UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

xQUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 for the quarterly period ended September 30, 20172018

 

¨TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT

 

For the transition period from _________ to _________

 

Commission file number 000-11991

 

SORL AUTO PARTS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

DELAWARE30-0091294
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or
organization)
(IRS Employer Identification No.)

 

No. 2666 Kaifaqu Avenue

Ruian Economic Development District

Ruian City, Zhejiang Province

People’s Republic of China

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

 

 

86-577-6581-7720

(Registrant’s telephone number)

 

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

YesxNo¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

YesxNo¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “accelerated filer”, “large accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large Accelerated Filer¨Accelerated Filer¨

Non-Accelerated Filer¨x

Smaller Reporting Companyx

Emerging Growth 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¨Nox

 

APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

 

As of November 14, 20172018 there were 19,304,921 shares of Common Stock outstanding.

 

 

 

 

 

SORL AUTO PARTS, INC.

FORM 10-Q

For the Quarter Ended September 30, 20172018

 

INDEX

 

  Page
   
PART I.FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Unaudited)31
   
Item 1.Financial Statements:31
   
 Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 20172018 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2016201732
   
 Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 20172018 and 20162017 (Unaudited)43
   
 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 20172018 and 20162017 (Unaudited)54
   
 Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 20172018 (Unaudited)65
   
 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)76
   
Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis or Financial Condition and Results of Operations2221
   
Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk3130
   
Item 4.Controls and Procedures3130
   
PART II.OTHER INFORMATION3130
   
Item 1.Legal Proceedings.3130
   
Item 1A.Risk Factors.31
   
Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.31
   
Item 3.Defaults Upon Senior Securities.3231
   
Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures.3231
   
Item 5.Other Information.3231
   
Item 6.Exhibits3231
   
SIGNATURES3332

 

 

 

SORL Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

September 30, 20172018 and December 31, 20162017

 

  September 30, 2017  December 31, 2016 
  (Unaudited)    
Assets        
Current Assets        
Cash and cash equivalents US$7,653,174  US$8,057,155 
Accounts receivable, net, including $0 and $5,025,509 from related parties at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively  125,807,155   102,129,294 
Bank acceptance notes receivable  66,563,935   42,697,276 
Inventories  83,079,686   65,776,517 
Prepayments, current, including $138,075 and $0 from related parties at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively  11,811,104   10,797,601 
Advances to related party  9,011,700   - 
Restricted cash  700,974   5,476,621 
Other current assets  6,632,395   1,124,608 
Deferred tax assets  3,312,529   3,210,575 
Total Current Assets  314,572,652   239,269,647 
         
Property, plant and equipment, net  72,977,873   53,737,706 
Land use rights, net  14,796,670   8,309,333 
Intangible assets, net  5,263   11,438 
Prepayments, non-current  9,184,597   - 
Total Non-current Assets  96,964,403   62,058,477 
Total Assets US$411,537,055  US$301,328,124 
         
Liabilities and Equity        
Current Liabilities        
Accounts payable and bank acceptance notes to vendors, including $2,188,003 and $1,953,707 to related parties at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively US$70,124,109  US$65,672,626 
Deposits received from customers  40,656,344   22,733,742 
Short term bank loans  77,779,094   27,416,376 
Income tax payable  1,972,847   996,522 
Accrued expenses  19,981,863   20,103,392 
Due to related party  4,129,808   - 
Other current liabilities  2,695,541   2,013,943 
Total Current Liabilities  217,339,606   138,936,601 
         
Total Liabilities  217,339,606   138,936,601 
         
Equity        
Preferred stock - no par value; 1,000,000 authorized; none issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016  -   - 
Common stock - $0.002 par value; 50,000,000 authorized, 19,304,921 issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016  38,609   38,609 
Additional paid-in capital  (28,582,654)  (28,582,654)
Reserves  17,273,279   15,129,935 
Accumulated other comprehensive income  13,308,933   6,117,042 
Retained earnings  165,642,629   146,352,530 
Total SORL Auto Parts, Inc. Stockholders' Equity  167,680,796   139,055,462 
Noncontrolling Interest in Subsidiaries  26,516,653   23,336,061 
Total Equity  194,197,449   162,391,523 
Total Liabilities and Equity US$411,537,055  US$301,328,124 

  September 30, 2018  December 31, 2017 
     (Unaudited)     
Assets        
Current Assets        
Cash and cash equivalents US$17,609,594  US$4,221,940 

Accounts receivable, net, including $1,506,254 and $1,297,734 from related

party at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively

  163,749,395   134,384,961 
Bank acceptance notes from customers  101,136,391   116,040,688 
Inventories  159,123,470   114,300,564 

Prepayments, current, including $3,094,333 and $999,527 to related parties at

September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively

  31,442,128   8,826,004 
Restricted cash, current  19,062,778   376,236 
Advances to related parties  49,372,965   72,318,224 
Other current assets, net  14,455,642   5,555,568 
Total Current Assets  555,952,363   456,024,185 
         
Property, plant and equipment, net  86,949,053   79,828,006 
Land use rights, net  21,245,899   14,912,134 
Intangible assets, net  309,947   3,341 
Deposits on loan agreements  10,175,602   10,712,865 
Prepayments, non-current  18,474,842   16,594,987 
Restricted cash, non-current  3,488,778   - 
Deferred tax assets  3,549,947   4,240,424 
Total Non-current Assets  144,194,068   126,291,757 
Total Assets US$700,146,431  US$582,315,942 
         
Liabilities and Equity        
Current Liabilities        

Accounts payable and bank acceptance notes to vendors, including

$22,782,059 and $15,896,804 due to related parties at September 30, 2018

and December 31, 2017, respectively

 US$211,456,843  US$118,051,633 
Deposits received from customers  63,615,939   43,087,473 
Short term bank loans  143,991,909   125,380,899 
Current portion of long term loans  22,147,109   24,266,031 
Income tax payable, current  3,250,996   3,249,727 
Accrued expenses  18,604,139   25,154,658 
Due to related party  4,481,484   1,572,963 
Deferred income  605,691   1,020,273 
Other current liabilities  2,705,103   2,857,130 
Total Current Liabilities  470,859,213   344,640,787 
         
Long term loans, less current portion and net of unamortized debt issuance costs  19,318,534   37,383,224 
Income tax payable - noncurrent  9,259,307   - 
Total Non-current Liabilities  28,577,841   37,383,224 
Total Liabilities  499,437,054   382,024,011 
         
Equity        

Preferred stock - no par value; 1,000,000 authorized; none issued and

outstanding as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017

  -   - 

Common stock - $0.002 par value; 50,000,000 authorized, 19,304,921 issued

and outstanding as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017

  38,609   38,609 
Additional paid-in capital  (28,582,654)  (28,582,654)
Reserves  19,615,826   17,562,357 
Accumulated other comprehensive income  5,754,883   15,903,188 
Retained earnings  175,602,568   168,244,329 
Total SORL Auto Parts, Inc. Stockholders' Equity  172,429,232   173,165,829 
Noncontrolling Interest In Subsidiaries  28,280,145   27,126,102 
Total Equity  200,709,377   200,291,931 
Total Liabilities and Equity US$700,146,431  US$582,315,942 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

2

SORL Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) and Comprehensive Income (Loss)

For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (Unaudited)

  Three Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30, 
  2018  2017  2018  2017 
             
Sales US$108,584,331  US$101,329,628  US$344,815,965  US$267,589,953 
Include: sales to related parties  9,333,959   7,401,464   22,997,540   13,479,162 
Cost of sales  82,249,456   74,027,933   253,851,334   194,703,290 
Gross profit  26,334,875   27,301,695   90,964,631   72,886,663 
                 
Expenses:                
Selling and distribution expenses  13,160,875   8,283,704   37,154,745   22,877,889 
General and administrative expenses  5,051,684   4,761,787   17,519,873   13,517,222 
Research and development expenses  4,478,298   2,941,243   13,400,656   7,477,902 
Total operating expenses  22,690,857   15,986,734   68,075,274   43,873,013 
                 
Other operating income, net  2,959,269   473,610   7,535,820   1,185,958 
                 
Income from operations  6,603,287   11,788,571   30,425,177   30,199,608 
                 
Interest income  547,455   16,150   2,847,299   38,175 
Government grants  2,239,250   1,006,033   2,982,775   1,119,337 
Other income  229,520   47,262   432,213   47,976 
Interest expenses  (3,331,554)  (804,499)  (10,214,681)  (1,827,835)
Exchange differences  906,538   (684,047)  1,396,460   (1,193,897)
Other expenses  (55,835)  (202,735)  (1,200,920)  (343,024)
                 
Income before income taxes provision  7,138,661   11,166,735   26,668,323   28,040,340 
                 
Provision for income taxes  12,130,789   1,627,721   14,974,982   4,225,404 
                 
Net income (loss) US$(4,992,128) US$9,539,014  US$11,693,341  US$23,814,936 
                 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries  613,086   953,901   2,281,633   2,381,493 
                 
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders US$(5,605,214) US$8,585,113  US$ 9,411,708  US$21,433,443 
                 
Comprehensive income (loss):                
                 
Net income (loss) US$(4,992,128) US$9,539,014  US$11,693,341  US$23,814,936 
Foreign currency translation adjustments  (8,307,355)  3,856,038   (11,275,895)  7,990,990 
                 
Comprehensive income (loss)  (13,299,483)  13,395,052   417,446   31,805,926 
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries  (217,650)  1,339,505   1,154,043   3,180,592 
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to common stockholders US$(13,081,833) US$12,055,547  US$ (736,597) US$28,625,334 
                 
Weighted average common share - basic  19,304,921   19,304,921   19,304,921   19,304,921 
                 
Weighted average common share - diluted  19,304,921   19,304,921   19,304,921   19,304,921 
                 
EPS - basic US$(0.29) US$0.44  US$0.49  US$1.11 
                 
EPS - diluted US$(0.29) US$0.44  US$0.49  US$1.11 

  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

3

 

 

SORL Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive IncomeCash Flows

For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 and 2016 (Unaudited)

  

  Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
  2017  2016  2017  2016 
             
Sales US$101,329,628  US$63,706,397  US$267,589,953  US$192,917,633 
Include: sales to related parties  7,401,464   3,315,026   13,479,162   11,518,005 
Cost of sales  74,027,933   44,794,499   194,703,290   136,657,152 
Gross profit  27,301,695   18,911,898   72,886,663   56,260,481 
                 
Expenses:                
Selling and distribution expenses  8,283,704   7,949,947   22,877,889   20,637,464 
General and administrative expenses  4,761,787   4,878,979   13,517,222   16,717,966 
Research and development expenses  2,941,243   2,409,891   7,477,902   6,533,540 
Total operating expenses  15,986,734   15,238,817   43,873,013   43,888,970 
                 
Other operating income, net  473,610   60,659   1,185,958   144,715 
                 
Income from operations  11,788,571   3,733,740   30,199,608   12,516,226 
                 
Interest income  16,150   33,979   38,175   1,047,667 
Government grants  1,006,033   424,029   1,119,337   569,041 
Other income  47,262   212,513   47,976   763,534 
Interest expenses  (804,499)  (214,974)  (1,827,835)  (515,547)
Other expenses  (886,782)  (155,261)  (1,536,921)  (582,820)
                 
Income before income taxes provision  11,166,735   4,034,026   28,040,340   13,798,101 
                 
Income taxes provision  1,627,721   435,534   4,225,404   1,677,987 
                 
Net income US$9,539,014  US$3,598,492  US$23,814,936  US$12,120,114 
                 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries  953,901   359,849   2,381,493   1,212,011 
                 
Net income attributable to common stockholders US$8,585,113  US$3,238,643  US$21,433,443  US$10,908,103 
                 
Comprehensive income:                
                 
Net income US$9,539,014  US$3,598,492  US$23,814,936  US$12,120,114 
Foreign currency translation adjustments  3,856,038   (1,109,719)  7,990,990   (4,599,246)
Comprehensive income  13,395,052   2,488,773   31,805,926   7,520,868 
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries  1,339,505   248,877   3,180,592   752,086 
Comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders US$12,055,547  US$2,239,896  US$28,625,334  US$6,768,782 
                 
Weighted average common share - basic  19,304,921   19,304,921   19,304,921   19,304,921 
                 
Weighted average common share - diluted  19,304,921   19,304,921   19,304,921   19,304,921 
                 
EPS - basic US$0.44  US$0.17  US$1.11  US$0.57 
                 
EPS - diluted US$0.44  US$0.17  US$1.11  US$0.57 
  Nine Months Ended September 30, 
  2018  2017 
       
Cash Flows From Operating Activities        
Net income US$11,693,341  US$23,814,936 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:        
         
Allowance for doubtful accounts  179,744   759,854 
Depreciation and amortization  8,926,695   6,623,082 
Amortization of debt issuance costs  966,547   42,583 
Gain on disposal of fixed assets  (73,809)  - 
Deferred income tax  520,741   - 
Changes in assets and liabilities:        
Account receivable  (38,780,246)  (19,276,498)
Bank acceptance notes from customers  68,016,837   2,056,320 
Other currents assets  (9,983,968)  (2,317,124)
Inventories  (52,611,953)  (13,792,530)
Prepayments  (19,823,567)  (1,312,081)
Accounts payable and bank acceptance notes to vendors  86,724,938   1,347,005 
Income tax payable  7,432,808   909,912 
Deposits received from customers  24,058,536   16,516,529 
Deferred income  (382,627)  - 
Other current liabilities and accrued expenses  (5,671,820)  (371,575)
Net Cash Flows Provided By Operating Activities  81,192,197   15,000,413 
         
Cash Flows From Investing Activities        
Acquisition of property, equipment, and land use rights  (40,142,267)  (36,882,570)
Deposit for acquisition of land use rights   -   (2,982,537)
Acquisition of intangible assets  (367,931)   - 
Advances to related parties  (214,800,362)  (8,919,241)
Repayments of advances to related parties  222,337,244   - 
Net Cash Flows Used In Investing Activities  (32,973,316)  (48,784,348)
         
Cash Flows From Financing Activities        
Proceeds from short term bank loans  353,441,949   84,149,040 
Repayments of short term bank loans  (325,651,416)  (36,149,680)
Proceeds from related parties  311,692,664   93,191,843 
Repayments to related parties  (328,624,110)  (113,071,629)
Repayments of long term loans  (18,957,775)  - 
Net Cash Flows Provided By (Used In) Financing Activities  (8,098,688)  28,119,574 
         
Effects on changes in foreign exchange rate  (4,557,219)  484,733 
         
Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash  35,562,974   (5,179,628)
         
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash - beginning of the period  4,598,176   13,533,776 
         
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash - end of the period US$40,161,150  US$8,354,148 
         
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures:        
Interest paid US$7,849,753  US$1,255,540 
Income taxes paid US$5,157,755  US$3,272,909 
         
Non-cash Investing and Financing Transactions        
Repayments to related party in the form of bank acceptance notes US$5,846,083  US$- 
Loans from related parties in the form of bank acceptance notes US$33,721,267  US$23,515,527 
Repayments from related party in the form of bank acceptance notes US$26,771,056  US$- 
         
Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash to the consolidated balance sheets        
Cash and cash equivalents US$17,609,594  US$7,653,174 
Restricted cash, current  19,062,778   700,974 
Restricted cash, non-current  3,488,778   - 
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash US$40,161,150  US$8,354,148 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

4

 

 

SORL Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash FlowsChanges in Equity

For theThe Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 and 20162018 (Unaudited)

 

  Nine Months Ended September 30, 
  2017  2016 
       
Cash Flows From Operating Activities        
Net income US$23,814,936  US$12,120,114 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:        
         
Allowance for doubtful accounts  759,854   6,328,318 
Depreciation and amortization  6,623,082   5,357,366 
Deferred income tax  42,583   (1,253,285)
         
Changes in assets and liabilities:        
Accounts receivable  (19,276,498)  (21,237,420)
Bank acceptance notes receivable  2,056,320   (22,588,093)
Other current assets  (2,317,124)  (360,110)
Inventories  (13,792,530)  8,225,129 
Prepayments, current  (1,312,081)  (5,240,758)
Prepaid capital lease interest  -   86,777 
Accounts payable and bank acceptance notes to vendors  1,347,005   15,400,637 
Income tax payable  909,912   1,153,011 
Deposits received from customers  16,516,529   4,217,264 
Other current liabilities and accrued expenses  (371,575)  1,086,934 
Net Cash Flows Provided By Operating Activities  15,000,413   3,295,884 
         
Cash Flows From Investing Activities        
Change in short term investments  -   60,567,408 
Acquisition and prepayments of property, plant and equipment and land use rights  (36,882,570)  (12,266,591)
Deposit for acquisition of land use rights  (2,982,537)  - 
Advances to related party  (8,919,241)  (18,247,384)
Repayment of advances to related party  -   18,247,384 
Change in restricted cash  4,871,113   (4,193,003)
Net Cash Flows Provided By (Used In) Investing Activities  (43,913,235)  44,107,814 
         
Cash Flows From Financing Activities        
Proceeds from bank loans  84,149,040   39,309,937 
Repayment of bank loans  (36,149,680)  (37,110,783)
Proceeds from related parties  93,191,843   - 
Repayments to related parties  (113,071,629)  - 
Distribution to controlling shareholder in connection with plant and land use rights exchange with entity under common control  -   (70,781,668)
Repayment of capital lease  -   (1,779,040)
Net Cash Flows Provided By (Used In) Financing Activities  28,119,574   (70,361,554)
         
Effects on changes in foreign exchange rate  389,267   216,995 
         
Net change in cash and cash equivalents  (403,981)  (22,740,861)
         
Cash and cash equivalents- beginning of the period  8,057,155   30,230,828 
         
Cash and cash equivalents - end of the period US$7,653,174  US$7,489,967 
         
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures:        
Interest paid US$1,255,540  US$575,349 
Income taxes paid US$3,272,909  US$2,340,720 
         
Non-cash Investing and Financing Transactions        
Transfer of plant and land use right to entity under common control US$-  US$17,342,372 
Liabilities assumed in connection with the plant and land use right exchange US$-  US$5,351,196 
Loans from related party in the form of bank acceptance notes US$23,515,527  US$- 

  Number of
Share
  Common
Stock
  Additional
Paid-in
Capital
  Reserves  Retained
Earnings
  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
  Total SORL Auto
Parts, Inc.
Stockholders'
Equity
  Noncontrolling
Interest
  Total Equity 
Balance as of December 31, 2017  19,304,921  $38,609  $(28,582,654) $17,562,357  $168,244,329  $15,903,188  $173,165,829  $27,126,102  $200,291,931 
                                     
Net income  -   -   -   -   9,411,708   -   9,411,708   2,281,633   11,693,341 
                                     
Foreign currency translation adjustment  -   -   -   -   -   (10,148,305)  (10,148,305)  (1,127,590)  (11,275,895)
                                     
Transfer to reserves  -   -   -   2,053,469   (2,053,469)  -   -   -   - 
                                     
Balance as of September 30, 2018  19,304,921  $38,609  $(28,582,654) $19,615,826  $175,602,568  $5,754,883  $172,429,232  $28,280,145  $200,709,377 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

SORL Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 (Unaudited)

  Number of
Share
  Common
Stock
  Additional
Paid-in
Capital
  Reserves  Retained
Earnings
  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
  Total SORL
Auto
Parts, Inc.
Stockholders’
Equity
  Noncontrolling
Interest
  Total Equity 
Balance as of December 31, 2016  19,304,921  $38,609  $(28,582,654) $15,129,935  $146,352,530  $6,117,042  $139,055,462  $23,336,061  $162,391,523 
                                     
Net income  -   -   -   -   21,433,443   -   21,433,443   2,381,493   23,814,936 
                                     
Foreign currency translation adjustment  -   -   -   -   -   7,191,891   7,191,891   799,099   7,990,990 
                                     
Transfer to reserve  -   -   -   2,143,344   (2,143,344)  -   -   -   - 
                                     
Balance as of September 30, 2017  19,304,921  $38,609  $(28,582,654) $17,273,279  $165,642,629  $13,308,933  $167,680,796  $26,516,653  $194,197,449 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

5

 

 

SORL Auto Parts, Inc. and Subsidiaries

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

September 30, 20172018

(Unaudited)

NOTE A - DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

 

SORL Auto Parts, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, “we,” “us,” “our” or the “Company” or “SORL”), a Delaware corporation incorporated on March 24, 1982, is principally engaged in the manufacture and distribution of vehicle brake systems and other key safety-related components, through its 90% ownership of Ruili Group Ruian Auto Parts Co., Ltd. (the “Joint Venture” or “Ruian”). The Company distributes products both in China and internationally under SORL trademarks. The Company’s product range includes 65140 categories and over 2,000 different specifications.

 

The Joint Venture was formed in the People’s Republic of China (“PRC” or “China”) as a Sino-Foreign joint venture on January 17, 2004, pursuant to the terms of a Joint Venture Agreement between the Ruili Group Co., Ltd. (the “Ruili Group”), a related party under common control, and Fairford Holdings Limited (“Fairford”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. The Ruili Group was incorporated in China in 1987 and specializes in the development, production and sale of various kinds of automotive parts. Fairford and the Ruili Group contributed 90% and 10%, respectively, of the paid-in capital of the Joint Venture.

 

On November 11, 2009, the Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Fairford, entered into a joint venture agreement with MGR Hong Kong Limited (“MGR”), a Hong Kong-based global auto parts distribution specialist firm and an unaffiliated Taiwanese individual investor. The joint venture was named SORL International Holding, Ltd. (“SIH”) based in Hong Kong. SORL held a 60% interest in the joint venture, MGR held a 30% interest, and the Taiwanese individual investor held a 10% interest. SIH was primarily devoted to expanding SORL's international sales network in Asia-Pacific and creating a larger footprint in Europe and Africa with a target to create a truly global distribution network. In December 2015, due to the poor financial performance of SIH, Fairfold sold all of its interest in SIH to the Taiwanese investor. After this transaction, SIH ceased to be a distributor of SORL in the international market.

 

NOTE B - BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

(1)BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its majority owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidation. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in conjunction with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted as permitted by the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), although the Company believes that the disclosures contained in this report are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. The consolidated balance sheet information as of December 31, 20162017 was derived from the consolidated audited financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.2017. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the annual consolidated audited financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016,2017, and other reports filed with the SEC.

 

The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments of a normal and recurring nature which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company for the interim periods presented. The results of operations for these periods are not necessarily comparable to, or indicative of, results of any other interim period or for the fiscal year taken as a whole.


6

(2)SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

a. ACCOUNTING METHOD

 

The Company uses the accrual method of accounting for financial statement and tax return purposes.

 

b. USE OF ESTIMATES

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Management makes its best estimate of the outcome for these items based on historical trends and other information available when the financial statements are prepared. Changes in estimates are recognized in accordance with the accounting rules for the estimate, which is typically in the period when new information becomes available to management. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

c. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

For certain of the Company’s financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, bank acceptance notes receivable,from customers, inventories, current prepayments, other current assets, deferred tax assets, accounts payable and bank acceptance notes to vendors, short term bank loans, deposits received from customers, current portion of long term loans, deferred income, income tax payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities, the carrying amounts approximate fair values due to their short maturities.

 

Transactions involving related parties cannot be presumed to be carried out on an arm's-length basis, as the requisite conditions of competitive, free market dealings may not exist. Representations about transactions with related parties, if made, shall not imply that the related party transactions were consummated on terms equivalent to those that prevail in arm's-length transactions unless such representations can be substantiated. It is not, however, practical to determine the fair value of amounts due from/to related parties due to their related party nature.

 

d. RESTRICTED CASH

 

Restricted cash, mainly representscurrent consists of bank deposits used to pledge the bank acceptance notes. notes and deposits for obtaining letters of credit from a local bank.

Restricted cash, non-current represents deposits guaranteed for construction projects.

The Company entered into credit agreements with commercial banks in China (“endorsing banks”) which agree to provide credit within stipulated limits. Within the stipulated credit limits, the Company can issue bank acceptance notes to its suppliers as payments for the purchases. In order to issue bank acceptance notes, the Company is generally required to make initial deposits or pledge note receivablesnotes receivable to the endorsing banks in amounts of certain percentage of the face amount of the bank acceptance notes to be issued by the Company. The cash in such accounts is restricted for use over the terms of the bank acceptance notes, which are normally three to six months. As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, restricted cash of $15,995,561 and $0, respectively, was used to twelve months.pledge the bank acceptance notes.

The Company obtained letters of credit from Industrial Bank Co., Ltd., which agreed to provide guarantee that the Company would make timely payment to its sellers for any purchases. Deposits of $159,902 and $275,474, respectively, were required for this purpose as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

The Company obtained letters of credit from China Zheshang Bank, which agreed to provide guarantee for the Company’s construction projects on land use rights at the intersection of Xianghe Road and North Wansong Road, Binhai New District, Ruian City, Zhejiang Province, China. Deposits of $3,488,778 and $0, respectively, were required by China Zheshang Bank for this purpose during the construction period as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, and were included in restricted cash, non-current.

As of September 30, 2018, the Company had a bank deposit of $2,907,315 held as a guarantee for the loans obtained by Wenzhou Lichuang Automobile Parts Co., Ltd., a related party, from China Merchant Bank. Also see Note E for details.

7

 

e. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

A related party is generally defined as (i) any person that holds 10% or more of the Company’s securities and their immediate families, (ii) the Company’s management, (iii) someone that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the Company, or (iv) anyone who can significantly influence the financial and operating decisions of the Company. A transaction is considered to be a related party transaction when there is a transfer of resources or obligations between related parties. The Company conducts business with its related parties in the ordinary course of business.


f. BANK ACCEPTANCE NOTES RECEIVABLEFROM CUSTOMERS

 

Bank acceptance notes receivable,from customers, generally due within six months and with specific payment terms and definitive due dates, are comprised of the notes issued by some customers to pay certain outstanding receivable balances to the Company, and the notes issued by the customers of related parties and transferred to the Company as loans from related parties or repayments from related parties. Bank acceptance notes do not bear interest. As of September 30, 20172018 and December 31, 2016,2017, bank acceptance notes receivablefrom customers in the amount of $54,781,712$91,703,928 and $32,916,198,$95,914,724, respectively, were pledged to banks to issue either short term bank loans or bank acceptance notes to vendors. The banks charge discount fees if the Company chooses to discount the bank acceptance notes for cash before the maturity of the notes and such discount fees are included in interest expenses.expenses in the accompanying unaudited consolidated statements of income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss).

 

g. REVENUE RECOGNITION

 

RevenueThe Company has adopted Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“ASC 606”) effective as of January 1, 2018. The Company has chosen to use the salefull retrospective transition method, under which it is required to revise its consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 as well as any applicable interim periods within the year ended December 31, 2017, as if ASC 606 had been effective for those periods. Under ASC 606, the Company recognizes revenue when a customer obtains control of promised goods, in an amount that reflects the consideration which the Company expects to receive in exchange for the goods. To determine revenue recognition for arrangements within the scope of ASC 606, the Company performs the following five steps: (1) identify the contracts with a customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognize revenue when or as the entity satisfies a performance obligation. The Company only applies the five-step model to contracts when it is recognized whenprobable that the risks and rewards of ownership ofentity will collect the consideration it is entitled to in exchange for the goods have transferredit transfers to the buyer. The transfer is decided by several factors, including factors such as when persuasive evidencecustomer. See Note C for assessment on the impact of an arrangement exits, delivery has occurred, the sales price is fixed or determinable,adopting ASC 606, and collection is reasonably assured. Revenue consists of the invoice valueNote M for the sale of goods net of value-added tax, rebates and discounts and returns. The Company nets sales return in gross revenue, i.e., the revenue shown in the income statement is the net sales.details on revenues from contracts with customers.

 

h. COST OF SALES

Cost of sales consists primarily of materials costs, applicable local government levies, freight charges, purchasing and receiving costs, inspection costs, employee compensation, depreciation and related costs, which are directly attributable to production. Write-down of inventories to lower of cost or market is also recorded in cost of sales, if any.

i. FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION

  

The Company maintains its books and accounting records in RMB, the currency of the PRC. The Company’s functional currency is also RMB. The Company has adopted FASB ASC 830-30 in translating financial statement amounts from RMB to the Company’s reporting currency, United States dollars (“US$”). All assets and liabilities are translated at the current rate. The stockholders’ equity accounts are translated at the appropriate historical rates.rate. Revenue and expenses are translated at the weighted average rates in effect on the transaction dates.

 

Translation adjustments resulting from this process are included in accumulated other comprehensive income in the statement of stockholders’ equity. Transaction gains and losses that arise from exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are included in the results of operations as incurred.

 

8

NOTE C – RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASC 606. ASC 606 outlines a single set of comprehensive principles for recognizing revenue under U.S. GAAP and supersedes the revenue recognition guidance existed at the time. The main principle of ASC 606 is that revenue should be recognized to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The Company applied the ASC and its related updates on a full retrospective basis as of January 2017,1, 2018. The adoption of ASC 606 did not impact the previously reported financial statements in any prior period nor did it result in a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings. See Note M for additional information.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2017-03, “2016-18, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash”. These amendments require 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. As a result, 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 amendments do not provide a definition of restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. The Company adopted ASU 2016-18 effective January 1, 2018. As a result of the adoption, net cash used in investing activities was adjusted to exclude the change in restricted cash, resulting in a decrease of $4,871,113 in net cash used in investing activities in the amount previously reported for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Restricted cash was included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the consolidated statements of cash flows.

In March 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-05, "Income Taxes (Topic 740) - Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting ChangesBulletin No. 118". The amendments in this ASU add SEC paragraphs pursuant to the SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, which expresses the view of the staff regarding application of Topic 740, Income Taxes, in the reporting period that includes December 22, 2017 - the date on which the Tax Cuts and Error Corrections (Topic 250)Jobs Act was signed into law. The amendments are effective upon addition to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. The Company adopted this standard and Investments - Equity Methodevaluated the impact from the Tax Cut and Joint Ventures (Topic 323)”. This pronouncement amendsJobs Act pursuant to SAB 118, see Note N for further disclosures.

In July 2018, the SEC’sFASB issued ASU 2018-09, “Codification Improvements”, which affects a wide variety of Topics in the Codification and applies to all reporting requirementsentities within the scope of the affected accounting guidance. These amendments represent changes to clarify, correct errors in, or make minor improvements to the Codification, eliminating inconsistencies and providing clarifications in current guidance. Some of the amendments do not require transition guidance and will be effective upon issuance. However, many of the amendments do have transition guidance with effective dates for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, for public filersbusiness entities. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU No. 2018-09 on its consolidated financial statements.

In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-10, “Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases”. These amendments affect narrow aspects of the guidance issued in regardthe amendments in ASU 2016-02 including those regarding residual value guarantees, rate implicit in the lease, lessee reassessment of lease classification, lessor reassessment of lease term and purchase option, variable lease payments that depend on an index or a rate, investment tax credits, lease term and purchase option, transition guidance for amounts previously recognized in business combinations, certain transition adjustments, transition guidance for leases previously classified as capital leases under Topic 840, transition guidance for modifications to new accounting pronouncementsleases previously classified as direct financing or existing pronouncementssales-type leases under Topic 840, transition guidance for sale and leaseback transactions, impairment of net investment in the lease, unguaranteed residual asset, effect of initial direct costs on rate implicit in the lease, and failed sale and leaseback transactions. For entities that early adopted Topic 842, the amendments are effective upon issuance of ASU 2018-10, and the transition requirements are the same as those in Topic 842. For entities that have not yet been adopted. Companies are to provide qualitative disclosures if they have not yet implemented an accounting standards update. Companies should disclose if they are unable to estimateadopted Topic 842, the effective date and transition requirements will be the same as the effective date and transition requirements in Topic 842. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2018-10 on its consolidated financial statements.

In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements. The amendments in this ASU affect the guidance issued in ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which is not yet effective. The amendments provide entities with an additional (and optional) transition method to adopt the new leases standard. Under this new transition method, an entity initially applies the new leases standard at the adoption date and recognizes a specific pronouncement,cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. The amendments also provide lessors with a practical expedient to not separate non-lease components from the associated lease component and, provide disclosures includinginstead, to account for those components as a description ofsingle component in certain circumstances. For the effect on accounting policies that the registrant expects to apply. These provisions apply to all pronouncementsentities that have not yet been implemented by registrants. Thereadopted Topic 842,the effective date for this ASU are additional provisions that relate to corrections to several other prior FASB pronouncements. The Company has incorporated language into other recently issued accounting pronouncement notes, where relevantthe same as those for the corrections in FASB ASU 2017-03.2016-02, which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is implementingcurrently evaluating the updated SECimpact of the adoption of ASU No. 2018-11 on its consolidated financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820), – Disclosure Framework – Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement,” which makes a number of changes meant to add, modify or remove certain disclosure requirements associated with the movement amongst or hierarchy associated with Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 fair value measurements. The amendments in this Update modify the disclosure requirements on not yet adopted accounting pronouncementsfair value measurements based on the concepts in FASB Concepts Statement, Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting—Chapter 8: Notes to Financial Statements, including the consideration of costs and benefits. The amendments on changes in unrealized gains and losses, the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements, and the narrative description of measurement uncertainty should be applied prospectively for only the most recent interim or annual period presented in the initial fiscal year of adoption. All other amendments should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented upon their effective date. The amendments are effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with theseearly adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impacts of ASU 2018-13 on its consolidated financial statements.

 

NOTE D – RECLASSIFICATIONS

 

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no impact on net earnings and financial position.

 


9

NOTE E - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Related parties with whom the Company conducted business consist of the following:

Name of Related PartyNature of Relationship
Xiao Ping ZhangPrincipal shareholder, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
Shu Ping ChiShareholder, member of the Board, wife of Xiao Ping Zhang
Xiao Feng ZhangShareholder, member of the Board, brother of Xiao Ping Zhang
Ruili Group Co., Ltd. ("Ruili Group")10% shareholder of Joint Venture and is collectively controlled by Xiao Ping Zhang, Shu Ping Chi, and Xiao Feng Zhang
Guangzhou Ruili Kormee Automotive Electronic Control Technology Co., Ltd. ("Guangzhou Kormee")Controlled by Ruili Group
Wenzhou Ruili Kormee Automotive Electronics Co., Ltd. (“Ruian Kormee” and formerly known as “Ruian Kormee Automobile Braking Co., Ltd.”)Wholly controlled by Guangzhou Kormee
Shanghai Dachao Electric Technology Co., Ltd. ("Shanghai Dachao")Ruili Group holds 49% of the equity interests in Shanghai Dachao
Ruili MeiLian Air Management System (LangFang) Co., Ltd. ("Ruili Meilian")Controlled by Ruili Group
Wenzhou Lichuang Automobile Parts Co., Ltd. ("Wenzhou Lichuang")Controlled by Ruili Group
Ningbo Ruili Equipment Co., Ltd. ("Ningbo Ruili")Controlled by Ruili Group
Shanghai Ruili Real Estate Development Co., Ltd. ("Shanghai Ruili")Wholly owned by Ruili Group
Kunshan Yuetu Real Estate Development Co., Ltd. ("Kunshan Yuetu")Collectively owned by Ruili Group and Shu Ping Chi
Shanghai Tabouk Auto Components Co., Ltd. ("Shanghai Tabouk")Collectively owned by Xiao Feng Zhang and Xiao Ping Zhang
Hangzhou Ruili Property Development Co., Ltd.Collectively owned by Ruili Group and Xiao Ping Zhang

 

The Company continues to purchase primarily packaging materials from the Ruili Group. The Ruili Group is the minority stockholder of Joint Venture and is collectively controlled by Mr. Xiao Ping Zhang, his wife, Ms. Shu Ping Chi, and his brother, Mr. Xiao Feng Zhang. In addition, the Company purchases automotive components from four other related parties, including Guangzhou Kormee, Automotive Electronic Control Technology Co., Ltd. (“Guangzhou Kormee”), Ruian Kormee, Automobile Braking Co., Ltd. (“Ruian Kormee”), Ruili MeiLian Air Management System (LangFang) Co., Ltd. (“Ruili MeiLian”) andMeilian, Shanghai Dachao, Electric Technology Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai Dachao”). Guangzhou KormeeWenzhou Lichuang and Ningbo Ruili. As of September 30, 2018, the Company did not receive all the materials from Ningbo Ruili MeiLianpurchased during the three and nine months then ended. The unreceived purchases from the relate party are controlled byrecorded as prepayments, current on the Ruili Group and Ruian Kormee is the wholly-owned subsidiary of Guangzhou Kormee. Ruili Group owns 49% equity interest in Shanghai Dachao. accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

The Company sells certain automotive products to the Ruili Group. The Company also sells parts to Guangzhou Kormee, Shanghai Tabouk, Ruian Kormee and Ruili MeiLian.Meilian. 

10

 

The following related party transactions occurred during the three and nine months ended September 30, 20172018 and 2016:2017:

 

  Three Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30, 
  2017  2016  2017  2016 
PURCHASES FROM:                
Guangzhou Kormee Automotive Electronic Control Technology Co., Ltd. $124,340  $138,580  $1,449,946  $826,474 
Ruian Kormee Automobile Braking Co., Ltd.  328,680   450,665   1,085,483   807,769 
Ruili MeiLian Air Management System (LangFang) Co., Ltd.  1,457,104      3,613,415    
Shanghai Dachao Electric Technology Co., Ltd.     82,671   55,230   116,415 
Ruili Group Co., Ltd.  1,335,449   1,027,210   3,845,123   2,972,963 
Total Purchases $3,245,573  $1,699,126  $10,049,197  $4,723,621 
                 
SALES TO:                
Guangzhou Kormee Automotive Electronic Control Technology Co., Ltd. $3,125,127  $1,529,583  $4,874,568  $3,174,040 
Ruian Kormee Automobile Braking Co., Ltd.  103,242      115,429   9,477 
Ruili MeiLian Air Management System (LangFang) Co., Ltd.  245,735      634,022    
Ruili Group Co., Ltd.  3,927,360   1,785,443   7,855,143   8,334,488 
Total Sales $7,401,464  $3,315,026  $13,479,162  $11,518,005 

  September30,  December 31, 
  2017  2016 
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE FROM RELATED PARTIES        
Ruili Group Co., Ltd. $  $4,361,010 
Guangzhou Kormee Automotive Electronic Control Technology Co., Ltd.     664,499 
Total $  $5,025,509 
         
PREPAYMENTS TO RELATED PARTIES        
Guangzhou Kormee Automotive Electronic Control Technology Co., Ltd. $63,025  $ 
Shanghai Dachao Electric Technology Co., Ltd.  75,050    
Total $138,075  $ 
         
ADVANCES TO RELATED PARTY        
Ruili Group Co., Ltd. $9,011,700  $ 
Total $9,011,700  $ 
         
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND BANK ACCEPTANCE NOTES TO RELATED PARTIES        
Ruian Kormee Automobile Braking Co., Ltd. $  $628,310 
Shanghai Dachao Electric Technology Co., Ltd.     100,441 
Ruili MeiLian Air Management System (LangFang) Co., Ltd.  2,188,003   1,224,956 
Total $2,188,003  $1,953,707 
         
DUE TO RELATED PARTY        
Ruian Kormee Automobile Braking Co., Ltd. $4,129,808  $ 
Total $4,129,808  $ 
  Nine Months Ended September 30,  Three Months Ended September 30, 
  2018  2017  2018  2017 
PURCHASES FROM:                
Guangzhou Ruili Kormee Automotive Electronic Control Technology Co., Ltd. $2,343,015  $1,449,946  $598,920  $989,679 
Wenzhou Ruili Kormee Automotive Electronics Co., Ltd.  1,996,094   1,085,483   582,998   401,132 
Shanghai Dachao Electric Technology Co., Ltd.  866,382   55,230   489,695   - 
Ruili MeiLian Air Management System (LangFang) Co., Ltd  5,786,608   3,613,415   812,202   1,373,241 
Ruili Group Co., Ltd.  5,991,237   3,845,123   2,024,487   1,382,956 
Ningbo Ruili Equipment Co., Ltd.  2,044,168   -   2,044,168   - 
Wenzhou Lichuang Automobile Parts Co., Ltd.  11,251,687   -   3,706,795   - 
Total purchases $30,279,191  $10,049,197  $10,259,265  $4,147,008 
                 
SALES TO:                
Guangzhou Ruili Kormee Automotive Electronic Control Technology Co., Ltd. $8,086,219  $4,874,568  $2,271,413  $972,084 
Wenzhou Ruili Kormee Automotive Electronics Co., Ltd.  63,112   115,429   8,641   12,187 
Ruili MeiLian Air Management System (LangFang) Co., Ltd  1,048,005   634,022   204,192   388,287 
Ruili Group Co., Ltd.  12,570,554   7,855,143   6,494,382   900,859 
Shanghai Tabouk Auto Components Co., Ltd.  1,229,651   -   355,331   - 
Total sales $22,997,541  $13,479,162  $9,333,959  $2,273,417 

  

11 

11

 

 

  As of September 30, 2018  As of December 31, 2017 
  2018  2017 
ADVANCES TO RELATED PARTIES        
         
Ruili Group Co., Ltd.  49,372,965   5,711,605 
Shanghai Ruili Real Estate Development Co., Ltd.  -   65,069,497 
Kunshan Yuetu Real Estate Development Co., Ltd. $-  $1,537,122 
         
Total advances to related parties $49,372,965  $72,318,224 
         
   2018   2017 
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE        
         
Shanghai Tabouk Auto Components Co., Ltd $1,506,254  $1,297,734 
Total accounts receivable $1,506,254  $1,297,734 
         
PREPAYMENTS, CURRENT        
         
Ningbo Ruili Equipment Co., Ltd. $3,094,333  $999,527 
Total prepayments, current $3,094,333  $999,527 
         
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE TO RELATED PARTIES        
         
Guangzhou Ruili Kormee Automotive Electronic Control Technology Co., Ltd.  10,651,384   3,414,719 
Shanghai Dachao Electric Technology Co., Ltd.  111,574   83,178 
Ruili MeiLian Air Management System(LangFang)Co.,Ltd  2,682,174   1,993,787 
Wenzhou Lichuang Automobile Parts Co., Ltd.  9,336,927   10,405,120 
Total accounts payable to related parties $22,782,059  $15,896,804 
         
DUE TO RELATED PARTY        
         
Wenzhou Ruili Kormee Automotive Electronics Co., Ltd. $4,481,484  $1,572,963 
Total due to related party $4,481,484  $1,572,963 

The balance

From time to time, the Company borrows from Ruili Group and its controlled companies for working capital purposes. In order to obtain the loans and mutually benefit both the debtor and creditor of the arrangement, the Company also advances to Ruili Group and its controlled companies in a short term. All the loans from related party represents the advances from the Company to Ruili Group.parties are non-interest bearing, unsecured and due on demand. The advances to Ruili Group are non-interest bearing, unsecured, and due on demand. demand and the advances to Shanghai Ruili and Kunshan Yuetu are due on demand, unsecured, and bear an interest rate of 5.22% per annum. The advances to Shanghai Ruili and Kunshan Yuetu were fully repaid as of September 30, 2018.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company obtained loans of $311,692,664 in cash and $33,721,267 in the form of bank acceptance notes from related parties. Repayments in cash and bank acceptance notes to related parties totaled $334,470,193 and $5,846,083, respectively. In the same period, the Company advanced cashto its related parties in the total amount of $8,919,241. The effect of changes in foreign exchange rate is $92,459.

The balance of due to related party represents the loans the Company obtained$214,800,362 and received cash repayments from related parties for working capital purposes. The borrowings from related parties are interest free, unsecured and repayable on demand.amounted to $222,337,244. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company obtained loans from related parties in the amount of $93,191,843 in cash including $5,829,744 from Ruian Kormee and $87,362,099 from Ruili Group. The Company also borrowed the amount of $23,515,527 in the form of bank acceptance notes from Ruili Group. Cash repaymentsrelated parties. Repayments in cash to the related parties totaled $113,071,629, including $1,742,308amounted to Ruian Kormee and $111,329,321 to Ruili Group, during the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The effect of changes in foreign exchange rate is $494,067.$113,071,629.

 

The Company entered into a lease agreement with Ruili Group, seeGroup. See Note MO for more details.

 

TheDuring the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company providedmade a bank deposit of $2,907,315 used as a guarantee for the credit line granted to Ruili Grouploans obtained by Bank of NingboWenzhou Lichuang from China Merchant Bank. The amount was included in the amount of RMB 150,000,000 (approximately $21,623,180) for the period from May 30, 2016 to May 14, 2017. As of September 30, 2017, the guarantee was released as the credit line was fully paid off by Ruili Group.restricted cash, current. Also see Note B.

12

 

The Company provided a guarantee for the credit line granted to Ruili Group by the China Merchants Bank in the amount of RMB 50,000,000 (approximately $7,699,889) for a period from July 29, 2015 until two years after the due date of each loan withdrawn by Ruili Group under the credit line. The credit line was replaced by the one issued by the same bank in the amount of RMB 40,000,000 (approximately $5,766,181) for a period of 12 months starting on October 24, 2016,2016. The credit line was renewed on October 19, 2017 for 6 months. On April 23, 2018, Ruili Group and the bank reached another extension agreement and the guarantee of which was continued towill be provided by the Company as of September 30, 2017 and will expire onuntil April 18, 2018.

The Company provided a guarantee for the credit line granted to Ruili Group by China Guangfa Bank in the amount of RMB 200,000,000 (approximately $28,830,907) for the period from May 22, 2016 to May 22, 2017. As of September 30, 2017, the guarantee was released as the credit line was fully paid off by Ruili Group.23, 2021.

 

The Company provided a guarantee for the credit line granted to Ruili Group by China Guangfa Bank in a maximum amount of RMB 69,000,000 (approximately $10,092,000) for the period from November 16, 2016 to January 16, 2018. The credit line was renewed on December 21, 2017 for a period of 12 months, and the guarantee was accordingly extended by the Company as of September 30, 2018 and will expire on December 20, 2018.

 

The Company provided a guarantee for the credit line granted to Ruili Group by Bank of Ningbo in a maximum amount of RMB 180,000,000 (approximately $26,328,000) for the period from June 30, 2017 to June 30, 2020.

 

The Company has short term bank loans guaranteed or pledged by related parties. See Note K for more details.

 

12 

NOTE F - ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, NET

 

Accounts receivable, net, consisted of the following:

 

 September 30, December 31,  September 30, December 31, 
 2017  2016  2018 2017 
Accounts receivable $138,797,272  $113,815,711  $176,566,068  $148,312,117 
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts  (12,990,117)  (11,686,417)  (12,816,673)  (13,927,156)
Accounts receivable, net $125,807,155  $102,129,294  $163,749,395  $134,384,961 

 

No customer individually accounted for more than 10% of our revenues or accounts receivable for the nine months ended September 30, 20172018 and 2016.2017. The changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts on September 30, 20172018 and December 31, 20162017 are summarized as follows:

 

 September 30, December 31,  September 30, December 31, 
 2017  2016  2018  2017 
Beginning balance $11,686,417  $12,075,402  $13,927,156  $11,686,417 
Add: increase to allowance  759,854   395,491 
Add: Increase (Decrease) to allowance  (420,037)  1,474,872 
Effects on changes in foreign exchange rate  543,846   (784,476)  (690,446)  765,867 
Ending balance $12,990,117  $11,686,417  $12,816,673  $13,927,156 

13

 

NOTE G - INVENTORIES

 

On September 30, 20172018 and December 31, 2016,2017, inventories were consisted of the following:

 

 September 30, December 31,  September 30, December 31, 
 2017  2016  2018  2017 
Raw materials $23,592,541  $20,121,513  $46,744,244  $27,657,266 
Work-in-process  13,382,666   14,843,653   46,420,898   40,805,434 
Finished goods  46,104,479   30,811,351   65,958,328   45,837,864 
Less: write-down of inventories  -   - 
Total inventories $83,079,686  $65,776,517  $159,123,470  $114,300,564 

NOTE H - PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET

 

Property, plant and equipment were consisted of the following on September 30, 20172018 and December 31, 2016:2017:

 

  September 30,  December 31, 
  2017  2016 
Machinery $111,277,530  $87,694,677 
Molds  1,314,717   1,257,841 
Office equipment  2,385,454   2,021,982 
Vehicles  3,291,065   2,246,203 
Buildings  19,042,848   15,826,738 
Leasehold improvements  479,301   458,566 
Sub-total  137,790,915   109,506,007 
         
Less: accumulated depreciation  (64,813,042)  (55,768,301)
         
Property, plant and equipment, net $72,977,873  $53,737,706 

  September 30,  December 31, 
  2018  2017 
Machinery $127,444,462  $119,296,564 
Molds  1,271,764   1,338,912 
Office equipment  3,831,723   2,998,443 
Vehicles  4,684,074   3,681,194 
Buildings  18,573,731   20,127,148 
Construction in progress  2,928,101   - 
Leasehold improvements  462,419   486,834 
Sub-Total  159,196,274   147,929,095 
         
Less: Accumulated depreciation  (72,247,221)  (68,101,089)
         
Property, plant and equipment, net $86,949,053  $79,828,006 

 

Depreciation expense incurredcharged to operations was $6,353,494$8,399,291 and $5,110,014$6,353,494 for the nine months ended September 30, 20172018 and 2016,2017, respectively.

In May 2016, the Company, through its principal operating subsidiary, entered into a Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with Ruili Group, pursuant to which the Company agreed to exchange the land use rights and factory facilities located at No. 1169 Yumeng Road, Rui'an Economic Development Zone, Rui'An City, Zhejiang Province, China (the “Dongshan Facility”), purchased in 2007 from Ruili Group, plus RMB 501.00 million (approximately $76.50 million) in cash for the land use rights and factory facilities located at No. 2666 Kaifaqu Avenue, Rui’an Economic Development Zone, Rui’an City, Zhejiang Province, China (the “Development Zone Facility”). As of the filing date, the Company has not obtained the property ownership certificate or land use right certificate of the Development Zone Facility. The Company reserved the relevant tax amount of RMB 4.56 million (approximately $0.75 million) for the Dongshan Facility and RMB 15.00 million (approximately $2.30 million) for the Development Zone Facility. These amounts were determined based on a 3% tax rate on the consideration paid for the Dongshan Facility and the Development Zone Facility in the transactions, which the Company considered as the most probable amount of tax liability.

  

14

In July 2017, Ruian, a subsidiary of the Company, purchased plants and the associated land use rights from Yunding Holding Group Co., Ltd. in cash at the purchase price of RMB 60.06 million (approximately $8.87 million). The total cost including related deed tax and stamp duty is RMB 58.95 million (approximately $8.88 million) net of value-added input tax in association with the purchase, which has been fully paid in cash as of September 30, 2017. The title of the plants and the associated land use rights was transferred in July 2017. The allocated costs for the land use rights and the plants are RMB 42.35 million (approximately $6.38 million) and RMB 16.60 million (approximately $2.50 million), respectively. The plants and associated land use rights will be used to meet Ruian’s growing operational needs and is located in the east side of the International Auto Parts District, Tangxia Town, Ruian City, Zhejiang Province, China with a land use area of 33,141 square meters and a building floor area of 25,016 square meters.


NOTE I – LAND USE RIGHTS, NET

 

The balances for land use rights, net as of September 30, 20172018 and December 31, 20162017 are as the following:

 

 September 30, December 31,  September 30, December 31, 
 2017  2016  2018 2017 
Cost $15,237,587  $8,473,362  $22,231,948  $15,477,081 
Less: accumulated amortization  (440,917)  (164,029)  (986,049)  (564,947)
        
Land use rights, net $14,796,670  $8,309,333  $21,245,899  $14,912,134 

 

In connection with the execution of the Purchase Agreement in May 2016, the Company exchanged the Dongshan Facility plus RMB 501.00 million (approximately $76.50 million) in cash for Development Zone Facility, including land use rights with historical value of approximately $8.47 million. As of the filing date, the Company has not obtained the land use right certificate of the Development Zone Facility. Also see Note H for more details.

In July 2017, Ruian, a subsidiary of the Company, purchased plants and the associated land use rights from Yunding Holding Group Co., Ltd. in cash at the purchase price of RMB 60.06 million (approximately $8.87 million). The title of the plants and land use rights was transferred in July 2017. The allocated cost for the land use rights is RMB 42.35 million (approximately $6.38 million). Also see Note H for more details.

During the three months ended September 30, 2017, the Company also prepaidentered into an agreement with the amountMinistry of RMB 10.01 million (approximately $1.51 million) as down paymentLand and RMB 20.00 million (approximately $3.01 million) as a refundable depositResources, Ruian, to purchase the land use rights for the land located at the intersection of Xianghe Road and North Wansong Road, Binhai New District, Rui’anRuian City, Zhejiang Province, China (the “Wansong Land”). Full payment of RMB 51.81 million (approximately $7.93 million) was made as of December 31, 2017. The Company obtained the title to the land use rights in April 2018. The Wansong Land has a total area of 17,029 square meters.

In December 2017, the Company entered into an agreement with the Ministry of Land and Resources, Ruian, to purchase the land use rights for the land located at the intersection of Fengjin Road and Wenhua Road, Binhai New District, Ruian City, Zhejiang Province, China. Prepayment of RMB 14.40 million (approximately $2.14 million) was made as down payment in 2017. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company paid additional amount of RMB 57.62 million (approximately $8.99 million). As of September 30, 2018, the purchase price of RMB 72.02 (approximately $11.13 million) was fully paid. As of the filing date, the title to the land use rights has not been transferred. The down payment waspayments were included in prepayments,prepayment, non-current as of September 30, 2018 on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

In April 2018, the Company entered into an agreement with the Ministry of Land and Resources, Ruian, to purchase the refundable depositland use rights for the land located at the intersection of Tengda Road and Wanghai Road, Economic Development District, Ruian City, Zhejiang Province, China. Prepayment of RMB 42.54 million (approximately $6.43 million) was made during the nine months ended September 30, 2018. As of the filing date, the title to the land use rights has not been transferred. The payments were included in other current assets inprepayment, non-current as of September 30, 2018 on the unauditedaccompanying consolidated balance sheets. Also see Note Q for more details.

 


Amortization expenses were $458,179 and $141,816 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

NOTE J - DEFERRED TAX ASSETS

 

Deferred tax assets were consisted of the following as of September 30, 20172018 and December 31, 2016:2017:

 

  September 30,  December 31, 
  2017  2016 
Deferred tax assets - current        
Allowance for doubtful accounts $2,019,545  $1,798,894 
Revenue (net of cost)  (128,438)  76,719 
Unpaid accrued expenses  237,055   357,352 
Warranty  1,184,367   977,610 
Deferred tax assets  3,312,529   3,210,575 
Valuation allowance      
Deferred tax assets - current $3,312,529  $3,210,575 

  September 30,  December 31, 
  2018  2017 
Deferred tax assets – non-current        
         
Allowance for doubtful accounts $2,047,506  $2,137,837 
Revenue (net of cost)  414,571   160,766 
Unpaid accrued expenses  (16,874)  955,287 
Warranty  1,104,744   986,534 
Deferred tax assets  3,549,947   4,240,424 
Valuation allowance      
Net deferred tax assets – non-current $3,549,947  $4,240,424 

15

 

Deferred taxation is calculated under the liability method in respect of taxation effect arising from all timing differences, which are expected with reasonable probability to realize in the foreseeable future. The Company and its subsidiaries do not have income tax liabilities in the U.S. as the Company had no taxable income for the reporting periods. The Company’s subsidiary registered in the PRC is subject to income taxes within the PRC at the applicable tax rate.

 

NOTE K – SHORT-TERM BANK LOANS

 

Bank loans represented the following as of September 30, 20172018 and December 31, 2016:2017:

 

  September 30,  December 31, 
  2017  2016 
Secured $77,779,094  $27,416,376 
  September 30,  December 31, 
  2018  2017 
Secured $141,375,325  $125,380,899 
Unsecured  2,616,584   - 
Total short term bank loans $143,991,909  $125,380,899 

 

The Company obtained those short term loans from Bank of China, Bank of Ningbo, Agricultural Bank of China, China Zheshang Bank, China CITIC Bank, China Minsheng Bank, Industrial Bank Co., Ltd., Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation LimitedHuaxia Bank and China Construction Bank, respectively, to finance general working capital as well as new equipment acquisitions.and acquire long-lived assets. Interest ratesrate for the loans outstanding during the nine months ended September 30, 20172018 ranged from 0.55%1.35% to 5.22% per annum. The maturity dates of the loans existing as of September 30, 20172018 ranged from October 2, 2017August 8, 2018 to September 26, 2018.November 16, 2019. As of September 30, 20172018 and December 31, 2016,2017, the Company’s accounts receivablesreceivable of $6,349,443$76,540 and $4,484,755,$5,472,169, respectively, were pledged as collateral under loan arrangements. The interest expenses for short-term bank loans, including discount fees, were $804,499$2,543,723 and $214,974$804,499 for the three months ended September 30, 20172018 and 2016,2017, respectively. The interest expenses for short-term bank loans, including discount fees, were $1,827,835$7,428,780 and $515,547$1,827,835 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, and 2016, respectively.


As of September 30, 2017,2018, corporate or personal guarantees provided for those bank loans were as follows:

 

$5,611,817  Guaranteed by Ruili Group, a related party.5,557,517  Guaranteed by Ruili Group, a related party
$2,944,146  Pledged by Ruili Group, a related party, with its land and buildings. Guaranteed by Mr. Xiao Ping Zhang and Ms. Shu Ping Chi, both of who are the Company’s principal stockholders.7,195,691  Guaranteed by Ruili Group, a related party; Guaranteed by Mr. Xiao Ping Zhang and Ms. Shu Ping Chi, both the Company’s principal stockholders
$14,227,576  Guaranteed by Ruili Group, a related party, Mr. Xiao Ping Zhang and Ms. Shu Ping Chi, both of who are the Company’s principal stockholders.26,165,833  Pledged by HangZhou RuiLi Property Development Co.,Ltd, a related party, with its property. Guaranteed by Mr. Xiao Ping Zhang and Ms. Shu Ping Chi, both the Company’s principal stockholders.
$24,861,004  Pledged by the Company with its bank acceptance notes.22,650,493  Pledged by Ruili Group, a related party, with its land use rights and properties
$22,600,913  Pledged by Hangzhou Ruili Zhiye Development Ltd., a related party under common control of Ruili Group, with its properties. Guaranteed by Mr. Xiao Ping Zhang and Ms. Shu Ping Chi, both of who are the Company’s principal stockholders.16,571,694  Pledged by the Company with its bank acceptance notes
$6,026,910  Pledged by the Company’s land and properties. Guaranteed by Ruili Group, Xiaoping Zhang, who is one of the Company’s principal stockholders.58,146,296  Pledged by Shanghai Ruili, a related party, with its properties; Guaranteed by Xiaoping Zhang and Ms. Shu Ping Chi, both the Company’s principal stockholders
$1,506,728  Pledged by Ruili Group, a related party, with its land and buildings.5,087,801  Pledged by Shanghai Ruili, a related party, with its properties; Guaranteed by Xiaoping Zhang and Ms. Shu Ping Chi, both the Company’s principal stockholders; Guaranteed by Ruili Group, a related party

16

 

NOTE L - LONG TERM LOANS

  September 30, 2018  December 31, 2017 
Aggregate outstanding principal balance $42,280,413  $63,471,308 
Less: unamortized debt issuance costs  (814,770)  (1,822,053)
Less: current portion  (22,147,109)  (24,266,031)
Non-current portion $19,318,534  $37,383,224 

In November 2017, the Company entered into two identical but independent loan agreements with Far Eastern Horizon Co., Ltd. (“Far Eastern”), each for a term of 36 months and with an effective interest rate of 8.38% per annum, payable monthly in arrears. The total long term obligations under the two agreements amounted to RMB 200,000,000 (approximately $30,608,185), pledged by the Company’s equipment in the original cost of RMB 205,690,574 (approximately $31,479,075). The Company paid debt issuance costs in cash of $742,324. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the repayments of principal totaled $7,522,125.

In November 2017, the Company entered into four independent loan agreements with COSCO Shipping Leasing Co., Ltd. (“COSCO”) for a term of 36 months each. Two of the agreements were signed on November 30, 2017 with an effective interest rate of 8.50% per annum, payable monthly in arrears. The other two agreements were entered into on November 15, 2017, with an effective interest rate of 4.31% per annum, payable monthly in arrears. The total long term obligations under the four agreements amounted to RMB 235,000,000 (approximately $35,964,617), pledged by the Company’s equipment in the original cost of RMB 238,333,639 (approximately $36,474,800). The Company paid debt issuance costs in cash in the amount of $1,025,248. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the repayments of principal totaled $11,435,650.

The interest expenses for long term loans, including the amortization of debt issuance costs, were $787,831 for the three months ended September 30, 2018. The interest expenses for long term loans, including the amortization of debt issuance costs, were $2,785,901 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018.

NOTE M – REVENUES FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS

The Company accounted for revenue in accordance with ASC 606, which was adopted on January 1, 2018, using full retrospective method. The adoption of the standard did not impact the Company’s revenue recognition.

The Company provides a variety of standard products to its customers. The Company’s contracts with its customers consist of a single, distinct performance obligation or promise to transfer auto parts to the customers. Generally, the Company’s performance obligations are satisfied when the customers take possession of the products, which normally occurs at the shipping point or destination depending on the terms of the contracts. All sales are recorded net of value-added taxes. The Company does not recognize revenue related to product warranties. See Note P for details concerning the expected costs associated with the Company’s assurance warranty obligations.

In accordance with ASC 606, the Company disaggregates revenue from contracts with customers by product type. See Note Q for information regarding revenue disaggregation by product type.

Revenues from contracts with customers are recognized at a point in time when the merchandises are delivered to the customer in accordance with the shipping terms stated in the contracts, which is the point when the legal title, physical possession and the risks and rewards of ownership are transferred to the customers.

Deferred revenue is recorded when consideration is received from a customer prior to transferring goods to the customer under the terms of a sales contract. As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company recorded a deferred revenue liability of $63,615,939 and $43,087,473, respectively, which was presented as “Deposits received from customers” on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company recognized $18,252,438 and $7,994,579, respectively, of deferred revenue included in the opening balances of deposits received from customers. The amounts were included in sales on the accompanying consolidated statements of income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss).

17

NOTE N - INCOME TAXES

In December 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “2017 Tax Act”) was enacted into law and the new legislation contains several key tax provisions that affected the Company, including, among others, a reduction of the federal corporate income tax rate to 21% effective January 1, 2018, and a recognition of the U.S. corporate income tax based on the deemed repatriation to the United States of the Company’s share of previously deferred earnings of certain non-U.S. subsidiaries of the Company upon enactment of the 2017 Tax Act. The Company is required to recognize the effect of the 2017 Tax Act in the period of enactment. In December 2017, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”), Income Tax Accounting Implications of the 2017 Tax Act, which allows the Company to record provisional amounts during a measurement period not to extend beyond one year of the enactment date.

During the three months ended September 30, 2018, the Company recognized a one-time transition tax of $11,022,985 that represented management’s estimate of the amount of U.S. corporate income tax based on the deemed repatriation to the United States of the Company’s share of previously deferred earnings of certain non-U.S. subsidiaries of the Company mandated by the U.S. Tax Reform. The Company elected to pay the one-time transition tax over eight years commencing in 2018. The actual impact of the U.S. Tax Reform on the Company may differ from management’s estimates, and management may update its judgments based on future regulations or guidance issued or changes in the interpretations taken that would adjust the provisional amounts recorded. As of September 30, 2018, $1,763,678 was included in taxes payable as a current liability which the Company believes will be paid within one year and the remaining balance was included in long-term taxes payable. As of the filing date, no transition tax payment has been made.

 

The Joint Venture is registered in the PRC, and is therefore subject to state and local income taxes within the PRC at the applicable tax rate on the taxable income as reported in the PRC statutory financial statements in accordance with relevant income tax laws.

 

In 2015, the Joint Venture was awarded the Chinese government's "High-Tech Enterprise" designation for a third time, which is valid for three years and it continues to be taxed at the 15% tax rate in 2015, 2016 and 2017. As the “High-Tech Enterprise” designation expired in 2018, the Joint Venture is undergoing the re-assessment by the government and the Company estimates it is highly probable that the designation will be awarded and therefore the 15% tax rate is used for the nine months ended September 30, 2018.

 

The reconciliation of the effective income tax rate of the Company to the statutory income tax rate in the US and the PRC for the nine months ended September 30, 20172018 and 20162017 is as follows:

  Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2017
  Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2016
 
US statutory income tax rate  35.00%  35.00%
Valuation allowance recognized with respect to the loss in the US company  -35.00%  -35.00%
China statutory income tax rate  25.00%  25.00%
Effects of income tax exemptions and reliefs  -10.00%  -10.00%
Effects of additional deduction allowed for R&D expenses  -1.86%  -3.54%
Effects of expenses not deductible for tax purposes  0.54%  0.74%
Other items  1.39%  -0.04%
Effective tax rate  15.07%  12.16%

  Nine Months Ended September 30 
  2018  2017 
US statutory income tax rate  21.00%  35.00%
Valuation allowance recognized with respect to the loss in the US company  -21.00%  -35.00%
Impact of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act  41.71%  - 
China statutory income tax rate  25.00%  25.00%
Effects of income tax exemptions and reliefs  -10.00%  -10.00%
Effects of additional deduction allowed for R&D expenses  -3.77%  -1.90%
Effects of expenses not deductible for tax purposes  2.30%  0.63%
Other items  0.92%  1.66%
Effective tax rate  56.15%  15.39%


18

Income taxes are calculated on a separate entity basis. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. There currently is no tax benefit recorded for the United States. In the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, there were nolate filing penalties and interest, which generallyof $100,000 that are recorded in the general and administrative expenses or in the tax expenses. The provisions for income taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 20172018 and 2016,2017, respectively, are summarized as follows:

  Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2017
  Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2016
 
Current $4,199,727  $2,942,048 
Deferred  25,677   (1,264,061)
Total $4,225,404  $1,677,987 

ASC 740-10 requires recognition and measurement of uncertain income tax positions using a “more-likely-than-not” approach. The management evaluated the Company’s tax positions and considered that no provision for uncertainty in income taxes was necessary as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

  Nine Months Ended September 30 
  2018  2017 
Current $14,454,243  $4,199,727 
Deferred  520,739   25,677 
Total $14,974,982  $4,225,404 

 

NOTE MO – OPERATING LEASES WITH RELATED PARTY

 

In December 2006, Ruian entered into a lease agreement with Ruili Group Co., Ltd. for the lease of two apartment buildings. These two apartment buildings are for Ruian’s management personnel and staff, respectively. The initial lease term was from January 2013 to December 2016. This lease was amended in 2013, with a new lease term from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2022. The annual lease expense is RMB 2,100,000 (approximately $333,688).

 

The lease expenses were $684,252$1,304,292 and $1,402,658$684,252 for the nine months ended September 30, 20172018 and 2016,2017, respectively.

 

NOTE NP - WARRANTY CLAIMS

 

Warranty claims were $2,261,311$2,507,487 and $1,741,415$2,261,311 for the nine months ended September 30, 20172018 and 2016,2017, respectively. Warranty claims are classified asincluded in selling and distribution expenses on the accompanying consolidated statements of income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss). Accrued warranty expenses are included in the balances of accrued expenses on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The movement of accrued warranty expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 20172018 was as follows:

 

Beginning balance at January 1, 2017 $6,517,402 
Aggregate increase for new warranties issued during current period  2,261,311 
Aggregate reduction for payments made  (1,207,221)
Effect of exchange rate fluctuation  324,288 
Ending balance at September 30, 2017 $7,895,780 

Beginning balance at January 1, 2018 $6,576,895 
Aggregate increase for new warranties issued during current period  2,507,487 
Aggregate reduction for payments made and effect of exchange rate fluctuation  (1,719,421)
Ending balance at September 30, 2018 $7,364,961 

 

18 

19

 

 

NOTE OQ – SEGMENT INFORMATION

 

The Company produces brake systems and other related components for different types of commercial vehicles (“Commercial Vehicle Brake Systems”). On August 31, 2010, the Company through Ruian, executed an Asset Purchase Agreement to acquire and purchased, a segment of the passenger vehicle auto parts business (“Passenger Vehicle Brake Systems”) of Ruili Group. As a result of this acquisition, the Company's product offerings were expanded to both commercial and passenger vehicles' brake systems and other key safety-related auto parts.

 

The Company has two operating segments: Commercial Vehicle Brake Systems and Passenger Vehicle Brake Systems.

 

All of the Company’s long-lived assets are located in the PRC. The Company and its subsidiaries do not have long-lived assets in the United States for the reporting periods.

 

 Nine Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30, 
 2017  2016  2018 2017 
          
SALES TO EXTERNAL CUSTOMERS        
NET SALES TO EXTERNAL CUSTOMERS     
     
Commercial vehicles brake systems $223,937,534  $157,362,913  $276,593,442 $223,937,534 
Passenger vehicles brake systems  43,652,419   35,554,720   68,222,523  43,652,419 
             
Sales $267,589,953  $192,917,633 
Net sales $344,815,965 $267,589,953 
     
INTERSEGMENT SALES             
     
Commercial vehicles brake systems $  $  $ $ 
Passenger vehicles brake systems           
             
Intersegment sales $ $ 
     
GROSS PROFIT             
     
Commercial vehicles brake systems $61,485,066  $45,768,683  $61,974,537 $61,485,066 
Passenger vehicles brake systems  11,401,597   10,491,798   28,990,094  11,401,597 
Gross profit $72,886,663  $56,260,481  $90,964,631 $72,886,663 
             
Selling and distribution expenses  22,877,889   20,637,464  37,154,745 22,877,889 
     
General and administrative expenses  13,517,222   16,717,966  17,519,873 13,517,222 
     
Research and development expenses  7,477,902   6,533,540   13,400,656  7,477,902 
             
Other operating income, net  1,185,958   144,715  7,535,820 1,185,958 
             
Income from operations  30,199,608   12,516,226  30,425,177 30,199,608 
             
Interest income  38,175   1,047,667  2,847,299 38,175 
Government grants  1,119,337   569,041  2,982,775 1,119,337 
Other income  47,976   763,534  432,213 47,976 
Interest expenses  (1,827,835)  (515,547) (10,214,681) (1,827,835)
     
Exchange differences 1,396,460 (1,193,897)
Other expenses  (1,536,921)  (582,820)  (1,200,920)  (343,024)
     
Income before income tax expense $28,040,340  $13,798,101  $26,668,323 $28,040,340 
             
CAPITAL EXPENDITURE             
     
Commercial vehicles brake systems $30,791,780  $9,994,389  $32,788,350 $30,791,780 
Passenger vehicles brake systems  6,090,790   2,272,202   7,721,848  6,090,790 
             
Total $36,882,570  $12,266,591  $40,510,198 $36,882,570 
             
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION             
     
Commercial vehicles brake systems $5,538,902  $4,375,484  $7,187,308 $5,538,902 
Passenger vehicles brake systems  1,084,180   981,882   1,739,387  1,084,180 
             
Total $6,623,082  $5,357,366  $8,926,695 $6,623,082 


  September 30,
2017
  December 31,
2016
 
    
TOTAL ASSETS        
Commercial vehicles brake systems $346,308,432  $248,023,179 
Passenger vehicles brake systems  65,228,623   53,304,945 
         
Total $411,537,055  $301,328,124 

  September 30,
2017
  December 31,
2016
 
    
LONG LIVED ASSETS        
Commercial vehicles brake systems $81,595,545  $51,080,332 
Passenger vehicles brake systems  15,368,858   10,978,145 
         
Total $96,964,403  $62,058,477 

 

20 

20

 

 

  September 30, 2018  December 31, 2017 
       
TOTAL ASSETS        
Commercial vehicles brake systems $573,980,044  $492,348,129 
Passenger vehicles brake systems  126,166,387   89,967,813 
         
Total $700,146,431  $582,315,942 
         
   September 30, 2018   December 31, 2017 
         
LONG LIVED ASSETS        
Commercial vehicles brake systems $118,210,297  $106,779,681 
Passenger vehicles brake systems  25,983,771   19,512,076 
         
Total $144,194,068  $126,291,757 

NOTE PR – CONTINGENCIES

 

(1)In May 2016, the Company, through its principal operating subsidiary, entered into a Purchase Agreement with Ruili Group, pursuant to which the Company agreed to exchange the land use rights and factory facilities located at No. 1169 Yumeng Road, Ruian Economic Development Zone, Ruian City, Zhejiang Province, China (the “Dongshan Facility”), purchased in 2007 from Ruili Group, plus RMB 501.00 million (approximately $76.50 million) in cash for the land use rights and factory facilities located at No. 2666 Kaifaqu Avenue, Ruian Economic Development Zone, Ruian City, Zhejiang Province, China (the “Development Zone Facility”). As of the filing date, the Company hasn’t obtained the land use rights certificate or the property ownership certificate for the building of the Development Zone Facility. The Company reserved the relevant tax amount of RMB 15,030,000 (approximately $2,300,205). This amount was determined based on a 3% tax rate on the consideration paid for the Development Zone Facility, which the Company considered as the most probable amount of tax liability.

(1)
(2)The Company purchased the Dongshan Facility from Ruili Group in 2007 and subsequently transferred the plants and land use right to Ruili Group. The Company has never obtained the land use right certificate nor the property ownership certificate of the building for the Dongshan Facility. The Company reserved the relevant tax amount of RMB 4,560,000 (approximately $745,220). This amount was determined based on a 3% tax rate on the consideration paid for the Dongshan Facility in the transaction, which the Company considered as the most probable amount of tax liability. The Dongshan Facility was transferred back to Ruili Group on May 5, 2016.

(3)The information of lease commitments is provided in Note O.

(4)The information of guarantees and assets pledged is provided in Note E.

 

(2) The information of lease commitments is provided in Note M.NOTE S – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

(3) The information of guarantees and assets pledged is provided in Note E.

NOTE Q – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

During the subsequent period, the Company obtained short term loans for the totalin an aggregate amount of approximately $13,809,000$119,273,000 from Bank of China, Industrial Bank Co., Ltd., China CITIC Bank, China Minsheng Bank, Agricultural Bank of China, and Industrial Bank Co., Ltd. to finance general working capital.China Zheshang Bank. Interest ratesrate for those loans rangedrange from 4.10%4.39% to 5.22%5.44% per annum. The maturity dates of the loans existing as of the filing date ranged from January 20,October 22, 2018 to October 11, 2018. As of the filing date, the Company pledged accounts receivable of approximately $1,387,000, as collateral under the loan arrangements of Bank of China.November 6, 2019. The Company continuously pledged bank acceptance notes to borrow moneyobtain loans from Agricultural Bank of China..China Zheshang Bank.

 

In the same period, the Company repaid loan principals as well as interests forand interest expenses in the total amount of approximately $4,793,000$70,297,000 to Bank of China, and Agricultural Bank of China.

On October 20, 2017, the Company entered into a State-owned Construction Land Use Right Transfer Agreement with Rui’an Land Resources Bureau to purchase the land use rights located at the intersection of Xianghe RoadChina, China Minsheng Bank, and North Wansong Road, Binhai New District, Rui’an City, Zhejiang Province, China with an area of 35,483 square meters for the price of RMB 50.03 million (approximately $7.54 million). As of the filing date, the Company has not paid the purchase price in full and the title to the land use rights has not been transferred. Down payment of RMB 10.01 million (approximately $1.51 million) and a refundable deposit of RMB 20.00 million (approximately $3.01 million) were paid by the Company as of September 30, 2017. The RMB 20.00 million (approximately $3.01 million) deposit which had been paid earlier was refunded to the Company as of the filing date of this report.Zheshang Bank.


ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following is management’s discussion and analysis of certain significant factors that have affected our financial position and operating results during the periods included in the accompanying consolidated unaudited financial statements, as well as information relating to the plans of our current management. The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our consolidated unaudited financial statements and the related notes thereto and other financial information contained elsewhere in this Form 10-Q.

 

21

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This quarterly report on Form 10-Q includes forward-looking statements. Any statements contained in this report that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Generally, the words “believe,” “anticipate,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “continue,” and similar expressions, or the negative thereof, or comparable terminology, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including the matters set forth in this report or other reports or documents we file with SEC from time to time, which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those anticipated. Some of the factors that could cause actual results to differ include: our ability to effectively implement our business strategy; our ability to handle downward pricing pressures on our products; and our ability to accurately or effectively plan our production or supply needs. For a discussion of these and all other known risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016,2017, which is available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements that speak only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements.

 

OVERVIEW

 

The Company manufactures and distributes automotive brake systems and other key safety-related components to automotive original equipment manufacturers, or OEMs, and the related aftermarket both in China and internationally for use primarily in different types of commercial vehicles, such as trucks and buses, and in passenger vehicles.

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

 

For a summary of our accounting policies and estimates, see Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Year ended December 31, 2016.2017.

 

See Note LN to the attached Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements for the information regarding changes in taxation by the government of China.

 


22

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Sales

 

The following tables present certain financial information about our segments’ sales for the periods presented:

 

 Three Months Ended
  Three Months Ended
 Three Months Ended Three Months Ended  September 30, 2018  September 30, 2017
 September 30, 2017  September 30, 2016   (U.S.  dollars in millions) 
 (U.S.  dollars in millions)     
Commercial Vehicle Brake Systems $85.3   84.2% $52.5   82.4% $89.0   82.0% $85.3   84.2%
Passenger Vehicle Brake Systems $16.0   15.8% $11.2   17.6% $19.6   18.0% $16.0   15.8%
                                 
Total $101.3   100.0% $63.7   100.0% $108.6   100.0% $101.3   100.0%

 

 Nine Months Ended
  Nine Months Ended
  September 30, 2018  September 30, 2017
   (U.S.  dollars in millions) 
                 
Commercial Vehicle Brake Systems $276.6   80.2% $223.9   83.7%
Passenger Vehicle Brake Systems $68.2   19.8% $43.7   16.3%
                 
Total $344.8   100.0% $267.6   100.0%

 

  Nine Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
  September 30, 2017  September 30, 2016 
  (U.S.  dollars in millions) 
Commercial Vehicle Brake Systems $223.9   83.7% $157.3   81.6%
Passenger Vehicle Brake Systems $43.7   16.3% $35.6   18.4%
                 
Total $267.6   100.0% $192.9   100.0%


The sales were $101.3$108.6 million and $63.7$101.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 20172018 and 2016,2017, respectively, an increase of $37.6$7.3 million or 59.0%7.2%. The sales were $267.6$344.8 million and $192.9$267.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 20172018 and 2016,2017, respectively, an increase of $74.7$77.2 million or 38.7%28.9%. The increase was mainly due to the increased sales of commercial vehicle brake systems. 

 

The sales from Commercial Vehicle Brake Systems increased by $32.8$3.7 million or 62.5%4.4%, to $85.3$89.0 million for the third fiscal quarter of 2017,2018, compared to $52.5$85.3 million for the same period of 2016.2017. The sales from Commercial Vehicle Brake Systems increased by $66.6$52.7 million or 42.3%23.5%, to $276.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $223.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to $157.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.2017. Our high quality, low cost products continued to generate higher sales and further penetrated into the commercial vehicle market, which impacted the sales of the commercial vehicle brake systems.

 

The sales from Passenger Vehicle Brake Systems increased by $4.8$3.6 million or 42.9%22.5%, to $16.0$19.6 million for the third fiscal quarter of 2017,2018, compared to $11.2$16.0 million for the same period of 2016.2017. The sales from Passenger Vehicle Brake Systems increased by $8.1$24.5 million or 22.8%56.3%, to $43.7$68.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, compared to $35.6$43.7 million for the same period of 2016.2017. The increase was mainly due to the increase of passenger vehicle market.

23

 

A breakdown of the sales revenue for these markets for the third fiscal quarter of the 20172018 and 2016,2017, respectively, is set forth below:

 

  Three Months     Three Months       
  Ended  Percent  Ended  Percent    
  September 30, 2017  of Total Sales  September 30, 2016  of Total Sales  Percentage Change 
  (U.S. dollars in millions) 
China OEM market $50.5   49.8% $29.6   46.5%  70.6%
China Aftermarket $31.5   31.1% $17.9   28.1%  76.0%
International market $19.3   19.1% $16.2   25.4%  19.1%
Total $101.3   100.0% $63.7   100.0%  59.0%


  

Three
Months
Ended
September
30, 2018

  

Percent
of
Total
Sales

  

Three
Months
Ended
September
30, 2017

  

Percent
of
Total
Sales

  

Percentage
Change

 
   

(U.S. dollars in millions)

 
China OEM market $50.3   46.3% $50.5   49.8%  -0.4%
China Aftermarket $36.4   33.6% $31.5   31.1%  15.7%
International market $ 21.8   20.1% $19.3     19.1%  13.1%
Total $108.6   100.0% $101.3    100.0%  7.2%

 

A breakdown of net sales revenues for China OEM markets, China aftermarket and international market for the nine months ended September 30, 20172018 and 2016,2017, respectively, is set forth below:

 

  

Nine
Months
Ended
September
30, 2018

  

Percent
of
Total
Sales

  

Nine
Months
Ended
September
30, 2017

  

Percent
of
Total
Sales

  

Percentage
Change

 
   

(U.S. dollars in millions)

 
China OEM market $164.7   47.8% $141.8   53.0%  16.2%
China Aftermarket $117.3   34.0% $72.3   27.0%  62.3%
International market $ 62.7    18.2% $53.5    20.0%  17.2%
Total $344.8    100.0% $267.6   100.0%  28.8%

  Nine Months     Nine Months       
  Ended  Percent  Ended  Percent    
  September 30, 2017  of Total Sales  September 30, 2016  of Total Sales  Percentage Change 
  (U.S. dollars in million) 
China OEM market $141.8   53.0% $96.3   49.9%  47.2%
China Aftermarket $72.3   27.0% $49.9   25.9%  44.9%
International market $53.5   20.0% $46.7   24.2%  14.6%
Total $267.6   100.0% $192.9   100.0%  41.4%

 

Considering the increase of the production and sales of the commercial vehicle market, our sales to the Chinese OEM market increaseddecreased by $20.9$0.2 million or 70.6%0.4%, to $50.5$50.3 million for the third fiscal quarter of 2017,2018, compared to $29.6$50.5 million for the same period of 2016.2017. Our sales to the Chinese OEM market increased by $45.5$22.9 million or 47.2%16.2%, to $141.8$164.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, compared to $96.3$141.8 million for the same period of 2016.2017.

 

Our sales to the China aftermarket increased by $13.6$4.9 million or 76.0%15.7%, to $31.5$36.4 million for the third fiscal quarter of 2017,2018, compared to $17.9$31.5 million for the same period of 2016.2017. Our sales to the China aftermarket increased by $22.4$45.0 million or 44.9%62.3%, to $72.3$117.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, compared to $49.9$72.3 million for the same period of 2016.2017. The increased new vehicle sales in China and the expiration of OEM warranties helped to drive our aftermarket business. Accelerated urbanization and the Chinese government’s increased support for public transportation favor our expansion in the bus aftermarket. We will continue with our strategies to further optimize our sales network and to help further penetrate into new markets.

 

24

Our export sales increased by $3.1$2.5 million or 19.1%13.1%, to $19.3$21.8 million for the third fiscal quarter of 2017,2018, as compared to $16.2$19.3 million for the same period of 2016.2017. Our export sales increased by $6.8$9.2 million or 14.6%17.2%, to $53.5$62.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to $46.7$53.5 million for the same period of 2016.2017. The increase in export sales was mainly due to our broadened customer base.


Cost of Sales and Gross Profit

 

Cost of sales for the three months ended September 30, 20172018 were $74.0$82.2 million, an increase of $29.2$8.2 million or 65.3%11.1% from $44.8$74.0 million for the three month period ended September 30, 2016.2018. Cost of sales for the nine months ended September 30, 20172018 were $194.7$253.9 million, an increase of $58.0$59.1 million or 42.5%30.4% from $136.7$194.7 million for the same period of 2016.2017.

 

Our gross profit increaseddecreased by 44.4%3.5% from $18.9$27.3 million for the period of 20162017 to $27.3$26.3 million for the three month period ended September 30, 2017.2018. Our gross profit increased by 29.6%24.8% from $56.3$72.9 million for the period of 20162017 to $72.9$91.0 million for the three month period ended September 30, 2017.2018.

 

Gross margin decreased to 26.9%24.3% from 29.7%26.9% for the three month period ended September 30, 20172018 compared with 2016.2017. Gross margin decreased to 27.2%26.4% from 29.2%27.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared with the same period of 2016.2017. The decrease was mainly due to the price increase of the raw materials and our further price promotion to strengthen our competitiveness and increase our market share for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.2018. We intend to focus in 20172018 on increasing production efficiency, improving the technologies of products, and improving our product portfolio, to help us to maintain or increase our gross profit margins.

 

Cost of sales from Commercial Vehicle Brake Systems for the three months period ended September 30, 20172018 were $61.9$69.8 million, an increase of $25.3$7.9 million or 69.1%12.8% from $36.6$61.9 million for the same period of 2016.2017. Cost of sales from Commercial Vehicle Brake Systems for the nine months ended September 30, 20172018 were $162.5$214.6 million, an increase of $50.9$52.2 million or 45.6%32.1% from $111.6$162.5 million for the same period of 2016.2017. The gross profit from Commercial Vehicle Brake Systems decreased by 17.9% from $23.4 million for three month period ended September 30, 2017 to $19.2 million for the three month period ended September 30, 2018. The gross profit from Commercial Vehicle Brake Systems increased by 47.1%0.8% from $15.9 million for three month period ended September 30, 2016 to $23.4 million for the three month period ended September 30, 2017. The gross profit from Commercial Vehicle Brake Systems increased by 34.3% from $45.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 to $61.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.2017 to $62.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. Gross margin from Commercial Vehicle Brake Systems decreased to 27.4%21.6% from 30.3%27.4% for the three months period ended September 30, 2017 compared to the three months period ended September 30, 2016.2018. Gross margin from Commercial Vehicle Brake Systems decreased to 27.5%22.4% from 29.1%27.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 20172018 compared with the same period of 2016.2017.

 

Cost of sales from Passenger Vehicle Brake Systems for the three months period ended September 30, 20172018 were $12.1$12.5 million, an increase of $3.9$0.4 million or 48.2%3.3% from $8.2$12.1 million for the three month period ended September 30, 2016.2017. Cost of sales from Passenger Vehicle Brake Systems for the nine months ended September 30, 20172018 were $32.3$39.2 million, an increase of $7.2$7.0 million or 28.7%21.6% from $25.1$32.3 million for the same period of 2016. The gross profit from Passenger Vehicle Brake Systems increased by 29.7% from $3.0 million for the three month period ended September 30, 2016 to $3.9 million for the three month period ended September 30, 2017. The gross profit from Passenger Vehicle Brake Systems increased by 8.7%82.1% from $10.5$3.9 million for the three month period ended September 30, 2017 to $7.1 million for the three month period ended September 30, 2018. The gross profit from Passenger Vehicle Brake Systems increased by 154.3% from $11.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 20162017 to $11.4$29.0 million for the same period of 2018. Gross margin from Passenger Vehicle Brake Systems increased to 36.3% for the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to 24.4% for the three months period ended September 30, 2017. Gross margin from Passenger Vehicle Brake Systems decreasedincreased to 24.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to 27.0% for the three months period ended September 30, 2016. Gross margin from Passenger Vehicle Brake Systems decreased to 26.1%42.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to 29.5%26.1% for the same period in 2016.2017.

 


25

Selling and Distribution Expenses

 

Selling and distribution expenses were $8.3$13.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to $7.9$8.3 million for the same period of 2016,2017, an increase of $0.4$4.9 million or 5.1%58.9%. Selling and distribution expenses were $22.9$37.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to $20.6$22.9 million for the same period of 2016,2017, an increase of $2.3$14.3 million or 11.2%62.4%. The increase was mainly due to increased freight expense and packaging expenses.

 

As a percentage of sales revenue, selling expenses decreasedincreased to 8.2%12.1% for the three months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to 12.8%8.2% for the same period in 2016.2017. As a percentage of sales revenue, selling expenses decreasedincreased to 8.5%10.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to 10.9%8.5% for the same period in 2016.2017.

 

General and Administrative Expenses

 

General and administrative expenses were $4.8$5.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to $4.9$4.8 million for the same period of 2016, a decrease2017, an increase of $0.1$0.3 million or 2.0%6.1%. General and administrative expenses were $13.5$17.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to $16.7$13.5 million for the same period of 2016, a decrease2017, an increase of $3.2$4.0 million or 19.2%29.6%. The decreaseincrease was mainly due to the decreaseincrease in bad debt expenseemployee salaries for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. 2018. 

 

As a percentage of sales revenue, general and administrative expenses decreased towas 4.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to 7.9%4.7% for the same period in 2016.2017. As a percentage of sales revenue, general and administrative expenses decreased towas 5.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to 8.8%5.1% for the same period in 2016.2017.

 

Research and Development Expenses

 

Research and development expenses include payroll, employee benefits, and other headcount-related expenses associated with product development. Research and development expenses also include third-party development costs. For the three months ended September 30, 2017,2018, research and development expenses were $2.9$4.5 million, as compared to $2.4$2.9 million for the same period of 2016,2017, an increase of $0.5$1.5 million. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, research and development expenses were $7.5$13.4 million, as compared to $6.5$7.5 million for the same period of 2016,2017, an increase of $1.0$5.9 million.

26

 

Other Operating Income

 

Other operating income was $3.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to $0.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to $0.3an increase of $2.5 million. Other operating income was $7.5 million for the threenine months ended September 30, 2016, an increase of $0.2 million. Other operating income was2018, as compared to $1.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to $0.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, an increase of $0.5$6.3 million. The increase was mainly due to an increase in sales of raw material scrap.

27 

 

Depreciation and Amortization

 

Depreciation and amortization expense was $2.4$3.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017,2018, compared with that of $1.9$2.4 million for the same period of 2016.2017. Depreciation and amortization expenses increased to $6.6$8.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, compared with that of $5.4$6.6 million for the same period of 2016,2017, an increase of $1.2$2.3 million. The increase in depreciation and amortization expenses was primarilymainly due to some new addition in PPE and the purchase of production equipment and the land and factory transaction with Ruili Group which occurred in May of 2016.after September 30, 2018.

 

Interest income

 

The interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2017, decreased by $0.01 million2018, increased to $0.02$0.5 million from $0.03$0.02 million for the same period of 2016.2017. The interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, decreased by $0.96 million2018, increased to $0.04$2.8 million from $1.0$0.04 million for the same period of 2016. The decrease was primarily2017, mainly due to decreased short term investmentsincreased interest income from advances to related parties during the period.

 

Interest Expenses

 

The interest expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2017,2018, increased by $0.6 million to $0.8$3.3 million from $0.2$0.8 million for the same period of 2016.2017. The interest expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, increased by $1.3 million to $1.8$10.2 million from $0.5$1.8 million for the same period of 2016,2017, mainly due to increased interest rate and increased amount of average loans outstanding during the period.

 

Income Tax

In December 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “2017 Tax Act”) was enacted into law and the new legislation contains several key tax provisions that affected the Company, including, among others, a reduction of the federal corporate income tax rate to 21% effective January 1, 2018, and a recognition of the U.S. corporate income tax based on the deemed repatriation to the United States of the Company’s share of previously deferred earnings of certain non-U.S. subsidiaries of the Company upon enactment of the 2017 Act. The Company is required to recognize the effect of the 2017 Tax Act in the period of enactment. In December 2017, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”), Income Tax Accounting Implications of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which allows the Company to record provisional amounts during a measurement period not to extend beyond one year of the enactment date.

During the three months ended September 30, 2018, the Company recognized a one-time transition tax of $11,022,985 that represented management’s estimate of the amount of U.S. corporate income tax based on the deemed repatriation to the United States of the Company’s share of previously deferred earnings of certain non-U.S. subsidiaries of the Company mandated by the U.S. Tax Reform. The Company elected to pay the one-time transition tax over eight years commencing in April 2018. The actual impact of the U.S. Tax Reform on the Company may differ from management’s estimates, and management may update its judgments based on future regulations or guidance issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and specific actions the Company may take in the future. As of September 30, 2018, $1,763,678 was included in taxes payable as a current liability which the Company believes will be paid within one year and the remaining balance was included in long-term taxes payable. As of the filing date, no transition tax payment has been made.

27

 

The Joint Venture is registered in the PRC, and is therefore subject to state and local income taxes within the PRC at the applicable tax rate on the taxable income as reported in the PRC statutory financial statements in accordance with relevant income tax laws.

 

In 2009,2015, the Joint Venture was awarded the Chinese government's "High-Tech Enterprise" designation. The High-Tech Enterprise certificatedesignation for a third time, which is valid for three years and provides for a reduced tax rate for years 2009 through 2011. In December 2012, the Joint Venture passed the re-assessment of the High-Tech Enterprise certificate by the government, according to the relevant PRC income tax laws. Accordingly, it continued to be taxed at a 15% rate in 2012 through 2014. The Company used a tax rate of 25% for the first three quarters of 2015. In the fourth quarter of 2015, the Joint Venture passed the re-assessment by the government, based on PRC income tax laws. Accordingly, it continues to be taxed at the 15% tax rate in 2015, 2016 and 2017. The current incomeAs the “High-Tech Enterprise” designation expired in 2018, the Joint Venture is undergoing the re-assessment by the government and the Company estimates it is highly probable that the designation will be awarded and therefore the 15% tax rate is used by the Company for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 is 15%.2018.

 

Income tax expense was $12.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to $1.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to $0.42017. Income tax expense was $15.0 million for the threenine months ended September 30, 2016. Income tax expense was2018, as compared to $4.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to $1.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.2017.

 

Net Income Attributable to Non-Controlling Interest in Subsidiaries

 

Non-controlling interest in subsidiaries represents a 10% non-controlling interest in Ruian and 40% non-controlling interest in SIH, in each case held by our joint venture partners. On December 15, 2015, the Company disposed of its entire 60% equity interest in SIH. Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries amounted to $1.0$0.6 million and $0.4$1.0 million for the third fiscal quarter ended September 30, 20172018 and 2016,2017, respectively. Net income attributable to non-controlling interest in subsidiaries amounted to $2.4$2.3 million and $1.2$2.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 20172018 and 2016,2017, respectively.

 


Net Income Attributable to Stockholders

 

The net income attributable to stockholders for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2017, increased2018, decreased by $5.4$14.2 million, to $5.6 million net loss from $8.6 million from $3.2 millionnet income for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 20162017 due to the factors discussed above. The net income attributable to stockholders for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, increased2018, decreased by $10.5$12.0 million, to $21.4$9.4 million from $10.9$21.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 20162017 due to the factors discussed above. Earnings per share (“EPS”), both basic and diluted, for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, were $(0.29) and 2016, were $0.44, and $0.17, respectively. EPS, both basic and diluted, for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, were $0.49 and 2016, were $1.11, and $0.57, respectively. The increase was primarily due to increased sales and gross profit.

 

FINANCIAL CONDITION

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

As of September 30, 2017,2018, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $7.7$40.2 million, as compared to cash and cash equivalents of $8.1$4.6 million as of December 31, 2016.2017. The Company had working capital of $97.2$85.0 million on September 30, 2017,2018, as compared to working capital of $100.3$111.4 million on December 31, 2016,2017, reflecting current ratios of 1.45:1.2:1 and 1.72:1.3:1, respectively.

 

OPERATING - Net cash provided by operating activities was $15.0$81.2 million for nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, an increase of $11.7$66.2 million, as compared with $3.3$15.0 million of net cash provided in operating activities in the same period in 2016.2017. Such increasechange was primarily due to the increased salescash inflow resulted by changes in accounts payable and deposits received from customers.bank acceptance notes to vendors.

 

28

INVESTING - During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company expended net cash of $33.0 million in investing activities mainly for mainly for acquisition of property, equipment, land use right, and intangible assets. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company expended net cash of $43.9$48.8 million in investing activities mainly for acquisitions of property, plant, and equipment and land use rights. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, net cash of $44.1 million was provided by investing activities.

 

FINANCING - During the nine month period ended September 30, 2017,2018, the net cash provided in financing activities was $28.1 million. Net cash used in financing activities was $70.4 million for$8.1 million. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016.2017, the net cash provided by financing activities was $28.1 million. Such decrease was primarily due to the repayments to related parties and repayments of long term loans.

 

The Company has taken a number of steps to improve the management of our cash flow. We place more emphasis on collection of accounts receivable from our customers, and we maintain good relationships with local banks. We believe that our current cash and cash equivalents and anticipated cash flow generated from operations and our bank lines of credit will be sufficient to finance our working capital requirements in the foreseeable future.

 


OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

 

As of September 30, 2017,2018, we did not have any material commitments for capital expenditures or have any transactions, obligations or relationships that could be considered off-balance sheet arrangements.

According to the laws of China, the government owns all the land in China. Companies and individuals are authorized to possess and use the land only through land use rights granted by the Chinese government. In 2007, the Company purchased the land use rights from the Ruili Group, a related party. The Company also purchased the buildings on the land in the same transaction. The purchase price of land use right and building amounted to approximately $20 million. On May 5, 2016, the Company entered into a Purchase Agreement with the Ruili Group through Ruian, pursuant to which the Company agreed to exchange the Dongshan Facility plus RMB501 million (approximately $76.5 million) in cash for Development Zone Facility. The value for the Dongshan Facility and Development Zone Facility were appraised to be RMB125 million (approximately $19.1 million) and RMB626 million (approximately $95.6 million), respectively. As of Sep 30, 2017, total amount of RMB481 million (approximately 73.5 million) was paid to the Ruili Group in installments, and the remaining RMB20 million (approximately $3.0 million) will be paid within 10 days of completion of the required procedures for transferring the title of the facilities and the land use rights as specified in the Purchase Agreement.

 

Even if the Company is unable to timely resolve obtain the land use right certificate for the land and related building, the Company believes that there will be no potential adverse implication on the Company for the following reasons.

 

1.       The Company acquired the land use rights in a transaction between the Company and the Ruili Group, a related party. The Ruili Group, as the original land use right owner, has granted the land use right to the Company by contract which is supported by valid consideration.

2.       No third party would oppose the Company’s use of the land, because no third party has any interest in the land use right or property ownership right, other than the Ruili Group and the government.

a)        The Ruili Group promised that the Company has the right to use the land and related building, even before the land use certificate is transferred.

b)       According to the laws of China, the government owns all the land and the buildings attached to the land in China. Once the land use right is granted to Ruili Group, Ruili Group has the right to assign its land use rights to any third parties, including the Company, without interference from the government. Therefore, it is unlikely that the government will oppose the Company’s right to use the land and related building.

c)       The Company has reserved tax payables in the amount of RMB 19,007,341 (approximately US$2,872.675) on its consolidated balance sheets under the line item “accrued expenses” as if no reduction or exemption of tax is approved. This amount was determined based on a 3% tax rate on the consideration paid for the land use right in the transaction, which the Company considered as the most probable amount of tax liability. This amount also represented the maximum amount of tax the Company expects to pay if the negotiation with the local government ultimately is not successful.

1.29The Company acquired the land use rights in a transaction between the Company and the Ruili Group, a related party. The Ruili Group, as the original land use right owner, has granted the land use right to the Company by contract which is supported by valid consideration.

 

2.No third party would oppose the Company’s use of the land, because no third party has any interest in the land use right or property ownership right, other than the Ruili Group and the government.

a)The Ruili Group promised that the Company has the right to use the land and related building, even before the land use certificate is transferred.

b)According to the laws of China, the government owns all the land and the buildings attached to the land in China. Once the land use right is granted to Ruili Group, Ruili Group has the right to assign its land use rights to any third parties, including the Company, without interference from the government. Therefore, it is unlikely that the government will oppose the Company’s right to use the land and related building.

c)The Company has reserved tax payables in the amount of RMB 19,590,000 (approximately $2,891,580) on its consolidated balance sheets under the line item “accrued expenses” as if no reduction or exemption of tax is approved. This amount was determined based on a 3% tax rate on the consideration paid for the land use right in the transaction, which the Company considered as the most probable amount of tax liability. This amount also represented the maximum amount of tax the Company expects to pay if the negotiation with the local government ultimately is not successful.

 

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

 

As of September 30, 2017,2018, we had no material changes outside the ordinary course of business in our contractual obligations


ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Not Applicable.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures:

 

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports pursuant to the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to us, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, we recognize that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, as ours are designed to do, and we necessarily were required to apply our judgment in evaluating whether the benefits of the controls and procedures that we adopt outweigh their costs. As required by Rules 13a-15(b) and 15d-15(b) of the Exchange Act, an evaluation as of September 30, 20172018 was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(b) and 15d-15(b) of the Exchange Act). Based on this evaluation, the Company’s management, including the CEO and CFO, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as of September 30, 2017,2018, were effective, in all material respects, for the purpose stated above.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting:

 

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended September 30, 20172018 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

None.

30

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

None.


ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

None.

 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

 

None.

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

3.1Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, as further amended (approved May 27, 2010). (1)
  
3.2Amended and Restated Bylaws effective as of March 14, 2009. (2)
  
31.1Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  
31.2Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  
32Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (3)

101.1NSXBRL Instance Document
  
101.SCHXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
  
101.CALXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
  
101.DEFXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definitions Linkbase Document
  
101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
  
101.PREXBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

(1)Incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K Current Report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, on June 1, 2010.

 

(2)Incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K Current Report as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, on March 17, 2009.

  

(3)Furnished in accordance with Item 601(b) (32) of Regulation S-K, this Exhibit is not deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section. Such certifications will not be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the registrant specifically incorporates it by reference.

 


31

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.

 

Dated:Dated : November 14, 20172018SORL AUTO PARTS, INC.
  
 By:/s/ /s/ Xiao Ping Zhang
 

Name: Xiao Ping Zhang

 Title: Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

 
By:/s/ /s/ Zong Yun Zhou
 

Name: Zong Yun Zhou

 

Title: Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Accounting Officer)


 

32