of Chensheng.
Recent Acquisitions
On December 12, 2009, our indirect wholly-owned subsidiary Chensheng, entered into an Equity Interest Purchase Agreement to acquire all of the outstanding equity interest of Zhanhua Jiutai Gas Co., a PRC company (“Jiutai”), from the 5 shareholders of Jiutai. Under that agreement, Chensheng agreed to purchase 100% of the outstanding equity interest of Jiutai from the Jiutai shareholders for a total purchase price of RMB 16,500,000 (approximately $2,426,343) payable in three installments.
On December 16, 2009, Willsky entered into an Equity Interest Purchase Agreement, to acquire all of the outstanding equity interest of Fuzhou City Lean Zhongran Gas Inc., a PRC company, from Flying Dragon Resource Development Limited. Under that agreement, Willsky agreed to purchase 100% of the outstanding equity interest of Lean Zhongran for a total purchase price of RMB 4,800,000 (approximately $702,782) (which purchase price is based on an appraised value of Lean Zhongran as of September 30, 2009) payable in three installments.
On December 16, 2009, Willsky entered into an Equity Interest Purchase Agreement to acquire all of the outstanding equity interest of Wuyuan County Zhongran Gas Ltd., a PRC company, from Flying Dragon Investment Management Limited. Under the agreement, Willsky agreed to purchase 100% of the outstanding equity interest of Wuyuan for a total purchase price of RMB 6,000,000 (approximately $877,477) (which purchase price is based on an appraised value of Wuyuan as of September 30, 2009) payable in three installments.
On January 5, 2010, Willsky entered into an Equity Interest Purchase Agreement, to acquire all of the outstanding equity interest of Fuzhou Zhongran Flying Dragon Gas Inc., a PRC company, from Flying Dragon Resource Development Limited and Flying Dragon Investment Management Limited. Under that agreement, Willsky agreed to pay a total purchase price of 26,000,000 RMB (which purchase price is based on an appraised value of Fuzhou Zhongran as of September 30, 2009) payable in three installments.
Proposed acquisition
On March 8, 2010 we entered into a Conditional Equity Transfer Agreement with Mr. Tang Zhixiang (“ Mr. Tang”) to acquire from Mr. Tang a 70% equity interest in Beijing Century Dadi Gas Engineering Co., Ltd., a PRC company (“Century Dadi”) and a 70 % equity interest in its affiliated companies including Beijing Dadi Gas Engineering Co. Ltd. (“Dadi Gas”). The total purchase price has not yet been determined but will be based on a multiple of the net profits of Century Dadi and it consolidated subsidiaries for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 as determined in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles capped at 392,150,000 RMB (approximately $57.5 million). The purchase price will payable in three installments.
Disposal of Assets
On December 22, 2009, SingOcean entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement with Harbin Hengsheng Real Estate Development Co., Ltd. pursuant to which SingOcean agreed to sell to the purchaser certain assets including, certain land use rights, construction in progress, licenses and operating equipment relating to a gas pipeline located at Acheng District, Harbin City for a cash purchase price of RMB 40,000,000 (approximately $6 million). The purchase price is payable in three installments.
On March 17, 2010, SingOcean entered into an Equity Transfer Agreement with Hunan Zhongyouzhiyuan Gas Co., Ltd under which we agreed to sell all of the equity interest of Yingkou Zhengneng Gas Development Co., Ltd. for a cash purchase price of RMB 21,900,000 (approximately $3.2 million dollars). The purchase price is payable in two installments.
Our Current Organizational Structure
We own all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Willsky, which in turn owns 99% of the outstanding capital stock of SingOcean. The remaining 1% of SingOcean is owned by Tianjin Huanlong Commercial and Trading Company.
SingOcean owns 100% of the equity of Yingkou Zhongneng, 49% of the equity of Chensheng and 39.4% of the equity of Binhai Zhongneng.
Chensheng owns 100% of the equity of Zhanhua Jiutai and 60.6% of Binhai Zhongneng.
China New Energy owns 100% of the equity of Tianjin Investment and Wuyuan.
These subsidiaries are principally responsible for the construction and operation of the natural gas distribution networks in the cities of Dashiqiao, Nandaihe, Zhanhua, Wuyuan, and Tianjin Binhai New Area,
The following chart reflects our organizational structure as of the date of this report.
Our Industry
China’s Natural Gas Market
Traditionally, the PRC has relied heavily on coal and crude oil as its primary energy sources. According to the China Statistical Yearbook, in 2005, coal, crude oil, hydro-electricity and natural gas accounted for 68.9%, 21.0%, 7.2% and 2.9% respectively, of the PRC’s total energy consumption. In 2006, the ratios were 69.4%, 20.4%, 7.2% and 3.0 %, respectively and in 2007, the ratios were 69.5%, 19.7%, 7.3% and 3.5% respectively. Natural gas has been primarily used as a raw material for chemical fertilizers and to operate oil and gas fields. Accordingly, most natural gas is consumed for production of fertilizer, while the non-production sector accounts for a low percentage of final consumption. In 2005, non-production consumption of natural gas was around 7.9 billion cubic meters, which was just over 15% of total natural gas consumption that reached to 47.9 billion cubic meters (Source: National Bureau of Statistics of China).
The PRC’s heavy reliance on coal is out of line with world consumption rates for the same time period which was 26.5% in 2005 (Source: Energy Information Administration, U.S. Department of Energy). The use of coal, however, causes air pollution and other negative consequences to the environment. In the PRC, the heavy use of unwashed coal has lead to large emissions of sulfur dioxide and particulate matter. The latest air pollution study conducted by the Blacksmith Institute shows that in 2007 two of the 10 most polluted cities in the world are located in the PRC (Source: http://www.blacksmithinstitute.org ). As such, there have been serious environmental concerns in many countries around the world which resulted in a global trend to reduce coal usage.
Recognizing the serious problems caused by heavy reliance on coal usage, the PRC government has aggressively moved to reduce coal usage by substituting coal with other, more environmentally friendly forms of fuel, such as natural gas. In consideration of such trends, the PRC set out a policy to raise the share of natural gas in the country’s energy mix in its Ninth 5-Year Plan (1996-2000). At the local governmental level, in many locations where natural gas supply is available, local governments often require all new residential buildings to incorporate piped gas connections in their designs as a condition to the issuance of the construction or occupancy permits. Before 2000, gas distribution had principally been served by local municipal governments. Since then, the industry has been open to the private sector, whose investments have fostered the wide use of natural gas in the PRC. The natural gas industry has been deemed by the PRC government as a suitable industry for public and private investments.
Demand for Natural Gas in China
Currently, natural gas consumption in the PRC accounts for less than 3% of its total energy consumption. However, driven by environmental pressure from the demand side and improvements in social infrastructure with economic growth, in the west in particular, and stable energy supply, it is anticipated that the use of natural gas will grow very rapidly in the PRC. According to the statistics of the China National Development and Reform Commission, or NDRC, the consumption of natural gas has increased from 24.5 billion cubic meters in 2000 to 55.6 billion cubic meters in 2006, which represented an average growth of 32.42% per year. From the 4th Annual Asia Natural Gas Congress 2008, experts anticipated that the demand for natural gas in China would grow rapidly to 150 billion cubic meters in 2010 and to 240 billion cubic meters in 2015.
China’s Natural Gas Reserves and Gas Pipeline Infrastructure
The PRC abounds in rich natural gas reserves, which are distributed among Xinjiang, Sichuan, and Shaanxi Provinces, as well as Inner Mongolia. According to the Second Oil and Gas Reserve Assessment published by the Geological and Mineral Resources Department of China, natural gas reserves in China are estimated to be 38,000 billion cubic meters with 30,000 billion cubic meters onshore and 8,000 billion cubic meters offshore. These reserves are sufficient for approximately 74 to 120 years of Chinese consumption based on current consumption levels.
Because the PRC’s largest reserves of natural gas are located in western and north-central China, it requires a significant investment in gas transportation infrastructure to carry natural gas to eastern cities and the rest of the PRC. Until recently, the PRC’s natural gas consumption was limited to local natural gas producing provinces because of the lack of national long-distance pipeline infrastructure. Because natural gas transportation was limited to areas near production sites, an economical supply was possible.
The principal method for transportation of natural gas is by means of pipelines. In order to develop the natural gas industry, it is essential that the necessary pipeline infrastructure be in place so that natural gas is easily accessible for distribution at affordable rates.
In its Eleventh Five Year Plan (2006 - 2010), the PRC government re-affirmed its commitment to making significant investments in the expansion of the natural gas pipeline infrastructure over a period of 20 years.
Natural Gas Suppliers
The natural gas supply in China is dominated by the three large state-owned oil and gas holding companies, namely China National Petroleum Corporation Group, or PetroChina, China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation Group, or Sinopec, and China National Offshore Oil Corporation Group, or CNOOC. In 2006, production by PetroChina, Sinopec and CNOOC accounted for 73.7%, 14.1% and 12.2%, respectively, of the total national production. PetroChina and Sinopec own and primarily operate onshore pipelines while CNOOC owns and operates virtually all offshore pipelines (Source: The Institute of Energy Economics of Japan).
Natural Gas Distributors
Before 2000, natural gas distribution had been principally served by local municipal governments. Since then, the natural gas industry has been designated by the PRC government as a suitable industry for public and private investment and has been open to private investment which has fueled the development of the industry and fostered a wider use of natural gas in the PRC. In large cities where the population exceeds 100,000, the natural gas distribution business is dominated by state owned companies, while in cities where the population is less than 100,000, natural gas distribution is carried out by many privately owned companies, most of which operate in just a few locations.
Our Competitive Strengths
We believe that the following competitive strengths enable us to compete effectively and to capitalize on the growth of the market for natural gas in China:
| · | Advanced Technology and Facilities. We can distribute liquefied natural gas and compressed natural gas within the same type of pipelines, which provides us with a more flexible transportation structure. |
| · | Complete Industry Access. We have the ability to operate in all sectors of the natural gas industry, including purchasing, transportation, distribution and terminal operation. Gas distribution prices are generally stipulated by the government; however, the price of gas resources is determined by the natural gas markets. |
| · | Experienced Management. Our management team has broad and extensive experience in the natural gas industry as well as in areas of business development, corporate strategy and planning, marketing and sales, and maintains strong relationships with both the national and local governments in China. |
Our Growth Strategy
Our growth strategy is to grow both organically and through acquisitions, as our recent acquisitions indicate. We are committed to enhancing profitability and cash flows by focusing on second and third tier markets. This strategy helps avoid competition altogether, as currently, less than 15% of the cities in our target market have access to natural gas, and thus there are no competing natural gas companies. We have already acquired exclusive rights for natural gas distribution to three cities in northern China, and anticipate pursuing other such agreements with additional cities.
Our Operations
We purchase natural gas from third-party suppliers. Natural gas is then delivered by truck to either (1) our natural gas supply stations, where the gas is either depressurized and then delivered to households through pipelines or delivered directly to customers in pressurized tanks, or (2) to gas stations where the gas is sold for use in motor vehicles.
The following chart illustrates the natural gas distribution process.
Products and Services
Currently, we generate revenues primarily from the connection fees we charge our customers for connecting to the pipelines in our natural gas distribution networks, and fees for natural gas usage.
Historically, connection fees and fees for natural gas usage have constituted, in the aggregate, 100% of our revenues. We recorded connection fees in the amounts of $11,093,444 and $4,919,392 for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, constituting 94% and 90% of total revenues for those years. Sales of natural gas were $680,451 and $571,835 for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, constituting 6% and 10% of the total revenues for those years
Connection Fees
We charge residential customers a flat fee for connections to our distribution network. The fee amount, which is subject to approval by the relevant local state pricing bureau, varies by location and is determined based on factors such as estimated capital expenditure, fees charged in surrounding cities, number of users, expected penetration rates, income levels and affordability to local residents. The average connection fee in 2008 was approximately $357 per household (based on an exchange rate for RMB to US$ of approximately 7.8:1) and in 2009 is approximately $351 per household (based on an exchange rate of RMB to US$ of approximately 6.83:1). For industrial customers, the connection fee is determined based on their consumption usage. Connection fees are generally paid immediately after the customer is connected to our pipeline network.
Connection fees generally provide a 75% gross profit margin.
Connection fees and gas usage fees are subject to the approval of the local state pricing bureau. Future price increases are also subject to the same approval process. In considering applications for an increase in gas usage charges, the local state pricing bureau may consider factors such as increases in the wholesale price of gas or operating expenses, inflation, additional capital expenditure, and whether the profit margin remains fair and reasonable.
When entering into master supply contracts for mass connections, we usually require the payment of a deposit from customers while the balance is payable in accordance with the terms set out in the contracts. In the event customers default in the payment of connection fees, we will not start the supply of natural gas until the connection fees are paid.
The deposit received from customers upon the signing of supply contracts generally funds the majority of our capital costs in any new operational location.
Gas Usage Charges
Natural gas usage charges, which may vary by location, are regulated by the local state price bureau and are determined evaluating a number of factors including the wholesale price of gas, operating costs, price of substitute products, internal business model margins and the purchasing power of local residents. Gas usage charges are based on actual usage on a per cubic meter basis.
Our Business Activities
Our major business activities include development and construction of local gas distribution networks, transportation of natural gas from suppliers to our storage facilities in a given operational location, and operating and maintaining the gas distribution networks.
Development
Our business development team actively explores and evaluates potential areas for development of new distribution networks, opportunities for expansion of our existing distribution networks. Because of our relationships with local and regional government officials, we also receive invitations to bid for new and existing projects.
Because of the large infrastructure costs of both constructing and operating a distribution network, we carefully evaluate each potential opportunity. Some of the key factors that we look at when evaluating whether to extend an existing distribution network or to develop a new one include: (1) size and density of the population, (2) economic statistics of the target locations, (3) concentration of industrial and commercial activities, (4) projections of revenue, (5) environmental policies of the regional government, (6) potential for further development, (7) exclusivity of distribution, and (8) required methods of delivery.
If a proposed natural gas distribution project has been approved as a viable project, we will then create a local subsidiary, such as Yingkou Zhongneng, Chensheng, Zhanhua Jiutai and Binhai Zhongneng to bid on and, if successful, administer the project. The local subsidiary is also responsible for negotiating the terms of the distribution agreement with the local government as well as promoting the use of our natural gas to the local communities.
Design, Construction and Operation
Design
The design of the gas pipeline infrastructure for a natural gas distribution project includes the processing stations, the local pipelines and other ancillary facilities such as gas storage tanks. It is carried out by a government approved design institute in accordance with our requirements and specifications. It also takes into account the local population size, the development of the economy, the utilization of energy resources and the environmental conditions. The master design is subject to approval by the local city construction department. The design stage normally takes two to three months.
Construction
Once the design is approved, we invite qualified independent contractors to tender bids for the construction of the distribution network. We generally enter into turnkey contracts with independent contractors for construction, installation and maintenance of the natural gas pipelines. We pay a down payment with the remainder to be paid upon completion of the project. At the time of entering into turnkey contracts, we source raw materials such as piping, gas regulating equipment and machinery. We have strict quality control procedures for the sourcing of supplies for all construction purposes.
Our internal engineers and independent external inspectors monitor the entire construction process to ensure that each stage of construction meets our quality and safety standards and the relevant regulatory requirements.
For a given operational location, although the gas pipeline infrastructure is designed to cover the entire operational location, our construction program focuses on early gas delivery to areas of concentrated customer demand. This ensures that natural gas supply can begin as soon as the essential gas pipeline infrastructure and facilities are completed. Construction work in a target area will gradually extend to cover the whole operational location, which typically takes two to five years.
Operation
Once the gas pipeline infrastructure is in place, we can begin the design and construction of branch pipelines and other non-pipeline means of supplying natural gas to our customers. As soon as the delivery vehicles are in place, we will begin distributing gas from our gas supply stations directly to our customers.
Our Customers
We have three principal types of customers: (1) residential customers (2) industrial customers and (3) commercial customers.
Residential Customers
Natural gas is primarily used by residential owners for cooking and heating. We market directly to property developers, government departments and organizations, and private companies and state-owned enterprises, as these entities enter into master supply contracts with us for the connection of gas to all the units within a residential development. These entities work with the end users to facilitate the collection of the connection fees. Once connected, the end user is solely responsible for payment of the usage charges.
At present, we supply gas to an aggregate of approximately 64,000 end users in Dashiqiao, Nandaihe and Zhanhua. Following is a list of the entities with whom we have entered into master supply agreements and the percentage of connection fees charged to each in fiscal years 2009 and 2008:
| | Percentage of Connections Fees for the year ended December 31, | |
Customers | | 2009 | | | 2008 | |
Yingkou Zhongneng(Dashiqiao gas office) | | | 45 | % | | | 76 | % |
Nandaihe | | | 24 | % | | | 24 | % |
Zhanhua | | | 12 | % | | | | |
Binhai | | | 19 | % | | | | |
Total | | | 100 | % | | | 100 | % |
Industrial and Commercial Customers
We currently have three commercial customers in Dashiqiao, which are an Education Center, a Spa and a Restaurant, who use natural gas primarily for heating, air conditioning, steam production and cooking. Other potential industrial customers could include owners of hotels, restaurants, office buildings, shopping centers, hospitals, educational establishments, sports and leisure facilities and exhibition halls.
Sales and Marketing
Our marketing department is responsible for developing and maintaining our overall sales and marketing strategy, and the marketing teams of each or our branches or subsidiaries make appropriate detailed marketing plans based on their local areas of operation. Our marketing activities are aimed at creating brand-recognition and developing a reputation as a reliable supplier of natural gas. Our marketing plan includes informing the public of the advantages of using natural gas and stressing that natural gas is a clean and efficient source of energy.
In China, a local government can only grant exclusive distribution rights to one gas company, and the entire gas pipeline network must be operated by this one company. Accordingly, our marketing efforts are also used to help us obtain additional exclusive rights from other local governments. In areas where no gas company has yet been granted exclusive distribution rights, we set up small-scale pipeline networks as models to demonstrate the benefits of using our distribution network.
We also conduct customer satisfaction surveys every six months with property developers and pipeline distribution customers, both wholesale and retail, to collect feedback in areas such as quality of service, pricing and level of professional knowledge. These surveys help ensure that we are providing the highest quality of service to our customers.
Research and Development
We will continue to research new technologies that will reduce waste and leakage in the gas distribution process as well as new technologies that will improve detection and monitoring work in the gas pipeline network.
Our Competition
Since inception, we have focused on supplying natural gas to second and third tier cities where competition is limited, middle class populations are growing, and supplies of natural gas are readily accessible. This strategy is specifically designed to avoid competition. By securing exclusive rights to the development of distribution networks in a city, potential competitors are barred from entry into that market. Once we are able to secure exclusive rights to an area, our prices are regulated according to the regional wholesale price of natural gas.
Regulation
Pricing Regulations
Connection fees and gas usage fees are subject to the approval of the local state pricing bureau. Future price increases are also subject to the same approval process. In considering applications for an increase in gas usage charges, the local state pricing bureau may consider factors such as increases in the wholesale price of gas or operating expenses, inflation, additional capital expenditure, and whether the profit margin remains fair and reasonable.
Operational and Construction Permits
In the PRC, natural gas distribution companies must obtain an operational permit from the local municipal government prior to operation. In addition, a construction permit is required for any construction activities on the distribution network. In both cases, the local municipal government will review the qualifications and experience of the management and technical staff of the distribution company and consider whether the company is capable of maintaining the operational and construction standards.
Yingkou, Chensheng and Zhanhua own the necessary operational permits.
Safety Regulations
Natural gas distributors are also regulated by the Administrative Rules on the City Gas Safety jointly promulgated by the PRC Ministry of Construction, standards set by Standard Bureau and Fire Safety Bureau of PRC Ministry of Public Security in May 1991. According to such rules, the manufacture, storage, transportation, distribution, operation, and usage of natural gas, the design and construction of gas-related projects, and the manufacture of gas-related facilities is subject to relevant safety requirements and qualifications. Fuel service station standards are subject to regulation by the PRC’s Ministry of Construction, General Administration of Quality Supervision, and Bureau of Inspection and Quarantine. Required certificates are issued upon satisfactory inspection of service stations. In addition, there are various standards that must be met for filling stations, including handling and storage of gas, tanker handling, and compressor operation. These standards are regulated by local construction and gas operations authorities. Yingkou, Chensheng and Zhanhua own the necessary qualified inspection and acceptance certificate for a construction project.
Employees
As of December 31, 2009, we employed 130 full-time employees. The following table sets forth the number of our full-time employees by function as of December 31, 2009.
Functions | | Number of Employees | |
General and administration | | | 31 | |
Executive Officers | | | 4 | |
Marketing and Sales | | | 18 | |
Technicians and Engineering | | | 14 | |
Finance and Accounting | | | 18 | |
Operations | | | 45 | |
TOTAL | | | 130 | |
As required by applicable PRC law, we have entered into employment contracts with all of our officers, managers and employees. We believe that we maintain a satisfactory working relationship with our employees and we have not experienced any significant labor disputes or any difficulty in recruiting staff for our operations.
In addition, we are required by PRC law to cover employees in China with various types of social insurance and believe that we are in material compliance with the relevant PRC laws.
Risk Factors
Risks Related to Our Business
We are dependent on suppliers of natural gas to deliver natural gas to our customers and if there is any failure in our ability to maintain that supply our operations and financial condition will be materially adversely affected.
Part of our business model involves the purchase of natural gas from our suppliers, and the re-sale of such natural gas to our industrial and residential customers for a profit.
We depend on natural gas supply from our suppliers. While we typically enter into multiple-year gas supply contracts with our suppliers, the supply contracts are subject to renewal every twelve months. If key terms of these supply contracts are changed after the annual review, or if our suppliers breach any of the key terms of the supply contracts, we will not be able to deliver natural gas to our customers. While we have not experienced any shortage of supply in the past, we cannot assure you that natural gas will continue to be available to us. In the event that our current suppliers are unable to provide us with the natural gas we require, we may be unable to find alternative sources, or find alternative sources at reasonable prices. In such an event, our business and financial results would be materially and adversely affected.
The price of natural gas is subject to government regulations and market conditions and may fluctuate significantly, which will impact our financial results.
The price of natural gas is subject to governmental regulations and market conditions in China. While our costs for natural gas are subject to control by the PRC government and we have not experienced any significant price fluctuations over the past few years, we cannot assure you that the price of natural gas will not vary significantly in the future. Numerous factors, most of which are beyond our control, drive the price and supply of natural gas. Some of these factors are: general international and domestic political and economic conditions, wars, OPEC actions, industry capacity utilization and government regulations.
Our success depends on our ability to identify and develop operational locations and negotiate and enter into favorable franchise agreements with local governments at the operation locations.
Our success depends on our ability to identify new operational locations in small- and medium-sized cities in China and negotiate and enter into favorable franchise agreements with local governments that grant us long-term exclusive rights to develop the natural gas distribution network and supply natural gas in the operational location. Our failure to identify and develop new operational locations and obtain the exclusive rights to be the developer of natural gas distribution networks and distribute natural gas in such operational locations would curb our revenue growth and may adversely impact our financial condition and operating results.
The nature of our natural gas operations is highly risky and we may be subject to civil liabilities as a result of our gas operations.
Our natural gas operations are subject to potential hazardous accidents in connection with activities involving the gathering, processing, separation, storage and delivery of natural gas, such as pipeline ruptures, explosions, product spills, leaks, hazardous emissions and fires.
We currently have in place the necessary insurance to cover liabilities in the ordinary course of our business.
Potential hazardous accidents can cause personal injury and loss of life, severe damage to and destruction of property and equipment, and pollution or other environmental damage, and may result in suspension of operations at the affected facilities of residential areas. Consequently, we may face civil liabilities in the ordinary course of our business. These liabilities may result in the insurance companies being required to make indemnification payments in accordance with applicable contracts and regulations. Although we have not faced any civil liabilities in the past since we started the current line of business in the ordinary course of our natural gas operations, there is no assurance that we will not face such liabilities in the future. If such liabilities occur in the future, they may affect our operations and financial condition.
Changes in the regulatory environment could adversely affect our business.
The distribution of natural gas to industrial and residential customers is highly regulated in the PRC requiring registrations with the government for the issuance of licenses required by various governing authorities in the PRC, such as the Natural Gas Business License. The costs of complying with regulations may increase which may in turn harm our business. Furthermore, future changes in environmental laws and regulations in the PRC could occur that could result in stricter standards and enforcement, larger fines and liability, and increased capital expenditure requirement and operating costs, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.
Potential environmental liability could have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial condition.
To the knowledge of our management team, neither the construction of natural gas distribution systems nor the sale and distribution of natural gas constitute activities that require our operations to comply with any particular PRC environmental laws other than the PRC environmental laws of general applicability. Over the past few years, it has not been alleged that we have violated any current environmental laws or regulations by the PRC government; however, there can be no assurance that the PRC government will not amend its current environmental laws and regulations. Our business and operating results could be somewhat affected as we might have to increase some expenditures to comply with changed environmental laws or regulations affecting our operations.
If we fail to effectively manage our growth and expand our operations, our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects could be adversely affected.
Our future success depends on our ability to expand our business to address growth in demand for our distribution networks and natural gas recovery operations. We currently have exclusive natural gas distribution rights for the cities of Dashiqiao, Nandaihe and Zhanhua. Our ability to accomplish these goals is subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including:
| · | the need for additional funding to construct the additional distribution networks; |
| · | delays and cost overruns as a result of a number of factors, many of which may be beyond our control, such as problems with equipment vendors and manufacturing services provided by third-party manufacturers; |
| · | our receipt of any necessary government approvals or permits that may be required to expand our operations in a timely manner or at all; |
| · | diversion of significant management attention and other resources; and |
| · | failure to execute our expansion plan effectively. |
To accommodate our growth, we will need to implement a variety of new and upgraded operational and financial systems, procedures, and controls, including improvements to our accounting and other internal management systems, by dedicating additional resources to our reporting and accounting function, and improvements to our record keeping and contract tracking system. We will also need to recruit more personnel and train and manage our growing employee base. Furthermore, our management will be required to maintain and expand our relationships with our existing customers and find new customers for our services. There is no guarantee that our management can succeed in maintaining and expanding these relationships.
If we encounter any of the risks described above, or if we are otherwise unable to establish or successfully operate additional capacity or increase our output, we may be unable to grow our business and revenues, reduce our operating costs, maintain our competitiveness or improve our profitability and, consequently, our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects will be adversely affected.
One of our stockholders controls the company and its interests may not be aligned with the interests of our other stockholders.
Vicis Capital Master Fund is the owner of all of our outstanding series B preferred stock. Currently the holder of our series B preferred stock votes together as a single class with the holders of our common stock and the holders of our series A preferred stock, with the holders of the series B preferred stock being entitled to seventy percent (70%) of the total votes on all such matters regardless of the actual number of shares of Series B Preferred Stock then outstanding, and the holders of series A preferred stock and common stock being entitled to their proportionate share of the remaining 30% of the total votes. As a result, Vicis can control our business, including decisions regarding mergers, consolidations and the sale of all or substantially all of our assets, election of directors and other significant corporate actions. This concentration of ownership may also have the effect of discouraging, delaying or preventing a future change of control, which could deprive our stockholders of an opportunity to receive a premium for their shares as part of a sale of our Company and might reduce the price of our shares.
We may be exposed to liabilities under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and any determination that we violated the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act could have a material adverse effect on our business.
We are subject to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, or FCPA, and other laws that prohibit improper payments or offers of payments to foreign governments and their officials and political parties by U.S. persons and issuers as defined by the statute for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. We have operations, agreements with third parties and make sales in China, which may experience corruption. Our activities in China create the risk of unauthorized payments or offers of payments by one of our employees, consultants, sales agents or distributors, even though these parties are not always subject to our control. It is our policy to implement safeguards to discourage these practices by our employees. However, our existing safeguards and any future improvements may prove to be less than effective, and our employees, consultants, sales agents or distributors may engage in conduct for which we might be held responsible. Violations of the FCPA may result in severe criminal or civil sanctions, and we may be subject to other liabilities, which could negatively affect our business, operating results and financial condition. In addition, the government may seek to hold our Company liable for successor liability FCPA violations committed by companies in which we invest or that we acquire.
We depend heavily on key personnel, and turnover of key employees and senior management could harm our business.
Our future business and results of operations depend in significant part upon the continued contributions of our key technical and senior management personnel, including Yangkan Chong, our Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, Yu Tak Shing, our Chief Financial Officer, and Dunhong Shi, our Chief Operating Officer. They also depend in significant part upon our ability to attract and retain additional qualified management, technical, operational and support personnel for our operations. If we lose a key employee, if a key employee fails to perform in his or her current position, or if we are not able to attract and retain skilled employees as needed, our business could suffer. Significant turnover in our senior management could significantly deplete the institutional knowledge held by our existing senior management team. We depend on the skills and abilities of these key employees in managing the reclamation, technical, and marketing aspects of our business, any part of which could be harmed by turnover in the future.
We may require additional capital and we may not be able to obtain it on acceptable terms or at all.
We believe that our current cash and cash flow from operations will be sufficient to meet our present cash needs. We may, however, require additional cash resources due to changed business conditions or other future developments, including any investments or acquisitions we may decide to pursue. If these resources are insufficient to satisfy our cash requirements, we may seek to sell additional equity or debt securities or obtain additional credit facilities. The sale of additional equity securities could result in dilution to our stockholders. The incurrence of indebtedness would result in increased debt service obligations and could require us to agree to operating and financing covenants that would restrict our operations. Our ability to obtain additional capital on acceptable terms is subject to a variety of uncertainties, including:
| · | investors’ perception of, and demand for, securities of Chinese-based companies involved in the natural gas distribution and recovery industry; |
| · | conditions of the U.S. and other capital markets in which we may seek to raise funds; |
| · | our future results of operations, financial condition and cash flows; and |
| · | economic, political and other conditions in China. |
Financing may not be available in amounts or on terms acceptable to us, if at all. Any failure by us to raise additional funds on terms favorable to us, or at all, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may be exposed to potential risks relating to our internal controls over financial reporting and our ability to have those controls attested to by our independent auditors.
As directed by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or SOX 404, the SEC adopted rules requiring public companies to include a report of management on the company’s internal controls over financial reporting in their annual reports, including Form 10-K. In addition, the independent registered public accounting firm auditing a company’s financial statements will in the future be required to attest to and report on management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the company’s internal controls over financial reporting as well as the operating effectiveness of the company’s internal controls. Our internal controls were not effective for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 in that we were required to restate our financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 and those set forth in each of our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed during 2009 due to the identification of a number of significant deficiencies. Although we took certain steps designed to eliminate these significant deficiencies management has concluded that our internal controls were not effective for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009. We cannot assure you that our internal controls will be effective in the future. Under current law, we will be subject to these attestation requirements beginning with our annual report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010. , There can be no positive assurance that we will receive a positive attestation from our independent auditors. In the event we identify significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in our internal controls that we cannot remediate in a timely manner or we are unable to receive a positive attestation from our independent auditors with respect to our internal controls, investors and others may lose confidence in the reliability of our financial statements.
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We may not be able to effectively integrate acquired enterprises.
As part of our growth strategy we recently acquired a number of other gas businesses. There can be no assurance that the acquired enterprises will integrate effectively into our existing operations or in creating profitable businesses. Delays in integration or unresolved corporate culture issues may delay revenue growth or impact on our financial condition.
Risks Related to Doing Business in China
Adverse changes in political and economic policies of the PRC government could impede the overall economic growth of China, which could reduce the demand for our products and damage our business.
We conduct substantially all of our operations and generate most of our revenue in China. Accordingly, our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects are affected significantly by economic, political and legal developments in China. The PRC economy differs from the economies of most developed countries in many respects, including:
| · | the higher level of government involvement; |
| · | the higher level of control over foreign exchange; and |
| · | the allocation of resources. |
As the PRC economy has been transitioning from a planned economy to a more market-oriented economy, the PRC government has implemented various measures to encourage economic growth and guide the allocation of resources. While these measures may benefit the overall PRC economy, they may also have a negative effect on us.
Although the PRC government has in recent years implemented measures emphasizing the utilization of market forces for economic reform, the PRC government continues to exercise significant control over economic growth in China through the allocation of resources, controlling payment of foreign currency-denominated obligations, setting monetary policy and imposing policies that impact particular industries or companies in different ways.
Any adverse change in the economic conditions or government policies in China could have a material adverse effect on the overall economic growth and the level of natural gas investments and expenditures in China, which in turn could lead to a reduction in demand for our services and consequently have a material adverse effect on our business and prospects.
Uncertainties with respect to the PRC legal system could limit the legal protections available to you and us.
We conduct substantially all of our business through our operating subsidiary in the PRC. Our operating subsidiaries are generally subject to laws and regulations applicable to foreign investments in China and, in particular, laws applicable to foreign-invested enterprises. The PRC legal system is based on written statutes, and prior court decisions may be cited for reference but have limited precedential value. Since 1979, a series of new PRC laws and regulations have significantly enhanced the protections afforded to various forms of foreign investments in China. However, since the PRC legal system continues to rapidly evolve, the interpretations of many laws, regulations and rules are not always uniform and enforcement of these laws, regulations and rules involve uncertainties, which may limit legal protections available to you and us. In addition, any litigation in China may be protracted and result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and management attention.
The PRC government exerts substantial influence over the manner in which we must conduct our business activities.
The PRC government has exercised and continues to exercise substantial control over virtually every sector of the Chinese economy through regulation and state ownership. Our ability to operate in China may be harmed by changes in its laws and regulations, including those relating to taxation, import and export tariffs, environmental regulations, land use rights, property and other matters. We believe that our operations in China are in material compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements. However, the central or local governments of the jurisdictions in which we operate may impose new, stricter regulations or interpretations of existing regulations that would require additional expenditures and efforts on our part to ensure our compliance with such regulations or interpretations.
Accordingly, government actions in the future, including any decision not to continue to support recent economic reforms and to return to a more centrally planned economy or regional or local variations in the implementation of economic policies, could have a significant effect on economic conditions in China or particular regions.
A slowdown or other adverse developments in the PRC economy may materially and adversely affect our customers, demand for our services and our business.
We are a holding company. All of our operations are conducted in the PRC and all of our revenues are generated from sales in the PRC. Although the PRC economy has grown significantly in recent years, we cannot assure you that such growth will continue. The use of natural gas for commercial and residential consumption in the PRC is relatively new and growing, but we do not know how sensitive we are to a slowdown in economic growth or other adverse changes in the PRC economy which may affect demand for natural gas. A slowdown in overall economic growth, an economic downturn or recession or other adverse economic developments in the PRC may materially reduce the demand for natural gas and materially and adversely affect our business.
Restrictions on currency exchange may limit our ability to receive and use our sales revenue effectively.
Most of our sales revenue and expenses are denominated in RMB. Under PRC law, the RMB is currently convertible under the “current account,” which includes dividends and trade and service-related foreign exchange transactions, but not under the “capital account,” which includes foreign direct investment and loans.
Currently, our PRC operating subsidiary may purchase foreign currencies for settlement of current account transactions, including payments of dividends to us, without the approval of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, or SAFE, by complying with certain procedural requirements.
However, the relevant PRC government authorities may limit our ability to purchase foreign currencies in the future.
Since a significant amount of our future revenue will be denominated in RMB, any existing and future restrictions on currency exchange may limit our ability to utilize revenue generated in RMB to fund our business activities outside China that are denominated in foreign currencies.
Foreign exchange transactions by PRC operating subsidiaries under the capital account continue to be subject to significant foreign exchange controls and require the approval of or need to register with PRC government authorities, including SAFE.
In particular, if our PRC operating subsidiaries borrow foreign currency through loans from us or other foreign lenders, these loans must be registered with SAFE, and if we finance the subsidiaries by means of additional capital contributions, these capital contributions must be approved by certain government authorities, including the Ministry of Commerce, or MOFCOM, or their respective local counterparts. These limitations could affect their ability to obtain foreign exchange through debt or equity financing.
PRC regulations relating to the establishment of offshore special purpose companies by PRC residents, if applied to us, may subject our PRC resident stockholders to personal liability and limit our ability to acquire PRC companies or to inject capital into our PRC subsidiaries, limit our PRC subsidiaries’ ability to distribute profits to us or otherwise materially adversely affect us.
In October 2005, SAFE issued the Notice on Relevant Issues in the Foreign Exchange Control over Financing and Return Investment Through Special Purpose Companies by Residents Inside China, or the SAFE Notice.
The SAFE Notice requires PRC residents to register with the appropriate local SAFE branch before using assets or equity interests in their PRC entities to capitalize offshore special purpose companies, or SPVs, or to raise capital overseas.
A SAFE registration must be amended by a PRC resident if the SPV undergoes a significant event, such as a change in share capital, share transfer, merger, acquisition, spin-off transaction or use of assets in China to guarantee offshore obligations. Moreover, if the SPV was established and owned the onshore assets or equity interests before the implementation of the SAFE Notice, a retroactive SAFE registration is required to have been completed before March 31, 2006.
Our PRC resident shareholders have filed their SAFE registration with the local SAFE branch which has indicated to us that the registrations comply with applicable laws.
We may be unable to complete a business combination transaction efficiently or on favorable terms due to complicated merger and acquisition regulations implemented on September 8, 2006.
The 2006 PRC Regulation on Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Companies by Foreign Investors also governs the approval process by which a PRC company may participate in an acquisition of its assets or its equity interests. Depending on the structure of the transaction, the new regulation will require the Chinese parties to make a series of applications and supplemental applications to the government agencies. In some instances, the application process may require the presentation of economic data concerning a transaction, including appraisals of the target business and evaluations of the acquirer, which are designed to allow the government to assess the transaction. Government approvals will have expiration dates by which a transaction must be completed and reported to the government agencies.
However currently, compliance with the new regulations is likely to be less time consuming and less expensive than in the past.
Fluctuations in exchange rates could adversely affect our business and the value of our securities.
The value of our common stock will be indirectly affected by the foreign exchange rate between U.S. dollars and RMB and between those currencies and other currencies in which our sales may be denominated. Appreciation or depreciation in the value of the RMB relative to the U.S. dollar would affect our financial results reported in U.S. dollar terms without giving effect to any underlying change in our business or results of operations. Fluctuations in the exchange rate will also affect the relative value of any dividend we issue after this offering that will be exchanged into U.S. dollars and earnings from, and the value of, any U.S. dollar-denominated investments we make in the future.
Since July 2005, the RMB has no longer been pegged to the U.S. dollar. Although the People’s Bank of China regularly intervenes in the foreign exchange market to prevent significant short-term fluctuations in the exchange rate, the RMB may appreciate or depreciate significantly in value against the U.S. dollar in the medium to long term. Moreover, it is possible that in the future PRC authorities may lift restrictions on fluctuations in the RMB exchange rate and lessen intervention in the foreign exchange market.
Very limited hedging transactions are available in China to reduce our exposure to exchange rate fluctuations. To date, we have not entered into any hedging transactions in an effort to reduce our exposure to foreign currency exchange risk. While we may enter into hedging transactions in the future, the availability and effectiveness of these transactions may be limited, and we may not be able to successfully hedge our exposure at all. In addition, our foreign currency exchange losses may be magnified by PRC exchange control regulations that restrict our ability to convert RMB into foreign currencies.
Currently, none of our raw materials and major equipment are imported. In the event that the U.S. dollars appreciate against RMB, it will not affect our costs.
Risks Related to the Market for our Stock
The market price of our common stock is volatile, leading to the possibility of its value being depressed at a time when you may want to sell your holdings.
The market price of our common stock is volatile, and this volatility may continue. Numerous factors, many of which are beyond our control, may cause the market price of our common stock to fluctuate significantly. These factors include:
| · | our earnings releases, actual or anticipated changes in our earnings, fluctuations in our operating results or our failure to meet the expectations of financial market analysts and investors; |
| · | changes in financial estimates by us or by any securities analysts who might cover our stock; |
| · | speculation about our business in the press or the investment community; |
| · | significant developments relating to our relationships with our customers or suppliers; |
| · | stock market price and volume fluctuations of other publicly traded companies and, in particular, those that are in the natural gas industry; |
| · | customer demand for our products; |
| · | investor perceptions of the natural gas industry in general and our Company in particular; |
| · | the operating and stock performance of comparable companies; |
| · | general economic conditions and trends; |
| · | announcements by us or our competitors of new products, significant acquisitions, strategic partnerships or divestitures; |
| · | changes in accounting standards, policies, guidance, interpretation or principles; |
| · | loss of external funding sources; |
| · | sales of our common stock, including sales by our directors, officers or significant stockholders; and |
| · | additions or departures of key personnel. |
Securities class action litigation is often instituted against companies following periods of volatility in their stock price. Should this type of litigation be instituted against us, it could result in substantial costs to us and divert our management’s attention and resources.
Moreover, securities markets may from time to time experience significant price and volume fluctuations for reasons unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. For example, in late February 2007 the securities markets in the United States and other jurisdictions experienced the largest decline in share prices since September 2001. These market fluctuations may adversely affect the price of our common stock and other interests in our Company at a time when you want to sell your interest in us.
We do not intend to pay dividends on shares of our common stock for the foreseeable future, but if we intend to do so our holding company structure may limit the payment of dividends to our stockholders.
We have no direct business operations, other than our ownership of our subsidiaries. While we have no current intention of paying dividends, should we decide in the future to do so, as a holding company, our ability to pay dividends and meet other obligations depends upon the receipt of dividends or other payments from our operating subsidiaries and other holdings and investments. In addition, our operating subsidiaries, from time to time, may be subject to restrictions on their ability to make distributions to us, including as a result of restrictive covenants in loan agreements, restrictions on the conversion of local currency into U.S. dollars or other hard currency and other regulatory restrictions as discussed below. If future dividends are paid in RMB, fluctuations in the exchange rate for the conversion of RMB into U.S. dollars may reduce the amount received by U.S. stockholders upon conversion of the dividend payment into U.S. dollars.
Chinese regulations currently permit the payment of dividends only out of accumulated profits as determined in accordance with Chinese accounting standards and regulations. Our subsidiaries in China are also required to set aside a portion of their after tax profits according to Chinese accounting standards and regulations to fund certain reserve funds. Currently, our subsidiaries in China are the only sources of revenues or investment holdings for the payment of dividends. As we have accumulated sufficient profits under Chinese accounting standards and regulations to first fund certain reserve funds as required by Chinese accounting standards, we will be able to pay any dividends.
We are subject to penny stock regulations and restrictions and you may have difficulty selling shares of our common stock.
The SEC has adopted regulations which generally define so-called “penny stocks” to be an equity security that has a market price less than $5.00 per share or an exercise price of less than $5.00 per share, subject to certain exemptions. As a “penny stock”, we are subject to Rule 15g-9 under the Exchange Act, or the “Penny Stock Rule”. This rule imposes additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers that sell such securities to persons other than established customers and “accredited investors” (generally, individuals with a net worth in excess of $1,000,000 or annual incomes exceeding $200,000, or $300,000 together with their spouses). For transactions covered by Rule 15g-9, a broker-dealer must make a special suitability determination for the purchaser and have received the purchaser’s written consent to the transaction prior to sale. As a result, this rule may affect the ability of broker-dealers to sell our securities and may affect the ability of purchasers to sell any of our securities in the secondary market.
For any transaction involving a penny stock, unless exempt, the rules require delivery, prior to any transaction in a penny stock, of a disclosure schedule prepared by the SEC relating to the penny stock market. Disclosure is also required to be made about sales commissions payable to both the broker-dealer and the registered representative and current quotations for the securities. Finally, monthly statements are required to be sent disclosing recent price information for the penny stock held in the account and information on the limited market in penny stock.
There can be no assurance that our common stock will qualify for exemption from the Penny Stock Rule. In any event, even if our common stock were exempt from the Penny Stock Rule, we would remain subject to Section 15(b)(6) of the Exchange Act, which gives the SEC the authority to restrict any person from participating in a distribution of penny stock, if the SEC finds that such a restriction would be in the public interest.
Item 2. | DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY. |
There is no private land ownership in China. Individuals and companies are permitted to acquire land use rights for specific purposes. Our headquarters, main office building is located at 20F Centre Plaza, No188 Jiefang Road Heping District, Tianjin, China.
We also have natural gas pipelines in three cities, with a total length of approximately 117km. We also acquired 40 year land use rights relating to 10,000 square meters of land in Dashiqiao and 50 year land use rights relating to 4,911 square meters of land in Nandaihe
From time to time, we may become involved in various lawsuits and legal proceedings which arise in the ordinary course of business. However, litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties, and an adverse result in these or other matters may arise from time to time that may harm our business. We are currently not aware of any such legal proceedings or claims that we believe will have a material adverse affect on our business, financial condition or operating results.
| SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS. |
There were no matters that were submitted during the fourth quarter of 2008 to a vote of security. holders.
PART II
Item 5. | MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND SMALL BUSINESS ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES. |
Market Information
Our common stock is listed and traded on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol “CNER.OB”. The following table sets forth the high and low closing per share sales prices of our common stock as reported on the OTC Bulletin Board for the quarterly fiscal periods presented below. The quotations were obtained from the OTC Bulletin Board website and reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission and may not represent actual transactions.
| | Closing Bid Prices | |
| | High | | | Low | |
Year Ended December 31, 2008 | | | | | | |
1st Quarter | | $ | 1.25 | | | $ | 0.25 | |
2nd Quarter | | $ | 1.45 | | | $ | 0.26 | |
3rd Quarter | | $ | 0.29 | | | $ | 0.25 | |
4th Quarter | | $ | 0.50 | | | $ | 0.12 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Year Ended December 31, 2007 | | | | | | | | |
1st Quarter | | $ | 88.80 | | | $ | 7.50 | |
2nd Quarter | | $ | 9.00 | | | $ | 2.50 | |
3rd Quarter | | $ | 2.50 | | | $ | 2.50 | |
4th Quarter | | $ | 2.50 | | | $ | 0.35 | |
Holders
As of March 5, 2010, our common stock was held by 97 stockholders of record.
Reports to Stockholders
We plan to furnish our stockholders with an annual report for each fiscal year ending December 31 containing financial statements audited by our independent certified public accountants. Additionally, we may, in our sole discretion, issue unaudited quarterly or other interim reports to our stockholder when we deem appropriate. We intend to maintain compliance with the periodic reporting requirements of the Exchange Act.
Dividends
We have never paid dividends on our common stock. While any future dividends will be determined by our directors after consideration or f the earnings, financial condition and other relevant factors, it is currently expected that available cash resources will be utilized in connection with our ongoing operations.
Section 15(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 - The Penny Stock Rules
Our shares are covered by Section 15(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended that imposes additional sales practice requirements on broker/dealers who sell such securities to persons other than established customers and accredited investors (generally institutions with assets in excess of $5,000,000 or individuals with net worth in excess of $1,000,000 or annual income exceeding $200,000 or $300,000 jointly with their spouses). For transactions covered by this Section 15(g), the broker/dealer must make a special suitability determination for the purchase and have received the purchaser's written agreement to the transaction prior to the sale. Consequently, Section 15(g) may affect the ability of broker/dealers to sell our securities and also may affect your ability to sell your shares in the secondary market.
Section 15(g) also imposes additional sales practice requirements on broker/dealers who sell penny securities. These rules require a one page summary of certain essential items. The items include the risk of investing in penny stocks in both public offerings and secondary marketing; terms important to an understanding of the function of the penny stock market, such as "bid" and "offer" quotes, a dealers "spread" and broker/dealer compensation; the broker/dealer compensation, the broker/dealers’ duties to its customers, including the disclosures required by any other penny stock disclosure rules; the customers’ rights and remedies in causes of fraud in penny stock transactions; and, the NASD's toll free telephone number and the central number of the North American Administrators Association, for information on the disciplinary history of broker/dealers and their associated persons.
Transfer Agent
Our independent stock transfer agent is Corporate Stock Transfer, 3200 Cherry Creek Drive South, Suite 430, Denver, CO 80209. Their phone number is Tel. (303) 282-4800.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
Except for sales previously disclosed in quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or in a current report on Form 8-K filed by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission, we have not sold any securities without registration under the Securities Act of 1933.
Item 6. | SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA. |
Not applicable
Item 7. | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS |
Overview of Our Business
We are a natural gas company engaged in the development of natural gas distribution networks, and the distribution of natural gas to residential, industrial and commercial customers in small and medium sized cities in China.
We currently own the exclusive rights to develop distribution networks to provide natural gas to industrial, commercial and residential consumers in the cities of Dashiqiao, Nandaihe and Zhanhua. Currently, these distribution networks provide natural gas to an aggregate of approximately 64,000 consumers in these cities.
We procure our natural gas by purchasing natural gas from third-party suppliers. Once natural gas is extracted by the supplier, all water content and impurities are removed. Natural gas is then delivered by truck to either (1) our natural gas supply stations, where the gas is either depressurized and then delivered to households through pipelines or delivered directly to customers in pressurized tanks, or (2) to gas stations where the gas is sold for use in motor vehicles.
Our major business activities include development and construction of local gas distribution networks, transportation of natural gas from suppliers to our storage facilities in a given operational location, and operating and maintaining the gas distribution networks.
Our Organizational Structure
China New Energy Group Company was incorporated on March 28, 2008 in the state of Delaware USA, under the name of Travel Hunt Holdings, Inc.. On May 27, 2008, Travel Hunt changed its name to China New Energy Group Company in connection with a share exchange transaction as described below.
Willsky- was incorporated on May 31, 2005 in the British Virgin Islands. On March 28, 2008, Travel Hunt Holdings, Inc. completed a reverse acquisition transaction with Willsky whereby Travel Hunt Holdings, Inc. issued to the shareholder of Willsky 94,908,650 shares of Travel Hunt Holdings, Inc. common stock in exchange for all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Willsky Development. Simultaneous with the consummation of the share exchange agreement, the shareholder of Willsky, Eternal International Holding Group Ltd, a Hong Kong corporation, or Eternal International, distributed 85,417,785 shares of Travel Hunt Holdings, Inc. common stock as a dividend. Accordingly, following this distribution, Eternal International beneficially owns approximately 9.49% of Travel Hunt Holdings, Inc. outstanding capital stock. Willsky thereby became Travel Hunt Holdings, Inc.’s wholly-owned subsidiary and the former shareholders of Willsky became Travel Hunt Holdings, Inc. controlling stockholders.
For accounting purposes, the acquisition was accounted for as a recapitalization effected by a share exchange, and the transaction treated as a reverse acquisition with Willsky as the acquirer and Travel Hunt Holdings, Inc. as the acquired party. The assets and liabilities of the acquired entity (Willsky) were brought forward at their book value and no goodwill was recognized.
In 2005, Willsky acquired 99% shareholding of Tianjin Sing Ocean Public Utility Development Co., Ltd. (“Singocean”) which formed in the PRC as an equity joint venture to be operated for a period of 50 years until January 18, 2054 with registered capital of $4.5 million (RMB31,897,000). Singocean has two branch divisions, namely Acheng SingOcean and Dashiqiao SingOcean, and established in the PRC to be operated for a period of 5 years until December 28, 2010 and 50 years until January 18, 2054 respectively.
ChenSheng - - On September 16, 2008, we, through our 99%-owned subsidiary SingOcean entered into an Equity Swap Agreement with Mr. Xiu Hai Tian, whereby we acquired from Mr. Tian a 49% ownership interest in Chensheng, in exchange for our 99% ownership in Hunchun Sing Ocean. The parties to the Equity Swap Agreement determined that the value of the 49% interest in Chensheng Gas and the 99% interest in Hunchun Sing Ocean were approximately equal and therefore there was no cash or other consideration involved in the transaction from either party.
On December 10, 2008, the Company entered into an Agreement for Equity Transfer with the holders of the remaining 51% outstanding equity in Chensheng. Pursuant to the Agreement for Equity Transfer, the Company agreed to purchase the remaining 51% of the outstanding equity of Chensheng Gas from 17 individuals for an aggregate purchase price of RMB 12.56 million (approximately $1.84 million). The transaction was consummated on December 30, 2008, following which the Company now owns 51% of the equity of Chensheng , and Tianjin Sing Ocean now owns 49% of the equity of Chensheng.
Critical Accounting Policies
Accounting policies discussed in this section are those that we consider to be most critical to an understanding of our financial statements because they inherently involve significant judgment and uncertainties. For all of these estimates, we caution that future events rarely develop exactly as forecast, and the best estimates routinely require adjustment.
Revenue Recognition
Among the accounting policies adopted by the Group, the most critical one is the policy regarding revenue recognition of the Group’s major sources of income, namely, gas connection services and sales of gases. In accordance with the SEC's Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") No. 104, under this policy, all of the following criteria must be met in order for us to recognize revenue:
1. Persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists;
2. Delivery has occurred or services have been rendered;
3. The seller's price to the buyer is fixed or determinable; and
4. Collectibility is reasonably assured.
Gas connection revenue
Gas connection revenue is recognized when the outcome of a contract can be estimated reliably and the stage of completion at the balance sheet date can be measured reliably.
Revenue from gas connection contracts is recognized on the percentage of completion method, measured by reference to the value of work carried out during the year. When the outcome of a gas connection contract cannot be estimated reliably, revenue is recognized only to the extent of contract costs incurred that it is probable will be recoverable.
When the outcome of a gas connection contract can be estimated reliably and the stage of contract
completion at the balance sheet date can be measured reliably, contract costs are charged to the income statement by reference to the stage of completion of the contract activity at the balance sheet date on the same basis as revenue from the gas connection contract is recognized.
When the outcome of a gas connection contract cannot be estimated reliably, contract costs are recognized as expenses in the period in which they are incurred. When it is probable that total contract costs will exceed contract revenue, the expected loss is recognized as an expense immediately.
Where contract costs incurred to date plus recognized profits less recognized losses exceed progress billings, the surplus is shown as an amount due from customers for contract work. For contracts where progress billings exceed contract costs incurred to date plus recognized profits less recognized losses, the surplus is shown as an amount due to customers for contract work. Amounts received before the related work is performed are included in the consolidated balance sheet, as a liability, as advances received. Amounts billed for work performed but not yet paid by the customer are included in the consolidated balance sheet under trade and other receivables.
During the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, all the contracts for connection services were started and completed in the same year.
Revenue from sale of gas
Sales revenue from sale of gas represents the invoiced value of goods sold, net of value-added tax (“VAT”). Revenue from sale of gas is recognized when the goods are delivered and title has passed.
All of the Company’s products that are sold in the PRC are subject to Chinese value-added tax of 3% of the gross sales price. This VAT may be offset by VAT paid by the Company on raw materials and other materials included in the cost of producing their finished product. The Company recorded VAT payable and VAT receivable net of payments in the financial statements.
Use of Estimates
In preparing consolidated financial statements in conformity with US GAAP, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and revenues and expenses during the reported periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates
Significant Estimates
These consolidated financial statements include some amounts that are based on management's best estimates and judgments. The most significant estimates relate to revenue recognition of gas connection contracts, depreciation of property, plant and equipment, the valuation allowance for deferred taxes, impairment testing of intangible assets and various contingent liabilities. It is reasonably possible that the above-mentioned estimates and others may be adjusted as more current information becomes available, and any adjustment could be significant in future reporting periods.
Reportable Operating Segments
For the year ended December 31, 2008, we had sales revenue of $7.51 million of which $6.94 MM or 92.4% was from connection services while $0.57 million or 7.6% was from gas sales.
Our revenue for the year ended December 31, 2008, was mainly contributed by the connection services segment as the company concentrates our efforts to provide our services to property developers. Thus, the gas consumption will begin when the properties are sold in the market. Currently, the volume of gas sales to connected households is not high. This phenomenon does affect our revenue structure.
Year Ended Financial Performance Highlights
The following are some financial highlights for the year ended December 31, 2008 (MM represents million):
Revenues: Our revenues were $7.51 MM for the year ended 31, 2008, an increase of 53% from the same period of 2007.
Gross Margin: Gross margin was 70% for the year ended December 31, 2008 compared to gross margin of 75% for the year ended December 31, 2007, representing a percentage decrease of 5%.
Operating Expenses: Operating expenses (including selling, general and administrative expenses) were $2.14 MM for the year ended December 31, 2008, an increase of 389% from the same period of 2007.
Net Income / (Loss): A net loss, $1.37 MM was resulted for the year ended December 31, 2008. The net loss was due to some major expenses incurred during the year which included: (1) change in fair value of warrant liabilities, $2.55 MM; and (2) loss from discontinued operations of $0.87 MM.
Fully diluted net income per share: Fully diluted net loss per share was $0.16 for the year ended December 31, 2008, as compared to net income per share $0.03 for the same period of 2007.
Taxation
As a Delaware company, the Company is subject to United States taxation, but no provision for income taxes was made for the year ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 as the Company did not have reportable taxable income for the period.
Willsky, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, is subject to BVI taxation, but no provision for income taxes was made for the year ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 as Willsky did not have reportable taxable income for the period.
Sing Ocean is subject to the tax laws of the PRC at the prevailing statutory rate of enterprise income tax of 25%. For the year ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, the amount of income tax was $1.02 MM and $1.02 MM respectively.
Acheng and Daishiqio are the divisions of SingOcean, thus, they are not subject to separate statutory income tax..
Chensheng is subject to the tax laws of the PRC being taxed on 0.8% of annual sales. Starting from January 1, 2009, the tax rate was changed to 1% on annual sales. It was further amended and effective on July 1, 2009, the tax rate was changed to 25% on net income. For the year ended December 31, 2008, the amount of income tax was $0.01 MM. As Chensheng was acquired on September 16, 2008, thus there was no income tax reported in Year 2007.
Results of Operations
Comparison of Year Ended December 31, 2008 and 2007
The following table summarizes the results of our operations during the year ended December 31, 2008 and 2007:
(All amounts, other than percentages, in thousands of U.S. dollars)
| | For the year ended | | | | |
| | December 31 | | | Changes | | | Changes% | |
| | 2008 | | | 2007 | | | | | | | |
Revenues: | | $ | 7,507 | | | $ | 4,919 | | | $ | 2,587 | | | | 53 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cost of Sales: | | | 2,258 | | | | 1,235 | | | | 1,023 | | | | 83 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gross Profit | | | 5,248 | | | | 3,684 | | | | 1,564 | | | | 42 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total operating expenses | | | 2,124 | | | | 434 | | | | 1,690 | | | | 389 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating Income | | | 3,124 | | | | 3,250 | | | | (126 | ) | | | 4 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total other income (expenses) | | | (2,568 | ) | | | 3 | | | | (2,571 | ) | | | -91235 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Continuing Operations, Before Income Tax | | | 556 | | | | 3,253 | | | | (2,697 | ) | | | -83 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income Tax | | | 1,027 | | | | 1,018 | | | | 9 | | | | 1 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income (loss) from discontinued operation | | | (875 | ) | | | 623 | | | | (1,498 | ) | | | -240 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net Income (loss) | | $ | (1,370 | ) | | $ | 2,833 | | | $ | (4,203 | ) | | | -148 | % |
Revenues. Revenues are derived primarily from connection fees and sales of natural gas. Revenues increased $2.59 MM, or 53% to $7.51 MM for year ended December 31, 2008 from $4.92 MM for the same period in 2007. This increase was mainly attributable to an increase in number of connection households.
Cost of Sales. Cost of sales consists primarily of connection costs and purchase of natural gas from our suppliers and depreciation.
Our cost of sales increased by $1.02 MM, or 83%, to $2.26 MM for the year ended December 31, 2008 from $1.24 MM during the same period in 2007. Such increase was mainly attributable to a corresponding increase in the number of households connected to our distribution network.
Gross Profit. Our gross profit increased by $1.56 MM, or 42%, to $5.25 MM for the year ended December 31, 2008 from $3.68 MM during the same period in 2007. Gross profit as a percentage of revenues or gross profit margin, was 70% for the year ended December 31, 2008. The gross profit margin during the same period in 2007 was 75%. Such decrease in gross profit margin was mainly due to increase of operating assets and thus increase the cost allocation of depreciation.
Total Operating Expenses. The total operating expenses consist of two components, the first one is registration right penalties and the other is general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”). For the year ended December 31, 2008, the total operating expenses were $2.12 MM while the amount was $0.43 MM for the same period of 2007, or increased by 389%. This increase was mainly due to the fact that we are preparing to expand our company. Management believes that the relatively high SG&A expenses will continue as we endeavor to expand our business.
Operating Income. Our operating income decreased by $0.13 MM, or 4%, to $3.12 MM for the year ended December 31, 2008 from $3.25 MM during the same period in 2007. This decrease in operating income was mainly due to increase in SG&A expense.
Total Other Income (Expenses). For the year ended December 31, 2008, the total other expenses was $2.57 MM. The main expense incurred during in the year was due to the fact that the company recognized a $2.55 MM loss from the change in fair value of the warrants.
Because the warrants contain a provision requiring the Company to repurchase the warrants from the investor in certain circumstances, the Company has concluded that warrants issued in 2008 should be accounted for as derivative liabilities from the time they are originally issued. Accordingly, the Company has restated its 2008 financial statements to account for those warrants as derivative liabilities.
Due to the above requirement, thus the company analyzed the fair value of warrants issued with Series A Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock to investors and placement agent. The fair value was computed using the Black-Scholes model under the following assumptions: (1) expected life of 5 years; (2) volatility of 66%; (3) risk free interest of 3% and dividend rate of 0%. As a result, a loss $2.55 MM from the change in fair value of the warrants was recorded.
Income From Continuing Operations, Before Income Tax. Our income from continuing operations, before income tax decreased by $2.69 MM, or 83%, to $0.56 MM for the year ended December 31, 2008 from $3.25 MM during the same period in 2007. Such decrease was mainly due to the fact that the company recorded a $2.55 MM loss from the change in fair value of the warrants which put through according to EITF07-05.
Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operation. For the year ended December 31, 2008, the loss from the discontinued operation was $0.87 MM; while the income from discontinued operation was $0.62 MM for the year ended December 31, 2007. The income (loss) from the discontinued operation was due to the fact that, on September 26, 2008, the Company entered into an asset swap in which it disposed of the subsidiary Hunchun, including substantially (99%) of the net assets, for a 49% ownership in Qinhuangdao Chensheng Gas Co. Ltd.
In accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets”, Hunchun Singocean operation is being accounted for as discontinued operations and, accordingly, its operating results are segregated and reported as discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations in 2008 and 2007. There were no assets or liabilities of Hunchun in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2008.
The Group recognized a loss on disposal of subsidiary of $1.10 MM, representing the excess of the book value of assets sold over purchase consideration received at closing.
Total revenues related to the discontinued operations were $0.46 MM and $1.40 MM, and income from discontinued operations was $0.22 MM and $0.62 MM for the period ended September 26, 2008 and the year ended December 31, 2007, respectively.
Net Income. Net income decreased by $4.20 MM, or 148% to a net loss of $1.37 MM for the year ended December 31, 2008, from net income of $2.83 MM for the same period of 2007, which is mainly due to: (1) increase in total operating expenses by $1.69 MM; and (2) loss from the change in fair value of the warrants, $2.55 MM.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of December 31, 2008, we had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $5.6 million. The following table provides detailed information about our net cash flow for all financial statement periods presented in this report.
Cash Flow
(All amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars)
| | For the year ended | |
| | 2008 | | | 2007 | |
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | | $ | 59 | | | $ | 3,486 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net cash used in investing activities | | | (4,097 | ) | | | (1,613 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net cash provided by financing activities | | | 7,190 | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | |
Effect of exchange rate changes in cash and cash equivalents | | | 149 | | | | 121 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net cash provided (used) in cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 3,301 | | | $ | 1,994 | |
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities was $0.06 MM for the year ended December 31, 2008, compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $3.49 MM during the same period of 2007. This decrease in funds provided by our operating activities was primarily due to an increase of accounts receivable, prepayment and other payables.
Investing Activities
Our main use of cash in investing activities was mainly for the construction of gas pipelines and acquisition of assets.
Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $4.09 MM which was an increase of $2.48 MM from $1.61 MM for the same period of 2007. This increase was due to payment made for the increased construction in progress and fixed assets.
Financing Activities
Our debt to equity ratio was 40 % as of December 31, 2008. Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $7.19 MM. The financing was mainly attributable to the fund financing during the year of 2008.
On August 20, 2008, the Company consummated a private placement transaction, Securities Purchase Agreement (“SPA”) in which it issued and sold to China Hand, 1,857,373 shares of the Company's Series A Preferred Stock and warrants to purchase 13,001,608 shares of the Company's common stock at an initial exercise price of $0.187 per share (subject to adjustments) for a period of 5 years following the date of issuance, for a purchase price of $9 MM in gross proceeds. The proceeds left the Company with $ 7.08 MM in net proceeds after the deduction of offering expenses in the amount of $1.92 MM and which including a cash fee equal to $0.9 MM, representing 10% of the gross proceeds received from the Private Placement to Kuhns Brothers and other offering cost of $1.02 MM. Currently, none of the warrants have been exercised.
In connection of the private placement transaction, the companies agreed to certain make good provisions. At the closing, the company shall issue and deposit the number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock equal to 30% of the number of share of Series A Preferred Stock issued hereunder to be held by the Escrow Agent pursuant to the terms and conditions of Share Escrow Agreement. Pursuant to the SPA, the performance threshold was set at: (1) the company’s audited consolidated After-Tax Net Income for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008 shall be at least $4.3 MM and the Earning Per Share on a Fully Diluted Basis shall be at least $0.0261; and (2) the company’s audited consolidated After-Tax Net Income for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2009 shall be at least $6.0 MM and the Earning Per Share on a Fully Diluted Basis shall be at least $0.0294.
If the company does not meet the performance threshold, the company deposited escrow shares would be delivered to the Purchasers on a pro-rata basis, with the balance being retained by the Escrow Agent pursuant to this SPA.
Kuhns Brothers Securities Corporation, or Kuhns Brothers, acted as placement agent in connection with the August 20, 2008 private placements. Kuhns Brothers received a cash fee equal to 10% of the gross proceeds received from each private placement, as well as warrants to purchase 10% of the aggregate number of shares of our common stock issuable to China Hand in the private placement upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock. Accordingly, Kuhns Brothers received cash fees of $0.9 MM, and warrants to purchase 6,500,804 shares of our common stock, in connection with the August 20, 2008 private placements.
Going Concern
As shown in accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements, the Company had a net deficit incurred in the operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2008, which raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The condensed consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to recoverability and classification of recorded assets, or the amounts and classification of liability that might be necessary in the event the Company cannot continue in existence.
The timing and amount of capital requirements will depend on a number of factors, including demand for products and services and the availability of opportunities for expansion through affiliations and other business relationships. Management intends to seek new capital from new equity securities issuances to provide funds needed to increase liquidity, fund internal growth, and fully implement its business plan.
In addition, we may, in the future, require additional cash resources due to changed business conditions, implementation of our strategy to expand our production capacity or other investments or acquisitions we may decide to pursue. If our own financial resources are insufficient to satisfy our capital requirements, we may seek to sell additional equity or debt securities or obtain additional credit facilities. The sale of additional equity securities could result in dilution to our stockholders. The incurrence of indebtedness would result in increased debt service obligations and could require us to agree to operating and financial covenants that would restrict our operations. Financing may not be available in amounts or on terms acceptable to us, if at all. Any failure by us to raise additional funds on terms favorable to us, or at all, could limit our ability to expand our business operations and could harm our overall business prospects.
Capital Expenditures, Contractual Obligations, Commitments and Contingences
For the year ended December 31, 2008, the company spent about $2.7 MM in capital expenditures which was mainly for the construction of gas pipelines, gas station and acquisition. The company settled the payments according to the terms of the contract and fulfilled of its contractual obligations. Other than the operating leases stated in Note 12 to Audited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, we have no other commitments and contingencies. As disclosed in Note 12, the Company is obligated under operating leases to pay minimum lease payments of approximately $0.11 MM .
Seasonality
Our pipeline distribution networks are primarily located in northeastern China, which is extremely cold during the winter months. Additionally, gas consumption by residential customers is higher in the winter months for heating purposes, and there is a corresponding increase in usage during winter. However, due to the cold weather we are unable to construct primary gas pipelines. If a primary pipeline is already in place, we are able to connect new customers to our distribution network during this time.
Effects of Inflation
Our business, revenues and operating results have not been affected in any material way by inflation.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any off balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity or capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to an investor in our securities.
Item 7A. | QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK. |
Not applicable
Item 8. | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
The full text of our audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 begins on page F-1 of this Report.
Item 9. | CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE. |
Prior to our reverse acquisition transaction with Willsky Development, our independent registered public accounting firm was Webb & Co., P.A, , or Webb & Co., while Willsky Development’s independent registered public accounting firm was Gruber & Company, LLC, or Gruber. On March 28, 2008, concurrent with the change in control transaction discussed above, our board of directors approved the dismissal of Webb & Co. as our independent auditor, effective immediately. Concurrent with the decision to dismiss Webb & Co. as our independent auditor, our board of directors elected to continue the existing relationship of Willsky Development with Gruber and appointed Gruber as our independent auditor.
Webb & Co.’s reports on our financial statements as of and for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2007 and 2006, did not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles, except that its report for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2007 contained a going concern qualification as to the Company’s ability to continue.
In connection with the audits of the fiscal years ended July 31, 2007 and 2006, and during the subsequent interim period through March 28, 2008, there were (1) no disagreements with Webb & Co. on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedures, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of Webb & Co., would have caused Webb & Co. to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in connection with its reports, and (2) no events of the type listed in paragraphs (A) through (D) of Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K.
During our two most recent fiscal years (ended July 31, 2007 and 2006) and from August 1, 2007 to March 28, 2008, we did not consult Gruber with respect to (a) the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed; or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on our consolidated financial statements, and neither a written report was provided to us or oral advice was provided that Gruber concluded was an important factor considered by us in reaching a decision as to the accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue; or (b) any matter that was either the subject of a disagreement (as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and the related instructions to that Item) or a reportable event (as described in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K).
We provided Webb & Co. with a copy of this disclosure on March 28, 2008, providing Webb & Co. with the opportunity to furnish us with a letter addressed to the SEC containing any new information, clarification of our expression of its views, or the respect in which Webb & Co. does not agree with the statements contained herein. To date, no such letter has been received by us.
On November 27, 2008, our board of directors approved the dismissal of Gruber as our independent auditor, and engaged the accounting firm of Child, Van Wagoner & Bradshaw PLLC, or CVWB, to take over the audit responsibilities.
During the our two most recent fiscal years and any subsequent interim period through to the date of the our engagement of CVWB, we did not consult CVWB with respect to (a) the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed; or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on our consolidated financial statements, and neither a written report was provided to us or oral advice was provided that Gruber concluded was an important factor considered by us in reaching a decision as to the accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue; or (b) any matter that was either the subject of a disagreement (as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and the related instructions to that Item) or a reportable event (as described in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K).
Gruber audited our financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, and Gruber’s report is included in our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 31, 2008. Gruber’s report on our financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007 did not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, nor was it qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles.
During Gruber’s tenure as our auditor for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, and the subsequent interim period through to the date Gruber’s replacement, (1) there were no disagreements between the us and Gruber on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to Gruber’s satisfaction, would have caused Gruber to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreement in connection with its report; and (2) Gruber did not advise the us of any reportable events of the type described in Item 304(a)(1)(iv)(B) of Regulation S-K.
We provided Gruber with a copy of this disclosure on December 5, 2008, providing Gruber with the opportunity to furnish us with a letter addressed to the SEC containing any new information, clarification of our expression of its views, or the respect in which Gruber does not agree with the statements contained herein. To date, no such letter has been received by us.
Item 9A(T). | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES. |
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As required by Rule 13a-15 under the Exchange Act, we carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report on Form 10-K. This evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our President and Chief Executive Officer, and our Chief Financial Officer. Based upon that evaluation, management concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective. Our conclusion that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective was based on the fact that, as more fully disclosed in our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 15, 2010, we identified a number of “significant deficiencies” in the process of preparing our financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, which deficiencies have not yet been completely remedied.
Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Company’s Chief Executive and acting Chief Financial Officer as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires that management document and test the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and include in this Annual Report on Form 10-K a report on management’s assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting.
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, management identified a number of “significant deficiencies” in the process of preparing our financial statements related to (i) the U.S. GAAP expertise of our internal accounting staff, and (ii) our internal audit functions. Based on that evaluation, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting were not effective, as of December 31, 2008.
Because our current accounting department is relatively new to U.S. GAAP and the related internal control procedures required of U.S. public companies, our management has determined that they require additional training and assistance in U.S. GAAP matters. Management has determined that our internal audit function is also significantly deficient due to insufficient qualified resources to perform internal audit functions.
· | We have hired a new chief executive officer, |
· | We established an audit committee |
· | We are in the process of arranging necessary training for our accounting department staff; |
· | We have engaged external professional accounting or consultancy firms to assist us in the preparation of the US GAAP accounts; |
· | We have committed to the establishment of effective internal audit functions; however, due to the scarcity of qualified candidates with extensive experience in U.S. GAAP reporting and accounting in the region, we were not able to hire sufficient internal audit resources before the end of our reporting period. However, we will increase our search for qualified candidates with assistance from recruiters and through referrals; |
· | In addition, we have allocated significant financial and human resources to strengthen the internal control structure. As part of our efforts to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act for fiscal year 2009, we have been actively working with external consultants to assess our data collection, financial reporting, and control procedures and to strengthen our internal controls over financial reporting. |
We believe that the foregoing steps will remediate the significant deficiency identified above, and we will continue to monitor the effectiveness of these steps and make any changes that our management deems appropriate.
This annual report does not include an attestation report of our registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by our registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit us to provide only management’s report in this annual report.
(c) Changes in internal control over financial reporting
As described above, we during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, we have taken certain remediation measures that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B. | OTHER INFORMATION. |
None.
PART III
Item 10. | DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE |
Directors and Executive Officers
The following table sets forth the name and position of each of our current executive officers and directors.
Name | | Age | | Position |
Yangkan Chong | | 55 | | Chairman, CEO & President |
Jiaji Shang * | | 56 | | Director |
Chunming Guo | | 50 | | Director |
John D. Kuhns | | 60 | | Director |
James Tie Li | | 61 | | Director |
Eric Tak Shing Yu | | 43 | | Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer |
Dunhong Shi | | 48 | | Chief Operation Officer |
Mary Fellows | | 48 | | Director |
Shadron Lee Stastney | | 40 | | Director |
* | Effective 20 days after the mailing of an Information Statement on Schedule 14C which mailing took place on April 12, 2010, the removal of Mr. Shang as a director by consent of the majority of the stockholders will be effective. |
Yangkan Chong, was appointed as our President and Chief Executive Officer effective May 18, 2009. Mr. Chong has served as a director of the Company since April 27, 2008, and has served as the Vice Chairman of our subsidiary, Tianjin SingOcean Public Utility Development Co., Ltd., since October 2006. From March 2008 to May 2009, Mr. Chong served as the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of China EnerSave Limited, a renewable energy provider that is listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange, and Mr. Chong started his career with the company as a Senior General Manager in March 2007. Mr. Chong has more than 20 years of experience in the energy industry, and has held senior level positions with energy-related companies including China Light & Power (CLP) Hong Kong, Enron International, Edison Mission Energy, Singapore Power and Exxon Oil and other Singapore Government-linked companies. Mr. Chong holds a Master of Science (Mechanical Engineering) from the National University of Singapore and a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical & Production) from the University of Singapore.
Chunming Guo, became a director on April 27, 2008. Since founding SingOcean on January 19, 2004, Mr. Guo has served as its Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. Prior to this, Mr. Guo served as the Development manager of Tianjin Gas from February 1997 to January 2004.
John D. Kuhns, became a director on October 28, 2008. Mr. Kuhns has over 30 years of experience in the hydroelectric, power technology and alternative energy industries. In 1981, Mr. Kuhns founded Catalyst Energy, one of the first publicly traded independent power producers in the United States; Mr. Kuhns served as the president and chief executive officer of Catalyst until 1988. Mr. Kuhns served as the chairman and chief executive officer of New World Power Corporation from 1992 to 1996, during which time he worked on the development and financing of hydroelectric projects in China, Argentina, Costa Rica and Mexico, and formed a joint venture with Wuhan Steam Turbine, a state-owned enterprise owned by the City of Wuhan in China to develop hydroelectric projects in Asia. Mr. Kuhns is currently the president, chief executive officer, director and controlling shareholder of Kuhns Brothers, Inc., an investment banking firm founded by Mr. Kuhns in 1986 that specializes in providing financing for power technology ventures and infrastructure companies operating in China. Mr. Kuhns is also a principle of China Hand Fund I, LLC, a hedge fund that focuses on investing in China. Mr. Kuhns obtained Bachelor of Arts degrees in Sociology and Fine Arts from Georgetown University, a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Chicago, and a Master's of Business Administration degree from the Harvard Business School.
James Tie Li, became a director on October 28, 2008. Mr. Li has extensive investment banking and entrepreneur experience in the U.S. and China. Mr. Li was the founder of, and senior executive with, a number of start-up companies in China including China Hydroelectric Corporation. Mr. Li has been a consultant to Kuhns Brothers, Inc., advising on corporate finance, valuation and acquisition matters related to the firm's China-related equity financing transactions since 2006. In 2002, Mr. Li founded Columbia China Capital Group, a U.S. based boutique investment firm advising Asian firms in mergers and acquisitions, public listing and growth strategy. Mr. Li obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from City University of New York and a Master of Business Administration degree from the Columbia University Graduate School of Business. Mr. Li is a Chartered Financial Analyst and a Certified Public Accountant licensed in the State of New Jersey..
Eric TAK Shing YU, became our Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer on September 28, 2009. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. served as CFO with Benda Pharmaceutical, Inc. from February 2007. From March 2006 to February 2007, Mr. Yu served as the Financial Controller for Beijing Teletron Telecom Engineering Co. Ltd. From March 2005 to March 2006, Mr. Yu served as the Financial Controller for Payease Inc. From May 2000 to February 2005, Mr. Yu also served as the Financial Controller of the project companies of AsiaVest Investment Advisory Limited. Mr. Yu received a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1993, with a major in Accountancy and Legal Studies, from University of Wollongong, Australia.
Dunhong Shi, became our Chief Operating Officer on June 5, 2009, Mr. Shi has experience in operations and management in energy-related companies. He has also held senior level positions in large and middle state-owned corporations, including Tianjin Soda Plant, Cogeneration Plant of Nanshan Group. Prior to joining the Company, and for over five years, Mr. Shi served as the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of Wahsang Gas (China) Investment Co., Ltd (a Hong Kong listed company), and as General Manager of Wahsang Energy Company.
Mary Fellows, has been the executive vice president and corporate secretary of China Hydroelectic Corporation since 2006. Ms. Fellows has been a partner and executive vice president of Kuhns Brothers, Inc., an investment boutique, since 1997. She is a co-chairman of the Distributed Power Company, a company with investments in solar information publications. From 2003 to 2006, she was a director of GenSelf Corporation. From 1997 to 2002, she was a corporate secretary of the Solar Electric Light Company. From 1996 to 1999, she was a director of Corporate Administration and corporate secretary of the New World Power Corporation. Ms. Fellows is also a member of the board of directors of China Natural Energy Corporation, China Silicon Corporation, China Electrode Corporation, China Board Mill Corporation, Paragon Semitech USA and Lime Rock, LLC. Ms. Fellows received her bachelor's degree in Science (Alpha Chi) from Teikyo Post University.
Shadron Lee Stastney, has been a partner at Vicis Capital, LLC, Since June 2004, which is an investment management firm and the managing partner of one of our principal shareholders, Vicis Capital Master Fund. From July 2001 to May 2004, Mr. Stastney was a managing director of Victus Capital, LP, an investment management firm. Mr. Stastney received his bachelor's degree in Arts from the University of North Dakota and a Juris Doctor degree from the Yale Law School.
Except as noted above, there are no other agreements or understandings for any of our executive officers or directors to resign at the request of another person and no officer or director is acting on behalf of nor will any of them act at the direction of any other person.
All directors serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders or until their successors are elected and qualified or their earlier resignation or removal. There are no family relationships between any of the proposed directors.
Board Composition and Meetings of the Board of Directors
After the effectiveness of the removal of Mr. Shang, the Board of Directors will be composed of the following six members: Yangkan Chong, Chunming Guo, John D. Kuhns, James Tie Li, Mary Fellows and Shadron Lee Stastney. Following the effectiveness of Mr. Shang’s removal the remaining directors intend to fill the vacancy created thereby by appointing You-Su Lin as a director. All board action requires the approval of a majority of the directors in attendance at a meeting at which a quorum is present.
Policy Regarding Board Attendance
Our directors are expected to attend board meetings as frequently as necessary to properly discharge their responsibilities and to spend the time needed to prepare for each such meeting. Our directors are expected to attend annual meetings of stockholders, but we do not have a formal policy requiring them to do so.
During 2009, our Board met 8 times and acted by unanimous written consent 7 times. None of our directors attended fewer than seventy-five percent of the meetings of the Board of Directors and the meetings of the committees on which he serves..
Independent Directors
Our securities are not currently listed on a national securities exchange or on NASDAQ. Such a listing would require that a majority of our Board of Directors be “independent.” We have not made a determination that any of our directors qualify as “independent directors,” as the term “independent” is defined by the rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market or the AMEX.
Committees
Our Board of Directors has established an Audit Committee and a Compensation Committee. Neither of these committees has a written charter that has been approved by the Board of Directors.
Audit Committee.
The Board of Directors established an Audit Committee on October 5, 2009. Messrs. John D. Kuhns and James Tie Li currently serve on the Audit Committee.
Our Board of Directors has not determined whether each member of the Audit Committee is “independent” for purposes of the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules and the rules of the SEC as these rules apply to audit committee members.
Our Board of Directors has determined that each Audit Committee member has sufficient knowledge in financial and auditing matters to serve on the Audit Committee. Our Board of Directors has designated Mr. John D. Kuhns as an “audit committee financial expert,” as defined under the applicable rules of the Commission.
The Audit Committee intends to adopt a formal charter but has not yet done so.
The Audit Committee retains our independent auditors, reviews and approves the planned scope, proposed fee arrangements and terms of engagement of the independent auditors, reviews the results of the annual audit of our financial statements and the interim reviews of our unaudited financial statements, evaluates the adequacy of accounting and financial controls, reviews the independence of our auditors, and oversees our financial reporting on behalf of the Board of Directors. In addition, the Audit Committee reviews with our independent auditors the scope and timing of their audit services and any other services they are asked to perform, the independent auditor’s report on our consolidated financial statements following completion of their audit, and our critical accounting policies and procedures and policies with respect to our internal accounting and financial controls.
The Audit Committee held no meetings during 2009 and did not act by written consent.
Compensation Committee.
The Board of Directors established a Compensation Committee on October 5, 2009. Mr. John D. Kuhns, Mr. Shadron L. Stastney and Ms. Mary E. Fellows currently serve on the Compensation Committee.
Our Board of Directors has not determined whether each member of the compensation committee is “independent” for purposes of the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules and the rules of the SEC as these rules apply to compensation committee members.
The Compensation Committee intends to adopt a formal charter but has not yet done so.
The Compensation Committee’s responsibilities include:
| | considering and adopting the compensation philosophy for the Company’s personnel; |
| | |
| | monitoring and evaluating the compensation and benefits structure of the Company |
| | reviewing and approving corporate goals and objectives relevant to the Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers’ compensation; |
| | |
| | evaluating the Chief Executive Officer’s and other executive officers’ performance in light of corporate goals and objectives and determining and approving the Chief Executive Officer’s and other executive officers’ compensation based on such evaluation; |
| | reviewing and approving all compensation for all the non-employee directors and other employees of the Company and its subsidiaries with a base salary greater than or equal to $100,000; |
| | |
| | reviewing the terms of the Company’s incentive compensation plans, equity-based plans, retirement plans, deferred compensation plans and welfare benefit plans |
| | reviewing and approving executive officer and director indemnification and insurance matters |
| | |
| | reviewing and discussing the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section proposed for inclusion in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and annual proxy statement with management and recommending to the Board whether such section should be so included |
| | preparing and approving the Committee’s report to be included as part of the Company’s annual proxy statement |
| | |
| | evaluating its own performance on an annual basis and reporting on such performance to the Board; |
| | reviewing and reassessing the Compensation Committee Charter and submitting any recommended changes to the Board for its consideration; and |
| | |
| | having such other powers and functions as may be assigned to it by the Board from time to time |
The Compensation Committee held one meeting during 2009 and acted by written consent once.
The Board does not have a Nominating Committee.
Director Compensation
Pursuant to verbal agreements, Messrs. Kuhns, Li and Stastney and Ms. Fellows each receive $20,000 annually for service on our Board of Directors. Pursuant to verbal agreement, Mr. Chong received $20,000 annually for service on our Board of Directors until he was appointed as our CEO on May 11, 2009. Mr. Chong received a total of $6,668 as his compensation as director.
The Board may award special remuneration to any director undertaking any special services on our behalf other than those services ordinarily required of a director. In 2009, no such special remuneration was paid to any of our directors.
All authorized out-of-pocket expenses incurred by a director on our behalf is subject to reimbursement upon our receipt of required supporting documentation of such expenses.
We have adopted a code of business conduct and ethics relating to the conduct of our business by our employees, officers and directors. We intend to maintain the highest standards of ethical business practices and compliance with all laws and regulations applicable to our business, including those relating to doing business outside the United States.
Stockholder Communications
The Board does not currently consider Board candidates recommended by security holders but may adopt such a policy in the future in connection with its application for listing on NASDAQ.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, as amended, requires our executive officers, directors and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of our shares of common stock to file reports of their beneficial ownership and changes in ownership (Forms 3, 4 and 5, and any amendment thereto) with the SEC. Executive officers, directors, and greater-than-ten percent holders are required to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.
Based solely upon a review of the Forms 3, 4, and 5 furnished to us for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, we have determined that our directors, officers, and greater than 10% beneficial owners, except as provided below, complied with all applicable Section 16 filing requirements.
The initial filing on Form 3 for each of John D. Kuhns and James Tie Li was filed late.
Item 11. | EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION. |
Summary Compensation Table— Fiscal Years Ended December 31, 2008 and 2007
The following table sets forth information concerning all cash and non-cash compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to the named persons for services rendered in all capacities during the noted periods. No other executive officers received total annual salary and bonus compensation in excess of $100,000.
Name and Principal Position | | Year | | Salary ($) | | | Bonus ($) | | | Stock Awards ($) | | | Option Awards ($) | | | Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation Earnings ($) | | | Non- Qualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($) | | | All Other Compensation ($) | | | Total ($) | |
Nancy Reynolds, | | 2007 | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
former President and Director (1) | | 2008 | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Geoffrey Alison, | | 2007 | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
former CEO, President and Director (2) | | 2008 | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Jiaji Shang, | | 2007 | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Chairman, CEO and President (3) | | 2008 | | | 21,323 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 21,323 | |
(1) | Ms. Reynolds resigned from all of her positions in May 2007 and appointed Geoffrey Alison as our sole officer and director. |
(2) | On March 28, 2008, we acquired Willsky Development in a reverse acquisition transaction that was structured as a share exchange and in connection with that transaction, Geoffrey Alison tendered his resignation from all offices he held in our Company effective immediately and from his position as our director, which became effective on April 27, 2008, the 10th day following the mailing by us of the Information Statement to our stockholders. |
(3) | In connection with the reverse acquisition of Willsky Development on March 28, 2008, Mr. Shang was elected as our Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President effective immediately. |
Narrative to Summary Compensation Table
Employment Agreements
In connection with the reverse acquisition of Willsky Development on March 28, 2008, Mr. Shang was elected as our Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President effective immediately. Pursuant to an oral agreement, Mr. Shang will receive an annual salary of $200,000.
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End
None of our executive officers received any equity awards, including, options, restricted stock or other equity incentives during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.
Director Compensation - 2008
Name | | Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($) | | | Stock Awards ($) | | | Option Awards ($) | | | Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($) | | | Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($) | | | All Other Compensation ($) | | | Total ($) | |
Jiaji Shang | | | 21,323 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 21,323 | |
Chunming Guo | | | 16,176 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 16,176 | |
Yangkan Chong | | | 6,668 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 6,668 | |
John D. Kuhns | | | 6,668 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 6,668 | |
James Tie Li | | | 6,668 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 6,668 | |
Narrative to director compensation table
No cash compensation or other compensation was paid to Messrs. Shang, Guo or Chong for services as a director during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 for service as a member of our Board of Directors.
At present, no written agreements have been executed regarding the compensation to Messrs. Kuhns and Li for their service on our Board of Directors. Pursuant to verbal agreements, Messrs. Kuhns and Li will each receive $20,000 annually for service on our Board of Directors.
Item 12. | SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS. |
The following table sets forth information regarding beneficial ownership of our voting stock as of April 9, 2010 (i) by each person who is known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of each class our voting stock; (ii) by each of our executive officers and directors; and (iii) by all of our executive officers and directors as a group.
Unless otherwise specified, the address of each of the persons set forth below is in care of China New Energy Group Company, 20F., Center Plaza, No. 188 Jiefang Road, Heping District, Tianjin, China.
| | Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership (1) | |
| | Common Stock | | | Series A Convertible Preferred Stock(2) | | | Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (3) | | | Total | |
Name & Address of Beneficial Owner | | Shares | | | % of Class | | | Shares | | | % of Class | | | Shares | | | % of Class | | | Voting Power(4) | |
Yangkan Chong, Chief Executive Officer and Director | | | 4,382,502 | | | | 4.16 | % | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | * | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Jiaji Shang, | | | 51,026,957 | (5) | | | 48.41 | % | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 8.56 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Chunming Guo, Director | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Eric Yu Tak Shing, Chief Financial Officer | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | | | | | - | | | | - | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Changli Li, Chief Technology Officer | | | - | | | | | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
John D. Kuhns, Director, 558 Lime Rock Road Lakeville, CT 06039 | | | 9,108,746 | (6) | | | 7.998 | % | | | 321,213 | | | | 15.3 | % | | | - | | | | - | | | | 1.99 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
James Tie Li, Director, 22 Berkshire Way East Brunswick NJ 08816 | | | 306,735 | (7) | | | * | | | | 3,476 | | | | * | | | | - | | | | | | | | * | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Mary Fellows Director, 558 Lime Rock Road Lakeville, CT 06039 | | | 2,030,089 | (8) | | | 1.89 | % | | | 107,071 | | | | 5.10 | % | | | | | | | | | | | * | |
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Shadron Lee Stastney Director, 445 Park Ave 16th floor NY,NY 10022 | | | 13,901,672 | (9) | | | 12.09 | % | | | 1,546,184 | | | | 73.67 | % | | | 1,116,388 | | | | 100 | % | | | 79.8 | % |
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You-Su Lin 25B New Poly Plaza, No1 North Chaoyangmen St. Dongcheng District Beijing, PRC 100010 | | | 870,721 | (10) | | | * | | | | 107,071 | | | | 5.1 | % | | | | | | | | | | | * | |
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All officers and directors as a group (10 persons named above) | | | 81,627,422 | | | | 64.66 | % | | | 2,085,015 | | | | 99.34 | % | | | 1,116,388 | | | | 100 | % | | | 83.88 | % |
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Qun Wang Room 2707, 27/F Shui on Centre 6-8 Harbour Road Wanchai Hong Kong PRC | | | 26,041,146 | (11) | | | 24.71 | % | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 4.37 | % |
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Quick Rise PRC Room 2707, 27F Shui On Centre 6-8 Harbour Road Wanchi Hong Kong | | | 20,000,000 | | | | 18.98 | % | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 3.35 | % |
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Waterpower Investments Limited Room 2707, 27F Shui On Centre 6-8 Harbour Road Wanchi Hong Kong PRC | | | 14,807,828 | | | | 14.05 | % | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 2.48 | % |
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Keen Star Asia Holdings Limited Room 2707, 27/F Shui On Centre 6-8 Harbour Road Wanchai, Hong Kong PRC | | | 9,490,865 | | | | 9 | % | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 1.59 | % |
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Eternal International Holding Group Limited Room 2707, 27/F Shui On Centre 6-8 Harbour Road Wanchai, Hong Kong PRC | | | 9,490,865 | | | | 9 | % | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 1.59 | % |
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Vicis Capital Master Fund 445 Park Ave 16th floor NY,NY 10022 | | | 13,901,672 | (12) | | | 12.09 | % | | | 1,546,184 | | | | 73.67 | % | | | 1,116,388 | | | | 100 | % | | | 79.8 | % |
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New World Power, LLC 558 Lime Rock Road Lakeville, CT 06039 | | | 2,612,157 | (13) | | | 2.43 | % | | | 321,213 | | | | 15.3 | % | | | - | | | | - | | | | 1.99 | % |
(1) | Beneficial Ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and generally includes voting or investment power with respect to securities. Each of the beneficial owners listed above has direct ownership of and sole voting power and investment power with respect to the shares of our common stock. |
(2) | Shares of Series A Preferred Stock, which are convertible into shares of our common stock on the basis of 35 shares of common stock for each share of Series A Preferred Stock. Holders of Series A Preferred Stock vote with the holders of Common Stock on all matters on an as converted to common stock basis. Therefore, each share of Series A Preferred Stock is entitled to 35 votes per share whereas each share of common stock is entitled to one vote per share. 2,098,918 shares of Series A Preferred Stock are currently issued and outstanding which is convertible into 73,462,130 shares of Common Stock. The shares of common stock and Series A Preferred Stock represent 30% of the voting power. |
(3) | For so long as the number of outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock is at least thirty percent (30%) of the total number of shares of Series B Preferred Stock originally issued, the holders of Series B Preferred Stock shall vote together as a single class with the holders of the Common Stock and the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock, with the holders of Series B Preferred Stock being entitled to seventy percent (70%) of the total votes on all such matters regardless of the actual number of shares of Series B Preferred Stock then outstanding, and the holders of Series A Preferred Stock and Common Stock being entitled to their proportional share of the remaining 30% of the total votes. As of April 9, 2010 the number of outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock is at least thirty percent (30%) of the total number of shares of Series B Preferred Stock originally issued. 1,116,388 shares of Series B Preferred Stock are currently outstanding. |
(4) | Percentage total voting power represents voting power with respect to all shares of our common stock, Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock, as a single class. As of April 9, 2010, a total of 105,395,032 shares of our common stock, 2,098,918 shares of our Series A Preferred Stock (or 73,462,130 shares of common stock on an as-converted basis) and 1,116,388 shares of our Series B Preferred Stock (or 39,073,580 shares of common stock on an as-converted basis), are considered to be outstanding pursuant to SEC Rule 13d-3(d)(1). |
(5) | Includes the following shares held by entities for which Mr. Shang is deemed to be the beneficial owner: 7,592,692 shares held by Eternal International; 4,382,502 shares held by Victory Boom Investments Limited, a British Virgin Islands corporation; 20,000,000 shares held by Quick Rise Investments Limited, a British Virgin Islands corporation; 14,807,828 shares held by Waterpower Investments Limited, a British Virgin Islands corporation; and 4,243,935 shares held by Lika Investments Limited, a British Virgin Islands corporation. |
(6) | Includes 2,557,504 shares underlying warrants to purchase shares of our common stock, as well as the following shares held by entities for which Mr. Kuhns is deemed to be the beneficial owner: 622,420 shares issued as dividends of our Series A Preferred Stock holding by New World Power, LLC, 1,989,737 shares underlying warrants to purchase shares of our common stock held by New World Power, LLC and 3,939,085 shares underlying warrants to purchase shares of our common stock held by Kuhns Brothers Inc. |
(7) | Includes 6,735 shares issued as dividends of our Series A Preferred Stock and 300,000 shares underlying warrants to purchase shares of our common stock. |
(8) | Includes 207,475 shares issued as dividends of our Series A Preferred Stock and 1,822,614 shares underlying warrants to purchase shares of our common stock. |
(9) | Includes the following shares held by Vicis Capital Master Fund for which Shadron Stastney is deemed to be the beneficial owner: 2,996,071shares issued as dividends of our Series A Preferred Stock, 1,327,874 shares issued as dividends of our Series B Preferred Stock and 9,577,727 shares underlying warrants to purchase shares of our common stock. |
(10) | Includes 207,475 shares issued as dividends of our Series A Preferred Stock and 663,246 shares underlying warrants to purchase shares of our common stock. |
(11) | Includes the following shares held by entities for which Mr. Wang is deemed to be the beneficial owner: 1,898,173 shares held by Eternal International; 9,490,865 shares held by Keen Star Asia Holdings Limited, a British Virgin Islands corporation; 4,382,502 shares held by Krum Power Group Limited, a British Virgin Islands corporation; 4,382,502 shares held by Clever Keys Group Limited, a British Virgin Islands corporation; 3,188,931 shares held by Oak Lake Investments Limited, a British Virgin Islands corporation; and 2,698,173 shares held by Longwide Investments Limited, a British Virgin Islands corporation. |
(12) | Includes all shares held by Vicis Capital Master Fund for which Shadron Stastney is deemed to be the beneficial owner. |
(13) | Includes 622,420 shares issued as dividends of our Series A Preferred Stock and 1,989,737 shares underlying warrants to purchase shares of our common stock. |
Item 13. | CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR IDEPENDENCE. |
Transactions with Related Persons
The following includes a summary of transactions since the beginning of the 2007 fiscal year, or any currently proposed transaction, in which we were or are to be a participant and the amount involved exceeded or exceeds the lesser of $120,000 or one percent of the average of our total assets at year-end for the last two completed fiscal years, and in which any related person had or will have a direct or indirect material interest (other than compensation described under “Executive Compensation”). We believe the terms obtained or consideration that we paid or received, as applicable, in connection with the transactions described below were comparable to terms available or the amounts that would be paid or received, as applicable, in arm’s-length transactions.
| On March 28, 2008, we consummated the transactions contemplated by a share exchange agreement, or the Share Exchange Agreement, with the owner of all issued and outstanding capital stock of Willsky, Eternal International, whose Chairman, Jiaji Shang, is also our Chairman, CEO and President. Pursuant to the Share Exchange Agreement, we acquired 100% of the outstanding capital stock of Willsky in exchange for 94,908,650 shares of our common stock. As a result of this transaction, Eternal International became the beneficial owner of approximately 94.91% of our outstanding capital stock. Simultaneous with the consummation of the Share Exchange Agreement, Eternal International distributed 85,417,785 shares of our common stock to its shareholders, including various entities controlled by Jiaji Shang, our Chairman, CEO and President, as a dividend. Accordingly, following this distribution, Eternal International beneficially owned approximately 9.49% of our outstanding capital stock and Mr. Shang beneficially owned approximately 51.03% of our outstanding capital stock. |
| On March 28, 2008, we also entered into a redemption agreement, or the Redemption Agreement, with Fountainhead Capital Management Limited, or Fountainhead, and La Pergola Investments Limited, or La Pergola, beneficial owners of approximately 83.91% and 14.81%, respectively, of our outstanding common stock prior to consummation of the Redemption Agreement, whereby Fountainhead and La Pergola surrendered an aggregate of 2,000,000 shares of our common stock for redemption in exchange for our issuance of the convertible promissory note to each, or the Notes, in the aggregate principal amount of six hundred sixty thousand dollars $660,000, in favor of Fountainhead and La Pergola. The Notes bore interest at the rate of two and one-half percent (2.5%) per annum computed on the basis of a 360 day year. The principal and accrued interest of the Notes became payable following our consummation of a private placement transaction in which we sold or issued shares of our common stock in a manner that is exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, where our gross proceeds are at least $1 million. The Notes were paid and cancelled on August 20, 2008 following the consummation of our private placement with China Hand as described below. |
| Concurrent with the consummation of the Share Exchange Agreement, and in connection with the Redemption Agreement, we also entered into anti-dilution agreements, or the Anti-Dilution Agreements, with each of Fountainhead and La Pergola. Pursuant to the Anti-Dilution Agreements, if we complete a private placement transaction in which we sell or issue securities in a manner that is exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, where our gross proceeds are at least $8 million within twenty-four (24) months of the consummation of the Share Exchange Agreement, the total number of shares of our common stock held by Fountainhead and La Pergola will be adjusted such that the total value of all such shares held by Fountainhead is equal to $637,500 and the total value of all such shares held by La Pergola is equal to $112,500. Following the closing of the private placement, WaterPower Investments Limited agreed to transfer an aggregate of 417,509 shares of our common stock to Fountainhead and La Pergola in lieu of the Company issuing new shares pursuant to the Anti-Dilution Agreements. |
| In connection with consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Share Exchange Agreement, we issued warrants, or the Warrants, to each of Fountainhead and La Pergola for the purchase of a number of shares of our common stock equal to an aggregate of two percent (2%) of our issued and outstanding common stock as of immediately after the closing of our next private placement transaction in which we receive gross proceeds of at least $8 million. Following the closing of our recent private placement with China Hand, the aggregate number of shares issuable to Fountainhead and La Pergola is 3,560,193. The term of the Warrants is 5 years and each has an exercise price equal to 150% of the purchase price per share paid by the investors in such private placement transaction, provided that if securities other than the shares of common stock are issued in such private placement transaction, then the exercise price shall be 150% of the price attributable to a share of common stock at the valuation attributable to us in the transaction on “post-money” basis. |
| On March 28, 2008, in connection with the Share Exchange Agreement, we entered into a registration rights agreement with Fountainhead and La Pergola, pursuant to which we granted piggyback registration rights to each of Fountainhead and La Pergola to include all shares of our common stock held by each of Fountainhead and La Pergola, including all shares of our common stock issueable to each of Fountainhead and La Pergola upon the exercise, conversion or exchange of other securities held by Fountainhead and La Pergola, as of the date of the execution of the Share Exchange Agreement. |
Except as set forth in our discussion above, none of our directors, director nominees or executive officers has been involved in any transactions with us or any of our directors, executive officers, affiliates or associates which are required to be disclosed pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC.
Promoters and Certain Control Persons
We did not have any promoters at any time during the past five fiscal years.
Item 14. | PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES |
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm’s Fees
The following is a summary of the fees billed to the Company by its independent registered public accounting firms for professional services rendered for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively:
| | 2008 | | | 2007 | |
Audit fees(1) | | $ | 100,369 | | | $ | 119,916 | |
Audit-related fees(2) | | $ | 15,000 | | | $ | 174,855 | |
Tax fees(3) | | | | | | | | |
All other fees(4) | | | | | | | | |
(1) | Consists of fees billed for the audit of our annual financial statements, review of financial statements included in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements. |
(2) | Consists of assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit and reviews of our financial statements and are not included in “audit fees” in this table. The services provided by our accountants within this category consisted of advice relating to SEC matters and employee benefit matters. |
(3) | Consists of professional services rendered by a company aligned with our principal accountant for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning. |
(4) | The services provided by our accountants within this category consisted of advice and other services relating to our transactions and other matters. |
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
Under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, all audit and non-audit services performed by our auditors must be approved in advance by our Board to assure that such services do not impair the auditors’ independence from us. In accordance with its policies and procedures, our Board pre-approved the audit service performed by CVWB. for our consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2008.
The following exhibits are filed with this report, except those indicated as having previously been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and are incorporated by reference to another report, registration statement or form. As to any shareholder of record requesting a copy of this report, we will furnish any exhibit indicated in the list below as filed with this report upon payment to us of our expenses in furnishing the information.
Exhibit No. | | Description |
2.1 | | Share Exchange Agreement, dated March 28, 2008, among the Company, Willsky Development, Ltd. and its shareholder [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 31, 2008]. |
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3.1 | | Certificate of Incorporation of the Company [incorporated by reference to Exhibit B to the Company’s Information Statement on Schedule 14C filed on September 12, 2007]. |
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3.2 | | Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of the Company [incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 30, 2008]. |
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3.3 | | Bylaws of the Company [incorporated by reference to Exhibit C to the Company’s Information Statement on Schedule 14C filed on September 12, 2007]. |
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4.1 | | Certificate of Designations of Preferences, Rights and Limitations of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 26, 2008]. |
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4.2 | | Form of Warrant [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 26, 2008]. |
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4.3 | | Redemption Agreement, dated March 28, 2008, among the Company, Fountainhead Capital Management Limited and La Pergola Investments Limited [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 31, 2008]. |
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4.4 | | Convertible Promissory Note, dated March 28, 2008, by the Company in favor of Fountainhead Capital Management Limited [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 31, 2008]. |
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4.5 | | Convertible Promissory Note, dated March 28, 2008, by the Company in favor of La Pergola Investments Limited [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 31, 2008]. |
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4.6 | | Anti-Dilution Agreement, dated March 28, 2008, among the Company and Fountainhead Capital Management Limited [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 31, 2008]. |
4.7 | | Anti-Dilution Agreement, dated March 28, 2008, among the Company and La Pergola Investments Limited [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 31, 2008]. |
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4.8 | | Common Stock Purchase Warrant issued to Fountainhead Capital Management Limited, dated March 28, 2008 [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 31, 2008]. |
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4.9 | | Common Stock Purchase Warrant issued to La Pergola Investments Limited, dated March 28, 2008 [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 31, 2008]. |
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4.10 | | Piggyback Registration Rights Agreement, dated March 28, 2008, by and among the Company, Fountainhead Capital Management Limited and La Pergola Investments Limited [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 31, 2008]. |
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10.1 | | Series A Convertible Preferred Stock Securities Purchase Agreement, between the Company and China Hand Fund I, L.P., dated August 8, 2008 [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 14, 2008]. |
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10.2 | | Closing Escrow Agreement, among the Company, China Hand Fund I, L.P. and Escrow LLC, dated August 8, 2008 [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 14, 2008]. |
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10.3 | | Registration Rights Agreement, between the Company and China Hand Fund I, L.P., dated August 20, 2008 [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 26, 2008]. |
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10.4 | | Securities Escrow Agreement, among the Company, China Hand Fund I, L.P. and Escrow LLC, dated August 20, 2008 [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 26, 2008]. |
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10.5 | | Shareholders Agreement, among the Company, China Hand Fund I, L.P., Quick Rise Investments Limited, Waterpower Investments Limited and Eternal International Holding Group Limited, dated August 20, 2008 [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 26, 2008]. |
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10.6 | | Letter Agreement between the Company and China Hand Fund I, L.P., dated August 20, 2008 [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 26, 2008]. |
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10.7 | | Agreement, dated February 9, 2004, between Municipal Government of Hunchun City and Tianjin Singocean Gas Co. Ltd. (English Translation) [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 31, 2008]. |
10.8 | | Da Shi Qiao Gas Pipeline Construction Project Investment Agreement between Da Shi Qiao Urban and Rural construction Bureau and TianJin Singocean Gas Co Ltd. (English Translation) [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 31, 2008]. |
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10.9 | | Investment Agreement of Gas Pipe Project Construction in A Cheng, dated June 10, 2005, between Construction Bureau of A Cheng and Tianjin Singocean Public Utilities Development Co. Ltd. (English Translation) [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 31, 2008]. |
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10.10 | | Gas Pipeline Project Agreement between Hunchun Real Estate Bureau and Hunchun SingOcean. (English Translation) [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 31, 2008]. |
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10.11 | | Gas Pipeline Project Agreement between Dashiqiao Gas Management Office and Tianjin SingOcean. (English Translation) [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 31, 2008]. |
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10.12 | | Gas supply pipeline construction contract between Dalian LuBo Real Estate Development Co., Ltd. and Tianjin Sing Ocean Public Utility Development Co., Ltd. (English Translation) [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 31, 2008]. |
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10.13 | | Compressed Coal Bed Methane Supply Agreement between Fuxin Dali Gas Co., Ltd. and Tianjin Singocean Public Utility Development Co., Ltd. (English Translation) [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 31, 2008]. |
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10.14 | | Contract of the Gas Pipeline Installment Project in Tiancheng Community in Acheng City, dated August 8, 2007, between Tianjin Singocean Public Utility Development Co., Ltd. and China North Industry Installment Company. (English Translation) [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 31, 2008]. |
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10.15 | | Contract of the Gas Pipeline Installment Project in Communities in Hunchun City, dated March 2, 2007, between Hunchun Singocean Gas Project Co., Ltd. and Tianjin Lianyi Gas Related Project Co., Ltd. (English Translation) [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 31, 2008]. |
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10.16 | | Contract of the Gas Pipeline Installment Project in Saiside Community in Dashiqiao City, dated July 5, 2007, between Tianjin Singocean Public Utility Development Co., Ltd. and No.1 Branch of Tianjin Quanzhou Construction Project Co., Ltd. (English Translation) [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 31, 2008]. |
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10.17 | | Compressed Coal Bed Methane Supply Agreement between Fuxin Dali Gas Co. Ltd and Tianjin Singocean Public Utilities Development Co. Ltd. (English Translation) [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 31, 2008]. |
10.18 | | Methane Supply Agreement, dated March 4, 2004, between Fuxin Hongdi New Energy Co. Ltd. and Tianjin Singocean Gas Engineering Co. Ltd. (English Translation) [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 31, 2008]. |
14.1 | | Travel Hunt Holdings, Inc. Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Members of Management and the Board of Directors adopted on August 30, 2007 [incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-KSB filed on October 25, 2007]. |
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21.1 | | Subsidiaries of the Company * |
* Filed herewith
AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CHINA NEW ENERGY GROUP COMPANY
DECEMBER 31, 2008 AND 2007
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| | Page | |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | | | F-1-2 | |
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Restated) | | | F-3 | |
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Restated) | | | F-4 | |
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Restated) | | | F-5 | |
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity (Restated) | | | F-6 | |
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | | | F-7-34 | |
|
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Douglas W. Child, CPA | | REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM |
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Marty D. Van Wagoner, CPA | | |
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J. Russ Bradshaw, CPA | | |
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William R. Denney, CPA | | |
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Roger B. Kennard, CPA | | |
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Russell E. Anderson, CPA | | |
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Scott L. Farnes 1284 W. Flint Meadow Dr. #D Kaysville, Utah 84037 Telephone 801.927.1337 Facsimile 801.927.1344 5296 S. Commerce Dr. #300 Salt Lake City, Utah 84107 Telephone 801.281.4700 Facsimile 801.281.4701 Suite A, 5/F Max Share Centre 373 King’s Road North Point, Hong Kong Telephone 852.21.555.333 Facsimile 852.21.165.222 www.cpaone.net | | To The Board of Directors and Stockholders of China New Energy Group Company Tianjin, China We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of China New Energy Group Company (the Company) as of December 31, 2008, and the related consolidated statement of operations, cash flows, and changes in stockholders’ equity for the year ended December 31, 2008. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States of America). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. The company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of China New Energy Group Company as of December 31, 2008, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2008, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Since our previous report dated April 14 2009 it was determined that the financial statements need restatement to make corrections as described in note 19 and 22. /s/ Child, Van Wagoner & Bradshaw, PLLC Child, Van Wagoner & Bradshaw, PLLC Salt Lake City, Utah April 14, 2009, except for note 19 and 22 which is dated April 15, 2010 |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To The Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Willsky Development Ltd. and Subsidiaries
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Willsky Development Ltd. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform an audit of the Company's internal control over its financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Willsky Development Ltd. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the results of its consolidated operations and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Gruber & Company, LLC
Lake Saint Louis, Missouri
April 27, 2008
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
| | December 31, | | | December 31, | |
| | 2008 | | | 2007 | |
| | Restated | | | | |
ASSETS | | | | | | |
CURRENT ASSETS | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 5,612,356 | | | $ | 2,311,028 | |
Restricted cash | | | 221,152 | | | | - | |
Accounts receivable | | | 2,183,087 | | | | 823,625 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Inventories, net | | | 257,597 | | | | 273,004 | |
Prepaid expenses | | | 133,614 | | | | - | |
Other current assets | | | 3,340 | | | | - | |
Net current assets of discontinued operations | | | - | | | | 146,320 | |
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS | | | 8,411,146 | | | | 3,553,977 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Property, plant and equipment, net | | | 13,470,468 | | | | 8,204,184 | |
Intangible assets, net | | | 1,308,375 | | | | 331,378 | |
Other receivables | | | 2,254,997 | | | | 448,186 | |
Deposits paid for acquisition of long term assets | | | 1,424,747 | | | | - | |
Goodwill | | | 63,014 | | | | 58,974 | |
Net non-current assets of discontinued operations | | | - | | | | 5,145,195 | |
TOTAL ASSETS | | | 26,932,747 | | | | 17,741,894 | |
| | | | | | | | |
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | | | | | | | | |
CURRENT LIABILITIES | | | | | | | | |
Accounts payable | | $ | 874,542 | | | $ | 1,033,185 | |
Accruals and other payables - Third Party | | | 242,309 | | | | 1,976,376 | |
Acquisition consideration payable | | | 1,838,946 | | | | - | |
Registration rights penalties payable | | | 900,000 | | | | - | |
Tax payable | | | 693,116 | | | | 1,059,269 | |
Related party payable | | | 498,703 | | | | 143,833 | |
Dividend payable on preferred stock | | | 194,000 | | | | - | |
Warrant liabilities | | | 5,506,143 | | | | - | |
Net liabilities of discontinued operations | | | - | | | | 833,386 | |
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES | | | 10,747,759 | | | | 5,046,049 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Commitment and contingencies (Note 12) | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Minority interest | | | 102,406 | | | | 97,875 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Preferred Stock : 10,000,000 shares authorized, $0.001 par value Series A Convertible Preferred Stock: 1,857,373 and 0 shares issued and outstanding, Liquidation preference of $8,971,112 and $0, respectively | | | 7,031,818 | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | |
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | | | | | | | | |
Common Stock: 500,000,000 shares authorized, $0.001 par value, 100,000,041 shares and 94,908,650 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 | | | 100,000 | | | | 94,909 | |
Additional paid in capital | | | 9,396,046 | | | | 5,277,108 | |
Retained earnings (Accumulated deficit) | | | (3,809,149 | ) | | | 4,786,707 | |
Statutory surplus reserve fund | | | 1,746,890 | | | | 1,746,890 | |
Accumulated other comprehensive income | | | 1,616,977 | | | | 692,356 | |
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | | | 9,950,764 | | | | 12,597,970 | |
TOTAL LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | | $ | 26,932,747 | | | $ | 17,741,894 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
CHINA NEW ENERGY GROUP COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
| | For the year ended December 31, | |
| | 2008 | | | 2007 | |
Revenues: | | Restated | | | | |
Connection services | | $ | 6,934,687 | | | $ | 4,780,265 | |
Natural gas | | | 571,835 | | | | 138,910 | |
| | | 7,506,522 | | | | 4,919,175 | |
Cost of Sales | | | | | | | | |
Connection services | | | 1,759,755 | | | | 1,071,707 | |
Natural gas | | | 498,377 | | | | 163,492 | |
| | | 2,258,132 | | | | 1,235,199 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Gross Profit | | | 5,248,390 | | | | 3,683,976 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Operating Expenses: | | | | | | | | |
Other selling, general and administrative expenses | | | 1,224,251 | | | | 434,297 | |
Registration rights penalties | | | 900,000 | | | | - | |
Total operating expenses | | | 2,124,251 | | | | 434,297 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Operating Income | | | 3,124,139 | | | | 3,249,679 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Other Income (Expenses): | | | | | | | | |
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities | | | (2,553,870 | ) | | | - | |
Interest income | | | 14,311 | | | | - | |
Interest expense | | | (33,753 | ) | | | (411 | ) |
Other income | | | 4,972 | | | | 11,688 | |
Subsidy income | | | - | | | | (8,459 | ) |
Total other income (expenses) | | | (2,568,340 | ) | | | 2,818 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Income From Continuing Operations, Before Income Tax | | | 555,799 | | | | 3,252,497 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Income Tax | | | 1,026,984 | | | | 1,018,338 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Income Before Minority Interest | | | (471,185 | ) | | | 2,234,159 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Minority Interest | | | (24,010 | ) | | | (23,946 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Income From Continuing Operations, net of Income Tax | | | (495,195 | ) | | | 2,210,213 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Discontinued Operations: | | | | | | | | |
Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax | | | 223,410 | | | | 622,676 | |
Loss on disposal of subsidiary | | | (1,098,253 | ) | | | - | |
Income (loss) from discontinued operations | | | (874,843 | ) | | | 622,676 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net Income (Loss) | | $ | (1,370,038 | ) | | $ | 2,832,889 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Dividends and Deemed Dividend on Preferred Stock | | | (7,225,818 | ) | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Common Stockholders | | $ | (8,595,856 | ) | | $ | 2,832,889 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net Income (Loss) | | | (1,370,038 | ) | | | 2,832,889 | |
Foreign currency translation gain | | | 924,621 | | | | 183,671 | |
Comprehensive loss | | $ | (445,417 | ) | | $ | 3,016,560 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Income (Loss) per share - Basic | | | | | | | | |
Income (loss) from continuing operations | | $ | (0.08 | ) | | $ | 0.02 | |
Income (loss) from discontinued operations | | | (0.08 | ) | | | 0.01 | |
Total income (loss) per share | | $ | (0.16 | ) | | $ | 0.03 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Income (Loss) per share - Diluted | | | | | | | | |
Income from continuing operations | | $ | (0.08 | ) | | $ | 0.02 | |
Income (loss) from discontinued operations | | | (0.08 | ) | | | 0.01 | |
Total income per share | | $ | (0.16 | ) | | $ | 0.03 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Weighted average common stock outstanding | | | | | | | | |
Basic | | | 98,727,193 | | | | 94,908,650 | |
Diluted | | | 124,375,102 | | | | 94,908,650 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
CHINA NEW ENERGY GROUP COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
| | December 31, | |
| | 2008 | | | 2007 | |
| | Restated | | | | |
Cash flows from operating activities : | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) | | $ | (1,370,038 | ) | | $ | 2,832,889 | |
Net income (loss) from discontinued operation | | | (874,843 | ) | | | 622,676 | |
Net income (loss) from continuing operations | | | (495,195 | ) | | | 2,210,213 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | | | | | | | | |
Depreciation and amortization | | | 396,785 | | | | 169,823 | |
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities | | | 2,553,870 | | | | - | |
Registration rights penalties | | | 900,000 | | | | | |
Minority interest | | | 24,010 | | | | 23,946 | |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | | | | | | | | |
Accounts receivable | | | (595,245 | ) | | | 249,512 | |
Other receivables | | | 560,378 | | | | 118,113 | |
Inventories | | | 72,509 | | | | (89,726 | ) |
Prepaid expenses | | | (124,591 | ) | | | - | |
Other current assets | | | (3,287 | ) | | | - | |
Accounts payable | | | (443,046 | ) | | | 573,581 | |
Accrued expenses | | | - | | | | (1,040,572 | ) |
Accruals and other payable - Third Party | | | (2,007,964 | ) | | | 27,216 | |
Tax payable | | | (646,523 | ) | | | 146,774 | |
Cash (used in) provided by operating activities-continuing operations | | | 191,701 | | | | 2,388,880 | |
Cash (used in) provided by operating activities-discontinued operation | | | (131,916 | ) | | | 1,097,135 | |
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities | | | 59,785 | | | | 3,486,015 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Cash flows from investing activities | | | | | | | | |
Net cash from exchange of subsidiary | | | 66,841 | | | | - | |
Deposit paid and acquisition of property, plant and equipment | | | (4,039,904 | ) | | | (737,315 | ) |
Cash used in investing activities-continuing operations | | | (3,973,063 | ) | | | (737,315 | ) |
Cash used in investing activities-discontinued operation | | | (124,259 | ) | | | (876,145 | ) |
Net cash used in investing activities | | | (4,097,322 | ) | | | (1,613,460 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Cash flows from financing activities | | | | | | | | |
Cash acquired from director | | | - | | | | 301 | |
Net proceeds from stock issuance | | | 7,076,302 | | | | - | |
Fund deposit as restricted cash | | | (221,152 | ) | | | - | |
Loan from related parties | | | 335,132 | | | | - | |
Cash provided by financing activities-continuing operations | | | 7,190,282 | | | | 301 | |
Cash provided by financing activities-discontinued operation | | | - | | | | - | |
Net cash provided by financing activities: | | | 7,190,282 | | | | 301 | |
| | | | | | |
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | | | 148,583 | | | | 121,597 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | | | 3,301,328 | | | | 1,994,453 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year | | | 2,311,028 | | | | 316,575 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year | | $ | 5,612,356 | | | $ | 2,311,028 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: | | | | | | | | |
Cash paid for interest | | $ | - | | | $ | - | |
Cash paid for income tax | | $ | 1,885,638 | | | $ | 1,127,035 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Cash investment activities: | | | | | | | | |
Fair value of assets required | | $ | 2,164,821 | | | $ | - | |
Fair value of liabilities assumed | | $ | 325,876 | | | $ | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Supplemental disclosure of non cash investing and financing activities: | | | | | | | | |
Registration rights penalties | | $ | 900,000 | | | | - | |
Dividend payable | | $ | 194,000 | | | $ | - | |
Net assets exchanged during exchange of 99% Hunchun with Chensheng | | $ | 2,998,890 | | | $ | - | |
Acquisition payable under other payables | | $ | 1,838,946 | | | $ | - | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
CHINA NEW ENERGY GROUP COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | Retained | | | | Statutory | | | | Accumulated | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | Additional | | | | Earnings | | | | Surplus | | | | Other | | | | Total | |
| | Common Stock | | | | Paid-in | | | | (Accumulated | | | | Reserve | | | | Comprehensive | | | | Stockholders’ | |
| | Shares | | | | Amount | | | | Capital | | | | deficit) | | | | Fund | | | | Income | | | | Equity | |
BALANCE, December 31, 2006 | | | 94,908,650 | | | | $ | 94,909 | | | | $ | 5,277,108 | | | | $ | 2,843,681 | | | | $ | 857,027 | | | | $ | 5,339 | | | | $ | 9,078,064 | |
Net income | | | - | | | | | - | | | | | - | | | | | 2,832,889 | | | | | - | | | | | - | | | | | 2,832,889 | |
Transfer | | | - | | | | | - | | | | | - | | | | | (889,863 | ) | | | | 889,863 | | | | | - | | | | | - | |
Currency translation adjustment | | | - | | | | | - | | | | - | | | | | - | | | | - | | | | | 687,017 | | | | | 687,017 | |
BALANCE, December 31, 2007 | | | 94,908,650 | | | | $ | 94,909 | | | | $ | 5,277,108 | | | | $ | 4,786,707 | | | | $ | 1,746,890 | | | | $ | 692,356 | | | | $ | 12,597,970 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Recapitalization | | | 7,091,391 | | | | | 7,091 | | | | | (7,091 | ) | | | | - | | | | | - | | | | | - | | | | | - | |
Cancellation of stock in recapitalization | | | (2,000,000 | ) | | | | (2,000 | ) | | | | 2,000 | | | | | - | | | | | - | | | | | - | | | | | - | |
Warrants issued in connection with private placement | | | - | | | | | - | | | | | (984,091 | ) | | | | - | | | | | - | | | | | - | | | | | (984,091 | ) |
Cost of raising capital | | | - | | | | | - | | | | | (1,923,698 | ) | | | | - | | | | | - | | | | | - | | | | | (1,923,698 | ) |
Deemed dividend on issuance of preferred stock | | | - | | | | | - | | | | | 7,031,818 | | | | | (7,031,818 | ) | | | | - | | | | | - | | | | | - | |
Preferred stock dividend | | | - | | | | | - | | | | | - | | | | | (194,000 | ) | | | | - | | | | | - | | | | | (194,000 | ) |
Net (loss) | | | - | | | | | - | | | | | - | | | | | (1,370,038 | ) | | | | - | | | | | - | | | | | (1,370,038 | ) |
Currency translation adjustment | | | - | | | | | - | | | | | - | | | | | - | | | | | - | | | | | 924,621 | | | | | 924,621 | |
BALANCE, December 31, 2008 -restated | | | 100,000,041 | | | | $ | 100,000 | | | | $ | 9,396,046 | | | | $ | (3,809,149 | ) | | | $ | 1,746,890 | | | | $ | 1,616,977 | | | | $ | 9,050,764 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
CHINA NEW ENERGY GROUP COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2008 AND 2007
Restatement of Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2008, originally filed April 15, 2009
The Group has restated its property, plant and equipment, intangible assets, registration right penalties payable, registration rights penalties payable and certain expenses for the year ended December 31, 2008 and expanded the related footnote disclosures. These adjustments resulted in an increase in the Group’s net loss for the year ended December 31, 2008 by $3,189,792 from the net income of $1,819,754 to net loss of $1,370,038 with a corresponding increase in accumulated deficit and equity at December 31, 2008. A detailed discussion of the restatement of the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2008 originally filed April 15, 2009 is included in note 22.
China New Energy Group Company (“CNER” and the “Company”) was incorporated on March 28, 2008 in the state of Delaware USA, under the name of Travel Hunt Holdings, Inc.. On May 27, 2008, Travel Hunt changed its name to China New Energy Group Company in connection with a share exchange transaction as described below.
Reverse Acquisition
On March 28, 2008, the Company executed a share exchange agreement with Willsky Development Ltd. (“Willsky”) whereby the Company issued to the stockholders of Willsky 94,908,650 shares of the Company’s common stock in exchange for all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Willsky (the “Share Exchange”). Prior to the reverse merger, 7,091,391 shares of common stock were issued and outstanding. Willsky Development thereby became our wholly-owned subsidiary and the former shareholders of Willsky Development became our controlling stockholders.
Simultaneous with the consummation of the Share exchange agreement, the shareholder of Willsky, Eternal International Holding Group Ltd, a Hong Kong corporation, or Eternal International, distributed 85,417,785 shares of the Company’s common stock as a dividend. Accordingly, following this distribution, Eternal International beneficially owns approximately 9.49% of the Company’s outstanding capital stock. Willsky thereby became the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary and the former shareholders of Willsky became the Company’s controlling stockholders.
Concurrently with the Reverse Merger, Fountainhead and La Pergola, the existing shareholders of Travel Hunt, surrendered to the Company a total of 2,000,000 shares of the common stock of the Company for cancellation in exchange for $660,000 payable through the delivery of a six month Convertible Promissory Note. After surrender, the existing shareholders retained 5,091,391 shares of our common stock.
After the reverse acquisition, the total common stock issued and outstanding of the Company as at December 31, 2008 was 100,000,041 shares.
This transaction has been accounted for as a reverse acquisition and recapitalization of the Company whereby Willsky is deemed to be the accounting acquirer (legal acquiree) and the Company the accounting acquiree (legal acquirer). The historical financial statements for periods prior to March 28, 2008, are those of Willsky except that the equity section and earnings per share have been retroactively restated to reflect the reverse acquisition.
CHINA NEW ENERGY GROUP COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2008 AND 2007
1. The Company-continued
The principal activity of the Company is investment holding. The Company’s operating subsidiaries and branches (which together with the company are collectively referred to as the “Group”) and their principal activities as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:
Name | | Place of Registration | | Percentage of equity interest attributable to the Group | | Principal Activities |
Willsky Development Ltd.(“Willsky”) | | BVI | | 100% | | Investment holding |
Tianjin Singocean Public Utility Development Co. Ltd. (“Singocean”) | | The PRC | | 99% | | Investment holding |
QinHuangDao Chensheng Gas Co, Ltd. (“Chensheng”) | | The PRC | | 99.5% | | Construction of District gas-pipeline and supply of natural gas |
Tianjin Singocean Public Utility Development Co,Ltd.- Acheng Division (“Acheng Division”) | | The PRC | | | | Construction of District gas-pipeline and supply of natural gas |
Tianjin Singocean Public Utility Development Co,Ltd. – Dashiqiao Division (“Dashiqiao Division”) | | The PRC | | | | Construction of District gas-pipeline and supply of natural gas |
Willsky Development Ltd. (“Willsky”)
Willsky Development Ltd. (“Willsky”) was incorporated on May 31, 2005 under the laws of the British Virgin Islands.
Tianjin Singocean Public Utility Development Co., Ltd. (“Singocean”)
In 2005, Willsky acquired 99% shareholding of Tianjin Sing Ocean Public Utility Development Co., Ltd. (“Singocean”) which formed in the PRC as an equity joint venture to be operated for a period of 50 years until January 18, 2054 with registered capital of $4.5 million (RMB31,897,000). Singocean set up a branch division in Acheng, Tianjin, called Tianjin Sing Ocean Public Utility Development Co., Ltd. – Acheng Division (“Singocean – Acheng Division”) and is to be operated for a period of 5 years until December 28, 2010.
Qinhuangdao Chensheng Gas Company Limited (“Chensheng”)
On September 16, 2008, we, through our Singocean entered into an Equity Swap Agreement with Mr. Xiu Hai Tian, whereby we acquired from Mr. Xiu a 49% ownership interest in Qinhuangdao Chensheng Gas Co., Ltd. (“Chensheng”), in exchange for our 99% ownership in Hunchun Singocean. The parties to the Equity Swap Agreement determined that the value of the 49% interest in Chensheng Gas and the 99% interest in Hunchun Sing Ocean were approximately equal and therefore there was no cash or other consideration involved in the transaction from either party.
On December 10, 2008, the Company entered into an Agreement for Equity Transfer with the holders of the remaining 51% outstanding equity in Chensheng. Pursuant to the Agreement for Equity Transfer, the Company agreed to purchase the remaining 51% of the outstanding equity of Chensheng from 17 individuals for an aggregate purchase price of RMB 12.56 million (approximately $1.84 million). The transaction was consummated on December 30, 2008, following which the Company now owns 51% of the equity of Chensheng, and our 99%-owned subsidiary Singocean now owns 49% of the equity of Chensheng and therefore, the Group ultimately held 99.5% of the equity of Chensheng.
Acheng Division and Daishiquiao Division are branch divisions of Singocean and established in the PRC to be operated for a period of 5 years until December 28, 2010 and 50 years until January 18, 2054, respectively.
CHINA NEW ENERGY GROUP COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2008 AND 2007
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
(a) Basis of Presentation
The financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”). This basis differs from that used in the statutory accounts of our subsidiaries in China, which were prepared in accordance with the accounting principles and relevant financial regulations applicable to enterprises in the PRC. All necessary adjustments have been made to present the financial statements in accordance with US GAAP.
(b) Use of Estimates
In preparing consolidated financial statements in conformity with US GAAP, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and revenues and expenses during the reported periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates
Significant Estimates
These consolidated financial statements include some amounts that are based on management's best estimates and judgments. The most significant estimates relate to revenue recognition of gas connection contracts, depreciation of property, plant and equipment, the valuation allowance for deferred taxes, impairment testing of intangible assets and various contingent liabilities. It is reasonably possible that the above-mentioned estimates and others may be adjusted as more current information becomes available, and any adjustment could be significant in future reporting periods.
(c) Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all of its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.
(d) Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Group considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents. As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Group did not have any cash equivalents.
Deposits in banks in the PRC are not insured by any government entity or agency, and are consequently exposed to risk of loss. Management believes the probability of a bank failure, causing loss to the Group, is remote.
(e) Plant and Equipment
Plant and equipment is stated at cost. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs, which do not improve or extend the expected useful life of the assets, are expensed to operations while major repairs are capitalized. Depreciation is provided principally by use of the straight-line method over the useful lives of the related assets as follows:
Computer equipment | | 3 years |
Furniture & fixtures | | 5 years |
Office equipment | | 5 years |
Motor vehicles | | 5 years |
Gas transportation vehicles | | 5-20 years |
Gas station | | 20-25 years |
Underground gas pipelines | | 20-30 years |
The gain or loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment is the difference between the net sales proceeds and the carrying amount of the relevant assets, and, if any, is recognized in the statement of operations.
CHINA NEW ENERGY GROUP COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2008 AND 2007
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies-continued
(f) Intangible Assets
Intangible assets represent land use rights in the PRC. According to Chinese regulations, land belongs to the nation. Land use rights refer to the purchase of the legal right to use land from the government. The term of the land use rights is 50 years. The land use rights are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful life of 50 years.
(g) Inventories
Inventories, including construction materials, integrated circuit cards, gas meters, polyethylene valves and natural gas are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Cost is calculated using the weighted average method. Net realizable value is based on estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business less estimated costs to completion and the estimated costs necessary to make the sale.
(h) Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired in a business combination, In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”, goodwill is no longer subject to amortization. Rather, goodwill is subject to at least an annual assessment for impairment, applying a fair-value based test. Fair value is generally determined using a discounted cash flow analysis.
(i) Impairment of Assets
In accordance with SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets", the Company evaluates its long-lived assets to determine whether later events and circumstances warrant revised estimates of useful lives or a reduction in carrying value due to impairment. If indicators of impairment exist and if the value of the assets is impaired, an impairment loss would be recognized. As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, no impairment loss has been recognized.
(j) Taxation
Income Taxes
The Group accounts for income taxes under SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”. Under SFAS No. 109, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the 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 those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Under SFAS No. 109, 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. Also, the Group did not have any liabilities for unrecognized income tax benefits according to the provisions of FIN 48.
CHINA NEW ENERGY GROUP COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2008 AND 2007
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies-continued
(k) Revenue Recognition
Among the accounting policies adopted by the Group, the most critical one is the policy regarding revenue recognition of the Group’s major sources of income, namely, gas connection services and sales of gases. In accordance with the SEC's Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") No. 104, under this policy, all of the following criteria must be met in order for us to recognize revenue:
1. Persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists;
2. Delivery has occurred or services have been rendered;
3. The seller's price to the buyer is fixed or determinable; and
4. Collectibility is reasonably assured.
Gas connection revenue
Gas connection revenue is recognized when the outcome of a contract can be estimated reliably and the stage of completion at the balance sheet date can be measured reliably.
Revenue from gas connection contracts is recognized on the percentage of completion method, measured by reference to the value of work carried out during the year. When the outcome of a gas connection contract cannot be estimated reliably, revenue is recognized only to the extent of contract costs incurred that it is probable will be recoverable.
When the outcome of a gas connection contract can be estimated reliably and the stage of contract completion at the balance sheet date can be measured reliably, contract costs are charged to the income statement by reference to the stage of completion of the contract activity at the balance sheet date on the same basis as revenue from the gas connection contract is recognized.
When the outcome of a gas connection contract cannot be estimated reliably, contract costs are recognized as expenses in the period in which they are incurred. When it is probable that total contract costs will exceed contract revenue, the expected loss is recognized as an expense immediately.
Where contract costs incurred to date plus recognized profits less recognized losses exceed progress billings, the surplus is shown as an amount due from customers for contract work. For contracts where progress billings exceed contract costs incurred to date plus recognized profits less recognized losses, the surplus is shown as an amount due to customers for contract work. Amounts received before the related work is performed are included in the consolidated balance sheet, as a liability, as advances received. Amounts billed for work performed but not yet paid by the customer are included in the consolidated balance sheet under trade and other receivables.
During the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, all the contracts for connection services were started and completed in the same year.
Revenue from sale of gas
Sales revenue from sale of gas represents the invoiced value of goods sold, net of value-added tax (“VAT”). Revenue from sale of gas is recognized when the goods are delivered and title has passed.
All of the Company’s products that are sold in the PRC are subject to Chinese value-added tax of 3% of the gross sales price. This VAT may be offset by VAT paid by the Company on raw materials and other materials included in the cost of producing their finished product. The Company recorded VAT payable and VAT receivable net of payments in the financial statements.
CHINA NEW ENERGY GROUP COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2008 AND 2007
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies-continued
(l) Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions
The Group’s functional currency is the Renminbi (“RMB”) and its reporting currency is U.S. dollars. The Group’s consolidated balance sheet accounts are translated into U.S. dollars at the year-end exchange rates and all revenue and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rates prevailing during the periods in which these items arise. Translation gains and losses are deferred and accumulated as a component of other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity. Transaction gains and losses that arise from exchange rate fluctuations from transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are included in the statement of operations as incurred. The translation and transaction gains and losses were immaterial for the periods ended December 31, 2008 and 2007.
The PRC government imposes significant exchange restrictions on fund transfers out of the PRC that are not related to business operations. These restrictions have not had a material impact on the Group because it has not engaged in any significant transactions that are subject to the restrictions.
(m) Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Group records and discloses certain financial and non-financial assets and liabilities at their fair value. The fair value of an asset is the price at which the asset could be sold in an orderly transaction between unrelated, knowledgeable and willing parties able to engage in the transaction. A liability’s fair value is defined as the amount that would be paid to transfer the liability to a new obligor in a transaction between such parties, not the amount that would be paid to settle the liability with the creditor.
Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value are measured using a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include:
| Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; |
| |
| Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and |
| |
| Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring the Group to develop our own assumptions. |
The disclosure of fair value of certain financial assets and liabilities that are recorded at cost are as follows:
Cash and cash equivalents: The carrying amount approximates fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments.
(n) Basic and diluted earnings per share
The Group reports basic earnings per share in accordance with SFAS No. 128, “Earnings Per Share”. Basic earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the periods presented. The weighted average number of shares of the Group represents the common stock outstanding during the reporting periods.
Diluted earnings per share is based on the assumption that all dilutive options were converted or exercised as of the beginning of the period or when issued, if later. Dilution is computed by applying the treasury stock method. Under this method, options are assumed to be exercised at the beginning of the period or the time of issuance, if later, and as if the funds obtained thereby were used to re-purchase common stock at the average market price during the period.
(o) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Accumulated other comprehensive income represents the change in equity of the Group during the periods presented from foreign currency translation adjustments.
CHINA NEW ENERGY GROUP COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2008 AND 2007
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies-continued
(p) Profit Appropriation
In accordance with PRC regulations, the Group is required to make appropriations to the statutory surplus reserve, based on after-tax net income determined in accordance with PRC GAAP. Appropriation to the statutory surplus reserve should be at 10% of the after-tax net income determined in accordance with the PRC GAAP until the reserve is equal to 50% of the entity’s registered capital. Statutory surplus reserve is non-distributable other than in liquidation.
(q) Accounts Receivable
Gas connection fees are recognized on the percentage of completion method, measured by reference to the value of work carried out during the year. The portion that is not received in cash is recorded as accounts receivable. Over the last 2 years, we have not experienced any bad debts from customers and, accordingly, did not have a provision for uncollectible accounts at December 31, 2008 and 2007.
Trade accounts receivable are stated at the amount management expects to collect from balances outstanding at the period end.
Outstanding account balances are reviewed individually for collectability. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote.
Allowances for doubtful accounts receivable balances are recorded when circumstances indicate that collection is doubtful for particular accounts receivable or as a general reserve for all accounts receivable. Management estimates such allowances based on historical evidence such as amounts that are subject to risk. Accounts receivable are written off if reasonable collection efforts are not successful.
Based on management’s evaluation of historical experience, the following policy for allowance of doubtful accounts is established:
Trade and other receivables due: | | % of Balance |
Between 91 and 180 days: | | 5% |
Between 181 and 360 days: | | 20% |
Between 361 and 720 days: | | 50% |
Over 721 days: | | 100% |
(r) Minority interest
During the year of 2008, the 1% of the minority interest in Hunchun was disposed.
As of December 31, 2008, Tianjin Huan Long Trading directly held 1% minority interest in Tianjin Singocean and indirectly held 0.5% minority interest in Qinhuangdao Chengsheng Gas Co., Ltd.
(s) Discontinued Operations
Effective September 26, 2008, the Company entered into an asset swap in which it disposed of our former subsidiary Hunchun .
In accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets”, Hunchun operation is being accounted for as discontinued operations and, accordingly, its operating results are segregated and reported as discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations in 2008 and 2007 and its net assets and liabilities have been re-classified in the December 31, 2007 balance sheet.
CHINA NEW ENERGY GROUP COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2008 AND 2007
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies-continued
(t) Advertising and promotion costs
Costs incurred in direct-response advertising are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over the duration of the advertising campaign. As of December 31, 2008, there was no capitalized direct-response advertising. All other advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising and promotion costs amounted to $50 and $761 for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
(u) Post-retirement and post-employment benefits
The Company’s subsidiaries contribute to a state pension plan in respect of its PRC employees. Other than the above, neither the Company nor its subsidiary provides any other post-retirement or post-employment benefits.
(v) Shipping and handling cost
Shipping and handling costs related to delivery of finished goods are included in other selling, general and administrative expenses. During the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, shipping and handling costs were nil.
(w) Seasonality
Our pipeline distribution networks are primarily located in northeastern China, which is extremely cold during the winter months. During such time, we are unable to construct new primary gas pipelines. However, if a primary pipeline is already in place, we are able to connect new customers to our distribution network during the winter months. Additionally, gas consumption by residential customers is higher in the winter months for heating purposes, and we see a corresponding increase in usage during that time.
(x) Reclassification
Certain amounts in the prior year have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.
3. Restricted cash
At December 31, 2008 and 2007, restricted cash of $221,152 and $0 respectively represented the cash held by an escrow agent for expenses relating to investor and public relations.
4. Other Receivables
Other receivables consist of the following:
| | December 31 | |
| | 2008 | | | 2007 | |
Due from Tianjin East Ocean Gas Company Limited | | $ | 1,416,707 | | | $ | - | |
Other receivables | | | 838,290 | | | | 448,186 | |
Total | | $ | 2,254,997 | | | $ | 448,186 | |
Other receivables are unsecured, interest free, and have no fixed repayment date.
Due from Tianjin East Ocean Gas Company Limited (“East Ocean”) represents the amount due from Hunchun to the Group which was assigned to East Ocean when East Ocean obtained 99% ownership of Hunchun by the exchange of the ownership of Chensheng as described in note 17.
Other receivables are mainly comprised of an amount due from the Dashiqiao construction bureau. This deposit will be refunded to the Group once certain construction milestones are completed.
CHINA NEW ENERGY GROUP COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2008 AND 2007
5. Inventories
Inventories consist of the following:
| | December 31 | |
| | 2008 | | | 2007 | |
Raw materials | | $ | 257,597 | | | $ | 273,004 | |
Work in progress | | | - | | | | - | |
Finished goods | | | - | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 257,597 | | | $ | 273,004 | |
6. Plant and Equipment, net
| | December 31 | |
| | 2008 | | | 2007 | |
Cost | | | | | | |
Office Equipment | | $ | 33,660 | | | $ | 83,516 | |
Motor Vehicles | | | 171,175 | | | | 36,355 | |
Gas Transportation Vehicles | | | 652,910 | | | | 75,021 | |
Gas Station | | | 891,291 | | | | 589,757 | |
Machinery | | | 141,725 | | | | 27,353 | |
Underground Gas Pipelines | | | 6,630,897 | | | | 7,702,785 | |
| | | 8,521,658 | | | | 8,514,787 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Accumulated depreciation | | | (640,741 | ) | | | (310,603 | ) |
| | $ | 7,880,917 | | | $ | 8,204,184 | |
Construction in progress | | | 5,589,551 | | | | - | |
| | | 13,470,468 | | | | 8,204,184 | |
The gas pipelines, gas station, and other constructed assets belong to the Group, not to the municipalities or other units that contract with the Group to provide the hookups and the gas distribution to the households. Depreciation is provided for these assets as they are used in operations.
During the year ended December 31, 2008, depreciation expense amounted to $379,801, of which $353,279 and $26,522 was recorded as cost of sales and as general and administrative expense, respectively.
During the year ended December 31, 2007, depreciation expense amounted to $161,842, of which $136,506 and $25,336 was recorded as cost of sales and as general and administrative expense, respectively.
CHINA NEW ENERGY GROUP COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2008 AND 2007
7. Intangible Assets, net
| | December 31 | |
| | 2008 | | | 2007 | |
Cost | | | | | | |
Land use right | | $ | 1,348,915 | | | $ | 357,034 | |
Accumulated amortization | | | (40,540 | ) | | | (25,656 | ) |
| | $ | 1,308,375 | | | $ | 331,378 | |
Amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 was $16,984 and $7,981, respectively.
Estimated amortization for the next five years and thereafter is as follows:
2009 | | $ | 16,984 | |
2010 | | | 16,984 | |
2011 | | | 16,984 | |
2012 | | | 16,984 | |
2013 | | | 16,984 | |
Thereafter | | | 1,223,455 | |
Total | | $ | 1,308,375 | |
8. Accruals and Other Payables - Third Party
Accruals and other payables –third party consist of the following:
| | December 31 | |
| | 2008 | | | 2007 | |
Other payables and accrued expenses | | $ | 242,309 | | | $ | 1,976,376 | |
Other payables and accrued expenses in 2008 are comprised mainly of payment for operating expenses prior to our private placement (see Note 16). In 2007, this item reflects amounts due to East Ocean for projects acquired from East Ocean.
Acquisition consideration payable of $1,838,946 represents the outstanding purchase consideration as of December 31, 2008 represents the amount due for acquiring the remaining 51% interest in Chensheng which took place in December, 2008. This amount was paid on January 20, 2009.
CHINA NEW ENERGY GROUP COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2008 AND 2007
9. Income Taxes
The Company and its subsidiary and branch divisions are subject to income taxes on an entity basis on income arising in, or derived, from the tax jurisdiction in which they operate. As the Company had no income generated in the United States, there was no tax expense or tax liability due to the Internal Revenue Service of the United States as of December 31, 2008. A subsidiary of the Company was incorporated under the international Business Companies Act of the British Virgin Islands and, accordingly is exempted from payment of British Virgin Islands income taxes. Pursuant to the PRC Income Tax Laws, the prevailing statutory rate of enterprise income tax is 25% for Singocean, Acheng, and Daishiquiao, whereas Chensheng is being taxed on 0.8% of its annual sales.
The Group had no material adjustments to its liabilities for unrecognized income tax benefits according to the provisions of FIN 48. The current year tax was $1,026,984 and $1,018,338 for fiscal years 2008 and 2007, respectively. The Group has recorded no deferred tax assets or liabilities as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, because nearly all differences in tax basis and financial statement carrying values are permanent differences.
| | December 31 | |
| | 2008 | | | 2007 | |
Current tax | | $ | 1,026,984 | | | $ | 1,018,338 | |
Change in deferred tax assets – NOL | | | 1,032,020 | | | | - | |
Change in valuation allowance | | | (1,032,020 | ) | | | - | |
Total | | $ | 1,026,984 | | | $ | 1,018,338 | |
All of the Group’s income before income taxes is from PRC sources. Actual income tax expenses reported in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income differ from the amounts computed by applying the PRC statutory income tax rate of 25% and 30% for the fiscal years 2008 and 2007, respectively, to income before income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 for the following reasons:
| | December 31 | |
| | 2008 | | | 2007 | |
Income from continuing operations before income taxes | | $ | 555,799 | | | $ | 3,252,497 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Computed “expected” income tax expense (except on the Chensheng Gas of $189,181 in 2008 and $0 in 2007) at 25% and 30% in 2008 and 2007, respectively | | $ | (50,232 | ) | | $ | 975,508 | |
Income tax expense of “Chensheng Gas” - charged at 0.8% of gross sales of $1,190,843 in 2008 and $0 in 2007 | | | 9,526 | | | | - | |
Effect of cumulative tax losses | | | 1,032,020 | | | | - | |
Tax effect of net taxable permanent differences | | | 35,670 | | | | 42,830 | |
| | $ | 1,026,984 | | | $ | 1,018,338 | |
Our policy for recording interest and penalties associated with audits is to record such items as a component of income tax expense. There were no interest and penalties recorded for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007.
CHINA NEW ENERGY GROUP COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2008 AND 2007
10. Related Party Payable
As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Group has the following balances payable to related parties:-
(a) Tianjin Nan Yang Electromechanical Equipment Installation Project Co. ("Nan Yang"), a shareholder of the Company's subsidiary, Singocean.
(b) Eternal International Holding Group Ltd. ("Eternal"), a shareholder of the Company.
(c) Guo Chun Ming, a director of the Company and its subsidiary.
(d) Tianjin Huanlong Commercial and Trading Company, shareholder of the subsidiary
| | December 31 | |
| | 2008 | | | 2007 | |
Nan Yang | | $ | - | | | $ | 27,380 | |
Eternal | | | 400,797 | | | | 83,235 | |
Guo Chun Ming | | | - | | | | 33,218 | |
Tianjin Huanlong Commercial and Trading Company, a shareholder of the Company's subsidiary, Singocean | | | 97,906 | | | | - | |
| | $ | 498,703 | | | $ | 143,833 | |
The balances have no stated terms for repayment and are not interest bearing.
11. Concentrations and Credit Risk
Cash - Cash includes cash on hand and demand deposits in accounts maintained with state owned banks within the PRC. The Company considers all highly liquid instruments purchased with original maturities of three months or less, and money market accounts, to be cash equivalents. Total cash in these banks at December 31, 2008 and 2007 amounted to $5,612,356 and $2,311,028, respectively, of which no deposits were covered by insurance. Also, as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company held $221,152 and $nil in restricted cash in a corporate legal counsel’s trust account respectively, in accordance with an agreement with investors for the restricted use of preferred stock dividend and investor relation related expenses. Nonperformance by these institutions could expose the Company to losses not covered by insurance. Management reviews the financial condition of these institutions on a periodic basis. The Company has not incurred any losses on these accounts from nonperformance by the aforementioned institutions.
Major customers – For the year ended December 31, 2008, two customers accounted for approximately 38% of the Company’s sales and approximately 18% of the Company’s accounts receivable as of December 31, 2008. For the year ended December 31, 2007, two customers accounted for approximately 70% of the Company’s sales and 84% of the Company’s accounts receivable as of December 31, 2007.
Major suppliers – For the year ended December 31, 2008, four suppliers accounted for approximately 79% of the Company’s purchases and approximately 16% of the Company’s accounts payable as of December 31, 2008. For the year ended December 31, 2007, two suppliers accounted for approximately 73% of the Company’s purchases and approximately 59% of the Company’s accounts payable as of December 31, 2007.
Political and economic risks - The Company's operations are carried out in the PRC. Accordingly, the Company's business, financial condition, and results of operations may be influenced by the political, economic, and legal environments in the PRC, and by the general state of the PRC's economy. The Company's operations in the PRC are subject to specific considerations and significant risks not typically associated with companies in North America and Western Europe. These include risks associated with, among others, the political, economic, and legal environments, and foreign currency exchange. The Company's results may be adversely affected by changes in governmental policies with respect to laws and regulations, anti-inflationary measures, currency conversion and remittance abroad, and rates and methods of taxation, among others.
The Group does not require collateral to support financial instruments that are subject to credit risk.
CHINA NEW ENERGY GROUP COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2008 AND 2007
12. Commitments and Contingencies
Rental expense for the years ended December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 amounted to $1,340 and $671 respectively and is included in general and administrative expenses in the statement of operations.
On November 3, 2008, the Group signed a lease agreement for office space for the period from January 1 to December 31, 2009 and the Group has total rental commitments of $107,648 which is for the twelve months ending December 31, 2009.
As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company did not have any contingent liabilities.
The Group is obligated to provide uninterrupted piped gas to connected users and to ensure safety in the process of piped gas operations. The volume of gas to be supplied by the Group will grow with the increase of gas users. The Group has selected three qualified gas resource suppliers to ensure stable operations in meeting its obligations.
13. Operational Rights and Right to Supply and Operate Gas Pipeline
The Group, through Singocean, has signed an “Investment Agreement of Piped Gas Project Construction in Dashiqiao City” which states that the Group is in charge of operations and management of the piped gas project in Dashiqiao. On June 16, 2005, the Dashiqiao City Construction Bureau gave the Group a certificate which confirmed that the Group has exclusive operational rights for thirty years in Dashiqiao City. The Group receives a connection fee of 2,600 RMB ($380) per user.
On June 10, 2005, the Group, through Singocean, has signed an “Investment Agreement of Piped Gas Project Construction in Acheng City” which states that the Group has the exclusive right to invest in and operate the gas pipeline system in Acheng City for thirty years. The Group receives a connection fee of 2,000 RMB ($293) per user.
On October 8, 2005 the Group, through Chensheng, has signed an “Investment Agreement of Piped Gas Project Construction in Qinhuangdao” which states that the Group has the exclusive right to invest in and operate the gas pipeline system in Qinhuangdao for twenty-five years. The Group receives a connection fee of 2,400 RMB ($351) per user.
CHINA NEW ENERGY GROUP COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2008 AND 2007
14. Environmental Matters
The Group does not anticipate any material future cash requirements related to environmental issues. If circumstances change, the Group will record the estimated charges necessary to return sites to their original condition.
15. New Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160 “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – an amendment of ARB No. 51” which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 5, 2008. This Statement establishes accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. We adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 160 on the effective date of January 1, 2009.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (Revised) “Business Combinations”. SFAS 141 (Revised) is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 13, 2008. This Statement establishes principles and requirements for how the acquirer of a business recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any minority interest in the acquiree. The Statement also provides guidance for recognizing and measuring the goodwill acquired in the business combination and determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. We adopted the provisions of SFAS 141(Revised) on January 1, 2009.
In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) No. FAS 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157” (“FSP FAS 157-2”), which delays the effective date of SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” for all non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually) to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years for items within the scope of this FSP. We do not believe the adoption of this pronouncement will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
We have considered all other recently issued accounting pronouncements and do not believe the adoption of such pronouncements will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
CHINA NEW ENERGY GROUP COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2008 AND 2007
16. Capital Stock Transactions
August 20, 2008 Private Placement - Series A Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock
In connection with the August 20, 2008 private placement, the Company filed a Certificate of Designations of Preferences, Rights and Limitations of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (the "Certificate"). The Company’s Certificate of Incorporation authorizes it to issue 10,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock and by the filing, 5,500,000 shares were designated as Series A Convertible Preferred Stock ("Series A Preferred Stock"). On August 20, 2008, the Company issued 1,857,373 shares of Series A Preferred Stock to China Hand Fund I, LLC (“China Hand”).
At December 31, 2008, 1,857,373 shares of Series A Preferred Stock were issued and outstanding
Dividends
The holders of the Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to cumulative dividends at a rate of 6% per annum of the stated price paid per share of $4.83, compounded daily and payable semi-annually on June 1 and December 1. Dividends are payable in shares of Common Stock or, at the option of the Company, in cash. If paid in shares of Common Stock, the number of shares to be issued is determined by dividing the dividend payable by 90% of the volume-weighted average price for the 20 days preceding the dividend payment date of June 1 or December 1. As long as any shares of Series A Preferred Stock are outstanding, the Company may not declare or pay dividends with respect to the Common Stock.
Voting Rights
In addition to the right to vote as a separate class of securities, the holders of the Preferred Stock are entitled to vote together with the holders of the Company’s Common Stock, with each such holder of Series A Preferred Stock entitled to the number of votes equal to the number of shares of the Company’s Common Stock in to which such Series A Preferred Stock would be converted if converted on the record date for the taking of a vote. However, for so long as the number of outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock is at least 30% of the total number of shares of Series B Preferred Stock originally issued, the holders of Series B Preferred Stock vote together as a single class with the holders of the Company’s Common Stock and the holders of any other class or series of shares entitled to vote with the Common Stock, including the Series A Preferred Stock, with the holders of Series B Preferred Stock being entitled to 70% of the total votes on all such matters regardless of the actual number of shares of Series B Preferred Stock then outstanding, and the holders of Series A Preferred Stock and Common Stock being entitled to their proportional share of the remaining 30% of the total votes based on their respective voting power.
Liquidation
Upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary (each, a “Liquidation Event”), the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to receive out of the assets of the Company, whether such assets are capital or surplus, for each share of Series A Preferred Stock an amount equal to $4.83, plus any accumulated but unpaid dividends thereon (the “Liquidation Value”), before any distribution or payment is made to the holders of any securities which are junior to the Series A Preferred Stock upon the occurrence of a Liquidation Event and after any distributions or payments made to holders of any class or series of securities which are senior to the Series A Preferred Stock upon the occurrence of a Liquidation Event. If the assets of the Company are insufficient to pay in full such amounts, then the entire assets to be distributed to the Series A Holders will be distributed among the Series A Holders ratably in accordance with the respective amounts that would be payable on such shares if all amounts payable thereon were paid in full. In the event the assets of the Company available for distribution to the holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock upon the occurrence of a Liquidation Event are insufficient to pay in full all amounts to which such holders are entitled, no such distribution shall be made on account of any shares of any other class or series of capital stock of the Company ranking on a parity with the shares of Series A Preferred Stock upon the occurrence of such Liquidation Event unless proportionate distributive amounts are paid on account of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock, ratably, in proportion to the full distributable amounts for which holders of all such parity shares are respectively entitled upon the occurrence of such Liquidation Event.
CHINA NEW ENERGY GROUP COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2008 AND 2007
16. Capital Stock Transactions -continued
August 20, 2008 Private Placement - Series A Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock
Conversion
Each share of Series A Preferred Stock is initially convertible, at any time at the option of the holder, into 35 shares of the Company’s Common Stock, subject to future adjustments as provided for in the Certificate. The Series A Preferred Stock will automatically convert into shares of the Company’s Common Stock immediately prior to any transaction resulting in a Change in Control of the Company. Further, provided there is an effective registration statement covering the shares to be received on conversion, .the Company may require conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock if the volume-weighted average price for at least 20 trading days in any consecutive 30 day period equals or exceeds twice the conversion price and the trading volume on each day in the 30 day period has equaled or exceeded 100,000 shares.
The conversion price of the Series A Preferred Stock will be adjusted for standard anti-dilution events, including stock dividends or stock splits or reclassification of shares of the Common Stock. For as long as any shares of Series A Preferred Stock remain outstanding, the Company may not enter into any Variable Rate Transactions or Most Favored Nation transactions. If the Company does enter into a Variable Rate Transaction, in which it issues debt or equity securities that are convertible into shares of Common Stock at a conversion or exercise price that is based upon or varies with the trading price for shares of the Common Stock or enters into a Most Favored Nation transaction in which the Company issues any securities in a capital raising transaction or series of transactions on terms more favorable than those granted to the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock, the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to adjustment of the conversion price and to receive additional shares or other rights. Furthermore, if the Company issues (except in an underwritten public offering approved by holders of the Series A Preferred Stock in which the gross proceeds to the Company are not less than $20 million) any shares of Common Stock or securities convertible into shares of Common Stock at a price which is less than the conversion price then in effect, the conversion price will be reduced to that lower price.
As long as 20% of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock remain outstanding,, the Company may not issue any other preferred stock (except for the issuance of Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock issued pursuant to the agreements under which those Series were originally issued) or any convertible debt convertible into Common Stock, without the consent of the holders of outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock.
CHINA NEW ENERGY GROUP COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2008 AND 2007
16. Capital Stock Transactions-continued
August 20, 2008 Private Placement - Series A Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock
Warrants
On August 20, 2008, the Company consummated a private placement transaction in which it issued and sold to China Hand, 1,857,373 shares of the Company's Series A Preferred Stock and warrants to purchase 13,001,608 shares of the Company's common stock at an initial exercise price of $0.187 per share (subject to adjustments) for a period of 5 years following the date of issuance, for a purchase price of $9 million in gross proceeds. The proceeds left the Company with $7,076,302 in net proceeds after the deduction of offering expenses in the amount of $1,923,698 and which includes a cash fee equal to $900,000, representing 10% of the gross proceeds received from the Private Placement to Kuhns Brothers and other offering costs of $1,023,698. Currently, none of the warrants have been exercised.
Kuhns Brothers Securities Corporation (“Kuhns Brothers”) acted as placement agent in connection with the Private Placement. As compensation for its services, Kuhns Brothers received a cash fee equal to $900,000, representing 10% of the gross proceeds received from the Private Placement, as well as warrants to purchase 6,500,804 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Agent Warrants”), representing 10% of the aggregate number of shares of common stock issuable to China Hand upon conversion of the Preferred Stock sold in the Private Placement.
The fair value of the 13,001,608 warrants issued with the Series A Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock was $1,968,182 to investors and the fair value of the 6,500,804 warrants issued to the placement agent was $984,091 at the issuance date and the total amount was $2,952,273. The fair value was computed using the Cox-Ross-Rubinstein (“CRR”) Binomial Model under the following assumptions: (1) expected life of 5 years, (2) volatility of 66%, (3) risk free interest rate of 3% and dividend rate of 0%.
As at December 31, 2008, the fair value of the warrants was $5,506,143. Therefore, the Company recognized a $2,553,870 loss from the change in fair value for the year ended December 31, 2008.
Following is a summary of the status of warrants outstanding:
Outstanding Warrants | | | | | Average Remaining | | Exercisable Warrants | | | | |
Exercise Price | | | Number | | Contractual Term | | Exercise Price | | | Number | |
$ | 0.187 | | | | 13,001,608 | | 4.67 years | | $ | 0.187 | | | | 13,001,608 | |
$ | 0.187 | | | | 6,500,804 | | 4.67 years | | $ | 0.187 | | | | 6,500,804 | |
Total | | | | 19,502,412 | | | | | | | | | 19,502,412 | |
Following is a summary of warrant activity:
Outstanding at January 1, 2008 | | | - | |
Granted | | | 19,502,412 | |
Exercised | | | - | |
Outstanding at December 31, 2008 | | | 19,502,412 | |
CHINA NEW ENERGY GROUP COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2008 AND 2007
16. Capital Stock Transactions-continued
August 20, 2008 Private Placement - Series A Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock
Make Good Provision
The Company agreed to make good provisions that will require the Company to issue to China Hand up to an aggregate of 1,114,442 (557,221 shares for each of 2008 and 2009) additional shares of its Preferred Stock if it does not achieve the targeted after-tax net income and earnings per share targets for 2008 and 2009. The 2008 after tax net income target is $4,300,000, and the 2008 earnings per share target is $0.0261 on a fully-diluted basis. The 2009 after tax net income target is $6,000,000 and the 2009 earnings per share target is $0.0294 on a fully diluted basis; provided that if the Subsequent Closing does not occur within 30 days of the filing of the Company’s 2008 annual report on Form 10-K. As of December 31, 2008, the Company has not met the 2008 Income Target of $3,368,000.
The Company agreed to issue to China Hand 241,545 shares of Series A Preferred Stock because the Company did not meet the 2008 earnings target.
Management Incentive
China Hand agreed to place in escrow 46,434 shares of Series A Preferred Stock, to be issued to certain members of the Company’s management as a performance incentive if the 2008 and 2009 earnings targets were met. The 2008 earnings target was not met and the shares were returned to China Hand. In connection with the May 1, 2009 private placement with China Hand, the number of shares to be provided as an incentive for 2009 was revised to 22,328 shares of Series B Preferred Stock.
CHINA NEW ENERGY GROUP COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2008 AND 2007
16. Capital Stock Transactions-continued
August 20, 2008 Private Placement - Series A Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock
Registration Right Liabilities
In connection with the private placement, the Group and China Hand entered into a Registration Rights Agreement dated August 20, 2008, in which the Group agreed to register all of the shares of Common Stock underlying the securities issued to China Hand. The Agreement requires the Group to file the required Registration Statement within 45 days of August 20, 2008 and achieve effectiveness within 150 days, i.e., file by October 4, 2008 and achieve effectiveness by January 17, 2009.
The Group is subject to registration delay payments if it is unable to file the Registration Statement, cause it to become effective or maintain its effectiveness as required by the Registration Rights Agreement. Registration delay payments accrue at a rate of 1% per month of the aggregate investment amount paid by the holder or $90,000 per month, provided that the maximum aggregate amount of the registration delay payments will be $1,350,000, or 15% of the gross proceeds of the private placement.
As of December 31, 2008, the Group has not filed the required Registration Statement. Management currently expects to file the required Registration Statement and use it best efforts to have it effective by September 2009. In accordance with the guidance in EITF 00-19-2, the Group has accrued the $90,000 per month registration delay payments for the 10 month period from October, 2008 to September, 2009 and as of December 31, 2008, has accrued an amount of $900,000 for these registration delay payments.
August 20, 2008 Private Placement - Series A Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock
Accounting
In accordance with the guidance in Derivatives and Hedging – Recognition, the Series A Preferred Stock is considered to be an equity instrument and, accordingly, the embedded conversion option has not been separated and accounted for as a derivative financial instrument. After allocating $1,968,182 to the initial fair value of the warrants issued to China Hand, the remaining proceeds received from China Hand of $7,031,818 were allocated to the carrying value of the Series A Preferred Stock. As required by Beneficial Conversion Features, the Company recognized a beneficial conversion feature as of the date of issuance of the Series A Preferred Stock. The amount of the beneficial conversion feature exceeded the proceeds allocated to the carrying value of the Series A Preferred Stock and, accordingly, the beneficial conversion feature recorded was limited to the allocated proceeds. Because the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock may convert their shares at any time, the beneficial conversion feature recorded of $7,031,818 was immediately recognized as a deemed dividend to those holders.
As discussed above, the Company was obligated to issue additional shares of Series A Preferred Stock to China Hand if the Company did not meet prescribed earnings targets for 2008 and 2009. This obligation represents a contingent beneficial conversion feature, which would be accounted for at the date the contingency is resolved. Because all of the proceeds allocated to the Series A Preferred Stock were recognized at inception as a beneficial conversion feature, no further recognition of any beneficial conversion feature is permitted and the 241,545 additional shares issued to China Hand because the 2008 earnings target was not met have been recorded at their par value.
Because the Series A Preferred Stock has conditions for its redemption that may be outside our control, including the right of the holders to request redemption at the liquidation value in the event of a Fundamental Transaction or a Change in Control, in accordance with FASB Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity, the Series A Preferred Stock has been classified outside of Stockholders’ Equity in our consolidated balance sheet. Because the Company believes that it is not probable that the Series A Preferred Stock will become redeemable, the carrying value of the Series A Preferred Stock is not being adjusted to its redemption value.
CHINA NEW ENERGY GROUP COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2008 AND 2007
17. Acquisition of a Subsidiary
Acquisition of 49% of Chengsheng
On September 16, 2008, through our wholly-owned subsidiary Tianjin Singocean Public Utility Development Co., Ltd., we entered into an Equity Swap Agreement with Mr. Xiu Hai Tian, whereby we acquired from Mr. Xiu a 49% ownership interest in Chensheng with the fair value of $1,796,192 , in exchange for our 99% ownership in Hunchun with fair value $1,612,722 and had a gain on disposal of subsidiary amounting to $183,470.
The parties to the Equity Swap Agreement determined that the value of the 49% interest in Chensheng Gas and the 99% interest in Hunchun were approximately equal and there was no cash or other consideration exchanged.
Acquisition of the remaining 51% of Chengsheng
On December 10, 2008, we entered into an Agreement for Equity Transfer (the “Agreement”) with 17 individuals, holders of the remaining 51% of the outstanding equity of Chensheng. Pursuant to the Agreement, the Company agreed to purchase 51% of the outstanding equity of Chensheng from 17 individuals (the “Sellers”) for an aggregate purchase price of $1,838,946 (RMB 12.56 million) (the “Purchase Price”). The Company does not have any material relationship with the Sellers other than in respect of the Agreement itself and the Company’s ownership of the remaining 49% equity interest in Chensheng. Following the consummation of the transaction, the Group owns 100% of the equity of Chensheng.
The Group applied SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations, which requires the use of the purchase method of accounting for any business combinations initiated after June 30, 2002. The results of Chensheng and the estimated fair market values of the assets and liabilities have been included in the Group’s consolidated financial statements from the dates of acquisition. The purchase price of $1,838,946 for the remaining 51% interest in Chensheng was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed of Chensheng, based on their fair values, as follows:
Accounts receivable, net | | $ | 765,210 | |
Other receivables | | | 50,272 | |
Prepaid expenses | | | 6,132 | |
Inventories | | | 48,604 | |
Plant and equipment, net | | | 887,769 | |
Construction in progress | | | 262,627 | |
Intangible assets, net | | | 144,208 | |
Accounts payable | | | (39,592 | ) |
Taxes payable | | | (188,059 | ) |
Related party payables | | | (68,916 | ) |
Other payables | | | (29,309 | ) |
Net assets acquired | | | 1,838,946 | |
Less: Purchase Consideration (net of cash received) | | | (1,838,946 | ) |
No Goodwill | | $ | 0 | |
The following unaudited pro forma financial information presents the combined results of the Company as if the acquisition had occurred as of the beginning of the fiscal year 2008 and 2007:
| | 2008 | | | 2007 | |
Revenue | | $ | 8,679,667 | | | $ | 5,670,344 | |
Net earnings (loss) | | $ | (1,273,147 | ) | | $ | 2,897,323 | |
Earnings per share – Basic | | $ | (0.08 | ) | | $ | 0.03 | |
Earnings per share – Diluted | | $ | (0.08 | ) | | $ | 0.03 | |
18. Discontinued Operations
Effective September 26, 2008, the Company entered into an asset swap in which it disposed of the subsidiary Hunchun, including substantially (99%) of the net assets, for a 49% ownership in Qinhuangdao Chensheng Gas Co. Ltd.
In accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets”, Hunchun Singocean operation is being accounted for as discontinued operations and, accordingly, its operating results are segregated and reported as discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations in 2008 and 2007. There were no assets or liabilities of Hunchun in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2008.
The Group recognized a loss on disposal of subsidiary of $1,098,253, representing the excess of the book value of assets sold over purchase consideration received at closing.
Total revenues related to the discontinued operations were $459,513 and $1,396,854, and income from discontinued operations was $223,410 and $622,676 for the period ended September 26, 2008 and the year ended December 31, 2007, respectively.
CHINA NEW ENERGY GROUP COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2008 AND 2007
19. Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share (EPS) is computed by dividing the earnings for the year by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution of securities by including other potential common stock, including stock options and warrants, in the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for a period, if dilutive. The numerators and denominators used in the computations of basic and dilutive EPS are presented in the following table:
| | Years ended December 31, | |
| | 2008 | | | 2007 | |
| | restated | | | | |
Numerator for basic earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations | | | | | | |
Net income from continuing operations | | $ | (495,195 | ) | | $ | 2,210,213 | |
Deemed dividend on preferred stocks issued | | | (7,031,818 | ) | | | - | |
Dividend on preferred stocks | | | (194,000 | ) | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | |
Income (loss) from continuing operations used in computing basic earnings per share | | $ | (7,721,013 | ) | | $ | 2,210,213 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Basic earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations | | $ | (0.08 | ) | | $ | 0.02 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Numerator for basic earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations | | | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations | | $ | (874,843 | ) | | $ | 622,676 | |
Deemed dividend on preferred stocks issued | | | (7,031,818 | ) | | | - | |
Dividend on preferred stocks | | | (194,000 | ) | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | |
Income (loss) from discontinued operations used in computing basic earnings per share | | $ | (8,100,661 | ) | | $ | 622,676 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Basic earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations | | $ | (0.08 | ) | | $ | 0.01 | |
| | | | | | |
Numerator for diluted earnings per share from continuing operations | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) from continuing operations | | $ | (7,721,013 | ) | | $ | 2,210,213 | |
Deemed dividend on preferred stocks issued | | | 7,031,818 | | | | - | |
Dividend on preferred stocks | | | 194,000 | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | |
Income from continuing operations used in computing diluted earnings per share | | $ | (495,195 | ) | | $ | 2,210,213 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations | | $ | (0.08 | ) | | $ | 0.02 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Numerator for diluted earnings per share from discontinued operations | | | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations | | $ | (8,100,661 | ) | | $ | 622,676 | |
Deemed dividend on preferred stocks issued | | | 7,031,818 | | | | - | |
Dividend on preferred stocks | | | 194,000 | | | | - | |
Income (loss) from discontinued operations used in computing diluted earnings per share | | $ | (874,843 | ) | | $ | 622,676 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Diluted earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations – excluding antidilutive effect | | $ | (0.08 | ) | | $ | 0.01 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Denominator for basic and diluted earnings per share | | | | | | | | |
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding | | | 98,727,193 | | | | 94,908,650 | |
Weighted average shares of common stock issuable on assumed conversion of preferred stock outstanding | | | 23,800,763 | | | | - | |
Dilutive effect of options, warrants, and contingently issuable shares | | | 1,847,146 | | | | - | |
Shares used in computing diluted net income (loss) per share | | | 124,375,102 | | | | 94,908,650 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total earnings (loss) per share: | | | | | | | | |
Basic | | $ | (0.16 | ) | | $ | 0.03 | |
Diluted | | $ | (0.16 | ) | | $ | 0.03 | |
CHINA NEW ENERGY GROUP COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2008 AND 2007
20. Business and geographical segments
The Group’s operations are classified into two principal reportable segments which are provision of gas pipe connection services and provision of natural gas. Separate management of each segment is required because each business unit is subject to different production and technology strategies.
Reportable Segments
| | For the year ended December 31, 2008 | | | For the year ended December 31, 2007 | | | For the year ended December 31 | |
| | Connection | | | | | | | | | Connection | | | | | | | | | 2008 | | | 2007 | |
| | services | | | Natural gas | | | Corporate | | | services | | | Natural gas | | | Corporate | | | Total | | | Total | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
External revenue | | $ | 6,934,687 | | | $ | 571,835 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 4,780,265 | | | $ | 138,910 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 7,506,522 | | | $ | 4,919,175 | |
Interest income | | | - | | | | - | | | | 14,311 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 14,311 | | | | - | |
Interest expense | | | - | | | | - | | | | (33,753 | ) | | | - | | | | - | | | | (411 | ) | | | (33,753 | ) | | | (411 | ) |
Depreciation and amortization | | | 292,839 | | | | 60,440 | | | | 43,506 | | | | 95,559 | | | | 59,847 | | | | 14,417 | | | | 396,785 | | | | 169,823 | |
Income Tax | | | 1,008,619 | | | | 18,365 | | | | | | | | 1,018,338 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 1,026,984 | | | | 1,018,338 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) | | | 4,865,286 | | | | 73,458 | | | | (6,308,782 | ) | | | 2,994,248 | | | | (47,616 | ) | | | (113,743 | ) | | | (1,370,038 | ) | | | 2,832,889 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenditures for long-lived assets | | | 3,085,303 | | | | 848,889 | | | | 105,712 | | | | 611,503 | | | | 125,812 | | | | - | | | | 4,039,904 | | | | 737,315 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Assets | | $ | 16,542,520 | | | $ | 2,520,108 | | | $ | 7,870,119 | | | $ | 15,208,128 | | | $ | 1,593,815 | | | $ | 939,951 | | | $ | 26,932,747 | | | $ | 17,741,894 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CHINA NEW ENERGY GROUP COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2008 AND 2007
21. Subsequent Events
China New Energy (Tianjin) Investment & Consulting Co., Ltd. (“Tianjin Investment”)
On January 12, 2009, China New Energy (Tianjin) Investment & Consulting Co., Ltd. (“Tianjin Investment”) was established in the PRC and engaged in the business of investment holding.
Yingkou Zhongneng Gas Development Co., Ltd. (“Yingkou Zhongneng”)
On January 23, 2009, Yingkou Zhongneng Gas Development Co., Ltd. (“Yingkou Zhongneng”) was established in the PRC and engaged in the business of natural gas distribution network in the city of Dashiqiao.
22. Restatement and reclassification of financial statements
The Restatement results from our management’s determination subsequent to the issuance of our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2008 that originally filed April 14, 2009. The Group up has also reflected the corrections of the following errors and reclassifications in its consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2008:
| 1) | There were errors in the recording of the fair value of the assets acquired during the acquisition of Chensheng. Therefore, the Group has recorded the increase to the fair value from the book value of several assets, including $1,036,655 of Property, plant and equipment, $3,012 of Inventories, and $63,014 of Goodwill and the decrease in $505,941 in Land use right. Consequently, we recalculated the $96,489 of the depreciation for such increment of those assets and minority interest in Chensheng, which caused a decrease to the minority interest by $77,647 in the consolidated balance sheet and a decrease to the minority interest’s share of net income by $414,763 in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income. |
| 2) | There was an error in the elimination of its intercompany accounts. Therefore, the Group has recorded a decrease in the Related party receivable balances by $84,120 and an increase in the General and administrative expenses by $54,196 and the comprehensive income of $29,924. |
| 3) | The Group reassessed the nature of the Preferred stock together with warrants and the Group reclassified $1,857 and $7,029,961 (total amounting to $7,031,818) from Preferred stock and Additional paid in capital of Stockholders’ Equity to mezzanine section as at December 31, 2008. Also, the Group reclassified warrant liabilities of $2,952,273 from additional paid in capital and recognized a $2,553,870 loss from the change in fair value of the warrant liabilities in the income statement and the total amount of the warrant liabilities was $5,506,143 as of December 31, 2008. Besides, the Group has accrued $900,000 registration right liabilities as of December 31, 2008. |
| 4) | The Group has reflected the following reclassifications. |
| · | The Group reclassified $221,152 from cash and cash equivalents to restricted cash for cash placed in escrow. |
| · | The Group reclassified $1,424,747 from prepayment to deposits paid for acquisition of long term assets. |
| · | The Group reclassified $347,202 from additional paid-in capital and $156,144 from statutory surplus reserve fund to accumulated other comprehensive income of $503,346. |
| · | The Group reclassified accrued expenses and accruals and other payable-Third Party amounting to $256,071 and $2,804,084 respectively to accounts payable of $762,882, acquisition consideration payable of $1,838,946, related party payable of $401,053 and accumulated other comprehensive income of $57,274. |
| · | The Group reclassified $571,835 from connection services revenue to natural gas revenues for the years ended December 31, 2008 and also the Group reclassified $341,655, $145,097 and $11,625 from selling expenses, cost of sales from connection services and general and administrative expenses to cost of sales of natural gas. |
| · | The Group reclassified income tax related to the discontinued operations amounting to $71,285 from Loss on disposal of subsidiary to Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax. |
CHINA NEW ENERGY GROUP COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2008 AND 2007
22. Restatement and reclassification of financial statements- continued
| 5) | There was an error in recording the pre-acquisition cash flow activities of the newly acquired subsidiary, Chensheng and the cash flow activities of disposal subsidiary, Hunchun. The Group has excluded the cash flow activities of Chensheng and included the cash flow activities of Hunchun under discontinued operations in each section of cashflow activities. As a result, we made those adjusting entries at the cash flow statement for the year ended December 31, 2008. |
The net effect of the correction of errors was to:
| Increase the Group’s reported total assets as of December 31, 2008 by $512,620 from $26,420,127 to $26,932,747. |
| |
| Increase the Group’s reported total current liabilities as of December 31, 2008 by $6,348,869 from $4,398,890 to $10,747,759. |
| |
| Decrease the Group’s reported minority interest as of December 31, 2008 by $77,647 from $180,053 to $102,406. |
| |
| Increase the Group’s reported accumulated deficit as of December 31, 2008 by $3,189,792 from $619,357 to $3,809,149. |
| |
| Increase the Group’s reported accumulated other comprehensive income as of December 31, 2008 by $886,809 from $730,168 to $1,616,977. |
| |
| Decrease the Group’s reported net income before minority interest by $3,604,555 for the year ended December 31, 2008 from $3,133,370 to $(471,185). |
| |
| Decrease the Group’s reported net income attributable to minority interest by $414,763 for the year ended December 31, 2008 from $438,773 to $24,010. |
| |
| Decrease the Group’s reported net income attributable to China New Energy Group by $3,189,792 for the year ended December 31, 2008 from $1,819,754 to $(1,370,038). |
| |
| Decrease the Group’s reported comprehensive income attributable to China New Energy Group by $2,806,329 for the year ended December 31, 2008, from $2,360,912 to $(445,417). |
| |
| Decrease the basic net income (loss) per share from continuing operations by $0.18 from $0.02 to $(0.16). |
| |
| Decrease the dilutive net income (loss) per share from continuing operations by $0.02 from $0.01 to $(0.16). |
Following are reconciliations of the Group’s restatement and reclassification of the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2008, consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income and of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2008 and consolidated statement of stockholders’ equity for the year ended December 31, 2007.
Summary of Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity as of December 31, 2007
| | | | | | | | | | | | Statutory | | | Retained | | | Accumulated | | | | |
| | | | | | | | Additional | | | | Surplus | | | Earnings | | | Other | | | Total | |
| | | | | | | | Paid-in | | | | Reserve | | | (Accumulated | | | Comprehensive | | | Stock | |
| | Common Stock | | | Capital | | | | Fund | | | loss) | | | Income | | | Equity | |
BALANCE, December 31, 2006 | | | 94,908,650 | | | $ | 94,909 | | | $ | 5,277,108 | | | | $ | 857,027 | | | $ | 2,843,681 | | | $ | 5,339 | | | $ | 9,078,064 | |
Net Income | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | | - | | | | 2,832,889 | | | | - | | | | 2,832,889 | |
Transfer | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | | 889,863 | | | | (889,863 | ) | | | - | | | | - | |
Currency translation adjustment | | | - | | | - | | | 347,202 | | | | 156,144 | | | | - | | | | 183,671 | | | | 687,017 | |
BALANCE, December 31, 2007 -As reported | | | 94,908,650 | | | | 94,909 | | | $ | 5,624,310 | | | | $ | 1,903,034 | | | $ | 4,786,707 | | | $ | 189,010 | | | $ | 12,597,970 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Reclassification – see note 4 above | | | - | | | | - | | | (347,202) | | | | (156,144) | | | | - | | | | 503,346 | | | | - | |
BALANCE, December 31, 2007 | | | 94,908,650 | | | $ | 94,909 | | | $ | 5,277,108 | | | | $ | 1,746,890 | | | $ | 4,786,707 | | | $ | 692,356 | | | $ | 12,597,970 | |
22. Restatement and reclassification of financial statements- continued
| | December 31 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | December 31 | |
| | 2008 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 2008 | |
| | As Reported | | | Note 1 | | | Note 2 | | | Note 3 | | | Note 4 | | | As Restated | |
ASSETS | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CURRENT ASSETS | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and equivalents | | $ | 5,833,508 | | | | | | | | | | | | | (221,152 | ) | | $ | 5,612,356 | |
Restricted cash | | | - | | | | | | | | | | | | | 221,152 | | | | 221,152 | |
Accounts receivable | | | 2,183,087 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 2,183,087 | |
Other receivables | | | 2,254,997 | | | | | | | | | | | | | (2,254,997 | ) | | | - | |
Related party receivable | | | 84,120 | | | | | | | (84,120 | ) | | | | | | | | | | - | |
Inventories, net | | | 254,585 | | | | 3,012 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 257,597 | |
Prepaid expenses | | | 1,558,361 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (1,424,747 | ) | | | 133,614 | |
Other current assets | | | 3,340 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 3,340 | |
Total current assets | | | 12,171,998 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 8,411,146 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Property, plant and equipment, net | | | 12,433,813 | | | | 1,036,655 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 13,470,468 | |
Land use rights | | | 1,814,316 | | | | (505,941 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 1,308,375 | |
Other receivables | | | - | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 2,254,997 | | | | 2,254,997 | |
Deposits paid for acquisition of long term assets | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 1,424,747 | | | | 1,424,747 | |
Goodwill | | | - | | | | 63,014 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 63,014 | |
TOTAL ASSETS | | | 26,420,127 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 26,932,747 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CURRENT LIABILITIES | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Accounts payable | | $ | 111,660 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 762,882 | | | $ | 874,542 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 256,071 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (256,071 | ) | | | - | |
Accruals and other payable-Third Party | | | 3,046,393 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (2,804,084 | ) | | | 242,309 | |
Acquisition consideration payable | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 1,838,946 | | | | 1,838,946 | |
Registration rights penalties payable | | | - | | | | | | | | | | | | 900,000 | | | | | | | | 900,000 | |
Tax payable | | | 693,116 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 693,116 | |
Related party payable | | | 97,650 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 401,053 | | | | 498,703 | |
Dividend payable on preferred stock | | | 194,000 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 194,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 2,952,273 | | | | | | | | | |
Warrant liabilities | | | - | | | | | | | | | | | | 2,553,870 | | | | | | | | 5,506,143 | |
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES | | | 4,398,890 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 10,747,759 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Commitment and contingencies (Note 12) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Minority interest | | | 180,053 | | | | (77,647 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 102,406 | |
Preferred Stock : 10,000,000 shares authorized, $0.001 par value Series A Convertible Preferred Stock: 1,857,373 shares issued and outstanding, liquidation preference of $8,971,112 as of December 31, 2008 | | | | | | | | | | | | 7,031,818 | | | | | | | 7,031,818 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Preferred Stock: 10,000,000 shares authorized, $0.001 par value, 1,857,373 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2008 | | | 1,857 | | | | | | | | | | (1,857 | ) | | | | | | - | |
Common Stock: 500,000,000 shares authorized, $0.001 par value, 100,000,041 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2008 | | | 100,000 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 100,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | (7,029,961 | ) | | | | | | | |
Additional paid in capital | | | 19,725,482 | | | | | | | | | | (2,952,273 | ) | | | (347,202 | ) | | | 9,396,046 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Accumulated deficit | | | (619,357 | ) | | | 318,274 | | | | (54,196 | ) | | | (3,453,870 | ) | | | | | | | (3,809,149 | ) |
Statutory surplus reserve fund | | | 1,903,034 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (156,144 | ) | | | 1,746,890 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Accumulated other comprehensive income | | | 730,168 | | | | 356,113 | | | | (29,924 | ) | | | | | | | 57,274 503,346 | | | | 1,616,977 | |
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | | | 21,841,184 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 9,950,764 | |
TOTAL LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | | $ | 26,420,127 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 26,932,747 | |
22. Restatement and reclassification of financial statements- continued
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2008 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 2008 | |
| | As Reported | | | Note 1 | | | Note 2 | | | Note 3 | | | Note 4 | | | As Restated | |
Revenues: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Connection services | | $ | 7,506,522 | | | | | | | | | | | | | (571,835 | ) | | $ | 6,934,687 | |
Natural gas | | | - | | | | | | | | | | | | | 571,835 | | | | 571,835 | |
| | | 7,506,522 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 7,506,522 | |
Cost of Sales: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Connection services | | | 1,904,852 | | | | | | | | | | | | | (145,097 | ) | | | 1,759,755 | |
Natural gas | | | - | | | | | | | | | | | | | 498,377 | | | | 498,377 | |
| | | 1,904,852 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 2,258,132 | |
Gross Profit | | | 5,601,670 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 5,248,390 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating Expenses: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General and administrative expenses | | | 1,085,191 | | | | 96,489 | | | | 54,196 | | | | | | | (11,625 | ) | | | 1,224,251 | |
Selling expenses | | | 341,655 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (341,655 | ) | | | - | |
Registration right liabilities | | | - | | | | | | | | | | | | (900,000 | ) | | | | | | | 900,000 | |
Total operating expenses | | | 1,426,846 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 2,124,251 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating income | | | 4,174,824 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 3,124,139 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other Income (Expenses): | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities | | | - | | | | | | | | | | | | (2,553,870 | ) | | | | | | | (2,553,870 | ) |
Interest income | | | 14,311 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 14,311 | |
Interest expense | | | (33,753 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (33,753 | ) |
Other income (expenses) | | | 4,972 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 4,972 | |
Total other income (expenses) | | | (14,470 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (2,568,340 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Continuing Operations, Before Income Tax | | | 4,160,354 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 555,799 | |
Income Tax | | | 1,026,984 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 1,026,984 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loss Before Minority Interest | | | 3,133,370 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (471,185 | ) |
Minority Interest | | | (438,773 | ) | | | 414,763 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (24,010 | ) |
Loss From Continuing Operations, net of Income Tax | | | 2,694,597 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (495,195 | ) |
Discontinued Operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax | | | 294,695 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (71,285 | ) | | | 223,410 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gain (Loss) on disposal of subsidiaries | | | (1,169,538 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 71,285 | | | | (1,098,253 | ) |
(Loss) from discontinued operations | | | (874,843 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (874,843 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net Income (Loss) | | | 1,819,754 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (1,370,038 | ) |
Dividend and Deemed Dividend on Preferred Stock | | | - | | | | | | | | | | | | (7,225,818 | ) | | | | | | | (7,225,818 | ) |
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Common Shareholders | | $ | 1,819,754 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | (8,595,856 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net Income (Loss) | | | 1,819,754 | | | | 318,275 | | | | (54,197 | ) | | | (2,553,870 | ) | | | | | | | (1,370,038 | ) |
Foreign currency translation gain | | | 541,158 | | | | 356,112 | | | | (29,923 | ) | | | | | | | 57,274 | | | | 924,621 | |
Comprehensive income (Loss) | | $ | 2,360,912 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | (445,417 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income (Loss) per share - Basic | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income (loss) from continuing operations | | $ | 0.02 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | (0.08 | ) |
Income (loss) from discontinued operations | | | 0.00 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (0.08 | ) |
Total income (loss) per share | | $ | 0.02 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | (0.16 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income (Loss) per share - Diluted | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income from continuing operations | | $ | 0.01 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | (0.08 | ) |
Income (loss) from discontinued operations | | | 0.00 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (0.08 | ) |
Total income per share | | $ | 0.01 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | (0.16 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Weighted average common stock outstanding | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic | | | 98,727,193 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 98,727,193 | |
Diluted | | | 122,415,060 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 124,375,102 | |
22. Restatement and reclassification of financial statements- continued
| | 2008 | | | | | | | | 2008 | |
| | As Reported | | | Note | | Net Change | | | As Restated | |
Cash flows from operating activities : | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) | | $ | 1,819,754 | | | | | | (3,189,792 | ) | | $ | (1,370,038 | ) |
Net (loss) discontinued operation | | | - | | | | | | (874,843 | ) | | | (874,843 | ) |
Net (loss) from continuing operations | | | 1,819,754 | | | | | | (2,314,949 | ) | | | (495,195 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Depreciation and amortization | | | 300,296 | | | (1) | | | 96,489 | | | | 396,785 | |
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities | | | - | | | (3) | | | 2,553,870 | | | | 2,553,870 | |
Loss on disposal of subsidiary | | | 1,169,538 | | | (5) | | | (1,169,538 | ) | | | - | |
Registration rights penalties | | | | | | (3) | | | 900,000 | | | | 900,000 | |
Minority interest | | | 438,773 | | | (1) | | | (414,763 | ) | | | 24,010 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Accounts receivable | | | (1,313,628 | ) | | (5) | | | 718,383 | | | | (595,245 | ) |
Other receivables | | | - | | | (5) | | | 560,378 | | | | 560,378 | |
Inventories | | | 118,905 | | | (5) | | | (46,396 | ) | | | 72,509 | |
Prepaid expenses | | | (1,558,361 | ) | | (5) | | | 1,433,770 | | | | (124,591 | ) |
Other current assets | | | - | | | (5) | | | (3,287 | ) | | | (3,287 | ) |
Accounts payable | | | (1,155,308 | ) | | (5) | | | 712,262 | | | | (443,046 | ) |
Accrued expenses | | | (2,132,976 | ) | | (5) | | | 2,132,976 | | | | - | |
Accruals and other payable-Third Party | | | 1,574,807 | | | (5) | | | (3,582,771 | ) | | | (2,007,964 | ) |
Tax payable | | | 545,106 | | | (5) | | | (1,191,629 | ) | | | (646,523 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash provided by operating activities-continuing operations | | | (193,094 | ) | | | | | 384,795 | | | | 191,701 | |
Cash (used in) provided by operating activities-discontinued operation | | | - | | | (5) | | | (131,916 | ) | | | (131,916 | ) |
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | | | (193,094 | ) | | | | | 252,880 | | | | 59,786 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash flows from investing activities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net cash from exchange of subsidiary | | | - | | | (5) | | | 66,841 | | | | 66,841 | |
Payments made to acquire subsidiary | | | (1,894,271 | ) | | (5) | | | 1,894,271 | | | | - | |
Deposits Additions to property, plant and equipment | | | (1,701,040 | ) | | (5) | | | (2,338,864 | ) | | | (4,039,904 | ) |
Additions to construction in progress | | | (382,673 | ) | | (5) | | | 382,673 | | | | - | |
Cash used in investing activities-continuing operations | | | (3,977,984 | ) | | | | | 4,921 | | | | (3,973,063 | ) |
Cash used in investing activities-discontinued operation | | | - | | | (5) | | | (124,259 | ) | | | (124,259 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net cash used in investing activities | | | (3,977,984 | ) | | | | | (119,338 | ) | | | (4,097,322 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash flows from financing activities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net proceeds from stock issuance | | | 7,076,302 | | | | | | - | | | | 7,076,302 | |
Fund deposit as restricted cash | | | - | | | (4) | | | (221,152 | ) | | | (221,152 | ) |
Loan from related parties | | | - | | | (5) | | | 335,132 | | | | 335,132 | |
Net cash provided by financing activities: | | | 7,076,302 | | | | | | 113,980 | | | | 7,190,282 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Effect of exchange rate changes in cash and cash equivalents | | | 617,256 | | | (5) | | | (468,673 | ) | | | 148,583 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | | | 3,522,480 | | | | | | (221,152 | ) | | | 3,301,328 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year | | | 2,311,028 | | | | | | - | | | | 2,311,028 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year | | $ | 5,833,508 | | | (4) | | | (221,152 | ) | | $ | 5,612,356 | |
SIGNATURES
In accordance with section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant caused this Report on Form 10-K/A to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized individual.
| CHINA NEW ENERGY GROUP COMPANY | |
| | | |
| By: | /s/ Yangkan Chong | |
| | Yangkan Chong | |
| | Chief Executive Officer, | |
| | | |
In accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature | | Title |
| | |
/s/ Yangkan Chong | | Chief Executive Officer and Director |
Yangkan Chong | | (Principal Executive Officer) |
| | |
/s/ Eric TAK Shing YU | | Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting |
Eric TAK Shing YU | | Officer) |
| | |
/s/ Chunming Guo | | Director |
Chunming Guo | | |
| | |
/s/ Mary Fellows | | Director |
Mary Fellows | | |
| | |
/s/ John D. Kuhns | | Director |
John D. Kuhns | | |
| | |
/s/ James Tie Li | | Director |
James Tie Li | | |
| | |
/s/ Shadron Lee Stastney | | Director |
Shadron Lee Stastney | | |
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit Number | | Description |
21.1 | | List of Subsidiaries |
31.1* | | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification - Principal Executive Officer |
31.2* | | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification - Principal Accounting Officer |
32* | | Section 1350 Certifications |