UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10−Q
(Mark One)
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended: December 31, 2014
[ ] 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: 000-23039
CHINA PRECISION STEEL, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Delaware | 14-1623047 | |
(State or other jurisdiction of | (I.R.S. Employer | |
incorporation or organization) | Identification No.) |
18th Floor, Teda Building
87 Wing Lok Street, Sheungwan, Hong Kong
People’s Republic of China
(Address of principal executive offices, Zip Code)
852-2543-2290
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
___________________________________________________
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
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 [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer [ ] | Accelerated filer [ ] | |
Non-accelerated filer [ ] (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) | Smaller reporting company [X] |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes [ ] No [X]
The number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of February 13, 2015 is as follows:
Class of Securities | Shares Outstanding | |
Common Stock, $0.001 par value | 3,930,866 |
CHINA PRECISION STEEL, INC.
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
Three and Six Months Ended December 31, 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION | |||
ITEM 1. | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | 3 | |
ITEM 2. | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS. | 4 | |
ITEM 3. | QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK. | 18 | |
ITEM 4. | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES. | 18 | |
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION | |||
ITEM 1. | LEGAL PROCEEDINGS. | 19 | |
ITEM 1A. | RISK FACTORS. | 19 | |
ITEM 2. | UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS. | 19 | |
ITEM 3. | DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES. | 19 | |
ITEM 4. | MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES. | 19 | |
ITEM 5. | OTHER INFORMATION. | 19 | |
ITEM 6. | EXHIBITS. | 19 |
- 2 - |
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
CHINA PRECISION STEEL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014 AND 2013
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- 3 - |
China Precision Steel, Inc. and Subsidiaries
(Unaudited)
Notes | December 31, 2014 | June 30, 2014 | ||||||||||
Assets | ||||||||||||
Current assets | ||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 44,972 | $ | 485,075 | ||||||||
Accounts receivable | ||||||||||||
Trade, net of allowances of $7,340,278 and $4,932,970 at December 31 and June 30, 2014, respectively | 6 | 2,228,463 | 2,668,263 | |||||||||
Bills receivable | 41,889 | 41,915 | ||||||||||
Other receivable | 7 | 310,724 | 331,586 | |||||||||
Inventories | 8 | 9,269,288 | 10,344,070 | |||||||||
Prepaid expenses | 113,652 | 151,850 | ||||||||||
Taxes receivable | 2,401,170 | 2,599,090 | ||||||||||
Advances to suppliers, net of allowance of $4,798,008 and $3,836,107 at December 31 and June 30, 2014, respectively | 9 | 917,479 | 5,627,470 | |||||||||
Total current assets | 15,327,637 | 22,249,319 | ||||||||||
Property, plant and equipment | ||||||||||||
Property, plant and equipment, net | 10 | 48,649,366 | 53,344,143 | |||||||||
Construction-in-progress | 11 | 412,425 | 322,390 | |||||||||
49,061,791 | 53,666,533 | |||||||||||
Intangible assets, net | 12 | 1,815,340 | 1,838,763 | |||||||||
Goodwill | 99,999 | 99,999 | ||||||||||
Total assets | $ | 66,304,767 | $ | 77,854,614 | ||||||||
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity | ||||||||||||
Current liabilities | ||||||||||||
Short-term loans | 13 | $ | 27,715,781 | $ | 27,732,760 | |||||||
Long-term loan - current portion | 14 | 16,200,000 | 16,200,000 | |||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 15,334,294 | 12,281,346 | ||||||||||
Advances from customers | 4,314,738 | 6,870,575 | ||||||||||
Income taxes payable | 124,519 | 124,595 | ||||||||||
Total current liabilities | 63,689,332 | 63,209,276 | ||||||||||
Long-term loan | - | - | ||||||||||
Stockholders’ equity: | ||||||||||||
Preferred stock: $0.001 per value, 500,000 shares authorized, no shares outstanding at December 31 and June 30, 2014, respectively | 15 | - | - | |||||||||
Common stock: $0.001 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, 3,930,866 and 3,880,866 issued and outstanding at December 31 and June 30, 2014, respectively | 15 | 3,930 | 3,880 | |||||||||
Additional paid-in capital | 15 | 75,735,016 | 75,685,066 | |||||||||
Accumulated deficit | (94,540,467 | ) | (82,366,428 | ) | ||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income | 21,416,956 | 21,322,820 | ||||||||||
Total stockholders’ equity | 2,615,435 | 14,645,338 | ||||||||||
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 66,304,767 | $ | 77,854,614 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-1 |
China Precision Steel, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations
For the Three and Six Months Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||
Notes | 2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||||||||
Sales revenues | $ | 5,187,462 | $ | 11,866,008 | $ | 10,928,152 | $ | 23,631,395 | ||||||||||||
Cost of goods sold | 7,946,483 | 16,997,339 | 16,486,344 | 31,756,985 | ||||||||||||||||
Gross (loss) | (2,759,021 | ) | (5,131,331 | ) | (5,558,192 | ) | (8,125,590 | ) | ||||||||||||
Operating expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||
Selling expenses | 19,088 | 49,583 | 39,786 | 80,751 | ||||||||||||||||
Administrative expenses | 512,425 | 303,617 | 771,998 | 751,048 | ||||||||||||||||
Allowance for bad and doubtful debts | 1,135,831 | 6,546,832 | 3,884,318 | 11,668,609 | ||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization expense | 34,901 | 40,500 | 74,715 | 88,642 | ||||||||||||||||
Total operating expenses | 1,702,245 | 6,940,532 | 4,770,817 | 12,589,050 | ||||||||||||||||
(Loss) from operations | (4,461,266 | ) | (12,071,863 | ) | (10,329,009 | ) | (20,714,640 | ) | ||||||||||||
Other income/(expense) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other revenues | 3,032 | 57,536 | 3,032 | 60,064 | ||||||||||||||||
Interest and finance costs | (917,416 | ) | (944,656 | ) | (1,848,062 | ) | (1,881,547 | ) | ||||||||||||
Total other income/(expense) | (914,384 | ) | (887,120 | ) | (1,845,030 | ) | (1,821,483 | ) | ||||||||||||
(Loss) from operations before income tax | (5,375,650 | ) | (12,958,983 | ) | (12,174,039 | ) | (22,536,123 | ) | ||||||||||||
Provision for income tax | ||||||||||||||||||||
Current | 16 | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||
Total income tax | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||
Net (loss) | $ | (5,375,650 | ) | $ | (12,958,983 | ) | $ | (12,174,039 | ) | $ | (22,536,123 | ) | ||||||||
Other comprehensive income: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment | (30,284 | ) | 322,392 | 94,136 | 468,599 | |||||||||||||||
Comprehensive (loss) | $ | (5,405,934 | ) | $ | (12,636,591 | ) | $ | (12,079,903 | ) | $ | (22,067,524 | ) | ||||||||
Basic (loss) per share | 17 | $ | (1.37 | ) | $ | (3.34 | ) | $ | (3.10 | ) | $ | (5.81 | ) | |||||||
Basic weighted average shares outstanding | 3,930,866 | 3,880,866 | 3,930,866 | 3,880,866 | ||||||||||||||||
Diluted (loss) per share | 17 | $ | (1.37 | ) | $ | (3.34 | ) | $ | (3.10 | ) | $ | (5.81 | ) | |||||||
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding | 3,930,866 | 3,880,866 | 3,930,866 | 3,880,866 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-2 |
China Precision Steel, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
For the Six Months Ended December 31, 2014
(Unaudited)
Accumulated | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Additional | Other | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Common Stock | Paid-in | Accumulated | Comprehensive | Stockholders’ | ||||||||||||||||||||
Share | Amount | Capital | Deficit | Income | Equity | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2014 | 3,880,866 | $ | 3,880 | $ | 75,685,066 | $ | (82,366,428 | ) | $ | 21,322,820 | $ | 14,645,338 | ||||||||||||
Stock issued for litigation settlement | 50,000 | 50 | 49,950 | - | - | 50,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment | - | - | - | - | 94,136 | 94,136 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | - | - | - | (12,174,039 | ) | - | (12,174,039 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2014 | 3,930,866 | $ | 3,930 | $ | 75,735,016 | $ | (94,540,467 | ) | $ | 21,416,956 | $ | 2,615,435 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-3 |
China Precision Steel, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the Six Months Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013
(Unaudited)
2014 | 2013 | |||||||
Cash flows from operating activities | ||||||||
Net (loss) | $ | (12,174,039 | ) | $ | (22,536,123 | ) | ||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities | ||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 4,753,470 | 4,498,491 | ||||||
Allowance for bad and doubtful debts | 3,884,318 | 11,668,609 | ||||||
Net changes in assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
Accounts, bills and other receivable | (2,429,702 | ) | (5,418,079 | ) | ||||
Inventories | 1,068,450 | 731,172 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses | 38,211 | 201,438 | ||||||
Advances to suppliers | 3,742,297 | (1,743,858 | ) | |||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | 3,114,246 | 5,204,609 | ||||||
Advances from customers | (2,551,631 | ) | 8,296,613 | |||||
Taxes payable | 196,329 | (424,462 | ) | |||||
Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities | (358,051 | ) | 478,410 | |||||
Cash flows from investing activities | ||||||||
Purchase of property, plant and equipment, including construction in progress | (121,679 | ) | (80,759 | ) | ||||
Net cash (used in) investing activities | (121,679 | ) | (80,759 | ) | ||||
Cash flows from financing activities | ||||||||
Repayments of short-term loans | - | (223,707 | ) | |||||
Net cash (used in) financing activities | - | (223,707 | ) | |||||
Effect of exchange rate | 39,627 | (113,968 | ) | |||||
Net (decrease)/increase in cash | (440,103 | ) | 59,976 | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | 485,075 | 75,243 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | $ | 44,972 | $ | 135,219 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-4 |
China Precision Steel, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
1. Description of Business
China Precision Steel, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company,” “CPSL” or “we”) is a niche steel processing company principally engaged in the manufacture and sale of cold-rolled precision steel products for downstream applications including automobile components and spare parts, kitchen tools, electrical appliances, roofing and food packaging materials. Raw materials, hot-rolled steel coils, will go through certain reduction, heating and cutting processing procedures to give steel coils or plates different thickness and specifications for deliveries in accordance with customers’ requirements. Specialty precision steel offers specific control of thickness, shape, width, surface finish and other special quality features that compliment the emerging need for highly engineered end use applications. Precision steel pertains to the precision of measurements and tolerances of the above factors, especially thickness tolerance.
We have five wholly-owned subsidiaries, Partner Success Holdings Limited (“PSHL”), Blessford International Limited (“Blessford International”), Shanghai Chengtong Precision Strip Company Limited (“Chengtong”), Shanghai Blessford Alloy Company Limited (“Shanghai Blessford”) and Shanghai Tuorong Precision Strip Company Limited (“Tuorong”). The Company’s principal activities are conducted through our two operating subsidiaries, Chengtong and Shanghai Blessford with manufacturing facilities located in Shanghai, the People’s Republic of China (the “PRC”). The sole activity of Tuorong is the ownership of land use rights with respect to facilities utilized by Chengtong and Shanghai Blessford. PSHL and Blessford International are both British Virgin Islands companies with the sole purpose of investment holding.
2. Basis of Preparation of Financial Statements
The financial statements have been prepared in order to present the consolidated financial position and consolidated results of operations in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“US GAAP”) and are expressed in terms of US dollars (see Note 3 “Functional Currency and Translating Financial Statements” below).
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2014 and for the periods then ended have been prepared in accordance with US GAAP and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Regulation S-X applicable to smaller reporting companies. In the opinion of management, these unaudited consolidated financial statements include all adjustments considered necessary to make the financial statements not misleading. The results of operations for the six months ended December 31, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year ending June 30, 2015.
3. Going Concern
In June and July 2012, the Company defaulted on the repayment obligations of its short-term and long-term bank loans totaling $43,915,781 at December 31, 2014. The Company aims to resolve this by working out a repayment plan with the banks but there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to successfully do so or otherwise fulfill its obligations under the loans. The uncertainty surrounding our lack of readily available liquidity provided by other third party sources raises substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. Our consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.
To remodel our business to make it sustainable, we have implemented and will continue to implement a series of measures to remain viable and improve profitability. These measures include: (1) initiating additional sales and marketing efforts to expand our customer base and increase total demand; (2) strategizing our product mix to re-focus on our niche capabilities including the ultra-thin low-carbon and high-strength high-carbon products; (3) improve production management and increase quality control; and (4) continuing to carry out R&D to improve profitability of existing products and launch new high value-add products. We will also continue to take appropriate actions to perform business and credit reviews of customers and suppliers with the downward pressure in the Chinese economy and credit crunch which have caused many difficulties faced by businesses.
F-5 |
4. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies:
Cash and Cash Equivalents – The Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with a maturity period of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The carrying amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents approximate their fair value.
Accounts Receivable – Credit periods vary substantially across industries, segments, types and size of companies in the PRC where we operate our business. Because of the niche products that we process, our customers are usually also niche players in their own respective segment, who then sell their products to end product manufacturers. The business cycle is relatively long, as well as the credit periods. In view of the negative effects of the continuation and intensification of the credit tightening in China and the slowdown of the Chinese economy, we now generally require a 20% to 30% advance from customers on sales contracts signed. The Company does offer credit to certain customers for periods of 60 days and 90 days and occasionally offers longer credit terms to long-standing recurring customers with good payment histories and sizable operations. Accounts receivable are recorded at the time revenue is recognized and is stated net of allowance for doubtful accounts.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts – The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts based on its assessment of the collectability of the accounts receivable. Management determines the collectability of outstanding accounts by maintaining regular communication with such customers and obtaining confirmation of their intent to fulfill their obligations to the Company. Management also considers past collection experience, our relationship with customers and the impact of current economic conditions on our industry and market. We note that the continuation or intensification of the credit tightening in China and the slowdown of the Chinese economy had and will continue to have negative consequences on the business operations of our customers and adversely impact their ability to meet their financial obligations. To reserve for potentially uncollectible accounts receivable, management has made a 50% provision for all accounts receivable that are over 180 days past due and full provision for all accounts receivable over 1 year past due. We also regularly review these credit periods, along with our collection experience and the other factors discussed above, to evaluate the adequacy of our allowance for doubtful accounts, and to make changes to the allowance, if necessary. If our actual collection experience or other conditions change, revisions to our allowances may be required, including a further provision which could adversely affect our operating income, or write back of provision when estimated uncollectible accounts are actually collected. At December 31 and June 30, 2014, the Company had $7,340,278 and $4,932,970 of allowances for doubtful accounts, respectively.
Bad debts are written off for past due balances over two years or when it becomes known to management that such amount is uncollectible. There was a provision for accounts receivable bad debts of $1,135,831 (2013: $6,262,274) and $2,912,174 (2013: $11,327,712) recognized for the three and six months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Inventories – Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the weighted average method.
Cost of inventories comprises all costs of purchases, costs of conversion and other costs incurred in bringing the inventories to their present location and condition. Costs of conversion of inventories include fixed and variable production overheads, taking into account the stage of completion.
There was an inventory write down of $2,067,538 and $950,643 for the six months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Intangible Assets and Amortization – Intangible assets represent land use rights in China acquired by the Company and are stated at cost less amortization and impairment, if any. Amortization of land-use rights is calculated on the straight-line method, based on the period over which the right is granted by the relevant authorities in China.
F-6 |
Advances to Suppliers – In order to ensure a steady supply of raw materials, the Company is required to regularly make cash advances to its suppliers when placing purchase orders, for a guaranteed minimum delivery quantity at future times when raw materials are required. The advance is seen as a deposit to suppliers and guarantees our access to raw materials during periods of shortages and market volatility, and is therefore considered an important component of our operations. Contracted raw materials are priced at prevailing market rates when the advance purchase contracts are entered into. Advances to suppliers are shown net of an allowance which represents potentially unrecoverable cash advances at each balance sheet date. Such allowances are based on an analysis of past raw materials receipt experience and the credibility of each supplier according to its size and background. Our allowances for advances to suppliers are subjective critical estimates that have a direct impact on reported net earnings, and are reviewed quarterly at a minimum to reflect changes from our historic raw materials receipt experience and to ensure the appropriateness of the allowance in light of the circumstances present at the time of the review. It is reasonably possible that the Company’s estimate of the allowance will change, such as in the case when the Company becomes aware of a supplier’s inability to deliver the contracted raw materials or meet its financial obligations. As of December 31, 2014 and June 30, 2014, the Company had made allowances of advances to suppliers of $4,798,008 and $3,836,107, respectively.
Allowances for advances to suppliers are written off when all efforts to collect the materials or recover the cash advances have been unsuccessful, or when it has become known to the management that there is no intention by the suppliers to deliver the contracted raw materials or refund the cash advances. There was a provision for advances to suppliers bad debts of $nil (2013: $284,558) and $972,143 (2013: $340,897) recognized for the three and six months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Property, Plant and Equipment – Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. The cost of an asset comprises its purchase price and any directly attributable costs of bringing the asset to its present working condition and location for its intended use.
Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related assets for financial reporting purposes. The estimated useful lives for significant property and equipment are as follows:
Buildings | 10 years |
Plant and machinery | 10 years |
Motor vehicles | 5 years |
Office equipment | 5 years |
Bearings | 3 years |
Repairs and maintenance costs are normally charged to the statement of operations in the year in which they are incurred. In situations where it can be clearly demonstrated that the expenditure has resulted in an increase in the future economic benefits expected to be obtained from the use of the asset, the expenditure is capitalized as an additional cost of the asset.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets – The Company accounts for impairment of property, plant and equipment and amortizable intangible assets in accordance with ASC Topic No. 360 “Property, Plant and Equipment” (“ASC 360”), which requires the Company to evaluate a long-lived asset for recoverability when there is an event or circumstance that indicates the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying amount of a long-lived asset or asset group is not recoverable (when carrying amount exceeds the gross, undiscounted cash flows from use and disposition) and is measured as the excess of the carrying amount over the asset’s (or asset group’s) fair value. We primarily use the income valuation approach to determine the fair value of our long-lived assets, with fair value being the price that would be received from selling an asset in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
Capitalized Interest – The Company capitalizes interest cost on borrowings incurred during the new construction or upgrade of qualified assets. Capitalized interest is added to the cost of the underlying assets and is amortized over the useful lives of the assets. During the three and six months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company capitalized $nil interest to construction-in-progress.
F-7 |
Construction-in-Progress – Plant and production lines currently under development are accounted for as construction-in-progress. Construction-in-progress is recorded at acquisition cost, including land rights cost, development expenditure, professional fees and the interest expenses capitalized during the course of construction for the purpose of financing the project. Upon completion and readiness for use of the project, the cost of construction-in-progress is transferred to property, plant and equipment.
Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets – A contingent liability is a possible obligation that arises from past events and whose existence will only be confirmed by the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain future events not wholly within the control of the Company. It can also be a present obligation arising from past events that is not recognized because it is not probable that outflow of economic resources will be required or the amount of obligation cannot be measured reliably.
A contingent liability is not recognized but is disclosed in the notes to the financial statements. When a change in the probability of an outflow occurs so that outflow is probable, the contingency is then recognized as a provision.
A contingent asset is a possible asset that arises from past events and whose existence will be confirmed only by the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain events not wholly within the control of the Company.
Contingent assets are not recognized but are disclosed in the notes to the financial statements when an inflow of economic benefits is probable. When inflow is virtually certain, an asset is recognized.
Revenue Recognition – Revenue from the sale of goods and services is recognized on the transfer of risks and rewards of ownership, which generally coincides with the time when the goods are delivered to customers and the title has passed and services have been rendered. Revenue is reported net of all value added taxes (“VAT”).
Functional Currency and Translating Financial Statements – The Company’s principal country of operations is the PRC. Our functional currency is Chinese Renminbi (“RMB”); however, the accompanying consolidated financial statements have been expressed in United States Dollars (“USD”). The consolidated balance sheets have been translated into USD at the exchange rates prevailing at each balance sheet date. The consolidated statements of operations and cash flows have been translated using the weighted-average exchange rates prevailing during the periods of each statement. The registered equity capital denominated in the functional currency is translated at the historical rate of exchange at the time of capital contribution. All translation adjustments resulting from the translation of the financial statements into the reporting currency are dealt with as other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity. Restrictions on the convertibility of the RMB imposed by the Chinese regulatory authorities may limit our ability to use revenue generated in RMB to fund any future business activities outside China or to make payments in USD.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income – Accumulated other comprehensive income represents the change in equity of the Company during the periods presented from foreign currency translation adjustments.
Taxation – Taxation on overseas profits has been calculated on the estimated assessable profits for the year at the rates of taxation prevailing in the country in which the Company operates.
United States
China Precision Steel, Inc. is subject to United States federal income tax at a tax rate of 34%. No provision for income taxes in the United States has been made as China Precision Steel, Inc. had no taxable income for the three and six months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
At December 31 and June 30, 2014, the Company had no unrecognized income tax positions recorded. The Company does not expect its unrecognized tax positions to change significantly in the next twelve months. If unrecognized tax positions existed, the interest and penalties related to the unrecognized tax positions would be recorded as income tax expense in the consolidated statements of operation.
F-8 |
The Company is subject to United States federal income taxes. The Company’s tax years 2010 through 2013 remain open to examination for U.S. federal income taxes. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to state or non-U.S. income tax examinations prior to 2011.
BVI
PSHL and Blessford International were incorporated in the British Virgin Islands and, under the current laws of the British Virgin Islands, are not subject to income taxes.
PRC
Provision for the PRC enterprise income tax is calculated at the prevailing rate based on the estimated assessable profits less available tax relief for losses brought forward. The Company does not accrue taxes on unremitted earnings from foreign operations as it is the Company’s intention to invest these earnings in the foreign operations indefinitely.
Enterprise income tax
On March 16, 2007, the National People’s Congress of China passed The Enterprise Income Tax Law (the “New EIT Law”), and on December 6, 2007, the State Council of China passed the Implementing Rules for the EIT Law (“Implementing Rules”) which took effect on January 1, 2008. The New EIT Law and Implementing Rules impose a unified enterprise income tax (“EIT”) of 25% on all domestic-invested enterprises and foreign invested entities (“FIEs”), unless they qualify under certain limited exceptions. Both Chengtong and Shanghai Blessford are currently subject to the 25% statutory rates.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statements carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets, including tax loss and credit carry forwards, 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. 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. Deferred income tax expense represents the change during the period in the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities. The components of the deferred tax assets and liabilities are individually classified as current and non-current based on their characteristics. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
The Company follows the provisions of the ASC Topic No. 740 “Accounting for Income Taxes” and “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“ASC 740”). ASC 740 requires the recognition of tax benefits or expenses based on the estimated future tax effects of temporary differences between the financial statements and tax bases of its assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities primarily relate to tax basis differences on unrealized gains on corporate equities, stock-based compensation, amortization periods of certain intangible assets and differences between the financial statements and tax bases of assets acquired.
The Company recognizes that virtually all tax positions in the PRC are not free of some degree of uncertainty due to tax law and policy changes in the PRC. However, the Company cannot reasonably quantify political risk factors and thus must depend on guidance issued by current officials in the PRC.
Based on all known facts and circumstances and current tax law, the Company believes that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2014 is not material to its results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. The Company also believes that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2014, if recognized, would not have a material effect on its effective tax rate. The Company further believes that there are no tax positions for which it is reasonably possible, based on current Chinese tax law and policy, that the unrecognized tax benefits will significantly increase or decrease over the next 12 months producing, individually or in the aggregate, a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
F-9 |
VAT
Under the Provisional Regulations of the People’s Republic of China Concerning Value Added Tax and its Implementing Rules, value added tax is imposed on goods sold in or imported into the PRC and on processing, repair and replacement services provided within the PRC.
VAT payable in the PRC is charged on an aggregated basis at a rate of 13% or 17% (depending on the type of goods involved) on the full price collected for the goods sold or, in the case of taxable services provided, at a rate of 17% on the charges for the taxable services provided, but excluding, in respect of both goods and services, any amount paid in respect of VAT included in the price or charges, and less any deductible VAT already paid by the taxpayer on purchases of goods and services in the same financial year.
The revised People’s Republic of China Tentative Regulations on Value Added Tax became effective on January 1, 2009 with the issuance of Order of the State Council No. 538. With the implementation of this VAT reform, input VAT associated with the purchase of fixed assets is now deductible against output VAT.
Retirement Benefit Costs – According to the PRC regulations on pension, Chengtong and Shanghai Blessford contribute to a defined contribution retirement scheme organized by municipal government in the province in which Chengtong and Shanghai Blessford were registered and all qualified employees are eligible to participate in the scheme. Contributions to the scheme are presently calculated at 45.5% of the employees’ salaries above a fixed threshold amount and the employees contribute 10.5%, while Chengtong and Shanghai Blessford contribute the balance contribution of 35%, with maximum contribution assessed on employment income capped at three times the average Shanghai salary of the prior year. The Group has no other material obligation for the payment of retirement benefits beyond the annual contributions under this scheme.
For the six months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company’s pension cost charged to the statements of operations under the plan amounted to $175,135 and $151,514, respectively, all of which have been paid to the National Social Security Fund.
Shipping and Handling Costs – Shipping and handling costs are included in cost of goods sold.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments – The carrying amounts of certain financial instruments, including cash, accounts receivable, other receivables, short-term loans, the current portion of long-term loans, accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other payables approximate their fair values as at December 31 and June 30, 2014 because of the relatively short-term maturity of these instruments.
Use of Estimates – The preparation of financial statements in accordance with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
5. Concentrations of Business and Credit Risk
The Company has a credit risk exposure of uninsured cash in banks of $31,407 as of December 31, 2014. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to any risks on its cash in bank accounts. The Company does not require collateral or other securities to support financial instruments that are subject to credit risk.
F-10 |
The Company’s list of customers whose purchases from us were 10% or more of total sales during the six months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||||||
a. Customers | $ | % to sales | $ | % to sales | ||||||||||||
Shanghai Bayou Co., Ltd. | 2,852,853 | 26 | - | * | - | * | ||||||||||
Hangzhou Desheng Metal Products Co., Ltd. | 1,073,484 | 10 | - | * | - | * | ||||||||||
Shanghai Hongyu Metal Co., Ltd. | - | * | - | * | 5,759,341 | 24 |
* Not 10% customers for the relevant periods
The Company’s list of suppliers whose sales to us were 10% or more of our total purchases during the six months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||||
b. Suppliers | $ | %
to Purchases | $ | %
to purchases | ||||||||||
Maoxun Trading Co., Ltd. | 2,394,932 | 23 | 8,260,817 | 32 |
* Not 10% suppliers for the relevant periods
Our management continues to take appropriate actions to perform ongoing business and credit reviews of our customers to reduce our exposure to new and recurring customers who have been deemed to pose a high credit risk to our business based on their commercial credit reports, our collection history, and our perception of the risk posed by their geographic location.
6. Accounts Receivable
The Company provides credit in the normal course of business. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its domestic and international customers and clients and maintains allowances for bad and doubtful accounts based on factors surrounding the credit risk of specific customers and clients, historical trends, and other information. Trade accounts receivable, net totaled $2,228,463 and $2,668,263 as of December 31 and June 30, 2014, respectively.
Accounts receivable are regularly reviewed for changes from the historic collection experience to ensure the appropriateness of the allowances. The continuation or intensification of the credit tightening in China and the slowdown of the Chinese economy had and will continue to have negative consequences on the business operations of our customers and adversely impact their ability to meet their financial obligations to us. A significant change in our collection experience, deterioration in the aging of receivables and collection difficulties could require that we increase our estimate of the allowance for doubtful accounts. Any such additional bad debt charges could materially and adversely affect our future operating results.
7. Other receivable
Other receivable as of December 31, 2014 and June 30, 2014 includes a balance due from a related party in the amount of $3,222 and $24,181, respectively, which has been subsequently repaid.
8. Inventories
ASC 330-10-35, “Adjustments to Lower of Cost or Market”, requires us to reduce the carrying value of inventory when there is evidence that the utility of goods will be less than cost, whether due to physical deterioration, obsolescence, changes in price levels or other causes.
As of December 31, 2014 and June 30, 2014, inventories consisted of the following:
December 31, 2014 | June 30, 2014 | |||||||
At cost: | ||||||||
Raw materials | $ | 654,008 | $ | 1,058,697 | ||||
Work in progress | 667,284 | 842,276 | ||||||
Finished goods | 4,643,248 | 5,000,511 | ||||||
Consumable items | 3,304,748 | 3,442,586 | ||||||
$ | 9,269,288 | $ | 10,344,070 |
F-11 |
Costs of finished goods include direct labor, direct materials, and production overhead before the goods are ready for sale.
Consumable items represent parts used in our cold rolling mills and other equipment that need to be replaced from time to time when necessary to ensure optimal operating results, such as auxiliary materials and rollers.
Inventories amounting to $6,921,105 (June 30, 2014: $6,703,684) were pledged for short-term loans totaling $19,635,406 at December 31, 2014 (June 30, 2014: $19,647,434).
9. Advances to Suppliers
Cash advances are shown net of allowances of $4,798,008 and $3,836,107 at December 31, 2014 and June 30, 2014, respectively.
Due to an overall negative operating environment for steel businesses in China at present, caused by oversupply and tightened credit, we will regularly review our suppliers and our policy for provision for allowance for advances to suppliers to reflect changes from our historic raw materials receipt experience and to ensure the appropriateness of the allowance in light of the circumstances present at the time of the review.
10. Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment, stated at cost less accumulated depreciation, consisted of the following:
December 31, 2014 | June 30, 2014 | |||||||
Plant and machinery | $ | 79,350,349 | $ | 79,372,491 | ||||
Buildings | 23,997,768 | 24,012,468 | ||||||
Motor vehicles | 438,922 | 722,018 | ||||||
Office equipment | 556,203 | 556,293 | ||||||
Bearings | 2,060,932 | 2,038,014 | ||||||
106,404,174 | 106,701,284 | |||||||
Less: Accumulated depreciation | (57,754,808 | ) | (53,357,141 | ) | ||||
$ | 48,649,366 | $ | 53,344,143 |
Depreciation expense related to manufacturing is included as a component of cost of goods sold. During the six months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, depreciation totaling $3,559,051 and $3,313,961, respectively, was included as a component of cost of goods sold.
Plant and machinery amounting to $24,658,265 (June 30, 2014: $26,780,344) and $13,323,668 (June 30, 2014: $14,663,967) were pledged for short-term loans totaling $27,715,781 and long-term loans including current portion totaling $16,200,000, respectively, at December 31, 2014 (June 30, 2014: $27,732,760 and $16,200,000, respectively).
11. Construction-In-Progress
As of December 31, 2014 and June 30, 2014 construction-in-progress consisted of the following:
December 31, 2014 | June 30, 2014 | |||||||
Construction costs | $ | 412,425 | $ | 322,390 |
Construction-in-progress represents construction and installations of annealing furnaces.
F-12 |
12. Intangible Assets
Land use rights amounting to $1,814,840 (June 30, 2014: $1,837,700) were pledged for short-term loans totaling $27,715,781 at December 31, 2014 (June 30, 2014: $27,732,760).
The Company acquired land use rights in August 2004 and December 2006 for 50 years that expire in August 2054 and December 2056, respectively. The land use rights are amortized over a fifty-year term. An amortization amount of approximately $37,000 is to be recorded each year starting from the financial year ended June 30, 2009 for the remaining lease period; accumulated amortization at December 31, 2014 is $340,957 (June 30, 2014: $319,417).
Amortizable intangible assets of the Company are reviewed when there are triggering events to determine whether their carrying value has become impaired. The Company also re-evaluates the periods of amortization to determine whether subsequent events and circumstances warrant revised estimates of useful lives.
13. Short-Term Loans
Short-term loans consisted of the following:
December 31, 2014 | June 30, 2014 | |||||||
Bank loan dated June 29, 2011, due July 31, 2012, with an interest rate at 115% of the standard market rate set by the People’s Bank of China (“PBOC”) (6.44% at December 31, 2014) per annum (Notes 10 and 12) | 8,080,375 | 8,085,326 | ||||||
Bank loan dated June 29, 2011, due July 31, 2012 with an interest rate at 115% of the standard market rate set by PBOC (6.44% at December 31, 2014) per annum (Notes 8, 10 and 12) | 19,635,406 | 19,647,434 | ||||||
$ | 27,715,781 | $ | 27,732,760 |
The above bank loans outstanding at December 31, 2014 are Renminbi (“RMB”) loans and carry an interest rate of 1.15 times the standard market rate set by the PBOC. These loans are secured by inventories, land use rights, buildings and plant and machinery, and guaranteed by PSHL and our former Chairman, Mr. Wo Hing Li. In addition, pursuant to a bank loan agreement entered into between the Company and Raiffeisen Zentralbank Osterreich AG (“RZB”), Mr. Li undertakes to maintain a shareholding percentage in the Company of not less than 33.4% unless otherwise agreed to with RZB.
The weighted-average interest rate on short-term loans at December 31, 2014 and 2013 was 6.44% and 6.9%, respectively. Principal and interest under the short-term loans totaling $27,715,781 with RZB were to be repaid in full on July 31, 2012, but the Company has defaulted on this repayment obligation. On April 16, 2014, we received a notice from China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission regarding an arbitration pleading filed by RZB for the defaulted short-term loan. The arbitration hearing took place on October 14, 2014. An arbitral award was subsequently issued on December 31, 2014 which orders the repayment of the loan principal with any late and penalty interest and that RZB has first priority on the proceeds realized from the sale of any assets which collateralize the loan. In spite of this, talks have continued with RZB and we are currently in discussion to remove the covenant to maintain specific levels of inventories that collateralize the loan. If this is agreed to, we plan to sell a portion of the inventories and lower our inventory level for faster turnover, and repay the sale proceeds to RZB. We aim to work out a repayment plan with RZB but there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to successfully do so. Any restructuring will be subject to approval by RZB’s governing bodies, and to the Company’s ability to meet certain conditions and requirements that may be imposed by the Bank. RZB also has the right to take possession of the collateral granted in connection with their respective loan agreements and the arbitral award, which action would have a material adverse impact on the Company.
As part of the ongoing discussions with RZB to potentially restructure our short-term loans, we have implemented and will continue to implement a series of measures to remain viable and improve overall profitability including expanding our customer base to increase total demand, strategizing our product mix to re-focus on our competitive advantage and niche capabilities including the ultra-thin low-carbon and high strength high-carbon products, improve our production management and increase quality control, and continuing to carry out research and development (“R&D”) to improve profitability of existing products and launch new high value-add products.
F-13 |
14. Long-Term Loan – Current Portion
December 31, 2014 | June 30, 2014 | |||||||
Bank loan dated June 29, 2010, due June 15, 2016 with an interest rate of the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 4.5% (4.8262% at December 31, 2014) per annum (Note 10) | $ | 16,200,000 | $ | 16,200,000 |
On January 29, 2010, Shanghai Blessford entered into a Senior Loan Agreement with DEG-Deutsche Investitions-Und Entwicklungsgesellschaft Mbh (“DEG”) for a loan amount up to $18,000,000 at an annual interest rate of 4.5% above the six-month USD LIBOR rate. The loan is to be repaid semi-annually over five years starting on December 15, 2011 and is secured by a mortgage on the new cold rolling line and annealing furnaces at Shanghai Blessford’s facilities and guaranteed by the Company.
In June 2012, the Company defaulted on its semi-annual principal and interest repayment obligation. The Company aims to resolve this by working out a repayment plan but there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to successfully do so. Until any agreement is reached, DEG has the right to cancel the total outstanding commitment of the loan, demand immediate repayment of all or part of the loan with accrued interest, and/or terminate the loan agreement. DEG also has the right to take possession of the collateral granted in connection with its respective loan agreements, which action would have a material adverse impact on the Company.
15. Stockholders’ Equity
Restrictions on Retained Earnings
Payments of dividends may be subject to some restrictions due to the fact that the operating activities are conducted in subsidiaries residing in the PRC. The laws and regulations of the PRC currently permit the payment of dividends only out of accumulated profits as determined in accordance with Chinese accounting standards and regulations. Our PRC subsidiaries are also required under PRC laws and regulations to allocate at least 10% of their annual after-tax profits determined in accordance with PRC generally accepted accounting principles to a statutory general reserve fund until the amounts in said fund reaches 50% of our registered capital. Currently, our subsidiaries in China are the only sources of revenues or investment holdings for the payment of dividends. If they do not accumulate sufficient profits under Chinese accounting standards and regulations to first fund certain reserve funds as required, we will be unable to pay any dividends. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had $601,744 in its general reserve. We currently intend to retain any future earnings for use in the operation and expansion of our business. No cash dividends have been paid to the parent company for the last three fiscal years.
16. Income Taxes
Significant components of the Group’s deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2014 and June 30, 2014 are as follows:
December 31, 2014 | June 30, 2014 | |||||||
Deferred tax assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
Net operating loss carried forward | $ | 34,307,532 | $ | 32,002,368 | ||||
Temporary differences resulting from allowances | 3,551,456 | 2,709,471 | ||||||
Net deferred income tax asset | $ | 37,858,988 | $ | 34,711,839 | ||||
Valuation allowance | (37,858,988 | ) | (34,711,839 | ) | ||||
$ | - | $ | - |
F-14 |
The Company has not recognized a deferred tax liability as its foreign subsidiaries do not have any undistributed earnings as of December 31, 2014. A deferred tax liability will be recognized when the Company no longer plans to permanently reinvest undistributed earnings.
A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes with amounts determined by the PRC income tax rate to income tax expense per books is as follows:
Six Months ended December 31, | ||||||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||||
Computed tax at the PRC statutory rate of 25% | $ | (3,136,678 | ) | $ | (5,652,843 | ) | ||
Valuation allowance | 3,147,149 | 5,666,692 | ||||||
Income not subject to tax | (10,471 | ) | (13,863 | ) | ||||
Expenses not deductible for tax | - | 14 | ||||||
Income tax expense per books | $ | - | $ | - |
Income tax (benefit) consists of:
Six Months ended December 31, | ||||||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||||
Income tax (benefit) for the year – PRC | $ | - | $ | (5,868,318 | ) | |||
Deferred income tax benefit – PRC | - | - | ||||||
Income tax (benefit) per books | $ | - | $ | (5,868,318 | ) |
17. (Loss) Per Share
ASC 260-10 requires a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of the basic and diluted (loss) per share (EPS) computations.
The following is a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of the basic and diluted (loss) per share (EPS) computations.
Income | Shares | Per Share | ||||||||||
(Numerator) | (Denominator) | Amount | ||||||||||
For the three months ended December 31, 2014: | ||||||||||||
Net (loss) | $ | (5,375,650 | ) | |||||||||
Basic EPS (loss) available to common shareholders | $ | (5,375,650 | ) | 3,930,866 | $ | (1.37 | ) | |||||
Effect of dilutive securities: | ||||||||||||
Warrants | - | |||||||||||
Diluted EPS (loss) available to common shareholders | $ | (5,375,650 | ) | 3,930,866 | $ | (1.37 | ) | |||||
For the three months ended December 31, 2013: | ||||||||||||
Net (loss) | $ | (12,958,983 | ) | |||||||||
Basic EPS (loss) available to common shareholders | $ | (12,958,983 | ) | 3,880,866 | $ | (3.34 | ) | |||||
Effect of dilutive securities: | ||||||||||||
Warrants | - | |||||||||||
Diluted EPS (loss) available to common shareholders | $ | (12,958,983 | ) | 3,880,866 | $ | (3.34 | ) |
Income | Shares | Per Share | ||||||||||
(Numerator) | (Denominator) | Amount | ||||||||||
For the six months ended December 31, 2014: | ||||||||||||
Net (loss) | $ | (12,174,039 | ) | |||||||||
Basic EPS (loss) available to common shareholders | $ | (12,174,039 | ) | 3,930,866 | $ | (3.10 | ) | |||||
Effect of dilutive securities: | ||||||||||||
Warrants | - | |||||||||||
Diluted EPS (loss) available to common shareholders | $ | (12,174,039 | ) | 3,930,866 | $ | (3.10 | ) | |||||
For the six months ended December 31, 2013: | ||||||||||||
Net (loss) | $ | (22,536,123 | ) | |||||||||
Basic EPS (loss) available to common shareholders | $ | (22,536,123 | ) | 3,880,866 | $ | (5.81 | ) | |||||
Effect of dilutive securities: | ||||||||||||
Warrants | - | |||||||||||
Diluted EPS (loss) available to common shareholders | $ | (22,536,123 | ) | 3,880,866 | $ | (5.81 | ) |
F-15 |
18. Impairment
We determine impairment of long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and amortizable intangible assets, by measuring the estimated undiscounted future cash flows generated by these assets, comparing the result to the assets’ carrying values and, if necessary, adjusting the assets to the lower of its carrying value or fair value and charging current operations for the measured impairment. The determination of the undiscounted future cash flows and fair value of these assets are subject to significant judgment.
The assets are subject to impairment consideration if events or circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts might not be recoverable. As of December 31, 2014, as the Company’s market capitalization was lower than the carrying value of its assets and the Company experienced continuing losses, management performed an impairment test and no impairment charges were recognized for the relevant year. As of December 31, 2014, the Company expects these assets to be fully recoverable based on the result of the impairment test.
19. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant and Equipment (Topic 360) (“ASU 2014-08”). ASU 2014-08 amends the requirements for reporting discontinued operations and requires additional disclosures about discontinued operations. Under the new guidance, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations or that have a major effect on the Company’s operations and financial results should be presented as discontinued operations. This new accounting guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014. The Company does not believe adoption of this new guidance will have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In May, 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 will eliminate transaction- and industry-specific revenue recognition guidance under current U.S. GAAP and replace it with a principle based approach for determining revenue recognition. ASU 2014-09 will require that companies recognize revenue based on the value of transferred goods or services as they occur in the contract. The ASU also will require additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. ASU 2014-09 is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and early adoption is not permitted. Entities can transition to the standard either retrospectively or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of ASU 2014-09 on its consolidated financial statements.
In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-11, Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860): Repurchase to Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings and Disclosures (“ASU 2014-11”). This ASU changes the accounting for repurchase-to-maturity transactions to secured borrowing accounting, requires certain disclosures for transactions accounted for as sales and requires certain disclosures for other transactions accounted for as secured borrowings. The provisions of this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2014 and for interim periods beginning after March 15, 2015. The Company does not believe adoption of this new guidance will have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-13, Consolidation (Topic 810): Measuring the Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities of a Consolidated Collateralized Financing Entity (“ASU 2014-13”). This ASU allows a reporting entity to elect to measure the financial assets and the financial liabilities of a consolidated collateralized financing entity using either the measurement alternative included in the Update or Topic 820. The provisions of this ASU are effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an annual period. The Company does not believe adoption of this new guidance will have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosures of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern (“ASU 2014-15”). This ASU requires management to evaluate whether there are conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. This ASU also requires management to disclose certain information depending on the results of the going concern evaluation. The provisions of this ASU are effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and for interim and annual periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of ASU 2014-15 on its consolidated financial statements.
In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-01, Income Statement - Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20): Simplifying Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items (“ASU 2015-01”). This ASU eliminates from GAAP the concept of extraordinary items. The ASU retains and expands the existing presentation and disclosure guidance for items that are unusual in nature or occur infrequently to also include items that are both unusual in nature and infrequently occurring. The provisions of this ASU are effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted, provided that presentation applied to the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The Company does not believe adoption of this new guidance will have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.
F-16 |
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
Special Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements
In addition to historical information, this report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We use words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “target,” “plan,” “optimistic,” “intend,” “aim,” “will” or similar expressions which are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements include, among others, those concerning market and industry segment growth and demand and acceptance of new and existing products; any projections of sales, earnings, revenue, margins or other financial items; any statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations; and any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance, as well as all assumptions, expectations, predictions, intentions or beliefs about future events. You are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions, which, if they were to ever materialize or prove incorrect, could cause the results of the Company to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among other things, factors such as: plans to expand our exports outside of China; plans to increase our production capacity and the anticipated dates that such facilities may commence operations; our ability to obtain additional funding for our continuing operations and to fund our expansion; our ability to meet our financial projections for any financial year; our ability to retain our key executives and to hire additional senior management; continued growth of the Chinese economy and industries demanding our products; our ability to secure at acceptable prices the raw materials we need to produce our products; political changes in China that may impact our ability to produce and sell our products in our target markets; general business conditions and competitive factors, including pricing pressures and product development; and changes in our relationships with customers and suppliers. You should carefully review the risk factors described in other documents we file from time to time with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended June 30, 2014.
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our unaudited consolidated financial statements and the related notes that appear in Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements,” of this quarterly report. Our unaudited consolidated financial statements are stated in United States Dollars and are prepared in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. The following discussion and analysis covers the Company’s unaudited consolidated financial condition at December 31, 2014 and June 30, 2014, the end of its prior fiscal year, and its unaudited consolidated results of operation for the six months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
Use of Terms
Except as otherwise indicated by the context, all references in this report to:
● | “CPSL,” “Company,” “Group,” “we,” “us” or “our” are to China Precision Steel, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its direct and indirect subsidiaries; | |
● | “PSHL” are to our subsidiary Partner Success Holdings Limited, a BVI company; | |
● | “Blessford International” are to our subsidiary Blessford International Limited, a BVI company; | |
● | “Shanghai Blessford” are to our subsidiary Shanghai Blessford Alloy Company Limited, a PRC company; | |
● | “Chengtong” are to our subsidiary Shanghai Chengtong Precision Strip Company Limited, a PRC company; | |
● | “Tuorong” are to our subsidiary Shanghai Tuorong Precision Strip Company Limited, a PRC company; | |
● | “China” and “PRC” are to the People’s Republic of China; | |
● | “BVI” are to the British Virgin Islands; | |
● | “SEC” are to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission; | |
● | “Securities Act” are to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended; | |
● | “Exchange Act” are to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; | |
● | “RMB” are to Renminbi, the legal currency of China; and | |
● | “U.S. dollar,” “USD,” “US$” and “$” are to the legal currency of the United States. |
- 4 - |
Overview of the Company’s Business
We are a value-added steel processing company principally engaged in the manufacture and sale of high precision cold-rolled steel products, in the provision of heat treatment and in the cutting and slitting of medium and high-carbon hot-rolled steel strips. We use commodity steel to create a specialty premium steel. Specialty precision steel pertains to the precision of measurements and tolerances of thickness, shape, width, surface finish and other special quality features of highly engineered end-use applications.
We produce and sell precision ultra-thin and high strength cold-rolled steel products ranging from 7.5 mm to 0.03 mm. We also provide heat treatment and cutting and slitting of medium and high-carbon hot-rolled steel strips not exceeding 7.5 mm thickness. Our process puts hot-rolled de-scaled (pickled) steel coils through a cold-rolling mill, utilizing our patented systems and high technology reduction processing procedures, to make steel coils and sheets in customized thicknesses according to customer specifications. Currently, our precision products are mainly used in the manufacture of automobile parts and components, steel roofing, plane friction discs, appliances, food packaging materials, saw blades, textile needles, and micro electronics.
We conduct our operations principally in China through our wholly-owned operating subsidiaries, Chengtong and Shanghai Blessford, which are wholly owned subsidiaries of our direct subsidiary, PSHL. Most of our sales are made domestically in China; however, we began exporting during fiscal 2007 and our overseas market currently covers Indonesia, Thailand, the Caribbean, Nigeria, Ethiopia and Turkey. We intend to further expand into additional overseas markets in the future, subject to suitable market conditions and favorable regulatory controls.
To remodel our business to make it sustainable, we have implemented and will continue to implement a series of measures to remain viable and improve profitability. These measures include: (1) initiating additional sales and marketing efforts to expand our customer base and increase total demand; (2) strategizing our product mix to re-focus on our niche capabilities including the ultra-thin low-carbon and high-strength high-carbon products; (3) improve production management and increase quality control; and (4) continuing to carry out R&D to improve profitability of existing products and launch new high value-add products. We will also continue to take appropriate actions to perform business and credit reviews of customers and suppliers with the downward pressure in the Chinese economy and credit crunch which have caused many difficulties faced by businesses.
Second Quarter Financial Performance Highlights
During the six months ended December 31, 2014, we sold a total of 21,033 tons of products, a decrease of 14,452 tons from 35,485 tons a year ago. In line with our strategy to reduce the processing of loss-making products, gross loss decreased from $8,125,590 from a year ago to $5,558,192 for the six months ended December 31, 2014 despite the substantial decrease in sales volume. However, gross margin also decreased to (50.9%) for the six months ended December 31, 2014 from (34.4%) last year, due to substantial decreases in sales volume and average selling price.
In June and July 2012, we defaulted on the repayment obligations of our short-term and long-term bank loans totaling $43,915,781 at December 31, 2014. On April 16, 2014, we received a notice from China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission regarding an arbitration pleading filed by Raiffeisen Zentralbank ÖsterreichAG (“RZB”) for the defaulted short-term loan. The arbitration hearing took place on October 14, 2014. An arbitral award was subsequently issued on December 31, 2014 which orders the repayment of the loan principal with any late and penalty interest and that RZB has first priority on the proceeds realized from the sale of any assets which collateralize the loan. In spite of this, talks have continued with RZB and we are currently in discussion to remove the covenant to maintain specific levels of inventories that collateralize the loan. If this is agreed to, we plan to sell a portion of the inventories and lower our inventory level for faster turnover, and repay the sale proceeds to RZB. We aim to work out a repayment plan with RZB but there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to successfully do so. Each of the banks also has the right to take possession of the collateral (which collectively constitutes substantial assets of the Company) granted in connection with its respective loan agreements, which action would have a material adverse impact on the Company.
Economic slowdown, tightened credit, pollution and steel overcapacity in China have led to shutting down of a number of steel mills and processors, some of them being our former competitors for certain product offerings. This creates an opportunity for our products as replacements as we have been receiving inquiries and orders. Going forward, we also intend to focus on our competitive strength in the ultra thin and high carbon products with the aim to maximize margin rather than sales volume. However, the Company continued to suffer a significant loss in the period ended December 31, 2014. We also expect the slowdown of the Chinese economy and overcapacity in the Chinese steel industry to continue to have negative consequences on the business operations of our customers and suppliers and adversely impact their ability to meet their financial obligations to us, There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to generate sufficient positive cash flow from operations to address all of its cash flow needs, and to continue as a going concern.
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The following are some financial highlights for the second fiscal quarter:
● | Revenues: Our revenues were approximately $5.2 million for the quarter, a decrease of 56.3% from last year. |
● | Gross Margin: Gross margin was (53.2%) for the quarter, compared to (43.2%) last year. |
● | Loss from operations before tax: Loss from operations before tax was approximately $5.4 million for the quarter, compared to approximately $13.0 million last year. |
● | Net loss: Net loss was approximately $5.4 million for the quarter, compared to approximately $13.0 million last year. |
● | Fully diluted loss per share: Fully diluted loss per share was $1.37 for the quarter, compared to $3.34 last year. |
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth key components of our results of operations for the periods indicated, in USD and as a percentage of revenues.
Comparison of Three and Six Months Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013
Three Months Ended December 31, | Six Months Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amount | % of Revenues | Amount | % of Revenues | Amount | % of Revenues | Amount | % of Revenues | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues | $ | 5,187,462 | 100.0 | $ | 11,866,008 | 100.0 | $ | 10,928,152 | 100.0 | $ | 23,631,395 | 100.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of sales (including depreciation and amortization) | 7,946,483 | 153.2 | 16,997,339 | 143.2 | 16,486,344 | 150.9 | 31,756,985 | 134.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross (loss) | (2,759,021 | ) | (53.2 | ) | (5,131,331 | ) | (43.2 | ) | (5,558,192 | ) | (50.9 | ) | (8,125,590 | ) | (34.4 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Selling expenses | 19,088 | 0.4 | 49,583 | 0.4 | 39,786 | 0.4 | 80,751 | 0.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Administrative expenses | 512,425 | 9.9 | 303,617 | 2.6 | 771,998 | 7.1 | 751,048 | 3.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for bad and doubtful debts | 1,135,831 | 21.9 | 6,546,832 | 55.2 | 3,884,318 | 35.5 | 11,668,609 | 49.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization expense | 34,901 | 0.7 | 40,500 | 0.3 | 74,715 | 0.7 | 88,642 | 0.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total operating expenses | 1,702,245 | 32.8 | 6,940,532 | 58.5 | 4,770,817 | 43.7 | 12,589,050 | 53.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Loss) from operations | (4,461,266 | ) | (86.0 | ) | (12,071,863 | ) | (101.7 | ) | (10,329,009 | ) | (94.5 | ) | (20,714,640 | ) | (87.7 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Other revenues | 3,032 | 0.1 | 57,536 | 0.5 | 3,032 | <0.1 | 60,064 | 0.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest and finance costs | (917,416 | ) | (17.7 | ) | (944,656 | ) | (8.0 | ) | (1,848,062 | ) | (16.9 | ) | (1,881,547 | ) | (8.0 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Total other (expense) | (914,384 | ) | (17.6 | ) | (887,120 | ) | (7.5 | ) | (1,845,030 | ) | (16.9 | ) | (1,821,483 | ) | (7.7 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
(Loss) before income taxes | (5,375,650 | ) | (103.6 | ) | (12,958,983 | ) | (109.2 | ) | (12,174,039 | ) | (111.4 | ) | (22,536,123 | ) | (95.4 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Income tax expense | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net (loss) | $ | (5,375,650 | ) | (103.6 | ) | $ | (12,958,983 | ) | (109.2 | ) | $ | (12,174,039 | ) | (111.4 | ) | $ | (22,536,123 | ) | (95.4 | ) | ||||||||||||
Basic (loss) per share | $ | (1.37 | ) | $ | (3.34 | ) | $ | (3.10 | ) | $ | (5.81 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Diluted (loss) per share | $ | (1.37 | ) | $ | (3.34 | ) | $ | (3.10 | ) | $ | (5.81 | ) |
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Sales Revenues
Sales volume decreased by 3,813 tons, or 25.4%, period-on-period, to 11,223 tons for the three months ended December 31, 2014, from 15,036 tons for the three months ended December 31, 2013 and as a result, sales revenues decreased by $6,678,546, or 56.3%, period-on-period, to $5,187,462 for the three months ended December 31, 2014, from $11,866,008 for the three months ended December 31, 2013. The decrease in sales revenues period-on-period is attributable to the decrease in production and sales in line with our strategy to reduce the processing of loss-making products and decrease in average selling price, as detailed more fully below.
Sales by Product Line
A break-down of our sales by product line for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
Three Months ended December 31, | Period-on- | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | Period | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Quantity | % of | Quantity | % of | Qty. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Product Category | (tons) | $ Amount | Sales | (tons) | $ Amount | Sales | Variance | |||||||||||||||||||||
Low-carbon hard-rolled | 36 | 23,232 | <1 | 256 | 203,122 | 2 | (220 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Low-carbon cold-rolled | 3,215 | 1,953,876 | 38 | 4,580 | 2,980,938 | 25 | (1,365 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
High-carbon hot-rolled | 8 | 5,573 | <1 | 5,448 | 4,283,070 | 36 | (5,439 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
High-carbon cold-rolled | 3,165 | 2,627,679 | 51 | 4,253 | 3,649,753 | 31 | (1,088 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Subcontracting income | 4,799 | 216,453 | 4 | 499 | 50,124 | <1 | 4,300 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Sales of scrap metal | - | 360,649 | 7 | - | 699,001 | 6 | - | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 11,223 | 5,187,462 | 100 | 15,036 | 11,866,008 | 100 | (3,813 | ) |
During the three months ended December 31, 2014, sales decreased across all product categories except for subcontracting income. Low-carbon cold-rolled steel products accounted for 38% of the current sales mix at an average selling price of $608 per ton for the three months ended December 31, 2014, compared to 25% of the sales mix at an average selling price per ton of $651 for the three months ended December 31, 2013. The decrease in sales in this category during the quarter was mainly due to streamlined production to reduce the sales of these loss-making products. Low-carbon hard-rolled steel products accounted for less than 1% of the current sales mix at an average selling price of $645 per ton for the three months ended December 31, 2014, compared to 2% of the sales mix at an average selling price per ton of $793 for the three months ended December 31, 2013, due to a weak demand in the export market. High-carbon cold-rolled steel products accounted for 51% of the current sales mix at an average selling price of $830 per ton for the three months ended December 31, 2014, compared to 31% of the sales mix at an average selling price of $858 for the three months ended December 31, 2013. The products in this category are mainly used in the automobile industry and the decrease in sales volume period-on-period was a result of soft demand. Subcontracting income revenues accounted for $216,453 or 4% of the sales mix for the three months ended December 31, 2014, an increase from $50,124 for the three months ended December 31, 2013.
Three
Months ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | Variance | ||||||||||||||
Average Selling Prices | ($) | ($) | ($) | (%) | ||||||||||||
Low-carbon hard-rolled | 645 | 793 | (148 | ) | (19 | ) | ||||||||||
Low-carbon cold-rolled | 608 | 651 | (43 | ) | (7 | ) | ||||||||||
High-carbon hot-rolled | 702 | 786 | (84 | ) | (11 | ) | ||||||||||
High-carbon cold-rolled | 830 | 858 | (28 | ) | (3 | ) | ||||||||||
Subcontracting income | 45 | 100 | (55 | ) | (55 | ) |
The average selling price per ton decreased to $462 for the three months ended December 31, 2014 compared to $789 last year, representing a decrease of $327, or 41%, period-on-period. This decrease was mainly due to decreases in general steel prices and therefore our selling prices during the quarter.
- 7 - |
Sales Breakdown by Major Customer
2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||||||
Customers | $ | %
of Sales | $ | %
of Sales | ||||||||||||
Shanghai Bayou Co., Ltd. | 1,350,604 | 26 | - | * | - | * | ||||||||||
Hangzhou Yongda Metal Products Co., Ltd. | 844,372 | 16 | - | * | - | |||||||||||
Shanghai Gangkai Trading Co., Ltd. | 415,621 | 8 | - | * | - | |||||||||||
Shanghai Hongyu Metal Co., Ltd. | 257,623 | 5 | 5,752,574 | 48 | ||||||||||||
Hangzhou Desheng Metal Plate Products Co., Ltd. | 212,233 | 4 | - | * | - | |||||||||||
Maoxun Trading Co., Ltd. | - | * | - | * | 1,605,363 | 14 | ||||||||||
Shanghai Haiheng Co., Ltd. | - | * | - | * | 1,296,646 | 11 | ||||||||||
Wozi Jintian Saw Blade Co., Ltd. | - | * | - | * | 990,145 | 8 | ||||||||||
Zhangjiagang Gangxin New Construction Materials Co., Ltd. | - | * | - | * | 844,816 | 7 | ||||||||||
3,080,455 | 59 | 10,489,544 | 88 | |||||||||||||
Others | 2,107,007 | 41 | 1,376,464 | 12 | ||||||||||||
Total | 5,187,462 | 100 | 11,866,008 | 100 |
* Not major customers for the relevant periods
Sales revenue generated from our top five major customers as a percentage of total sales was 59% for the three months ended December 31, 2014, as compared to 88% in 2013. The change in customer mix reflects management’s continuous efforts in expanding our customer base and geographical coverage during the course of the quarter.
Cost of Goods Sold
Cost of sales decreased by $9,050,856, or 53.2%, period-on-period, to $7,946,483 for the three months ended December 31, 2014, from $16,997,339 for the three months ended December 31, 2013. Cost of sales represented 153.2% of sales revenues for the three months ended December 31, 2014, compared to 143.2% for the three months ended December 31, 2013. Average cost per unit sold decreased to $708 for the three months ended December 31, 2014, compared to $1,130 for the three months ended December 31, 2013, representing a decrease of $422 per ton, or 27.8%, period-on-period, as detailed more fully below.
2014 | 2013 | Variance | ||||||||||||||
($) | ($) | ($) | (%) | |||||||||||||
Cost of goods sold | ||||||||||||||||
- Raw materials | 5,252,326 | 13,412,519 | (8,160,193 | ) | (60.8 | ) | ||||||||||
- Direct labor | 160,134 | 201,922 | (41,788 | ) | (20.7 | ) | ||||||||||
- Manufacturing overhead | 2,534,023 | 3,382,898 | (848,875 | ) | (25.1 | ) | ||||||||||
7,946,483 | 16,997,339 | (9,050,856 | ) | (53.2 | ) | |||||||||||
Cost per unit sold | ||||||||||||||||
Total units sold (tons) | 11,223 | 15,036 | (3,813 | ) | (25.4 | ) | ||||||||||
Average cost per unit sold ($/ton) | 708 | 1,130 | (422 | ) | (37.3 | ) |
The decrease in average per unit cost of sales is represented by the combined effect of:
● | a decrease in cost of raw materials per unit sold of $424, or 47.5%, from $892 for the three months ended December 31, 2013, to $468 for the three months ended December 31, 2014; |
● | an increase in direct labor per unit sold of $1, or 7.7%, from $13 for the three months ended December 31, 2013, to $14 for the three months ended December 31, 2014, and; |
● | an increase in cost of manufacturing overhead per unit sold of $1, or 0.4%, from $225 for the three months ended December 31, 2013, to $226 for the three months ended December 31, 2014. |
- 8 - |
The cost of raw materials consumed decreased by $8,160,193, or 60.8%, period-on-period, from $13,412,519 for the three months ended December 31, 2013, to $5,252,326 for the three months ended December 31, 2014. This decrease was due to a large decrease in total units sold during the three months ended December 31, 2014 and a decrease in the average cost of raw materials.
Direct labor costs decreased by $41,788, or 20.7%, period-on-period, to $160,134 for the three months ended December 31, 2014, from $201,922 for the three months ended December 31, 2013. Manufacturing overhead costs decreased by $848,875, or 25.1%, period-on-period, to $2,534,023 for the three months ended December 31, 2014, from $3,382,898 for the three months ended December 31, 2013. The decrease was mainly attributable to the combined effect of a decrease in utilities of $219,955, or 31.7%, period-on-period, from $694,318 for the three months ended December 31, 2013, to $474,363 for the three months ended December 31, 2014, a decrease in depreciation of $155,236, or 8.3%, period-on-period, from $1,859,923 for the three months ended December 31, 2013, to $1,704,687, and an decrease in consumables of $300,156, or 61.2%, period-on-period, from $490,056 for the three months ended December 31, 2013, to $189,900 for the three months ended December 31, 2014.
Gross Loss
Gross loss in absolute terms decreased by $2,372,310 or 46.2%, period-on-period, to a gross loss of $2,759,021 for the three months ended December 31, 2014, from a gross loss of $5,131,331 for the three months ended December 31, 2013. Gross loss margin increased to 53.2% for the three months ended December 31, 2014, from 43.2% for the three months ended December 31, 2013. The increase in gross loss margin is mainly attributable to a substantial decrease in average selling prices and slight increases in average direct labor and overhead costs during the period. As we aim to maximize margin rather than sales volume going forward, we expect a lower sales volume compared to prior periods and a higher overhead cost per unit sold during this transition period.
Selling Expenses
Selling expenses decreased by $30,495, or 61.5%, period-on-period, to $19,088 for the three months ended December 31, 2014, from $49,583 for the three months ended December 31, 2013. The decrease was mainly attributable to lower transportation costs and traveling expenses period-on-period.
Administrative Expenses
Administrative expenses increased by $208,808 or 68.8%, period-on-period, to $512,425 for the three months ended December 31, 2014, compared to $303,617 for the three months ended December 31, 2013. This was mainly due to an increase in legal and professional fees period-on-period.
Allowance for Bad and Doubtful Debts
Allowance for bad and doubtful debts decreased by $5,411,001, or 82.7%, period-on-period. Allowance recognized for the three months ended December 31, 2014 was in the amount of $1,135,831 in accordance with our policy for allowance for doubtful accounts.
Loss from Operations
Loss from operations decreased by $7,610,597, or 63.0%, period-on-period, from a loss of $12,071,863 for the three months ended December 31, 2013, to a loss of $4,461,266 for the three months ended December 31, 2014, as a result of the factors discussed above.
Interest Expense
Total interest expense decreased by $27,240, or 2.9%, from $944,656 for the three months ended December 31, 2013, to $917,416 for the three months ended December 31, 2014, due to lower interest rates during the period.
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Income Tax
For the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, we recognized no income tax expense as a result of the net loss for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
Net Loss
Net loss decreased by $7,583,333 or 58.5%, period-on-period, from $12,958,983 for the three months ended December 31, 2013, to $5,375,650 for the three months ended December 31, 2014. The decrease in net loss is attributable to a combination of all the factors discussed above, principally the decrease in allowance for bad and doubtful debts.
Comparison of Six Months Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013
Sales Revenues
Sales volume decreased by 14,452 tons, or 40.7%, period-on-period, to 21,033 tons for the six months ended December 31, 2014, from 35,485 tons for the six months ended December 31, 2013 and as a result, sales revenues decreased by $12,703,243, or 53.8%, period-on-period, from $23,631,395 for the six months ended December 31, 2013, to $10,928,152 for the six months ended December 31, 2014. The decrease in sales revenues period-on-period is mainly attributable to the decrease in production and sales in line with our strategy to reduce the processing of loss-making products, as detailed more fully below.
Sales by Product Line
A break-down of our sales by product line for the six months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
Six Months ended December 31, | Year-on- | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | Year | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Quantity | % of | Quantity | % of | Qty. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Product Category | (tons) | $ Amount | Sales | (tons) | $ Amount | Sales | Variance | |||||||||||||||||||||
Low-carbon hard-rolled | 53 | 35,316 | <1 | 698 | 610,228 | 3 | (645 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Low-carbon cold-rolled | 8,506 | 5,118,064 | 47 | 15,627 | 8,799,721 | 37 | (7,121 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
High-carbon hot-rolled | 160 | 225,986 | 2 | 9,143 | 5,265,431 | 22 | (8,982 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
High-carbon cold-rolled | 6,085 | 4,827,102 | 44 | 9,103 | 7,768,663 | 33 | (3,018 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Subcontracting income | 6,228 | 358,924 | 3 | 914 | 116,509 | <1 | 5,314 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Sales of scrap metal | - | 362,760 | 4 | - | 1,070,843 | 5 | - | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 21,033 | 10,928,152 | 100 | 35,485 | 23,631,395 | 100 | (14,452 | ) |
During the six months ended December 31, 2014, sales decreased across all product categories except for subcontracting income. Low-carbon cold-rolled steel products accounted for 47% of the current sales mix at an average selling price of $602 per ton for the six months ended December 31, 2014, compared to 37% of the sales mix at an average selling price per ton of $563 for the six months ended December 31, 2013. Low-carbon hard-rolled steel products accounted for less than 1% of the current sales mix at an average selling price of $666 per ton for the six months ended December 31, 2014, compared to 3% of the sales mix at an average selling price per ton of $874 for the six months ended December 31, 2013, due to a decrease in demand in the export market during the period. High-carbon cold-rolled steel products accounted for 44% of the current sales mix at an average selling price of $793 per ton for the six months ended December 31, 2014, compared to 33% of the sales mix at an average selling price of $853 for the six months ended December 31, 2013. The products in this category are mainly used in the automobile industry and the decrease in sales volume period-on-period was a result of soft demand in the PRC market. Subcontracting income accounted for $358,924, or 3% of the sales mix for the six months ended December 31, 2014, an increase from $116,509 for the six months ended December 31, 2013.
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Six
Months ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | Variance | ||||||||||||||
Average Selling Prices | ($) | ($) | ($) | (%) | ||||||||||||
Low-carbon hard-rolled | 666 | 874 | (208 | ) | (24 | ) | ||||||||||
Low-carbon cold-rolled | 602 | 563 | 39 | 7 | ||||||||||||
High-carbon hot-rolled | 1,410 | 576 | 834 | 145 | ||||||||||||
High-carbon cold-rolled | 793 | 853 | (60 | ) | (7 | ) | ||||||||||
Subcontracting income | 58 | 127 | (69 | ) | (54 | ) |
For the six months ended December 31, 2014, the overall average selling price per ton decreased to $520 compared to $666 last year, representing a decrease of $146, or 22%, period-on-period. This decrease was mainly due to decreases in general steel prices and therefore our selling prices during the six months.
Sales Breakdown by Major Customer
2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||||||
Customers | $ | %
of Sales | $ | %
of Sales | ||||||||||||
Shanghai Bayou Co., Ltd. | 2,852,853 | 26 | - | * | - | * | ||||||||||
Hangzhou Desheng Metal Products Co., Ltd. | 1,073,484 | 10 | - | * | - | * | ||||||||||
Hangzhou Yongda Metal Products Co., Ltd. | 909,373 | 8 | - | * | - | * | ||||||||||
Shanghai Gonghe Industrial Co., Ltd. | 872,755 | 8 | - | * | - | * | ||||||||||
Shanghai Gangkai Trading Co., Ltd. | 477,440 | 4 | - | * | - | * | ||||||||||
Shanghai Hongyu Metal Co., Ltd. | - | * | - | * | 5,759,341 | 24 | ||||||||||
Maoxun Trading Co., Ltd. | - | * | - | * | 2,243,636 | 9 | ||||||||||
Changshu Jiacheng Steel Plating Co., Ltd. | - | * | - | * | 2,162,941 | 9 | ||||||||||
Hangzhou Pugang Steel Materials., Ltd. | - | * | - | * | 1,904,491 | 8 | ||||||||||
Zhangjiangang Gangxin New Construction Materials Co., Ltd. | - | * | - | * | 1,903,837 | 8 | ||||||||||
6,185,905 | 56 | 13,974,247 | 58 | |||||||||||||
Others | 4,742,247 | 44 | 9,657,148 | 42 | ||||||||||||
Total | 10,928,152 | 100 | 23,631,395 | 100 |
* Not major customers for the relevant periods
Sales revenue generated from our top five major customers as a percentage of total sales was 56% for the six months ended December 31, 2014, as compared to 58% in 2013. The change in customer mix reflects management’s continuous efforts in expanding our customer base and geographical coverage during the course of the year.
Cost of Goods Sold
Cost of sales decreased by $15,270,641, or 48.1%, period-on-period, to $16,486,344 for the six months ended December 31, 2014, from $31,756,985 for the six months ended December 31, 2013. Cost of sales represented 134.4% of sales revenues for the six months ended December 31, 2013, compared to 150.9% for the six months ended December 31, 2014. Average cost per unit sold decreased to $784 for the six months ended December 31, 2014, compared to $895 for the six months ended December 31, 2013, representing a decrease of $111 per ton, or 12%, period-on-period, as detailed more fully below.
2014 | 2013 | Variance | ||||||||||||||
($) | ($) | ($) | (%) | |||||||||||||
Cost of goods sold | ||||||||||||||||
- Raw materials | 10,632,622 | 25,433,002 | (14,800,380 | ) | (58.2 | ) | ||||||||||
- Direct labor | 375,916 | 341,830 | 34,086 | 10.0 | ||||||||||||
- Manufacturing overhead | 5,477,806 | 5,982,153 | (504,347 | ) | (8.4 | ) | ||||||||||
16,486,344 | 31,756,985 | (15,270,641 | ) | (48.1 | ) | |||||||||||
Cost per unit sold | ||||||||||||||||
Total units sold (tons) | 21,033 | 35,485 | (14,452 | ) | (40.7 | ) | ||||||||||
Average cost per unit sold ($/ton) | 784 | 895 | (111 | ) | (12.4 | ) |
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The decrease in average per unit cost of sales is represented by the combined effect of:
● | a decrease in raw materials per unit sold of $211, or 29.4%, from $717 for the six months ended December 31, 2013, to $506 for the six months ended December 31, 2014, offset by; |
● | an increase in direct labor per unit sold of $8 or 80.0%, from $10 for the six months ended December 31, 2013, to $18 for the six months ended December 31, 2014, and; |
● | an increase in factory overhead per unit sold of $91, or 53.8%, from $169 for the six months ended December 31, 2013, to $260 for the six months ended December 31, 2014; |
The cost of raw materials consumed decreased by $14,800,380, or 58.2%, period-on-period, to $10,632,622 for the six months ended December 31, 2014, from, $25,433,002 for the six months ended December 31, 2013. This decrease was due to a substantial decrease in total units sold as well as decrease in average raw material cost during the six months ended December 31, 2014.
Direct labor costs increased by $34,086, or 10.0%, period-on-period, to $375,916 for the six months ended December 31, 2014, to $341,830 for the six months ended December 31, 2013. Manufacturing overhead costs decreased by $504,347, or 8.4%, period-on-period, to $5,477,806 for the six months ended December 31, 2014, from $5,982,153 for the six months ended December 31, 2013. The decrease was mainly attributable to a decrease in consumables of $511,800, or 55.8%, period-on-period, to $405,628 for the six months ended December 31, 2014, from $917,428 for the six months ended December 31, 2013.
Gross Loss
Gross loss in absolute terms decreased by $2,567,398 or 31.6%, period-on-period, to a gross loss of $5,558,192 for the six months ended December 31, 2014, from a gross loss of $8,125,590 for the six months ended December 31, 2013. Gross loss margin increased from 34.4% for the six months ended December 31, 2013, to 50.9% for the six months ended December 31, 2014. The increase in gross loss margin is mainly attributable to a 22% period-on-period decrease in average selling prices.
Selling Expenses
Selling expenses decreased by $40,965, or 50.7%, period-on-period, from $80,751 for the six months ended December 31, 2013, to $39,786 for the six months ended December 31, 2014. The decrease was mainly attributable to lower sales period-on-period.
Administrative Expenses
Administrative expenses increased by $20,950 or 2.8%, period-on-period, to $771,998 for the six months ended December 31, 2014, compared to $751,048 for the six months ended December 31, 2013. This was mainly due to an increase in legal and professional fees and offset by decrease in insurance expenses period-on-period.
Allowance for Bad and Doubtful Debts
Allowance for bad and doubtful debts decreased by $7,784,291, or 66.7%, period-on-period. Allowance recognized for the six months ended December 31, 2014 was in the amount of $3,884,318 in accordance with our policy for allowance for doubtful accounts.
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Loss from Operations
Loss from operations decreased by $10,385,631, or 50.1%, period-on-period, from $20,714,640 for the six months ended December 31, 2013, to $10,329,009 for the six months ended December 31, 2014, as a result of the factors discussed above.
Other Revenues
Other revenues decreased by $57,032, or 95.0%, to $3,032 for the six months ended December 31, 2014, from $60,064 for the six months ended December 31, 2013 as a result of lower interest income on lower bank balances period-on-period.
Interest Expense
Total interest expense decreased by $33,485, or 1.8%, from $1,881,547 for the six months ended December 31, 2013, to $1,848,062 for the six months ended December 31, 2014, due to lower interest rates.
Income Tax
For the six months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, we recognized no income tax expense as a result of the net loss position.
Net Loss
Net loss decreased by $10,362,084, or 46.0%, period-on-period, to $12,174,039 for the six months ended December 31, 2014, from $22,536,123 for the six months ended December 31, 2013. The decrease in net loss is attributable to a combination of all the factors discussed above, principally the decrease in allowance for bad and doubtful debts.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our business is capital intensive and requires substantial expenditures for, among other things, the purchase and maintenance of equipment used in our operations. Our short-term and long-term liquidity needs arise primarily from capital expenditures, working capital requirements and principal and interest payments related to our outstanding indebtedness. We have met these liquidity requirements with cash provided by operations, equity financing, and bank debt. As of December 31, 2014, we had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $45,000.
The following table provides detailed information about our net cash flows for all financial statement periods presented in this report:
CASH FLOWS
Six Months Ended December 31, | ||||||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||||
Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities | $ | (358,051 | ) | $ | 478,410 | |||
Net cash (used in) investing activities | (121,679 | ) | (80,759 | ) | ||||
Net cash (used in) financing activities | - | (223,707 | ) | |||||
Net cash flow | (440,103 | ) | 59,976 |
Operating Activities
Net cash flows used in operating activities for the six months ended December 31, 2014 were $358,051, as compared to net cash flows provided by operating activities of $478,410 for the six months ended December 31, 2013, resulting in a net decrease of $836,461. This decrease was mainly due to a decrease in cash inflow from accounts payable and accrued expenses of $2,090,363 due to settlement of payables during the period, and offset by an increase in cash inflows from taxes payable of $620,791 and a decrease in cash outflow from inventories of $337,278 as a result of less purchases during the six months ended December 31, 2013.
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For the six months ended December 31, 2014, sales revenues generated from the top five major customers as a percentage of total sales was 56%, as compared to 58% in the prior period. The loss of all or portion of the sales volume from a significant customer would have an adverse effect on our operating cash flows. We note that the negative effects of the continuation and intensification of the credit tightening in China and the slowdown of the Chinese economy may have negative consequences on the business operations of our customers and adversely impact their ability to meet their financial obligations to us, resulting in unrecoverable losses on our accounts receivable. We have been strengthening our collection activities and will continue to closely monitor any changes in collection experience and the credit ratings of our customers. From time to time we will review credit periods offered, along with our collection experience and the other relevant factors, to evaluate the adequacy of our allowance for doubtful accounts, and to make changes to the allowance, if necessary. Delays or non-payment of accounts receivable would have an adverse effect on our operating cash flows.
Investing Activities
Net cash flows used in investing activities for the six months ended December 31, 2014 were $121,679, as compared with $80,759 for the six months ended December 31, 2013. The cash was used to purchase additional property, plant and equipment to complement our existing production facilities.
Financing Activities
Net cash flows used in financing activities for the six months ended December 31, 2014 were $nil, as compared to $223,707 for the six months ended December 31, 2013, for a net decrease of $223,707, as the Company made a partial repayment of short-term loans during the six months ended December 31, 2013.
Our working capital requirements and the cash flow provided by future operating activities will vary from quarter to quarter, and are dependent on factors such as volume of business and payment terms with our customers. As such, we may need to rely on access to the financial markets to provide us with significant discretionary funding capacity. As the Company’s securities have been removed from the NASDAQ Stock Market and are now listed on the OTC Bulletin Board, capital financing has become more difficult for us or impossible altogether. In June and July 2012, we defaulted on the repayment obligations of our short-term and long-term bank loans totaling $43,915,781 at December 31, 2014. As detailed more fully below in “Loan Facilities”, we aim to work out a repayment plan with the banks but there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to successfully do so. Further, each of these lenders has the right to take possession of the collateral (which collectively constitute substantial assets of the Company) granted in connection with their respective loan agreements. The unavailability of debt financing as a result of economic pressures on the credit and equity markets could have a material adverse effect on our business operations.
Going Concern
Historically, we have funded our operations and expansion expenditures from cash generated by operating activities, bank borrowings and issuance of common stock. We believe that we have the financial resources needed to meet business requirements for the next twelve months if we are able to work out a repayment plan acceptable to us with our banks for the defaulted loans. The uncertainty surrounding the successful restructuring of our bank loans and our current lack of readily available liquidity provided by other third party sources raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. Our consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.
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Current Assets
Current assets decreased by $6,921,682, or 31.1%, period-on-period, to $15,327,637 as of December 31, 2014, from $22,249,319 as of June 30, 2014, principally as a result of a decrease in advances to suppliers of $4,709,991, or 83.7%.
As we expect the slowdown of the Chinese economy and overcapacity in the Chinese steel industry to continue to have negative consequences on the business operations of our customers and adversely impact their ability to meet their financial obligations to us, we have largely limited further credit sales and will only offer credit terms to customers with good payment histories.
To reserve for potentially uncollectible accounts receivable, we have made a 50% provision for all accounts receivable that are over 180 days past due and full provision for all accounts receivable over one year past due. We will also regularly review these credit periods, along with our collection experience and the other factors discussed above, to evaluate the adequacy of our allowance for doubtful accounts, and to make changes to the allowance, if necessary. If our actual collection experience or other conditions change, revisions to our allowances may be required, including a further provision which could adversely affect our operating income, or write back of provision when estimated uncollectible accounts are actually collected. Any such additional bad debt charges could materially and adversely affect our future operating results.
The following table reflects the aging of our accounts receivable based on due date as of December 31, 2014 and June 30, 2014:
December 31, 2014
US$ | Total | Current | 1 to 30 days | 31 to 90 days | 91 to 180 days | 181 to 360 days | over 1 year | ||||||||||||||||||||||
TOTAL | 9,568,740 | 298,972 | 612,483 | 395,206 | 321,196 | 1,198,904 | 6,741,979 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
% | 100 | 3 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 13 | 71 |
June 30, 2014
US$ | Total | Current | 1 to 30 days | 31 to 90 days |
91 to 180 days | 181 to 360 days |
over 1 year |
||||||||||||||||||||||
TOTAL | 7,601,233 | 191,720 | 143,909 | 183,181 | 703,144 | 2,890,311 | 3,488,698 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
% | 100 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 9 | 38 | 46 |
Current Liabilities
Current liabilities increased by $480,056, or 0.8%, period-on-period, to $63,689,332 as of December 31, 2014, from $63,209,276 as of June 30, 2014. The increase was mainly attributable to an increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $3,052,948, or 24.9%, and offset by a decrease in advances from customers of $2,555,837, or 37.2%, period-on-period.
As of December 31, 2014, we had $27,715,781 in short-term loans and $16,200,000 in long-term loan current portion. Principal and interest under these loans were to be repaid in full in July and June 2012, but the Company has defaulted on these repayment obligations. The Company aims to restructure these loans but there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to successfully do so.
Capital Expenditures
During the six months ended December 31, 2014, we invested $121,679 in purchases of additional property, plant and equipment.
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Loan Facilities
The following table illustrates our credit facilities as of December 31, 2014, providing the name of the lender, the amount of the facility, the date of issuance and the maturity date:
All amounts in U.S. dollars
Lender | Date of Loan | Maturity Date | Duration | Interest Rate | Principal
Amount | |||||||||||
Raiffeisen ZentralbankÖsterreich AG (“RZB“) | June 29, 2011 | July 31, 2012 | 1 year | 1.15 times of the PBOC rate | 8,080,375 (RMB 50,154,084 | ) | ||||||||||
Raiffeisen ZentralbankÖsterreich AG | June 29, 2010 | July 31, 2012 | 1 year | 1.15 times of the PBOC rate | 19,635,406 (RMB 121,875,000 | ) | ||||||||||
27,715,781 | ||||||||||||||||
DEG – Deutsche Investitions – und EntwicklungsgesellschaftmbH | June 29, 2010 | June 15, 2016 | 6 years | 6 month USD LIBOR + 4.5% | 16,200,000 | |||||||||||
16,200,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Total | 43,915,781 |
On January 29, 2010, Shanghai Blessford entered into a Senior Loan Agreement with DEG-Deutsche Investitions-Und Entwicklungsgesellschaft Mbh (“DEG”) for a loan amount up to $18,000,000 at an annual interest rate of 4.5% above the six-month USD LIBOR rate. The loan is to be repaid semi-annually over five years starting on December 15, 2011 and is secured by a mortgage on the new cold rolling line and annealing furnaces at Shanghai Blessford’s facilities and guaranteed by the Company. In June 2012, the Company defaulted on its semi-annual principal and interest repayment obligation. The Company aims to resolve this by working out a repayment plan but there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to successfully do so. Until any agreement is reached, DEG has the right to cancel the total outstanding commitment of the loan, demand immediate repayment of all or part of the loan with accrued interest, and/or terminate the loan agreement. DEG also has the right to take possession of the collateral granted in connection with its respective loan agreements, which action would have a material adverse impact on the Company.
On June 29, 2011, the Company entered into two short-term loan agreements with Raiffeisen Zentralbank Osterreich AG, or “RZB”, pursuant to which the Company borrowed an aggregate of $27,246,477 at an annual interest rate of 1.15 times the standard market rate set by the People’s Bank of China. The loans are secured by inventories, land use rights, buildings and plant and machinery, and is guaranteed by PSHL and our former Chairman, Mr. Wo Hing Li. Mr. Li also undertook to maintain a shareholding percentage in the Company of not less than 33.4% unless otherwise agreed to with RZB. Principal and interest under the loans were to be repaid in full on July 31, 2012, but the Company has defaulted on this repayment obligation. On April 16, 2014, we received a notice from China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission regarding an arbitration pleading filed by RZB for the defaulted short-term loan. The arbitration hearing took place on October 14, 2014. An arbitral award was subsequently issued on December 31, 2014 which orders the repayment of the loan principal with any late and penalty interest and that RZB has first priority on the proceeds realized from the sale of any assets which collateralize the loan. In spite of this, talks have continued with RZB and we are currently in discussion to remove the covenant to maintain specific levels of inventories that collateralize the loan. If this is agreed to, we plan to sell a portion of the inventories and lower our inventory level for faster turnover, and repay the sale proceeds to RZB. We aim to work out a repayment plan with RZB but there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to successfully do so. Any restructuring will be subject to approval by RZB’s governing bodies, and to the Company’s ability to meet certain conditions and requirements that may be imposed by the Bank. RZB also has the right to take possession of the collateral granted in connection with their respective loan agreements and the arbitral award, which action would have a material adverse impact on the Company.
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Obligations under Material Contracts
Below is a table setting forth our material contractual obligations as of December 31, 2014, debt obligations include principal repayments and interest payments:
Payments Due By Year | ||||||||||||||||||||
Contractual obligations: | Total | Fiscal
Year 2015 | Fiscal
Year 2016-2017 | Fiscal
Year 2018-2019 | Fiscal
Years 2020 and Beyond | |||||||||||||||
Short-Term Debt Obligations | $ | 29,500,677 | $ | 29,500,677 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||||||
Current Portion of Long-Term Debt Obligations | $ | 16,981,844 | $ | 16,981,844 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||||||
$ | 46,482,521 | $ | 46,482,521 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - |
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant and Equipment (Topic 360) (“ASU 2014-08”). ASU 2014-08 amends the requirements for reporting discontinued operations and requires additional disclosures about discontinued operations. Under the new guidance, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations or that have a major effect on the Company’s operations and financial results should be presented as discontinued operations. This new accounting guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014. The Company does not believe adoption of this new guidance will have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 will eliminate transaction- and industry-specific revenue recognition guidance under current U.S. GAAP and replace it with a principle based approach for determining revenue recognition. ASU 2014-09 will require that companies recognize revenue based on the value of transferred goods or services as they occur in the contract. The ASU also will require additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. ASU 2014-09 is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and early adoption is not permitted. Entities can transition to the standard either retrospectively or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of ASU 2014-09 on its consolidated financial statements.
In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-11, Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860): Repurchase to Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings and Disclosures (“ASU 2014-11”). This ASU changes the accounting for repurchase-to-maturity transactions to secured borrowing accounting, requires certain disclosures for transactions accounted for as sales and requires certain disclosures for other transactions accounted for as secured borrowings. The provisions of this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2014 and for interim periods beginning after March 15, 2015. The Company does not believe adoption of this new guidance will have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-13, Consolidation (Topic 810): Measuring the Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities of a Consolidated Collateralized Financing Entity (“ASU 2014-13”). This ASU allows a reporting entity to elect to measure the financial assets and the financial liabilities of a consolidated collateralized financing entity using either the measurement alternative included in the Update or Topic 820. The provisions of this ASU are effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an annual period. The Company does not believe adoption of this new guidance will have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosures of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern (“ASU 2014-15”). This ASU requires management to evaluate whether there are conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. This ASU also requires management to disclose certain information depending on the results of the going concern evaluation. The provisions of this ASU are effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and for interim and annual periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of ASU 2014-15 on its consolidated financial statements.
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In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-01, Income Statement - Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20): Simplifying Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items (“ASU 2015-01”). This ASU eliminates from GAAP the concept of extraordinary items. The ASU retains and expands the existing presentation and disclosure guidance for items that are unusual in nature or occur infrequently to also include items that are both unusual in nature and infrequently occurring. The provisions of this ASU are effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted, provided that presentation applied to the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The Company does not believe adoption of this new guidance will have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.
Seasonality
Our operating results and operating cash flows historically have been subject to seasonal variations. Our revenues are usually higher in the second half of the calendar year than in the first half of the calendar year and the first quarter of the calendar year is usually the slowest quarter because fewer projects are undertaken during and around the Chinese New Year holidays.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
For the six months ended December 31, 2014, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
Not Applicable.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) that are designed to ensure that information that would be required to be disclosed in Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including to our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
As required by Rule 13a-15 under the Exchange Act, our management, including our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Hai Sheng Chen, and Chief Financial Officer, Ms. Leada Tak Tai Li, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2014. Based upon, and as of the date of this evaluation, Mr. Chen and Ms. Li, determined that because of the material weaknesses described below, as of December 31, 2014, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective.
During its review of our consolidated financial statements for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2014, our management concluded that our accounting staff lacked sufficient accounting skills and experience necessary to fulfill our public reporting obligations according to U.S. GAAP and the SEC’s rules and regulations.
Management is currently seeking for and plans to appoint qualified personnel as soon as practicable to remediate this material weakness. Our management does not believe that this material weakness had a material effect on our financial condition or results of operations or caused our financial statements as of and for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2014, such as to contain a material misstatement.
Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting
We regularly review our system of internal control over financial reporting and make changes to our processes and systems to improve controls and increase efficiency, while ensuring that we maintain an effective internal control environment. Changes may include such activities as implementing new, more efficient systems, consolidating activities, and migrating processes.
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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OTHER INFORMATION
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.
Not Applicable.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.
None.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.
None.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.
Not applicable.
We have no information to disclose that was required to be in a report on Form 8-K during the period covered by this report, but was not reported. There have been no material changes to the procedures by which security holders may recommend nominees to our board of directors.
The following exhibits are filed as part of this report or incorporated by reference:
Exhibit No. | Description | |
31.1* | Certifications of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | |
31.2* | Certifications of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | |
32.1* | Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | |
32.2* | Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
101.INS** | XBRL Instance Document | |
101.SCH** | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document | |
101.CAL** | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document | |
101.DEF** | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document | |
101.LAB** | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document | |
101.PRE** | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document |
* Filed Herewith.
** In accordance with Regulation S-T, the XBRL-formatted interactive data files that comprise Exhibit 101 in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q shall be deemed “furnished” and not “filed”.
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In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Date: February 13, 2015 | CHINA PRECISION STEEL, INC. | |
By: | /s/ Hai Sheng Chen | |
Hai Sheng Chen, Chief Executive Officer | ||
(Principal Executive Officer) |
By: | /s/ Leada Tak Tai Li | |
Leada Tak Tai Li, Chief Financial Officer | ||
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) |
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