smartheat20180331_10q.htm

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549   

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 


 

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2018

OR

 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

Commission file number: 001-34246

 

SMARTHEAT INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Nevada

98-0514768

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation

or organization)

(IRS Employer Identification No.)

 

60 East Ren-Min Road

Da-Chai Dan Town

Xai Xi County, Qing Hai Province 

8100000

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

 

+86 (24) 2519-7699

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Indicate by checkmark 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 last 90 days.

YES  ☐     NO  ☒

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files).

YES  ☐     NO  ☒

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer, “accelerated filer,” “non-accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth 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 ☒

Emerging Growth Company ☐

 

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

YES  ☐     NO  ☒

 

APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS

 

As of March 31, 2018 there were 8,683,399 shares of common stock outstanding.

 

 

 

SmartHeat Inc.

 

Table of Contents

 

 

 

Page

Note about Forward-Looking Statements

1

 

 

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements

3

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

21

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

31

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

31

 

 

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

32

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

32

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

32

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

32

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

32

Item 5.

Other Information

32

Item 6.

Exhibits

33

     
  Exhibit Index 33

 

 

 

 

Signatures

34


 

 

 

 

NOTE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND OTHER INFORMATION

 

This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, which include, but are not limited to, statements concerning our projected revenues, expenses, gross profit and income, mix of revenue, demand for our products, the benefits and potential applications for our products, the need for additional capital, our ability to obtain and successfully perform additional new contract awards and the related funding and profitability of such awards, the competitive nature of our business and markets and product qualification requirements of our customers. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations, estimates and projections about our industry, management’s beliefs and certain assumptions made by us. Words such as “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “predicts,” “potential,” “believes,” “seeks,” “hopes,” “estimates,” “should,” “may,” “will,” “with a view to” and variations of these words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, our actual results could differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Such factors include, but are not limited to the following:

 

●  

our goals and strategies;

 

●  

our expansion plans;

 

●  

our future business development, financial conditions and results of operations;

 

●  

our expectations regarding demand for our products;

 

●  

our expectations regarding keeping and strengthening our relationships with key customers;

 

●  

our ability to stay abreast of market trends and technological advances;

 

●  

our ability to protect our intellectual property rights effectively and not infringe on the intellectual property rights of others;

 

●  

our ability to attract and retain quality employees;

 

●  

our ability to pursue strategic acquisitions and alliances;

 

●  

competition in our industry in China;

 

●  

general economic and business conditions in the regions in which we sell our products;

 

●  

relevant government policies and regulations relating to our industry; and

 

●  

market acceptance of our products.

 

Additionally, this report contains statistical data that we obtained from various publicly available government publications and industry-specific third party reports. Statistical data in these publications also include projections based on a number of assumptions. The changing nature of our customers’ industries results in uncertainties in any projections or estimates relating to the growth prospects or future condition of our markets. Furthermore, if any one or more of the assumptions underlying the market data is later found to be incorrect, actual results may differ from the projections based on these assumptions.

 

Unless otherwise indicated, information in this report concerning economic conditions and our industry is based on information from independent industry analysts and publications, as well as our estimates. Except where otherwise noted, our estimates are derived from publicly available information released by third party sources, as well as data from our internal research, and are based on such data and our knowledge of our industry, which we believe to be reasonable. None of the market data from independent industry publications cited in this report was prepared on our or our affiliates’ behalf.

 

1

 

 

Additional information on the various risks and uncertainties potentially affecting our operating results are discussed in this report and other documents we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, or available upon written request to our corporate secretary at: A-1, 10, Street 7, Shenyang Economic and Technological Development Zone, Shenyang, China 110141. We undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason, except as required by law. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

 

As used in this report, “SmartHeat,” “Company,” “we,” “our” and similar terms refer to SmartHeat Inc. and its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise.

 

Our functional currency is the US Dollar, or USD, while the functional currency of our subsidiaries in China are denominated in Chinese Yuan Renminbi, or RMB, the national currency of the People’s Republic of China, which we refer to as the PRC or China, and the functional currency of our subsidiary in Germany is denominated in Euros, or EUR. The functional currencies of our foreign operations are translated into USD for balance sheet accounts using the current exchange rates in effect as of the balance sheet date and for revenue and expense accounts using the average exchange rate during the fiscal year. See Note 2 of the consolidated financial statements included herein.

 

Effective February 7, 2012, we implemented a one-for-ten reverse stock split of our common stock. Unless otherwise indicated, all share amounts and per share prices in this report were retroactively adjusted to reflect the effect of this reverse stock split. See Note 1 of the consolidated financial statements included herein.

 

 

2

 

 

Part I – Financial Information

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

SMARTHEAT INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

   

MARCH 31, 2018

   

DECEMBER 31, 2017

 
   

(UNAUDITED)

         

ASSETS

               
                 

CURRENT ASSETS

               

     Cash and equivalents

  $ 318,001     $ 374,827  

     Notes receivable

    9,542       9,182  

     Accounts receivable, net

    77,680       20,440  

     Other receivables (net), prepayments and deposits

    151,003       96,321  

     Inventories, net

    312,975       301,187  

     Advances to suppliers, net

    33,562       30,920  

     Taxes receivable

    5,153       30,553  
                 

        Total current assets

    907,916       863,430  
                 

NONCURRENT ASSETS

               

     Property and equipment, net

    15,293       15,639  
                 

       Total noncurrent assets

    15,293       15,639  
                 

TOTAL ASSETS

  $ 923,209     $ 879,069  
                 
                 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT

               
                 

CURRENT LIABILITIES

               

     Accounts payable

  $ 732,908     $ 705,302  

     Advances from customers

    1,302,217       1,253,171  

     Taxes payable

    8,446       8,645  

     Accrued liabilities and other payables

    8,712,090       8,477,739  
                 

         Total current liabilities

    10,755,661       10,444,857  
                 

CREDIT LINE PAYABLE

    2,875,335       2,875,335  
                 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

    13,630,996       13,320,192  
                 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

               
                 

STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT

               

     Common stock, $0.001 par value; 75,000,000 shares authorized, 8,683,399 shares issued and outstanding

    8,683       8,683  

     Paid-in capital

    86,004,457       86,004,457  

     Statutory reserve

    780,682       780,682  

     Accumulated other comprehensive income

    14,868,890       15,017,636  

     Accumulated deficit

    (119,805,165 )     (119,678,979 )

     Dividend

    (225,000 )     (200,000 )
                 

         Total Company stockholders' deficit

    (18,367,453 )     (18,067,521 )
                 

         NONCONTROLLING INTEREST

    5,659,666       5,626,398  
                 

         TOTAL DEFICIT

    (12,707,787 )     (12,441,123 )
                 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND DEFICIT

  $ 923,209     $ 879,069  

  

3

 

 

SMARTHEAT INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

 

   

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31 ,

 
   

2018

   

2017

 
   

(UNAUDITED)

 
                 

Net sales

  $ 1,007     $ 5,629  

Cost of sales

    856       4,349  
                 

Gross profit

    151       1,280  
                 

Operating expenses

               

     Selling

    28,567       29,482  

     General and administrative

    118,660       (28,238 )

     Reversal for provision for bad debts

    (59,953 )     -  
                 

     Total operating expenses

    87,274       1,244  
                 

Income (loss) from operations

    (87,123 )     36  
                 

Non-operating income (expenses)

               

     Interest income

    206       777  

     Interest expense

    (139,058 )     (97,937 )

     Financial expense

    (44 )     (3,380 )

     Other income, net

    2,095       -  
                 

     Total non-operating expenses, net

    (136,801 )     (100,540 )
                 

Loss before income tax benefit

    (223,924 )     (100,504 )
                 

Income tax benefit

    -       (657 )
                 

Loss from continuing operations

    (223,924 )     (99,847 )
                 

Income (loss) from operations of discontinued entities, net of tax

    122,362       (60,795 )
                 

Loss including noncontrolling interest

    (101,562 )     (160,642 )
                 

Less: gain (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest from continuing operations

    23,156       (13,020 )
                 

Less: gain (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest from discontinued operations, net of tax

    1,468       (730 )
                 

Net loss to SmartHeat Inc.

    (126,186 )     (146,892 )
                 

Other comprehensive item

               

     Foreign currency translation loss attributable to discontinued operations

    (145,761 )     (23,132 )

     Foreign currency translation loss (gain) attributable to SmartHeat Inc.

    (2,985 )     1,695,162  

     Foreign currency translation gain attributable to noncontrolling interest

    8,644       591  
                 

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to SmartHeat Inc.

  $ (274,932 )   $ 1,525,138  
                 

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest

  $ 33,268     $ (13,159 )
                 

Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding

  $ 8,683,399       8,283,399  
                 

Basic and diluted loss per share from continuing operations

  $ (0.03 )   $ (0.01 )
                 

Basic and diluted gain per share from discontinued operations

  $ 0.01     $ (0.01 )
                 

Basic and diluted net loss per share

  $ (0.01 )   $ (0.02 )

   

4

 

 

SMARTHEAT INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

   

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31 ,

 
   

2018

   

2017

 
   

(UNAUDITED)

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

               

            Loss including noncontrolling interest

  $ (101,562 )   $ (160,642 )

            Adjustments to reconcile loss including noncontrolling

            interest to net cash used in operating activities:

               

            Depreciation and amortization

    947       4,206  

            Reversal for provision for bad debts

    (169,506 )     (37,049 )

            Provision for inventory impairment

    -       3,145  

                         (Increase) decrease in assets and liabilities:

               

                                   Accounts receivable

    52,328       70,104  

                                   Retentions receivable

    15,087       5,903  

                                   Advances to suppliers

    (1,414 )     -  

                                   Other receivables, prepayments and deposits

    89,564       (1,088 )

                                   Inventories

    -       3,205  

                                   Taxes receivable

    26,284       5,381  

                                   Accounts payable

    -       (6,951 )

                                   Advances from customers

    -       53,140  

                                   Taxs payable

    -       (8,873 )

                                   Accrued liabilities and other payables

    17,564       100,127  
                 

            Net cash used in (provided by) operating activities

    (70,708 )     30,608  
                 

EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGE ON CASH AND EQUIVALENTS

    13,882       5,676  
                 

NET DECREASE (INCREASE) IN CASH AND EQUIVALENTS

    (56,826 )     36,284  
                 

CASH AND EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD

    374,827       1,046,884  
                 

CASH AND EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD

  $ 318,001     $ 1,083,168  
                 

Supplemental cash flow data:

               

   Income tax paid

  $ -     $ -  

   Interest paid

  $ -     $ 170  

  

5

 

 

SMARTHEAT INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2018 (UNAUDITED) AND DECEMBER 31, 2017

 

1. ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

 

SmartHeat Inc., formerly known as Pacific Goldrim Resources, Inc. (the “Company” or “SmartHeat”), was incorporated on August 4, 2006, in the State of Nevada and at that time had little or no operations. On April 14, 2008 we changed our name to SmartHeat Inc. and acquired all of the equity interests in Taiyu, at that time a leading developer of plate heat exchangers (“PHEs”) and PHE Units in China.  Taiyu was formed in July 2002 under the laws of China and is headquartered in Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, China.  The Company, through its operating subsidiaries in China and Germany, formerly designed, manufactured, sold PHEs, PHE Units, temperature sensors, valves and automated control systems, heat meters and heat pumps for use in commercial and residential buildings until the sale of certain of its subsidiaries effective December 31, 2014.

 

On August 23, 2013, the Company formed two new wholly-owned subsidiaries in the State of Nevada, Heat HP Inc., and HEAT PHE Inc. On the same date, the Company’s United States (“US”) parent entered into Assignment Agreements with Heat HP Inc. and Heat PHE Inc., respectively. Under the Assignment Agreements, the Company transferred 100% of its right, title and interest in certain subsidiaries to Heat HP Inc. and Heat PHE Inc. The reorganization was performed so the Company’s subsidiaries would be organized along their respective operating segments with Heat HP holding those subsidiaries that operated in the heat pumps and related products segment and Heat PHE holding those subsidiaries that operated in the plate heating equipment, meters and related products segment.

 

After the assignment, Heat HP Inc. owned 100% of SmartHeat (China) Investment Co., Ltd. (“SmartHeat Investment”), SmartHeat (Shanghai) Trading Co., Ltd. (“SmartHeat Trading”), Beijing SmartHeat Jinhui Energy Technology Co., Ltd. (“Jinhui”), SmartHeat Deutschland GmbH (“SmartHeat Germany”), and 98.8% of SmartHeat (Shenyang) Heat Pump Technology Co., Ltd. (“SmartHeat Pump”).

 

After the assignment, Heat PHE Inc. owned 100% of SmartHeat Taiyu (Shenyang) Energy Technology Co., Ltd. (“Taiyu”), SanDeKe Co., Ltd., (“SanDeKe”), SmartHeat Siping Beifang Energy Technology Co., Ltd. (“SmartHeat Siping”), SmartHeat (Shenyang) Energy Equipment Co., Ltd. (“SmartHeat Energy”), and 51% of Hohhot Ruicheng Technology Co., Ltd. (“Ruicheng”).

 

On August 23, 2013, the Company entered into a Stock Pledge Agreement with Northtech Holdings Inc. (“Northtech”). The Company delivered share certificates to Northtech representing 55% of Heat HP Inc. and Heat PHE Inc. to perfect the security interest in each of the Company’s directly and wholly-owned subsidiaries granted to Northtech as collateral security for all of the obligations of the Company to Northtech.

 

In December 2013, SmartHeat US parent incorporated SmartHeat Heat Exchange Equipment Co. (“Heat Exchange”) in China with registered capital of $3.00 million for manufacturing and sale of PHE and PHE related products.

 

On December 30, 2013, the Company, closed the transaction contemplated by the Equity Interest Purchase Agreement (“EIPA”) dated October 10, 2013, whereby the buyers purchased 40% of the Company’s equity interests in the following PHE segment subsidiaries: Taiyu; SmartHeat Siping; SmartHeat Energy; Ruicheng; and XinRui (collectively, the “Target Companies”). The purchase price was RMB 5 million ($0.82 million). XinRui was 46% owned by SmartHeat US parent prior to the 40% equity interest sale.

 

On November 28, 2014, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated EIPA, which amended and restated the EIPA dated October 10, 2013 between the Company and the buyers. Under the terms of the Amended EIPA, the buyers agreed to purchase the remaining 60% of the Company’s equity interests in the Target Companies effective as of December 31, 2014 (the “Closing Date”). The purchase price for the remaining 60% consisted of: (i) RMB 8.5 million ($1.4 million) and (ii) the forgiveness of all net indebtedness of $11.75 million owed to the Target Companies by SmartHeat and each of its other subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014 subject to termination provisions as set forth in EIPA.

 

6

 

 

The effectiveness of the transaction was subject to the following conditions: (i) approval of its shareholders and (ii) receipt by the Board of Directors (“BOD” or the “Board”) of the Company of an opinion that the purchase and sale transaction was fair to the shareholders of SmartHeat from a financial point of view. The parties executed a mutual release to be delivered at the closing which provided, in part, for the target companies to forgive all net indebtedness of $11.75 million from SmartHeat and all of its other subsidiaries. In the event that the conditions were not met prior to December 31, 2014, the consideration and all documents were to be deposited into escrow and released when the conditions were satisfied; provided that if the conditions were not satisfied on or before March 31, 2015, either party was able to terminate the Amended EIPA and the funds and documents were to be returned to the depositing party. The termination deadline of the Amended EIPA was extended to May 15, 2015.

 

On May 11, 2015, the Company’s stockholders approved the sale of all of the remaining interests, constituting 100% of its ownership interests, (the “Stock Sale”) of certain subsidiaries of the Company as described above, all of the conditions precedents to the Stock Sale were satisfied. The parties executed a mutual release which became effective and provided, in part, that the Target Companies forgave all net indebtedness from SmartHeat and all of its other subsidiaries owed to the Target Companies. The consideration and all documents relating to the transaction were released from escrow upon the satisfaction of the foregoing conditions.  The buyers consisted of 25 natural persons, all of whom are PRC citizens, including Wen Sha, Jun Wang and Xudong Wang, managers of the Company’s subsidiaries engaged in the PHE segment of its business, and Huajun Ai and Yingkai Wang, the Company’s Corporate Secretary and Acting Chief Accountant, respectively. Huajun Ai, Wen Sha, Jun Wang and Xudong Wang are also principals in Northtech.  

 

On January 20, 2016, SmartHeat Pump entered and closed a Share Purchase Agreement with a series of buyers to sell 85% of the equity shares of SmartHeat Germany for Euro 170,000 ($185,400).  The purchase price of Euro 170,000 was returned to the buyers and subsequently paid into SmartHeat Germany as a reserve by the buyers. The buyers are not related parties of the Company. SmartHeat Germany had losses and our management decided to sell at a minimal or no cost due to its higher operating cost.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2016, SmartHeat Pump filed for bankruptcy protection in China due to the slowdown of the business. SmartHeat Pump filed bankruptcy documents with the proper authorities in China, and expects the bankruptcy process to last for a few years before obtaining the final approval.  Accordingly, the Company reclassified SmartHeat Pump business as discontinued operation and made an impairment reserve for its assets including accounts receivable, retentions receivable, other receivables, advance to suppliers, inventory, deferred tax assets, fixed assets and intangible assets.

 

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The consolidated financial statements (“CFS”) were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”).

 

The CFS include the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

The interim consolidated financial information as of March 31, 2018 and for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 was prepared without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures, which are normally included in CFS prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have not been included. The interim consolidated financial information should be read in conjunction with the Financial Statements and the notes thereto, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, previously filed with the SEC on November 30, 2018.

 

In the opinion of management, all adjustments (which include all significant normal and recurring adjustments) necessary to present a fair statement of the Company’s consolidated financial position as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, its consolidated results of operations and cash flows for three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, as applicable, have been made.

 

7

 

 

Principles of Consolidation 

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, the accompanying CFS include the accounts of SmartHeat’s US parent, its subsidiaries Heat HP and Heat PHE, and their subsidiaries SanDeKe, Jinhui, SmartHeat Investment, SmartHeat Trading, SmartHeat Pump, and Heat Exchange, which are collectively referred to as the “Company.” All significant intercompany accounts and transactions were eliminated in consolidation.

 

Going Concern

 

The Company has incurred significant recurring losses from operations in the past several years, including a net loss from continuing operations of $126,186 for the three months ended March 31, 2018; and an accumulated deficit of $119,805,165 as of March 31, 2018. These conditions raise a substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.

 

The Company currently seeks potential assets, property or businesses to acquire, in a business combination, by reorganization, merger or acquisition.  The plan of operation for the next 12 months is to: (i) consider guidelines of industries in which the Company may have an interest; (ii) adopt a business plan regarding engaging in the business of any selected industry; and (iii) to commence operations through funding and/or the acquisition or business combination with a “going concern” engaged in any industry selected. 

 

Noncontrolling Interest 

 

The Company follows Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 810, “Consolidation,” which established new standards governing the accounting for and reporting of noncontrolling interests (“NCIs”) in partially owned consolidated subsidiaries and the loss of control of subsidiaries. Certain provisions of this standard indicate, among other things, that NCIs, previously referred to as minority interests, be treated as a separate component of equity, not as a liability, as was previously the case, that increases and decreases in the parent’s ownership interest that leave control intact be treated as equity transactions rather than as step acquisitions or dilution gains or losses and that losses of a partially owned consolidated subsidiary be allocated to the NCI even when such allocation might result in a deficit balance. This standard also required changes to certain presentation and disclosure requirements. Losses attributable to the NCI in a subsidiary may exceed the NCI’s interests in the subsidiary’s equity. The excess attributable to the NCI is attributed to those interests. The NCI shall continue to be attributed its share of losses even if that attribution results in a deficit NCI balance.

 

On July 27, 2012, the Company entered into a secured, revolving credit facility under the terms of a Secured Credit Agreement with Northtech Holdings Inc., a British Virgin Islands business corporation (“Northtech”) for the Company’s working capital needs.  On December 28, 2015, the Company entered into the Fourth Amendment to the Credit and Security Agreement dated July 27, 2012, as first amended on December 21, 2012 and subsequently amended on August 23, 2013, and July 14, 2014, between the Company and Northtech (see Note 11).  Under the Fourth Amendment, SmartHeat paid loan repayment of $1,000,000, by such number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock of Heat HP convertible into 20% of the issued and outstanding Common Stock of Heat HP on fully diluted basis, with a conversion, redemption and liquidation value of $1,000,000, and a 10% cumulative dividend accruing and payable quarterly ($25,000 per quarter).  Accordingly, Northtech became the 20% noncontrolling interest of Heat HP Inc.

 

Use of Estimates

 

In preparing the financial statements in conformity with US GAAP, management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates, required by management, include the recoverability of long-lived assets, allowance for doubtful accounts and the reserve for obsolete and slow-moving inventories. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Cash and Equivalents

 

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.  

 

8

 

 

The following table presents in US dollars (“USD”) the amount of cash and equivalents held by the Company as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, based on the jurisdiction of deposit. The Company’s US parent holds cash and equivalents in US bank accounts denominated in USD.

 

   

United States

   

China

   

Total

 

March 31, 2018

    -     $ 318,001     $ 318,001  

December 31, 2017

    -     $ 374,827     $ 374,827  

 

Accounts and Retentions Receivable, net

 

The Company maintains reserves for potential credit losses on accounts receivable. Management reviews the composition of accounts receivable and analyzes historical bad debts, customer concentrations, customer credit worthiness, current economic trends and changes in customer payment patterns to evaluate the adequacy of these reserves. Based on historical collection activity, the Company had allowances of $1.84 million and $1.88 million at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

 

At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company had retentions receivable from customers for product quality assurance of $0.17 million and $0.18 million, respectively. The retention rate varies from 5% to 20% of the sales price with variable terms from three to 24 months depending on the shipping date, and for PHE Units, the customer acceptance date of the products and the number of heating seasons that the warranty period covers. The Company had allowances of $0.17 million and $0.18 million at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

 

Advances to Suppliers, net

 

The Company makes advances to certain vendors to purchase raw material and equipment for production. The advances are interest-free and unsecured. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company had allowances for advances to suppliers of $2.36 million and $2.27 million, respectively.

 

Inventories, net

 

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined on a moving weighted-average basis. The difference is recorded as a cost of goods sold, if the current market value is lower than their historical cost. In addition, the Company makes an inventory impairment provision analysis at each period end for inventory held over 360 days. Cost of work in progress and finished goods comprises direct material, direct labor and an allocated portion of production overheads. 

 

As part of inventory impairment analysis, the Company performs an evaluation of raw materials stored over one year and not anticipated to be consumed, and an evaluation of potential impairment to the quality of these raw materials. If management anticipates that obsolete raw materials in inventory can be utilized and will be consumed within the next six months through new customer orders or substitute orders, no impairment is recorded. The Company collects information about delayed and canceled contracts and meets with affected customers to discuss their financing situation and their projections of future orders. Finished goods manufactured for delayed and canceled contracts that the Company does not expect to be reinstated and contracts for which the Company has been unable to find substitute customers become impaired. Following the completion of the impairment analysis, the Company had inventory impairment allowance of $7.73 million and $7.44 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The Company recorded inventory impairment provision of $0 and $0.01 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, which was included in the cost of sales.  

 

Property and Equipment, net

 

Property and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred; additions, renewals and betterments are capitalized. When property and equipment are retired or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective accounts and any gain or loss is included in operations. Depreciation of property and equipment is provided using the straight-line method with a 10% salvage value and estimated lives as follows: 

 

Buildings

20 years

Vehicles

5 years

Office equipment

5 years

Production equipment

5-10 years

 

9

 

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

Long-lived assets, which include tangible assets, such as property and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.

 

Recoverability of long-lived assets to be held and used is measured by comparing the carrying amount of an asset to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value (“FV”) of the assets. FV generally is determined using the asset’s expected future discounted cash flows or market value, if readily determinable. 

 

Warranties

 

The Company offers all customers standard warranties on its products for one or two heating seasons depending on the terms negotiated. The Company accrues for warranty costs based on estimates of the costs that may be incurred under its warranty obligations. The warranty expense and related accrual is included in the Company’s selling expenses and other payables respectively, and is recorded when revenue is recognized. Factors that affect the Company’s warranty liability include the number of units sold, its estimates of anticipated rates of warranty claims, costs per claim and estimated support labor costs and the associated overhead. The Company periodically assesses the adequacy of its recorded warranty liabilities and adjusts the amounts as necessary.

 

Research and Development Costs

 

Research and development (“R&D”) costs are expensed as incurred and included in general and administrative (“G&A”) expenses. These costs primarily consist of cost of materials used, salaries paid for the Company’s development department and fees paid to third parties. R&D costs for three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 were $0.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company follows FASB ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes,” which requires recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for expected future tax consequences of events included in the financial statements or tax returns. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences in future years of differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts at each period end based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

 

When tax returns are filed, it is likely that some positions taken would be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities, while others are subject to uncertainty about the merits of the position taken or the amount of the position that would be ultimately sustained. The benefit of a tax position is recognized in the financial statements in the period during which, based on all available evidence, management believes it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of appeals or litigation processes, if any. Tax positions taken are not offset or aggregated with other positions. Tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement with the applicable taxing authority. The portion of the benefits associated with tax positions taken that exceeds the amount measured as described above is reflected as a liability for unrecognized tax benefits in the accompanying balance sheets along with any associated interest and penalties that would be payable to the taxing authorities upon examination.

 

Interest associated with unrecognized tax benefits is classified as interest expense and penalties are classified as selling, general and administrative expense in the statements of operation. At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company had not taken any significant uncertain tax position on its tax returns for 2017 or prior years, or in computing its tax provision for 2018.

 

10

 

 

Revenue Recognition

 

In May 2014 the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which supersedes all existing revenue recognition requirements, including most industry specific guidance. This new standard requires a company to recognize revenues when it transfers goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that the company expects to receive for those goods or services. The FASB subsequently issued the following amendments to ASU No. 2014-09 that have the same effective date and transition date: ASU No. 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations; ASU No. 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing; ASU No. 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients; and ASU No. 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The Company adopted these amendments with ASU 2014-09 (collectively, the new revenue standards).

 

The new revenue standards became effective for the Company on January 1, 2018, and were adopted using the modified retrospective method. The adoption of the new revenue standards as of January 1, 2018 did not change the Company’s revenue recognition as the majority of its revenues continue to be recognized when the customer takes control of its product. As the Company did not identify any accounting changes that impacted the amount of reported revenues with respect to its product revenues, no adjustment to retained earnings was required upon adoption.

 

Under the new revenue standards, the Company recognizes revenues when its customer obtains control of promised goods or services, in an amount that reflects the consideration which it expects to receive in exchange for those goods. The Company recognizes revenues following the five step model prescribed under ASU No. 2014-09: (i) identify contract(s) with a customer; (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (v) recognize revenues when (or as) we satisfy the performance obligation. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, the company only sold PHEs.

 

Revenues from product sales are recognized when the customer obtains control of the Company’s product, which occurs at a point in time, typically upon delivery to the customer. Sales and purchases are recorded net of VAT collected and paid as the Company acts as an agent for the government. VAT taxes are not affected by the income tax holiday.

 

Product revenue reserves, which are classified as a reduction in product revenues, are generally characterized in the following categories: discounts, returns and rebates. These reserves are based on estimates of the amounts earned or to be claimed on the related sales and are classified as reductions of accounts receivable as the amount is payable to the Company’s customer.

 

Sales returns and allowances were $0 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017. The Company does not provide a right of return, price protection or any other concessions to its customers.

 

The Company provides a warranty to all customers, which is not considered an additional service; rather, an integral part of the product’s sale. The Company believes the existence of its product warranty in a sales contract does not constitute a deliverable in the arrangement and thus there is no need to apply the FASB ASC Subtopic 605-25 separation and allocation model for a multiple deliverable arrangement. FASB ASC Topic 450, “Contingencies,” specifically addresses the accounting for standard warranties. The Company believes that accounting for its standard warranty pursuant to FASB ASC Topic 450 does not impact revenue recognition because the cost of honoring the warranty can be reliably estimated.

 

The Company charges for after-sales services provided after the expiration of the warranty period, with after-sales services mainly consisting of cleaning PHEs and repairing and exchanging parts. The Company recognizes such revenue when the service is provided.  Such revenue was recorded in other income, net of cost for after-sales services.

 

Cost of Sales

 

Cost of sales (“COS”) consists primarily of material costs and direct labor and manufacturing overhead directly attributable to the products. The Company also records reserve for inventories to COS.

 

Advances from Customers

 

The Company records payments received from customers in advance of their orders to advance account. These orders normally are delivered within a reasonable period of time based upon contract terms and customer demand.

 

11

 

 

Concentration of Credit Risk

 

Cash includes cash on hand and demand deposits in accounts maintained within China. Balances at financial institutions within China are not covered by insurance. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts.

 

Certain other financial instruments, which subject the Company to concentration of credit risk, consist of accounts and other receivables. The Company does not require collateral or other security to support these receivables. The Company conducts periodic reviews of its customers’ financial condition and customer payment practices to minimize collection risk on accounts receivable.

 

The operations of the Company are located primarily in China. Accordingly, the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations may be influenced by the political, economic and legal environments in China, as well as by the general state of the PRC economy.

 

Statement of Cash Flows

 

In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 230, “Statement of Cash Flows,” cash flows from the Company’s operations are calculated based upon the local currencies. As a result, amounts shown on the statement of cash flows may not necessarily agree with changes in the corresponding asset and liability on the balance sheet.

 

Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share (EPS)

 

Basic EPS is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS is computed similarly, except that the denominator is increased to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if the potential common shares had been issued and if the additional common shares were dilutive. Diluted EPS are based on the assumption that all dilutive convertible shares and stock options were converted or exercised. Dilution is computed by applying the treasury stock method. Under this method, options and warrants are assumed to have been exercised at the beginning of the period (or at the time of issuance, if later), and as if funds obtained thereby were used to purchase common stock at the average market price during the period. 

 

Foreign Currency Translation and Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

The accounts of the US parent company are maintained in USD. The functional currency of the Company’s China subsidiaries is the Chinese Yuan Renminbi (“RMB”) and the functional currency of SmartHeat Germany, the Company’s subsidiary in Germany, is the Euro (“EUR”). The accounts of the China subsidiaries and German subsidiary were translated into USD in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 830, “Foreign Currency Matters.” According to FASB ASC Topic 830, all assets and liabilities were translated at the exchange rate on the balance sheet date, stockholders’ equity was translated at the historical rates and statement of operations items were translated at the average exchange rate for the period. The resulting translation adjustments are reported under other comprehensive income in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 220, “Comprehensive Income.”

 

RMB to USD exchange rates in effect as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, and the average exchange rates for three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 are as following. The exchange rates used in translation from RMB to USD were published by State Administration of Foreign Exchange (“SAFE”) of the PRC.

 

   

Average Exchange Rate

For the three months Ended

   

Balance Sheet Date

Exchange Rate

 
   

03/31/18

   

03/31/17

   

03/31/18

   

12/31/17

 

RMB - USD

    6.3632       6.8861       6.2881       6.5342  

 

Segment Reporting

 

FASB ASC Topic 280, “Segment Reporting,” requires use of the “management approach” model for segment reporting. The management approach model is based on the way a company’s management organizes segments within the company for making operating decisions and assessing performance. Reportable segments are based on products and services, geography, legal structure, management structure, or any other manner in which management disaggregates a company. The Company had one operating segment for the three months ended March 31, 2018, which is PHE.

 

12

 

 

New Accounting Pronouncements

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The new standard establishes a right-of-use (“ROU”) model that requires a lessee to record a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for lessees for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of this ASU on its CFS.

 

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326), which requires entities to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. This replaces the existing incurred loss model and is applicable to the measurement of credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early application will be permitted for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the standard will have on its CFS.

 

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. ASU 2016-15 clarifies the presentation and classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments in the statement of cash flows. The amendments are an improvement to U.S. GAAP because they provide guidance for each of the eight issues, thereby reducing the current and potential future diversity in practice. This ASU is effective for public business entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company has adopted the guidance retrospectively to each period presented. The adoption did not have any material effect on the Company’s CFS.

 

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory. This ASU improves the accounting for the income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory. For public business entities, the amendments in this update are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this ASU did not have a significant impact on the Company’s CFS.

 

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash. The guidance requires that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim period within those fiscal years. The Company has adopted the guidance retrospectively to each period presented. The adoption did not have any material effect on the Company’s CFS.

 

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business, which clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions or disposals of assets or businesses. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company has adopted the guidance effective January 1, 2018. The Company will evaluate the impact of adopting this standard prospectively upon any transactions of acquisitions or disposals of assets or businesses.

 

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The guidance removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. A goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. The guidance should be adopted on a prospective basis for the annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this standard on its consolidated financial statements.

 

13

 

 

SEC Disclosure Update and Simplification

 

In August 2018, the SEC issued Securities Act Release No. 33-10532 that amends certain disclosure requirements, including extending to interim periods the annual requirement to disclose changes in stockholders’ equity. Under the new requirements, registrants must now analyze changes in stockholders’ equity, in the form of a reconciliation, for the current and comparative year-to-date interim periods, with subtotals for each interim period. The final rule was effective in November 2018. The Company will adopt the final rule and will include a reconciliation of the changes in stockholders' equity in its Form 10-Q for the quarter that is after the year ending December 31, 2018.

 

3. INVENTORIES, NET

 

Inventories at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, were as follows: 

 

   

2018

   

2017

 

Raw materials

  $ 6,359,431     $ 6,123,065  

Work in process

    525,873       506,067  

Finished goods

    1,161,469       1,114,572  

Total

    8,046,773       7,743,704  

Less: inventory allowance

    (7,733,798 )     (7,442,517

)

Inventories, net

  $ 312,975     $ 301,187  

 

As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, SmartHeat Pump’s inventory was fully reserved as a result of its being a discontinued operation.

 

4. NOTES RECEIVABLE – BANK ACCEPTANCES

 

The Company sold goods to its customers and received commercial notes (bank acceptances) from them in lieu of payments. The Company discounted the commercial notes with the banks or endorsed the commercial notes to vendors for payment of their own obligations or to get cash from third parties. Most of the commercial notes have a maturity of less than nine months. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company had notes receivable of $9,542 and $9,182, respectively, and was contingently liable for the notes endorsed to vendors of $0.

 

5. OTHER RECEIVABLES (NET), PREPAYMENTS AND DEPOSITS

 

Other receivables, prepayments and deposits consisted of the following at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively:

 

   

2018

   

2017

 

Advances to unrelated third-party companies

  $ 3,633,775     $ 3,496,914  

Prepayment for freight, related insurance, advertisement and consulting expenses

    4,770       4,591  

Advances to employees

    346,871       333,453  

Other

    485,533       553,442  

Total

    4,470,949       4,388,400  

Less: bad debt allowance

    (4,319,946

)

    (4,292,079

)

Other receivables (net), prepayments and deposits

  $ 151,003     $ 96,321  

 

Advances to unrelated third-party companies were short-term unsecured advances.

 

Prepayment for freight and related insurance expenses represented prepaid shipping and freight insurance expenses for customers and is generally repaid upon customer receipt of products.

 

Advances to employees represented short-term loans to employees and advances for business trips and related expenses, with no interest, payable upon demand.

 

14

 

 

As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, as a result of being a discontinued operation for SmartHeat Pump, other receivables of SmartHeat Pump including advance to employees was fully reserved as bad debt allowance.

 

6. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET

 

Property and equipment consisted of the following at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively:

 

   

2018

   

2017

 

Production equipment

  $ 959,910     $ 923,756  

Office equipment

    182,200       175,338  

Vehicles

    204,293       196,599  

Total

    1,346,403       1,295,693  

Less: impairment of fixed assets

    (206,735

)

    (198,949

)

Less: accumulated depreciation

    (1,124,375

)

    (1,081,105

)

Property and equipment, net

  $ 15,293     $ 15,639  

 

Depreciation from the continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 was $947 and $875, respectively.

 

7. INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET

 

Intangible assets consisted mainly of trademarks, computer software and know-how technology. Intangible assets consisted of the following at March 31, 2018and December 31, 2017, respectively:

 

   

Estimated Useful

Life (In years)

   

2018

   

2017

 

Know-how technology

    5–10     $ 593,714     $ 571,353  

Software

    5       148,337       142,750  

Trademarks

    7       289,471       278,569  

Total

            1,031,522       992,672  

Less: impairment of intangible assets

            (330,666

)

    (318,212

)

Less: accumulated amortization

            (700,856

)

    (674,460

)

Intangible assets, net

          $ -     $ -  

 

Amortization of intangible assets for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 was $0.

 

8. TAXES RECEIVABLE

 

Taxes receivable consisted of the following at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively:

 

   

2018

   

2017

 

Value-added

  $ 5,153     $ 30,553  

 

9. TAXES PAYABLE

 

Taxes payable consisted of the following at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively:

 

   

2018

   

2017

 

Income

  $ 7,863     $ 8,085  

Other

    583       560  

Taxes payable

  $ 8,446     $ 8,645  

 

15

 

 

10. ACCRUED LIABILITIES AND OTHER PAYABLES

 

Accrued liabilities and other payables consisted of the following at March 31, 2018 and December 31,2017, respectively:

 

   

2018

   

2017

 

Advances from third parties

  $ 3,453,029     $ 3,383,152  

Other

    2,097,977       1,924,249  

Accrued expenses

    3,161,084       3,170,338  

Total accrued liabilities and other payables

  $ 8,712,090     $ 8,477,739  

 

Advances from third parties were short term, non-interest-bearing and due on demand. 

 

At March 31, 2018, other mainly was payables for the Company’s interest payable $1,610,224 to Northtech and dividend payable of $225,000 to Northtech. At December 31, 2017, other mainly was payables for the Company’s interest payable of $1,471,166 to Northtech and dividend payable of $200,000 to Northtech. 

 

As of March 31, 2018, accrued expenses mainly consisted of accrued property and land rental fee of $2.93 million and accrued payroll of $0.23 million. As of December 31, 2017, accrued expenses mainly consisted of accrued property and land rental fee of $2.82 million and accrued payroll of $0.35 million.

 

11. CREDIT LINE PAYABLE (RELATED PARTY TRANSACTION)

 

On July 27, 2012, the Company entered into a secured, revolving credit facility under the terms of a Secured Credit Agreement (the “Credit Facility” or the “Credit Agreement”) with Northtech Holdings Inc., a British Virgin Islands business corporation (“Northtech”), owned by certain members of the Company’s former management, James Wang, Rhett Wang and Wen Sha, Jane Ai, the Company’s Corporate Secretary is also a part owner of Northtech. As amended on December 21, 2012, the Credit Facility provide for borrowings of up to $2.5 million. 

 

An origination fee of 4% of the Committed Amount was accrued to Northtech upon the signing of the Credit Agreement. As amended, Borrowings bear interest of 10%, payable quarterly, and the Credit Facility matured on April 30, 2013, and extended to April 30, 2014 with an extension fee of 4% of the Committed Amount. Generally, borrowings may be prepaid at any time without premium or penalty, provided however that if the Company prepays any amount due under the Credit Facility from the proceeds of another instrument or agreement of indebtedness, the Company shall pay a 10% prepayment fee. All amounts due under the Credit Facility may, at the Company’s option, be paid in either cash or restricted shares of the Company’s common stock.

 

On June 25, 2013, the BOD approved a second amendment to the credit and security agreement and on August 23, 2013, the Company entered into a second amendment to the credit and security agreement with Northtech, which redefined the “base rate”, and adjusted the base rate to 10% annually, compounded quarterly, effective January 1, 2013. The Company delivered to Northtech 100,000 restricted shares of the Company’s common stock as an Amendment Fee, issued in September 2013.

 

On March 26, 2014, the Company gave notice to Northtech pursuant to the terms of the Credit and Security Agreement between the Company and Northtech, dated July 27, 2012, as amended, extending the maturity date on the Credit Agreement from April 30, 2014 to January 3, 2015. The Company elected to pay the extension fee of 4% of the credit line amount of $2.5 million by issuing 200,000 shares of its common stock to Northtech at $0.50 per share (equal to $100,000). The BOD approved such extension on March 27, 2014. The FV of 200,000 shares on March 27, 2014 was $30,000. The Company recorded $70,000 gain from issuance of 200,000 shares.

 

On July 14, 2014, the BOD approved and the Company entered the third amendment to the Credit Agreement with Northtech, the Amendment modified the definition of “Average Share Price” in the Credit Agreement to decrease the minimum and maximum values for the “Average Share Price,” by 20% each from $0.50 to $0.40 and from $3.50 to $2.80, respectively. The Amendment also increased the maximum line, which may be borrowed under the Credit Agreement from $2,500,000 to $3,250,000 and extended the maturity date for amounts borrowed from April 30, 2014 to October 31, 2015. Pursuant to the terms of the Amendment, the Company extended the Initial Maturity Date by a payment to Northtech of an extension fee of 4% of the Maximum Line under the Credit Agreement. Northtech agreed to the extension of the maturity in consideration of an extension fee of 200,000 Restricted Shares of the Company’s Common Stock at $0.50 per share issued on July 22, 2014. The FV of 200,000 shares on July 22, 2014 was $40,000. The Company recorded $60,000 gain from issuance of the 200,000 shares.

 

16

 

 

On December 28, 2015, the Company entered into the Fourth Amendment to the Credit and Security Agreement dated July 27, 2012, as first amended on December 21, 2012 and subsequently amended on August 23, 2013, and July 14, 2014, between the Company and Northtech.  The Amendment provides that SmartHeat to pay 1) an extension fee of $100,000 for Northtech extending the maturity date to July 31, 2016 and a loan re-payment of $500,000 of outstanding principal (for a total payment of $600,000), represented by the delivery by the Company of 1,500,000 restricted shares of Common Stock at a price of $0.40 per share; 2) loan repayment of $1,000,000, represented by such number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock of Heat HP convertible into 20% of the issued and outstanding Common Stock of Heat HP on fully diluted basis, with a conversion, redemption and liquidation value of $1,000,000, and a 10% cumulative dividend accruing and payable quarterly ($25,000 per quarter).  In addition, the parties agreed to adjust the minimum conversion/exchange price in the Amendment from $0.40 to $0.20 per share and the maximum conversion/exchange price from $2.80 to $1.40 to reflect the current market conditions of the stock.  The new maximum credit line was reduced to $2,500,000.

 

On July 31, 2016, the Company entered into the Fifth Amendment to the Credit and Security Agreement between the Company and Northtech. The Amendment increased the maximum credit line of the Credit Agreement to $3,500,000 and extended the maturity dated to October 31, 2017.  The Company agreed to pay to Northtech an amendment fee of $80,000 payable in 400,000 restricted shares of the Company’s Common Stock valued at $0.20 per share.  The Amendment received the approval of a majority of shareholders of the Company in a vote held at the meeting of the stockholders on September 10, 2016.

 

As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, Northtech owns 43.5% of the Company as a result of shares received from the Company for loan repayment and extension fee.  In addition, Northtech became the 20% noncontrolling interest of Heat HP as a result of $1,000,000 loan repayment by issuing Series A Preferred Stock of Heat HP which can be convertible into 20% of the issued and outstanding Common Stock of Heat HP on fully diluted basis, as described above.

 

As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company had credit line payable to Northtech of $2,875,335.

 

12. DEFERRED TAX ASSET

 

As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, deferred tax asset (liability) consisted of the following:

 

   

2018

   

2017

 

Deferred tax asset - current (bad debt allowance for accounts receivable)

  $ 669,783     $ 679,492  

Deferred tax asset - current (bad debt allowance for retention receivable)

    41,816       43,915  

Deferred tax asset - current (inventory impairment provision)

    1,933,450       1,860,629  

Deferred tax asset – current (bad debt allowance for other receivables)

    534,171       535,513  

Deferred tax asset – current (allowance for advance to supplier)

    590,691       568,443  

Deferred tax asset – noncurrent (NOL of US parent company)

    2,197,873       3,511,894  

Deferred tax asset – noncurrent (NOL of PRC subsidiaries)

    5,266,756       5,035,830  

Less: valuation allowance

    (11,234,540

)

    (12,235,716

)

Deferred tax assets, net

  $ -     $ -  

 

The Company recorded a 100% valuation allowance for all deferred tax assets due to the uncertainty of its realization.

 

13. INCOME TAXES

 

The Company is subject to income taxes by entity on income arising in or derived from the tax jurisdiction in which each entity is domiciled. The Company’s PRC subsidiaries file their income tax returns online with PRC tax authorities.

 

The President of the United States signed into law H.R. 1 (the “Tax Reform Law”). The Tax Reform Law, effective for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2018, except for certain provisions, resulted in significant changes to existing United States tax law, including various provisions that are expected to impact the Company. The Tax Reform Law reduces the federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018 for the Company. The Company will continue to analyze the provisions of the Tax Reform Law to assess the impact on the Company’s CFS.

 

17

 

 

SmartHeat, the parent company, was incorporated in the US and has net operating losses (“NOL”) for income tax purposes, the NOL arising in tax years beginning after 2017 may only reduce 80% of a taxpayer’s taxable income, and may be carried forward indefinitely. SmartHeat has NOL carry forwards for income taxes of approximately $10.47 million at March 31, 2018. Management believes the realization of benefits from these losses remains uncertain due to SmartHeat’s limited operating history and continuing losses. Accordingly, a 100% deferred tax asset valuation allowance was provided.

 

SanDeKe, Jinhui, SmartHeat Investment, SmartHeat Pump, SmartHeat Trading and Heat Exchange are subject to the regular 25% PRC income tax rate. SmartHeat Germany is subject to a 15% corporate income tax in Germany.

 

The following table reconciles the US statutory rates to the Company’s effective tax (benefit) rate for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017:

 

   

2018

   

2017

 

US statutory benefit rates

    (21.0

)%

    (34.0

)%

Tax rate difference

    3.5

%

    -

%

Other-utilization of NOL

    0.3

%

    -  

Valuation allowance

    17.2

%

    33.3

%

Tax expense (benefit) per financial statements

    0.0

%

    (0.7

)%

 

The income tax benefit for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, consisted of the following:

 

   

2018

   

2017

 

Income tax expense – current

  $ -     $ (657 )

Income tax benefit – deferred

    -       -  

Total income tax benefit, net

  $ -     $ (657

)

 

14. STATUTORY RESERVES AND RESTRICTED NET ASSETS

 

The Company’s ability to pay dividends primarily depends on the Company receiving funds from its subsidiaries. Relevant PRC statutory laws and regulations permit payments of dividends by the Company’s PRC subsidiaries only out of the subsidiary’s retained earnings, if any, as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. The results of operations reflected in the financial statements prepared in accordance with US GAAP differ from those reflected in the statutory financial statements of the Company’s PRC subsidiaries.

 

In accordance with the PRC Regulations on Enterprises with Foreign Investment and their articles of association, a foreign-invested enterprise (“FIE”) established in the PRC is required to provide certain statutory reserves, which are appropriated from net profit as reported in the FIE’s PRC statutory accounts. An FIE is required to allocate at least 10% of its annual after-tax profit to the surplus reserve until such reserve has reached 50% of its respective registered capital based on the FIE’s PRC statutory accounts. Appropriations to other funds are at the discretion of the BOD for all FIEs. The aforementioned reserves can only be used for specific purposes and are not distributable as cash dividends. Additionally, shareholders of an FIE are required to contribute capital to satisfy the registered capital requirement of the FIE. Until such contribution of capital is satisfied, the FIE is not allowed to repatriate profits to its shareholders, unless otherwise approved by the State Administration of Foreign Exchange. SanDeKe, Jinhui, and SmartHeat Investment were established as FIEs and therefore are subject to the above-mandated restrictions on distributable profits. The Company met all registered capital requirements for its FIEs except for SmartHeat Investment, for which the Company is committed to contribute an additional $40 million in registered capital by the end of 2017 (See note 16); as of this report date, the Company got oral agreement from the authority to extend the due date of capital contribution to the end of 2019.

 

Additionally, in accordance with the Company Laws of the PRC, a domestic enterprise is required to provide surplus reserve at least 10% of its annual after-tax profit until such reserve has reached 50% of its respective registered capital based on the enterprise’s PRC statutory accounts. A domestic enterprise is also required to provide discretionary surplus reserve, at the discretion of the BOD, from the profits determined in accordance with the enterprise’s PRC statutory accounts. The aforementioned reserves can only be used for specific purposes and are not distributable as cash dividends. SmartHeat Trading and SmartHeat Pump were established as domestic enterprises and therefore are subject to the above-mentioned restrictions on distributable profits.

 

18

 

 

As a result of these PRC laws and regulations that require annual appropriations of 10% of after-tax income to be set aside prior to payment of dividends as general reserve fund, the Company’s PRC subsidiaries are restricted in their ability to transfer a portion of their net assets to the Company as a dividend.

 

15. COMMITMENTS

 

Lease Agreements

 

The Company leased offices for its sales representatives in several different cities under various one-year, non-cancellable and renewable operating lease agreements. Rental expense for three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 was $16,384 and $24,223, respectively.

 

Capital Contribution

 

The Company formed SmartHeat Investment on April 7, 2010, as an investment holding company with registered capital of $70 million to enable its establishment and investment in new businesses in China. Under PRC company law, registered capital must be used in the operations of the domestic company within its approved business scope. SmartHeat Investment was established as a separate subsidiary of the Company to allow allocation of capital to new businesses in China separate from its existing subsidiaries and operations. As a PRC investment holding company, the $70 million in approved registered capital of SmartHeat Investment is deemed a planned investment amount for the entity, not a traditional registered capital requirement under PRC corporate law. The Company contributed $30 million in capital to SmartHeat Investment on April 15, 2010, from proceeds of its public offering that closed on September 22, 2009. As of this report date, the Company got oral agreement from the authority to extend the due date of capital contribution to the end of 2019. The Company may satisfy this contribution through cash flow provided by operations, sales of assets, such as physical assets, financial assets, or interests in its subsidiaries, and funds raised through offerings of its securities, if and when the Company determines such offerings are required, and at such time that the Company identifies a new acquisition, investment or business opportunity to be financed through SmartHeat Investment, although no specific investment candidate has been identified to date.

 

16. CONTINGENCIES

 

The Company’s operations in the PRC are subject to specific considerations and significant risks not typically associated with companies in North America and Western Europe. These include risks associated with, among others, the political, economic and legal environments in China and foreign currency exchange. The Company’s results may be adversely affected by changes in PRC government policies with respect to laws and regulations, anti-inflationary measures, currency conversion and remittance abroad and rates and methods of taxation, among other things.

 

The Company’s sales, purchases and expense transactions in China are denominated in RMB and all of the Company’s assets and liabilities in China are also denominated in RMB. The RMB is not freely convertible into foreign currencies under the current PRC law. In China, foreign exchange transactions are required by law to be transacted only by authorized financial institutions. Remittances in currencies other than RMB may require certain supporting documentation in order to affect the remittance. 

 

17. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

On June 14, 2018, SmartHeat entered into the Sixth Amendment to the Credit and Security Agreement dated July 27, 2012, as amended, between the Company and Northtech.

 

In October of 2017, The Company entered into negotiations with Northtech in order to restructure the terms of the Credit Agreement. On October 31, 2017 the Credit Line was not extended, and the parties continued negotiations.  The parties have agreed that Northtech will convert all outstanding interest and principal due under the Credit Agreement into the Company's common stock at a conversion price of $.065 per share, which represents a premium of $0649 to the thirty-day average closing price of the Company's common stock of $.0001 per share.  In addition, the parties agreed to reduce the maximum credit line under the Credit Agreement to $1,000,000 and extended the maturity date to December 31, 2018. Further conversion of any outstanding principal and interest under the Credit Agreement will be based on conversion price subject to a minimum of $.065 per share and a maximum of $.50 per share.

 

19

 

 

As a result of the entering into the Sixth Amendment, the Company will issue to Northtech 71,283,000 restricted shares of its common stock (subject to a maximum limit of 75,000,000 currently authorized for issuance). Upon the issuance of the common stock to Northtech, the interest and principal due to Northtech will be reduced to zero, subject to additional disbursements thereunder.

 

Reverse Merger

 

On December 31, 2018 (the "Closing Date"), the Company entered into a Share Exchange Agreement and Plan of Reorganization with Mid-Heaven Sincerity International Resources Investment Co., Ltd (Mid-Heaven) and its shareholders.

 

Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, the shareholders of Mid-Heaven will deliver all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of Mid-Heaven to SmartHeat, in exchange for the issuance of an aggregate of 106,001,971 shares of SmartHeat’s Common Stock.

 

As a result of the share exchange agreement, Mid-Heaven’s shareholders will own approximately 56.93% of the combined company.  For accounting purposes, the transaction will be accounted for as a reverse acquisition of the Company by Mid-Heaven.  The following unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations for the Company and Mid-Heaven for the year ended December 31, 2017 and for the three months ended March 31, 2018 presents the Company and Mid-Heaven’s operations as if the acquisitions occurred on January 1, 2017 and 2018, respectively.  The pro forma results are not necessarily indicative of the actual results that would have occurred had the acquisitions been completed as of the beginning of the periods presented, nor are they necessarily indicative of future consolidated results.

 

   

For the three

months ended

March 31,

   

For the year

ended

December 31,

 
   

2018

   

2017

 
   

(Unaudited)

   

(Unaudited)

 
                 

Net sales

  $ 883,975     $ 7,835,343  
                 

Net loss

  $ (490,625 )   $ (1,961,601 )
                 

Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding

    185,968,370       185,372,937  
                 

Basic and diluted net loss per share

  $ (0.00 )   $ (0.01 )

 

20

 

 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 

Safe Harbor Declaration

 

The comments made throughout this Annual Report should be read in conjunction with our Financial Statements and the Notes thereto, and other financial information appearing elsewhere in this document. In addition to historical information, the following discussion and other parts of this document contain certain forward-looking information. When used in this discussion, the words, “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from projected results, due to a number of factors beyond our control. We do not undertake to publicly update or revise any of our forward-looking statements, even if experience or future changes show that the indicated results or events will not be realized. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Readers are also urged to carefully review and consider our discussions regarding the various factors that affect our business, which are described in this section and elsewhere in this report.

 

Overview

 

On May 11, 2015 the holders of 62.3% of the outstanding common stock, par value $.0001 per share, of SmartHeat Inc., authorized the sale of all of the remaining interests, constituting 100% of its ownership interests, (the “Stock Sale”) of certain subsidiaries of the Company pursuant to the terms of an Equity Interest Purchase Agreement (the  “EIPA”) dated October 10, 2013, as amended and restated on November 28, 2014 and amended on March 19, 2015 (the “Amended EIPA”), by and among Heat PHE, Inc. (“Heat PHE”), as Seller, and Hongjun Zhang, on behalf of all of several individuals ( “Buyers”) identified in Buyers’ Response to RFP submitted to the Company on September 10, 2013 and as revised and accepted by Company on September 23, 2013. The subsidiaries of the Company which were sold to the Buyers were:

 

SmartHeat Taiyu (Shenyang) Energy

 

SmartHeat Siping Beifang Energy Technology Co., Ltd.

 

SmartHeat (Shenyang Energy Equipment) Co., Ltd.

 

Hohhot Ruicheng Technology Co., Ltd.

 

Urumchi XinRui Technology Limited Liability Company

 

Upon approval by the Company’s stockholders on May 11, 2015, all of the conditions precedents in the Amended EIPA were satisfied which consisted of: (i) approval of its stockholders and (ii) receipt by the Board of Directors (“BOD”) of the Company of an opinion that the Stock Sale was fair to the stockholders of SmartHeat from a financial point of view. The parties executed a mutual release which became effective and provided, in part, that the Target Companies forgave all net indebtedness of $8.79 million owing to the Target Companies by SmartHeat and all of its other subsidiaries. The consideration and all documents relating to the transaction were released from escrow upon the satisfaction of the foregoing conditions.

 

The Buyers purchased 40% of Heat PHE’s equity interests in the Target Companies for RMB 5 million ($0.82 million) paid on December 30, 2013. The Buyers purchased the remaining 60% of Target Companies (constituting all of the remaining equity interests in the Target Companies) for: (i) RMB 8.5 million ($1.39 million) and (ii) the forgiveness of $8.79 million in net indebtedness owing to Target Companies by SmartHeat and each of its other subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014, the date on which the sale occurred.

 

As a result of the Stock Sale, our business has changed significantly as the significant operations of our Plate Heat Exchangers operating segment were sold.  We currently operate the Heat Pump (“HP”) operating segment which has limited continuing operations in its operating subsidiaries and its business primarily consists of winding down existing businesses, selling inventory, collecting receivables and making arrangements for final payments to our former employees. As a result of the decision to seek bankruptcy protection for SmartHeat Pump, as discussed in more depth below, we are examining strategic alternatives for our business, which includes seeking another operating company to merge its operations with us.

 

21

 

 

Prior to the Stock Sale, we designed, manufactured and sold clean technology plate heat exchangers (“PHE”) through our PHE operating segment and related systems marketed principally in the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”). Our former subsidiaries in the PHE operating segments designed, manufactured, sold and serviced PHEs, PHE Units, which combine PHEs with various pumps, temperature sensors, valves and automated control systems in systems custom designed by our in-house engineers, heat meters and heat pumps for use in commercial and residential buildings.

 

On January 20, 2016, SmartHeat Pump entered and closed a Share Purchase Agreement with a series of buyers to sell 85% of the equity shares of SmartHeat Germany for Euro 170,000 ($185,400).  The purchas price of Euro 170,000 was returned to the buyers and subsequently paid into SmartHeat Germany as a reserve by the buyers. The buyers are not related parties of the Company. SmartHeat Germany had continuous losses and the management decided to sell at a minimal or no cost due to its higher operating cost.

 

The following chart displays our subsidiaries according to which operating segment they operated in after the Stock Sale:

 

Plate Heat Exchangers (PHE)

 

Heat Pumps (HP)

SanDeKe Co., Ltd.

 

SmartHeat (China) Investment Co., Ltd.

SmartHeat Heat Exchange Equipment Co.

 

SmartHeat (Shenyang) Heat Pump Technology Co., Ltd.

 

 

SmartHeat (Shanghai) Trading Co., Ltd.

 

 

Beijing SmartHeat Jinhui Energy Technology Co., Ltd.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2016, the management of SmartHeat Pump decided that it would be necessary to seek bankruptcy protection in China due to the slowdown of the business and liabilities exceeding assets. Management determined the business could not be operated profitably in the future. SmartHeat Pump filed bankruptcy documents with the proper authorities in China. Management expects the bankruptcy process to last between one to two years before obtaining the final approval is obtained from the court.  Accordingly, the Company reclassified SmartHeat Pump business as a discontinued operation and made an impairment reserve for its assets including accounts receivable, other receivables, advance to suppliers, inventory, deferred tax assets, fixed assets and intangible assets.

 

22

 

 

Principal Factors Affecting Our Financial Performance

 

Our historical revenues also fluctuated significantly due to material costs; we experienced fluctuation in raw material costs as a result of world economic conditions, such as the price of stainless steel used to produce plates, our PHEs and PHE Units.

 

The economic conditions our subsidiaries faced in recent years, made it impossible for our subsidiaries to pay dividends to our US parent company, which depends upon such dividends to meet its financial obligations. Relevant PRC statutory laws and regulations permit payments of dividends by the Company’s PRC subsidiaries only out of the subsidiary’s retained earnings, if any, as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. Further, the Company’s PRC subsidiaries are required to take certain reserves as detailed in Note 14 to our financial statements. As a result, we sought alternative sources of capital for our US parent company. On July 27, 2012, we entered into a secured, revolving credit facility with Northtech Holdings Inc., a British Virgin Islands business corporation owned by certain members of our former management, James Wang, Rhett Wang and Wen Sha. Jane Ai, our Corporate Secretary, is also a part owner of Northtech. As amended on December 21, 2012, the Credit Agreement provides for borrowings of up to $2,500,000 with any amounts borrowed due on April 30, 2014. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are secured by 55% of the equity interest in each of our wholly, directly-owned subsidiaries and are repayable, at our option, in shares of our common stock. On December 21, 2012, we repaid $1,300,000 of the $1,384,455 outstanding under the Credit Agreement with 1,300,000 restricted shares of our common stock, approximately 22.67% of our total issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock, as authorized by the Credit Agreement and approved by our shareholders. On June 25, 2013, the Board approved second amendment to the credit and security agreement and on August 23, 2013, we entered into second amendment to the credit and security agreement with Northtech, which redefined the “base rate”, and adjusted the base rate to 10%, compounded quarterly, effective January 1, 2013. On March 26, 2014, we gave notice to Northtech pursuant to the terms of the Credit and Security Agreement between the Company and Northtech, dated July 27, 2012, as amended, extending the maturity date on the Credit Agreement from April 30, 2014 to January 31, 2015. On July 14, 2014, we entered the third amendment to the Credit Agreement with Northtech; the Amendment modifies the definition of “Average Share Price” in the Credit Agreement to decrease the minimum and maximum values for the “Average Share Price,” by 20% each from $0.50 to $0.40 and from $3.50 to $2.80, respectively. The Amendment also increases the maximum line which may be borrowed under the Credit Agreement from $2,500,000 to $3,250,000 and extends the maturity date for amounts borrowed from April 30, 2014 to October 31, 2015.  On December 28, 2015, we entered into the Fourth Amendment to the Credit and Security Agreement dated July 27, 2012, (as first amended on December 21, 2012 and subsequently amended on August 23, 2013, and July 14, 2014, between the Company and Northtech).  The Amendment provides that we will repay $1,600,000 of the outstanding principal and Northtech will extend the maturity date to July 31, 2016 for an extension fee of $100,000, 1,500,000 shares of common stock of SmartHeat, par value $.001 per share, which shall be restricted stock and a 10% Convertible Preferred Stock of its wholly owned subsidiary Heat HP, Inc. (“Heat HP”) representing 20% of the voting power of Heat HP, having a conversion, redemption and liquidation value of $1,000,000 and a 10% cumulative dividend accruing and payable quarterly ($25,000 per quarter).  In addition, the parties agreed to adjust the minimum conversion/exchange price in the Amendment from $.40 to $.20 per share and the maximum conversion/exchange price from $2.80 to $1.40 to reflect the current market conditions of the stock.  The new maximum credit line was reduced to $2,500,000.  On July 31, 2016, the Company entered into the Fifth Amendment to the Credit and Security Agreement between the Company and Northtech. The Amendment increased the maximum credit line of the Credit Agreement to $3,500,000 and extended the maturity dated to October 31, 2017.  The Company agreed to pay to Northtech an amendment fee of $80,000 payable in 400,000 restricted shares of the Company’s Common Stock valued at $0.20 per share.  The Amendment received the approval of a majority of shareholders of the Company in a vote held at the meeting of the stockholders on September 10, 2016.

 

On June 14, 2018, SmartHeat entered into the Sixth Amendment (the “Amendment”) to the Credit and Security Agreement dated July 27, 2012, as amended (the “Credit Agreement”), between the Company and Northtech. In October of 2017, The Company entered into negotiations with Northtech to restructure the terms of the Credit Agreement. On October 31, 2017 the Credit Line was not extended, and the parties continued negotiations.  The parties have agreed that Northtech will convert all outstanding interest and principal due under the Credit Agreement into the Company's common stock at $.065 per share, which was a premium of $0649 to the thirty-day average closing price of the Company's common stock of $.0001 per share.  In addition, the parties agreed to reduce the maximum credit line under the Credit Agreement to $1,000,000 and extended the maturity date to December 31, 2018. Further conversion of any outstanding principal and interest under the Credit Agreement will be based on conversion price subject to a minimum of $.065 per share and a maximum of $.50 per share. As a result of the entering into the Amendment, the Company will issue to Northtech 71,283,000 restricted shares of its common stock which will result in Northtech and Mr. Jimin Zhang, sole stockholder and director of Northtech, holding approximately 95% of all of the issued and outstanding common stock of the Company after giving effect to the transaction. Upon the issuance of the common stock to Northtech, the interest and principal due to Northtech will be reduced to zero, subject to additional disbursements thereunder.

 

23

 

 

As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the outstanding credit line payable to Northtech was $2,875,335.  As of March 31, 2018, Northtech owns 46.06% of the Company as a result of shares received from the Company for loan repayment and extension fee.  In addition, Northtech became the 20% noncontrolling interest of Heat HP as a result of $1,000,000 loan repayment by issuing Series A Preferred Stock of Heat HP which can be convertible into 20% of the issued and outstanding Common Stock of Heat HP on fully diluted basis.

 

On December 30, 2013, we closed the transaction contemplated by the EIPA dated October 10, 2013, whereby the buyers purchased 40% of the Company’s equity interests in the following PHE segment subsidiaries: SmartHeat Taiyu (Shenyang) Energy; SmartHeat Siping Beifang Energy Technology Co., Ltd.; SmartHeat (Shenyang Energy Equipment) Co. Ltd.; Hohhot Ruicheng Technology Co., Ltd.; and Urumchi XinRui Technology Limited Liability Company (collectively, the “Target Companies”). The purchase price was RMB 5 million ($0.82 million). Urumchi XinRui was 46% owned by SmartHeat US parent company.

 

On November 28, 2014, we entered into the Amended and Restated EIPA, which amended and restated the EIPA dated October 10, 2013 between the Company and the buyers. Under the terms of the Amended EIPA, the buyers had agreed to purchase the remaining 60% of the Company’s equity interests in the Target Companies effective as of December 31, 2014 (the “Closing Date”). The purchase price for the remaining 60% consisted of: (i) consideration of RMB 8.5 million ($1.39 million) and (ii) the forgiveness of all net indebtedness owed to the Target Companies by SmartHeat and each of its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014. The effectiveness of the transaction was subject to the following conditions: (i) approval of its shareholders and (ii) receipt by the BOD of the Company of an opinion that the purchase and sale transaction was fair to the shareholders of SmartHeat from a financial point of view. The parties executed a mutual release to be delivered at the closing which provide, in part, for the Target Companies to forgive all net indebtedness from SmartHeat and all of its other subsidiaries. In the event that the conditions were not met prior to December 31, 2014, the consideration and all documents were to be deposited into escrow and released when the conditions were satisfied; provided that if the conditions were not satisfied on or before March 31, 2015, either party may terminate the Amended EIPA and the funds and documents be returned to the depositing party. The termination deadline of the Amended EIPA was extended to May 15, 2015.

 

On May 11, 2015, the Company’s stockholders approved the sale of all of the remaining interests, constituting 100% of its ownership interests, of certain subsidiaries of the Company as described above, all of the conditions precedents to the Stock Sale were satisfied which consisted of: (i) approval of its stockholders and (ii) receipt by the BOD of the Company of an opinion that the Stock Sale was fair to the stockholders of SmartHeat from a financial point of view. The parties executed a mutual release which became effective and provided, in part, that the Target Companies forgave all net indebtedness from SmartHeat and all of its other subsidiaries owing to the Target Companies. The consideration and all documents relating to the transaction were released from escrow upon the satisfaction of the foregoing conditions. The Stock Sale was effective December 31, 2014.

 

Since we decided to seek bankruptcy protection for our primary operating subsidiary, SmartHeat Pump, we have little if any operations and management is attempting to identify other options for the company, including a merger with another operating company.

 

Significant Accounting Policies

 

While our significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements (“CFS”), we believe the following accounting policies are the most critical to aid you in fully understanding and evaluating this management discussion and analysis.

 

Basis of Presentation

 

Our financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or US GAAP. 

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2018, the accompanying CFS include SmartHeat’s US parent, its subsidiaries Heat HP and Heat PHE, and their subsidiaries SanDeKe, Jinhui, SmartHeat Investment, SmartHeat Trading, SmartHeat Pump, and Heat Exchange, which are collectively referred to as the “Company.”

 

24

 

 

Use of Estimates

 

In preparing the financial statements in conformity with US GAAP, management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates, required by management, include the recoverability of long-lived assets, allowance for doubtful accounts, and the reserve for obsolete and slow-moving inventories. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Accounts Receivable

 

We maintain reserves for potential credit losses on accounts receivable. Management reviews the composition of accounts receivable and analyzes historical bad debts, customer concentrations, customer credit worthiness, current economic trends and changes in customer payment patterns to evaluate the adequacy of these reserves. Accounts receivable are net of unearned interest. Unearned interest represents imputed interest on accounts receivable with due dates over one year from the invoice date discounted at our borrowing rate for the year. Based on historical collection activity, we had bad debt allowances for accounts receivable of $1.84 million and $1.88 million at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

In May 2014 the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which supersedes all existing revenue recognition requirements, including most industry specific guidance. This new standard requires a company to recognize revenues when it transfers goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that the company expects to receive for those goods or services. The FASB subsequently issued the following amendments to ASU No. 2014-09 that have the same effective date and transition date: ASU No. 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations; ASU No. 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing; ASU No. 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients; and ASU No. 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The Company adopted these amendments with ASU 2014-09 (collectively, the new revenue standards).

 

The new revenue standards became effective for the Company on January 1, 2018, and were adopted using the modified retrospective method. The adoption of the new revenue standards as of January 1, 2018 did not change the Company’s revenue recognition as the majority of its revenues continue to be recognized when the customer takes control of its product. As the Company did not identify any accounting changes that impacted the amount of reported revenues with respect to its product revenues, no adjustment to retained earnings was required upon adoption.

 

Under the new revenue standards, the Company recognizes revenues when its customer obtains control of promised goods or services, in an amount that reflects the consideration which it expects to receive in exchange for those goods. The Company recognizes revenues following the five step model prescribed under ASU No. 2014-09: (i) identify contract(s) with a customer; (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (v) recognize revenues when (or as) we satisfy the performance obligation. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company only sold PHEs.

 

Revenues from product sales are recognized when the customer obtains control of the Company’s product, which occurs at a point in time, typically upon delivery to the customer. Sales and purchases are recorded net of VAT collected and paid as the Company acts as an agent for the government. VAT taxes are not affected by the income tax holiday.

 

Product revenue reserves, which are classified as a reduction in product revenues, are generally characterized in the following categories: discounts, returns and rebates. These reserves are based on estimates of the amounts earned or to be claimed on the related sales and are classified as reductions of accounts receivable as the amount is payable to the Company’s customer.

 

Sales returns and allowances were $0 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017. The Company does not provide a right of return, price protection or any other concessions to its customers.

 

25

 

 

The Company provides a warranty to all customers, which is not considered an additional service; rather, an integral part of the product’s sale. The Company believes the existence of its product warranty in a sales contract does not constitute a deliverable in the arrangement and thus there is no need to apply the FASB ASC Subtopic 605-25 separation and allocation model for a multiple deliverable arrangement. FASB ASC Topic 450, “Contingencies,” specifically addresses the accounting for standard warranties. The Company believes that accounting for its standard warranty pursuant to FASB ASC Topic 450 does not impact revenue recognition because the cost of honoring the warranty can be reliably estimated.

 

The Company charges for after-sales services provided after the expiration of the warranty period, with after-sales services mainly consisting of cleaning PHEs and repairing and exchanging parts. The Company recognizes such revenue when the service is provided.  Such revenue was recorded in other income, net of cost for after-sales services.

 

Foreign Currency Translation and Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

The accounts of the US parent company are maintained in USD. The functional currency of the Company’s China subsidiaries is the Chinese Yuan Renminbi (“RMB”) and the functional currency of SmartHeat Germany, the Company’s subsidiary in Germany, is the Euro (“EUR”). The accounts of the China subsidiaries and German subsidiary were translated into USD in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 830, “Foreign Currency Matters.” According to FASB ASC Topic 830, all assets and liabilities were translated at the exchange rate on the balance sheet date; stockholders’ equity was translated at the historical rates and statement of operations items were translated at the average exchange rate for the period. The resulting translation adjustments are reported under other comprehensive income in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 220, “Comprehensive Income.”

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

Long-lived assets, which include tangible assets, such as property and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.

 

Recoverability of long-lived assets to be held and used is measured by comparing the carrying amount of an asset to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value (“FV”) of the assets. FV generally is determined using the asset’s expected future discounted cash flows or market value, if readily determinable. 

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The new standard establishes a right-of-use (“ROU”) model that requires a lessee to record a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for lessees for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of this ASU on its CFS.

 

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326), which requires entities to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. This replaces the existing incurred loss model and is applicable to the measurement of credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early application will be permitted for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the standard will have on its CFS.

 

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. ASU 2016-15 clarifies the presentation and classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments in the statement of cash flows. The amendments are an improvement to U.S. GAAP because they provide guidance for each of the eight issues, thereby reducing the current and potential future diversity in practice. This ASU is effective for public business entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company has adopted the guidance retrospectively to each period presented. The adoption does not have any material effect on the Company’s CFS.

 

26

 

 

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory. This ASU improves the accounting for the income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory. For public business entities, the amendments in this update are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this ASU did not have a significant impact on the Company’s CFS.

 

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash. The guidance requires that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim period within those fiscal years. The Company adopted the guidance retrospectively to each period presented. The adoption did not have any material effect on the Company’s CFS.

 

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business, which clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions or disposals of assets or businesses. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company has adopted the guidance effective January 1, 2018. The Company will evaluate the impact of adopting this standard prospectively upon any transactions of acquisitions or disposals of assets or businesses.

 

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The guidance removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. A goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. The guidance should be adopted on a prospective basis for the annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this standard on its CFS.

 

SEC Disclosure Update and Simplification

 

In August 2018, the SEC issued Securities Act Release No. 33-10532 that amends certain disclosure requirements, including extending to interim periods the annual requirement to disclose changes in stockholders’ equity. Under the new requirements, registrants must now analyze changes in stockholders’ equity, in the form of a reconciliation, for the current and comparative year-to-date interim periods, with subtotals for each interim period. The final rule was effective in November 2018. The Company will adopt the final rule and will include a reconciliation of the changes in stockholders' equity in its Form 10-Q for the quarter that is after the year ending December 31, 2018.

 

27

 

 

Results of Operations

 

Three months ended March 31, 2018 Compared to three months ended March 31, 2017

 

The following table sets forth the consolidated results of our operations for the periods indicated as a percentage of net sales, certain columns may not add due to rounding.

 

   

2018

   

2017

 
   

$

   

% of Sales

   

$

   

% of Sales

 

Sales

  $ 1,007             $ 5,629          

Cost of sales

    856       85

%

    4,349       77

%

Gross profit

    151       15

%

    1,280       23

%

Operating expenses

    87,274       8,667

%

    1,244       22

%

Income (loss) from operations

    (87,123

)

    (8,652

)%

    36       1

%

Non-operating expenses, net

    (136,801

)

    (13,585

)%

    (100,540

)

    (1,786

)%

Income tax benefit

    -       -

%

    (657

)

    (12

)%

Loss from continuing operations

    (223,924

)

    (22,237

)%

    (99,847

)

    (1,774

)%

Income (loss) from operations of discontinued entities, net of tax

    122,362       12,151

%

    (60,795

)

    (1,080

)%

Loss including noncontrolling interest

    (101,562

)

    (10,086

)%

    (160,642

)

    (2,854

)%

Less: gain (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest from continuing operations

    23,156       2,300

%

    (13,020

)

    (231

)%

Less: gain (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest from discontinued operations, net of tax

    1,468       146

)%

    (730

)

    (13

)%

Net Loss to SmartHeat Inc.

  $ (126,186

)

    (12,531

)%

  $ (146,892

)

    (2,610

)%

 

Sales. Net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2018, were $1,007, while net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2017, were $5,629, an overall decrease of $4,622 or 82%. The 82% decrease in total revenue was due primarily to the decrease in sales of PHEs for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared with the 2017 period.

 

Cost of Sales. Cost of sales (“COS”) was $856 for the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared to $4,349 in the comparable period of 2017, a decrease of $3,493 or 80%. The decrease in our COS is attributable to decreased net sales for Sandeke. The COS as a percentage of sales was 85% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared with 77% for 2017.

 

We performed an inventory impairment assessment as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, for the write-down of raw materials and finished goods in inventory. We stock inventory, consisting of raw materials and finished goods, according to projected sales and customer orders, with steel plates and components for our products generally ordered two to three months in advance of anticipated production needs. As part of our impairment analysis, we performed an evaluation of raw materials stored over one year and not anticipated to be consumed, and an evaluation of potential impairment to the quality of these raw materials. If management anticipates that obsolete raw materials in inventory can be utilized and will be consumed within the next few months through new customer orders or substitute orders, no impairment is recorded. We collected information about delayed and canceled contracts and met with affected customers to discuss their financing situation and their projections of future orders. Finished goods manufactured for delayed and canceled contracts that we do not expect to be reinstated and contracts for which we have been unable to find substitute customers become impaired. We performed an evaluation of these finished goods stored over one year and recorded an impairment accordingly. We also analyzed whether to take a reserve for conversion costs of finished goods in inventory for resale to substitute customers. Following the completion of our impairment analysis, we had inventory impairment allowance of $7.73 million and $7.44 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. 

 

28

 

 

Gross Profit. Gross profit was $151 for the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared to gross profit of $1,280 in the comparable period of 2017. Gross profit margin was 15% and 23% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

Operating Expenses. Operating expenses consisting of selling, general and administrative expenses and provision for bad debts totaled $87,274 for the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared to $1,244 selling, general and administrative expenses in the comparable period of 2017, an increase of $86,030 or 6,916%. The increase in operating expenses is mainly attributable to increased general and administrative expense of $118,660 in the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared to $(28,238) general and administrative expense in the comparable period of 2017, which was partly offset by increased reversal for bad debts of $59,953 for the three months ended March 31, 2018.

 

Generally, we reserve for 50% of accounts receivable with aging over 180 days and 100% of accounts receivable with aging over 360 days as bad debt allowance. We do not expect a significant risk with respect to the overdue accounts receivable for which we took the bad debt allowance and continue to work to collect all amounts due.

 

Non-Operating Income (Expenses), net. Our net non-operating expense for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was $0.14 million compared to net non-operating expense of $0.10 million for the comparable period of 2017, an increase of expenses by $36,261 or 36%. The increase in non-operating expenses is mainly attributable to increase interest expense by $41,121, which was partly offset by decreased financial expense by $3,336 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to the 2017 period.

 

Income (loss) from Discontinued Operations. We had income from discontinued operation of $122,362 from SmartHeat Pump in the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared to loss from discontinued operation of $60,795 for the three months ended March 31, 2017.

 

Net Loss. Our net loss to SmartHeat Inc. for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was $126,186 compared to net loss of $146,892 for the comparable period of 2017, a decrease of $20,706 or 14%.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

As of March 31, 2018, we had cash and equivalents of $0.32 million. Working capital deficit was $9.85 million at March 31, 2018. The ratio of current assets to current liabilities was 0.08:1 at March 31, 2018.

 

The Company had outstanding balance under a Revolving line of credit as of March 31, 2018 of $2.88 million.

 

The following is a summary of cash provided by or used in each of the indicated types of activities during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017:

 

   

2018

   

2017

 

Cash provided by (used in):

               

Operating activities

  $ (70,708 )   $ 30,608  

Investing activities

  $ -     $ -  

Financing activities

  $ -     $ -  

 

Net cash flow used in operating activities was $70,708 in the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared to net cash flow provided by operating activities of $30,608 in the comparable period of 2017. The increase in net cash outflow in operating activities was due mainly to decreased cash inflow from advance from customers of $0, compared with $$53,140 in the same period of 2017, decreased cash inflow of accrued liability and other payables of $17,564, compared with $100,127 in the comparable period of 2017, which was partly offset by decrease net loss of $101,562, compared with $160,642 in the same period of 2017.

 

Net cash flow used by investing activities was $0 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017.

 

Net cash provided by financing activities was $0 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017.

 

Historically our accounts receivable remained outstanding for a significant period of time based on the standard payment terms with our customers. The increase in accounts receivable outstanding for more than 180 days was historically due mainly to payment delays from certain state-owned customers that experienced working capital difficulties because of the current deflationary fiscal policy of the PRC government. Bad debt allowance was reserved in accordance with the Company’s accounting policy, though the Company continues to work to collect all funds due.

 

29

 

 

The terms of our contracts in our heat pump business require an advance payment upon the execution of a contract or purchase order and a final payment prior to shipping goods which should reduce our outstanding receivables due in the future.  In addition, we provide replacement parts and maintenance on our products if they break down within prescribed periods.

 

Dividend Distribution

 

We are a US holding company that conducts substantially all of our business through our wholly owned and other consolidated operating entities in China and Germany. We rely in part on dividends paid by our subsidiaries in China for our cash needs, including the funds necessary to pay dividends and other cash distributions to our shareholders, to service any debt we may incur and to pay our operating expenses. The payment of dividends by entities organized in China is subject to limitations. In particular, PRC regulations currently permit payment of dividends only out of accumulated profits as determined in accordance with accounting standards and regulations in China. Our PRC subsidiaries also are required to set aside at least 10% of their after-tax profit based on PRC accounting standards each year to a statutory surplus reserve fund until the accumulative amount of such reserve reaches 50% of registered capital. These reserves are not distributable as cash dividends. In addition, our PRC subsidiaries, at their discretion, may allocate a portion of their after-tax profit to their staff welfare and bonus fund, which may not be distributed to equity owners except in the event of liquidation. Moreover, if any of our subsidiaries incur debt on its own behalf in the future, the instruments governing the debt may restrict such subsidiary’s ability to pay dividends or make other distributions to us. Any limitation on the ability of one of our subsidiaries to distribute dividends and other distributions to us could materially and adversely limit our ability to make investments or acquisitions that could be beneficial to our businesses, pay dividends or otherwise fund and conduct our business.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We have not entered into any other financial guarantees or other commitments to guarantee the payment obligations of any third parties other than as described following under “Contractual Obligations.” We have not entered into any derivative contracts that are indexed to our shares and classified as stockholders’ equity or that are not reflected in our consolidated financial statements. Furthermore, we do not have any retained or contingent interest in assets transferred to an unconsolidated entity that serves as credit, liquidity or market risk support to such entity. We do not have any variable interest in any unconsolidated entity that provides financing, liquidity, market risk or credit support to us or engages in leasing, hedging or research and development services with us. 

 

Contingencies

 

The Company’s former operations were conducted in the PRC and were subject to specific considerations and significant risks not typically associated with companies in North America and Western Europe. These include risks associated with, among others, the political, economic and legal environments in China and foreign currency exchange. The Company’s results may be adversely affected by changes in PRC government policies with respect to laws and regulations, anti-inflationary measures, currency conversion and remittance abroad and rates and methods of taxation, among other things.

 

The Company’s sales, purchases and expense transactions in China are denominated in RMB and all of the Company’s assets and liabilities in China are also denominated in RMB. The RMB is not freely convertible into foreign currencies under the current PRC law. In China, foreign exchange transactions are required by law to be transacted only by authorized financial institutions. Remittances in currencies other than RMB may require certain supporting documentation in order to affect the remittance.

 

30

 

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

 

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, respectively, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act as of the end of the period covered by this report. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of March 31, 2018, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of such date because of a material weakness identified in our internal control over financial reporting related to our internal level of US GAAP expertise. We lack sufficient personnel with the appropriate level of knowledge, experience and training in US GAAP for the preparation of financial statements in accordance with US GAAP. None of our internal accounting staff, including our Chief Financial Officer, that are primarily responsible for the preparation of our books and records and financial statements in compliance with US GAAP holds a license such as Certified Public Accountant in the US, nor have any attended US institutions or extended educational programs that would provide enough of the relevant education relating to US GAAP.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting.

 

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) that occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2018, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. In addition, the design of disclosure controls and procedures must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and that management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the benefits of possible controls and procedures relative to their costs.

 

31

 

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

We may become involved in various lawsuits and legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. Litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties and an adverse result in these or other matters may arise from time to time that may have an adverse effect on our business, financial conditions or operating results. Other than the proceedings we have disclosed below, we are currently not aware of any such legal proceedings or claims that will have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or operating results.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

You should consider carefully the factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended, for the year ended December 31, 2017, as amended, which could materially affect our business.

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

None.

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

On July 31, 2016, the Company entered into the Fifth Amendment (the “Fifth Amendment”) to the Credit and Security Agreement, dated July 27, 2012, between the Company and Northtech Holdings, Inc. (“Northtech”). The Fifth Amendment increased the maximum credit line of the Credit Agreement to $3,500,000 and extended the maturity dated to October 31, 2017. The Company was in default under the Credit Agreement after such time and engaged in discussions with Northtech in order to attempt to arrange for and amendment or satisfaction of the debt.

 

On June 14, 2018, the Company, entered into the Sixth Amendment (the “Sixth Amendment”) to the Credit and Security Agreement with Northtech. As a result of the entering into the Sixth Amendment, the Company promised to issue to Northtech 71,283,000 restricted shares of its common stock which would result in Northtech and Mr. Jimin Zhang, sole stockholder and director of Northtech, holding approximately 95% of all of the issued and outstanding common stock of the Company after giving effect to the transaction. Upon the issuance of the common stock to Northtech, the interest and principal due to Northtech will be reduced to zero, subject to additional disbursements thereunder.

 

On December 20, 2018, the Company and Northtech amended (the “Amendment to Amendment No. 6”) the Sixth Amendment by removing and waiving the requirement to receive the approval of a majority of shareholders of the Company at the next meeting of the stockholders. As a result of the Amendment, the Company will issue Northtech 71,283,000 restricted shares of its common stock, subject to a maximum limit of 75,000,000 currently authorized for issuance and on December 26, 2018, the Company issued 66,316,601 of such shares to Northtech.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 5. Other Information

 

None.

 

32

 

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

See the Exhibit Index preceding the signature page to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for a list of exhibits filed or furnished with this report, which Exhibit Index is incorporated herein by reference.

 

 EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

 

Document Description

31.1 †

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.2 †

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.1 ‡

 

Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

101.INS†

 

XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH†

 

XBRL Schema Document

101.CAL†

 

XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF†

 

XBRL Definition Linkbase Document

101.LAB†

 

XBRL Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE†

 

XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document

 

† Filed herewith

‡ Furnished herewith

 

 

33

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

SMARTHEAT INC.

 

 

 

(Registrant)

 

 

 

 

 

Date: January 28, 2019

By:

/s/ Jimin Zhang

 

 

 

Mr. Jimin Zhang

Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer and Duly Authorized Signatory)

 

 

 

 

34