UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
  
 For the quarterly period ended March 31, September 30, 2023
  
 Or
  
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
  
 For the transition period from _________ to _________

 

Commission File Number: 001-34499

 

GULF RESOURCES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Nevada 13-3637458
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
   

Level 11, Vegetable Building, Industrial Park of the East City,

Shouguang City, Shandong, China

 262700
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: +86 (536) 567-0008

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Not Applicable.

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each classTrading Symbol (s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.0005 par valueGUREGURENASDAQ Global Select Market

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer ☐Accelerated filer ☐

Non-accelerated filer

Smaller reporting company
 Emerging Growth Company

 

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

 

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

Yes ☐ No

 

As of May 13, 20223,November 20, 2023, the registrant had outstanding 10,431,924 shares of common stock.

 

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

Part I – Financial Information 
Item 1. Financial Statements1
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations1817
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk2528
Item 4. Controls and Procedures2529
Part II – Other Information 
Item 1. Legal Proceedings2629
Item 1A. Risk Factors2630
Item 2. Unregistered SharesSale of Equity Securities, and Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.2630
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities2630
Item 4. Mine Safety DisclosureDisclosures2630
Item 5. Other Information2630
Item 6. Exhibits2630
Signatures2731

 

 

 

 

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

GULF RESOURCES, INC.
 AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Expressed in U.S. dollars)

 

 March 31, 2023
(Unaudited)
 December 31, 2022
(Audited)
 September 30, 2023
Unaudited
 December 31, 2022
Audited
Current Assets                
Cash $115,771,833  $108,226,214  $103,774,977  $108,226,214 
Accounts receivable  5,224,530   5,363,166   2,150,118   5,363,166 
Inventories, net  588,009   1,598,572   874,820   1,598,572 
Prepayments and deposits  4,369,375   4,236,782   8,135,608   4,236,782 
Other receivable  1,163   637   2,571   637 
Total Current Assets  125,954,910   119,425,371   114,938,094   119,425,371 
Non-Current Assets                
Property, plant and equipment, net  145,716,571   149,916,766   140,872,750   149,916,766 
Finance lease right-of use assets  164,732   163,868   155,269   163,868 
Operating lease right-of-use assets  8,543,073   8,098,427   7,668,554   8,098,427 
Prepaid land leases, net of current portion  9,641,075   9,508,001   9,254,124   9,508,001 
Deferred tax assets  5,719,175   5,318,909   6,004,086   5,318,909 
Total non-current assets  169,784,626   173,005,971   163,954,783   173,005,971 
Total Assets $295,739,536  $292,431,342  $278,892,877  $292,431,342 
                
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity                
Current Liabilities                
Payable and accrued expenses $7,133,752  $7,823,722  $6,151,025  $7,823,722 
Taxes payable-current  955,868   699,563   521,826   699,563 
Amount due to a related party  2,621,146   2,605,694   2,572,720   2,605,694 
Finance lease liability, current portion  244,685   213,346   188,750   213,346 
Operating lease liabilities, current portion  468,906   433,440   436,382   433,440 
Total Current Liabilities  11,424,357   11,775,765   9,870,703   11,775,765 
Non-Current Liabilities                
Finance lease liability, net of current portion  1,481,471   1,461,721   1,254,618   1,461,721 
Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion  7,993,748   7,575,651   7,044,224   7,575,651 
Total Non-Current Liabilities  9,475,219   9,037,372   8,298,842   9,037,372 
Total Liabilities $20,899,576  $20,813,137  $18,169,545  $20,813,137 
                
Commitment and Loss Contingencies                 
 $  $         
Stockholders’ Equity                
PREFERRED STOCK; $0.001 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; none outstanding $  $  $  $ 
COMMON STOCK; $0.0005 par value; 80,000,000 shares authorized; 10,717,754 shares issued; and 10,431,924 shares outstanding as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022  24,476   24,476 
Treasury stock; 285,830 shares as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 at cost  (1,372,673)  (1,372,673)
COMMON STOCK; $0.0005 par value; 80,000,000 shares authorized; 10,717,754 shares issued; and 10,431,924 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively  24,376   24,476 
Treasury stock; 285,830 shares as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 at cost  (1,372,673)  (1,372,673)
Additional paid-in capital  101,237,059   101,237,059   101,237,059   101,237,059 
Retained earnings unappropriated  157,531,788   158,089,535   155,074,175   158,089,535 
Retained earnings appropriated  26,667,097   26,667,097   26,667,097   26,667,097 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)  (9,247,787)  (13,027,289)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (20,906,802)  (13,027,289)
Total Stockholders’ Equity  274,839,960   271,618,205   260,723,332   271,618,205 
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity $295,739,536  $292,431,342  $278,892,877  $292,431,342 

 

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 


GULF RESOURCES, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF LOSS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)LOSS

(Expressed in U.S. dollars)

(UNAUDITED)

 

              
 Three-Month Period Ended
March 31,
 Three-Month Period Ended September 30, Nine -Month Period Ended September 30,
 2023 2022 2023 2022 2023 2022
            
NET REVENUE                        
Net revenue $9,302,007  $8,930,737  $5,865,615  $22,862,795  $23,173,404  $47,505,246 
                        
OPERATING EXPENSE        
OPERATING INCOME (EXPENSE)                
Cost of net revenue  (6,769,074)  (4,549,968)  (6,373,902)  (8,405,694)  (20,464,418)  (21,056,782)
Sales, marketing and other operating expenses  (13,704)  (10,360)  (14,428)  (19,681)  (42,850)  (47,086)
Direct labor and factory overheads incurred during plant shutdown  (2,408,736)  (2,184,591)  (1,007,689)  (1,910,318)  (4,471,954)  (6,022,206)
General and administrative expenses  (910,051)  (2,242,501)  (762,884)  (584,473)  (2,266,260)  (3,384,063)
Other operating expense     (8,404)
Other operating income (loss)     (37)  60,134   (8,441)
Total operating income (expense)  (10,101,565)  (8,995,824)  (8,158,903)  (10,920,203)  (27,185,348)  (30,518,578)
                        
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS  (799,558)  (65,087)
INCOME(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS  (2,293,288)  11,942,592   (4,011,944)  16,986,668 
                        
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)                        
Interest expense  (29,630)  (34,692)  (23,791)  (27,715)  (81,322)  (94,703)
Interest income  70,885   75,528   57,758   63,470   201,127   213,546 
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES  (758,303)  (24,251)
Other (income) expenses            
INCOME(LOSS) BEFORE TAXES  (2,259,321)  11,978,347   (3,892,139)  17,105,511 
                        
INCOME TAX (EXPENSE) BENEFIT  200,556   (95,695)
NET LOSS $(557,747) $(119,946)
INCOME TAX EXPENSE  483,524   (3,010,967)  876,779   (4,356,283)
NET INCOME(LOSS) $(1,775,797) $8,967,380  $(3,015,360) $12,749,228 
                        
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS:                        
NET LOSS $(557,747) $(119,946)
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME        
NET INCOME(LOSS) $(1,775,797) $8,967,380  $(3,015,360) $12,749,228 
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS                
- Foreign currency translation adjustments  3,779,502   1,549,034   2,247,978   (15,930,276)  (7,879,513)  (30,774,686)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME(LOSS) $472,181  $(6,962,896) $(10,894,873) $(18,025,458)
                        
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) $3,221,755  $1,429,088 
INCOME(LOSS) PER SHARE:                
BASIC AND DILUTED $(0.17) $0.86  $(0.29) $1.22 
                        
BASIC AND DILUTED LOSS PER SHARE $(0.05) $(0.01)
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES:                
                        
BASIC AND DILUTED WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES:  10,431,924   10,471,924 
BASIC AND DILUTED  10,431,924   10,471,924   10,431,924   10,471,924 

 

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 


GULF RESOURCES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
THREE-MONTHNINE-MONTH PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31,SEPTEMBER 30, 2023 AND 2022
(Expressed in U.S. dollars)

 

                                         
  Common stock         Accumulated  
  Number Number Number     Additional Retained Retained other  
  of shares of shares of treasury   Treasury paid-in earnings earnings comprehensive  
  issued outstanding stock Amount stock capital unappropriated appropriated Income(loss) Total
                     
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2022 (Audited)  10,717,754   10,431,924   285,830   24,476   (1,372,673)  101,237,059  $158,089,535  $26,667,097  $(13,027,289) $271,618,205 
Translation adjustment                          3,779,502   3,779,502)
Net loss for three-month period ended March 31, 2023                    (557,747)        (557,747)
BALANCE AT MARCH 31, 2023(Unaudited)  10,717,754   10,431,924   285,830   24,476   (1,372,673)  101,237,059  $157,531,788  $26,667,097  $(9,247,787) $274,839,960 
                                         
  Common stock         Accumulated  
  Number Number Number     Additional Retained Retained other  
  of shares of shares of treasury   Treasury paid-in earnings earnings comprehensive  
  issued outstanding stock Amount stock capital unappropriated appropriated Income(loss) Total
                     
BALANCE AT JUNE 30, 2023 (Unaudited)  10,717,754   10,431,924   285,830   24,476   (1,372,673)  101,237,059  $156,849,972  $26,667,097  $(23,154,780) $260,251,151 
Restricted shares                              
Translation adjustment                          2,247,978   2,247,978 
Net income for three-month period ended September 30, 2023                    (1,775,797)        (1,775,797)
BALANCE AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2023 (Unaudited)  10,717,754   10,431,924   285,830   24,476   (1,372,673)  101,237,059  $155,074,175  $26,667,097  $(20,906,802) $260,723,332 

 

  Common stock         Accumulated  
  Number Number Number     Additional Retained Retained other  
  of shares of shares of treasury   Treasury paid-in earnings earnings comprehensive  
  issued outstanding stock Amount stock capital unappropriated appropriated Income(loss) Total
                     
BALANCE AT JUNE 30, 2022 (Unaudited)  10,517,754   10,471,924   45,830  $24,376  $(510,329) $100,569,159  $154,245,486  $24,233,544  $(2,985,581) $275,576,655 
Restricted shares                              
Translation adjustment                          (15,930,276)  (15,930,276)
Net income for three-month period ended September 30, 2022                    8,967,380         8,967,380 
BALANCE AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 (Unaudited)  10,517,754   10,471,924   45,830  $24,376  $(510,329) $100,569,159  $163,212,866  $24,233,544  $(18,915,857) $268,613,759 

 

  Common stock         Accumulated  
  Number Number Number     Additional Retained Retained other  
  of shares of shares of treasury   Treasury paid-in earnings earnings comprehensive  
  issued outstanding stock Amount stock capital unappropriated appropriated Income(loss) Total
                     
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2022 (Audited)  10,717,754   10,431,924   285,830   24,476   (1,372,673)  101,237,059  $158,089,535  $26,667,097  $(13,027,289) $271,618,205 
Restricted shares                              
Translation adjustment                          (7,879,513)  (7,879,513)
Net income for nine-month period ended September 30, 2023                    (3,015,360)        (3,015,360)
BALANCE AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2023 (Unaudited)  10,717,754   10,431,924   285,830   24,476   (1,372,673)  101,237,059  $155,074,175  $26,667,097  $(20,906,802) $260,723,332 

 

  Common stock         Accumulated  
  Number Number Number     Additional Retained Retained other  
  of shares of shares of treasury   Treasury paid-in earnings earnings comprehensive  
  issued outstanding stock Amount stock capital unappropriated appropriated Income(loss) Total
                     
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2021 (Audited)  10,517,754   10,471,924   45,830  $24,376  $(510,329) $100,569,159  $150,463,638  $24,233,544  $11,858,829  $286,639,217 
Translation adjustment                          1,549,034   1,549,034 
Net loss for three-month period ended March 31, 2022                    (119,946)        (119,946)
BALANCE AT MARCH 31, 2022 (Unaudited)  10,517,754   10,471,924   45,830  $24,376  $(510,329) $100,569,159  $150,343,692  $24,233,544  $13,407,863  $288,068,305 

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

  Common stock         Accumulated  
  Number Number Number     Additional Retained Retained other  
  of shares of shares of treasury   Treasury paid-in earnings earnings comprehensive  
  issued outstanding stock Amount stock capital unappropriated appropriated Income(loss) Total
                     
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2021 (Audited)  10,517,754   10,471,924   45,830  $24,376  $(510,329) $100,569,159  $150,463,638  $24,233,544  $11,858,829  $286,639,217 
Restricted shares                              
Translation adjustment                          (30,774,686)  (30,774,686)
Net income for nine-month period ended September 30, 2022                    12,749,228         12,749,228 
BALANCE AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 (Unaudited)  10,517,754   10,471,924   45,830  $24,376  $(510,329) $100,569,159  $163,212,866  $24,233,544  $(18,915,857) $268,613,759 

 

Common Stock

Treasury Stock

Additional Paid-In Capital

Retained Earnings Unappropriated

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 


GULF RESOURCES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Expressed in U.S. dollars)
(UNAUDITED)

 

          
 Three-Month Period Ended March 31, Nine-Month Period Ended September 30,
 2023 2022 2023 2022
        
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES        
Net loss $(557,747) $(119,946)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:        
Amortization on capital lease obligation  28,560   33,622 
Net income(loss) $(3,015,360) $12,749,228 
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:        
Amortization on capital lease  80,252   93,630 
Depreciation and amortization  5,360,224   5,003,078   15,385,624   16,259,285 
Unrealized exchange (gain) loss on translation of inter-company balances  (32,352)  283,789 
Unrealized exchange gain on translation of inter-company balances  165,444   45,195 
Deferred tax asset  (200,556)  95,695   (1,002,511)  3,809,038 
Changes in assets and liabilities        
Common stock issued for services      
Issuance of stock options to employee      
Changes in assets and liabilities:        
Accounts receivable  211,870   3,483,711   3,132,796   3,451,924 
Inventories  1,035,921   178,444   718,994   27,073 
Prepayments and deposits  (109,604)  (446,365)  (3,947,311)  324,685 
Other receivables  (527)         
Accounts and Other payable and accrued expenses  (772,506)  487,228   (1,503,845)  1,553,583 
Retention payable      
Taxes payable  282,007   704,492   (229,600)  (365,255)
Operating leases  (413,737)  (1,258,066)
Net cash provided by operating activities  4,831,553   8,445,682 
Prepaid land leases      
Operating lease  85,129   (847,362)
Net cash provided by (used in) by operating activities  9,869,612   37,101,024 
                
CASH FLOWS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES                
Purchase of property, plant and equipment  (32,742)  (395,060)  (15,197,648)  (33,217,987)
Net cash used in investing activities  (32,742)  (395,060)  (15,197,648)  (33,217,987)
                
CASH FLOWS USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES        
Repayment of finance lease obligation  (267,810)  (283,915)
Net cash used in financing activities  (267,810)  (283,915)
        
EFFECTS OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS  2,746,808   1,844,114   1,144,609   (6,728,107)
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS  7,545,619   9,894,736 
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS  (4,451,237)  (3,128,985)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - BEGINNING OF PERIOD  108,226,214   95,767,263   108,226,214   95,767,263 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - END OF PERIOD $115,771,833  $105,661,999  $103,774,977  $92,638,278 

 

GULF RESOURCES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
(Expressed in U.S. dollars)

 Years Ended March 31, Periods Ended September 30,
 2023 2022 2023 2022
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION        
Cash paid during the year for:        
Cash paid during the period for:    
Paid for taxes $1,670,428  $1,182,137  $4,930,601  $6,034,948 
Interest on finance lease obligation $28,560  $33,622  $80,252  $93,630 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES                

 

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 


GULF RESOURCES, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31,SEPTEMBER 30, 2023

(Expressed in U.S. dollars)

(UNAUDITED)

 

NOTE 1 – BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

(a)           Basis of Presentation and Consolidation

 

The accompanying auditedunaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared by Gulf Resources, Inc. (“Gulf Resources”), a Nevada corporation and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”).

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Gulf Resources, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Upper Class Group Limited, a company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands, which owns 100% of Hong Kong Jiaxing Industrial Limited, a company incorporated in Hong Kong (“HKJI”). HKJI owns 100% of Shouguang City Haoyuan Chemical Company Limited (“SCHC”) which owns 100% of Shouguang Yuxin Chemical Industry Co., Limited (“SYCI”) ,Daying County Haoyuan Chemical Company Limited (“DCHC”) and Shouguang Hengde Salt Industry Co. Ltd. (“SHSI”).  All material intercompany transactions have been eliminated on consolidation.

 

(b)        Nature of the Business

 

The Company manufactures and trades bromine through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Shouguang City Haoyuan Chemical Company Limited (“SCHC”) ;manufactures; manufactures and trades crude salt through its wholly-owned subsidiary, SHSI; and manufactures chemical products for use in the oil industry, pesticides, paper manufacturing industry and for human and animal antibiotics through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Shouguang Yuxin Chemical Industry Co., Limited (“SYCI”) in the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”). DCHC was established to further explore and develop natural gas and brine resources (including bromine and crude salt) in the PRC. DCHC’s business commenced trial operation in January 2019 but suspended production temporarily in May 2019 as required by the government to obtain project approval (see Note 1 (b)(iii)).

 

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared COVID-19 a pandemic. The duration and intensity of the impact of the COVID-19 and resulting disruption to the Company’s operations and financial position is uncertain. While not fully quantifiable, the Company believes this situation did not have a material adverse impact on its operating results in the year of 2021. In 2022, COVID may have a slightly larger impact. The government is conducting frequent unannounced inspections, somewhat disrupting production. In addition, the Company believes the focus on COVID may have slightly delayed the approval process for one or more of the closed factories. The virus outbreak and resulting supply chain issues has impacted the overall Chinese economy and thus impacted demand from end customers. It has delayed the delivery of machinery and other equipment for the Yuxin Chemical factory causing a postponement in its completion and opening. The Company believes the virus outbreak has delayed the finalization of the Sichuan Province environmental plan, causing a further delay for the Company’s project in Sichuan Province.

 

(i) Bromine and Crude Salt Segments

 

In February 2019, the Company received a notification from the local government of Yangkou County that its Factory No. 1, No. 4, No. 7 and No. 9 passed inspection and could resume operations. In April 2019, Factory No.1, and Factory No.7 resumed operation.

  

On November 25, 2019, the government of Shouguang City issued a notice ordering all bromine facilities in Shouguang City, including the Company’s bromine facilities, including Factory No. 1 and Factory No. 7, to temporarily stop production from December 16, 2019 to February 10, 2020. Subsequently, due to the coronavirus outbreak in China, the local government ordered those bromine facilities to postpone the commencement of production. Subsequently, the Company received an approval dated February 27, 2020 issued by the local governmental authority allowing the Company to resume production after the winter temporary closure. Further, the Company received another approval from the Shouguang Yangkou People’s Government dated March 5, 2020 allowing the Company to resume production at its bromine factories No. 1, No. 4, No.7 and No. 9 in order to meet the needs of bromide products for epidemic prevention and control (the “March 2020 Approval”). The Company’s Factories No. 1 and No. 7 commenced trial production in mid-March 2020 and commercial production on April 3, 2020 and its Factories No. 4 and No. 9 commenced commercial production on May 6, 2020. The Company received an oral notification from the government for its Factory No. 8, which permits the Factory No. 8 to resume production in August 2022. The Company expects that the Factory No. 8 will generate revenue in the fourth quarter 2022.

 

The Company is still waiting for governmental approval for Factories No. 2 and No. 10. To our knowledge, the government is currently completing its planning process for all mining areas including that for prevention of flood. As a result, we may be required to make some modifications to our current wells and aqueducts prior to commencement of operations of these factories to satisfy the local government's requirements.

 

Pursuant to the notification from the government of Shouguang City, all bromine facilities in Shouguang City were temporarily closed from December 10, 2022 until February 1, 2023 8:00 AM China Time. To comply with such notification, the Company temporarily stopped production at its bromine facilities during the aforesaid period and reopened the operating bromine and crude salt factories in February2023.February 2023.

 

(ii) Chemical Segment

 

On November 24, 2017, the Company received a letter from the Government of Yangkou County, Shouguang City notifying the Company to relocate its two chemical production plants located in the second living area of the Qinghe Oil Extraction to the Bohai Marine Fine Chemical Industrial Park (“Bohai Park”). This was because the two plants were located in a residential area and their production activities impacted the living environment of the residents. This was as a result of the country’s effort to improve the development of the chemical industry, manage safe production and curb environmental pollution accidents effectively, and ensure the quality of the living environment of residents. All chemical enterprises which did not comply with the requirements of the safety and environmental protection regulations were ordered to shut down.

 

In December 2017, the Company secured from the government the land use rights for its chemical plants located at the Bohai Park and in June 2018, the Company presented a completed construction design draft and other related documents to the local authorities for approval. In January 2020, the Company received the environmental protection approval by the government of Shouguang City, Shandong Province for the proposed Yuxin Chemical factory. The Company began the construction on its new chemical facilities located at Bohai Marine Fine Chemical Industrial Park in June 2020 and basically completed the civil works by the end of June 2021. On November 15, 2021, the Company announced that due to the supply chain issues as well as the electric restrictions in China, the delivery of some equipment, the equipment installation and testing and beginning trial production at the chemical factory had been delayed. On February 22, 2022, the Company announced that discussions with the government have convinced management that the electricity restrictions are beingwere eased. Accordingly, the Company has contacted its suppliers and willexpect to have the remainder of the equipment produced and delivered, so the Company can complete installation and begin testing and trial production.

 

The COVID restrictions and resulting national and international supply chain issues as well as permittinggovernmental permit issues have caused delays in receiving some previously ordered machinery and equipment.] The Company is working with its existing suppliers and may identify new suppliers so that it can complete construction of its factory based on accelerated delivery. Currently, the Company can notis unable to estimate when the construction willcan be completed and the production can begin.

The Company estimates this relocation process will cost approximately $69 million in total. The Company incurred relocation costs comprising prepaid land lease, professional fees related to the design of the new chemical factory, purchase of plant and equipment and construction costs and installation costs incurred for the new chemical factory in the amount of $45,584,344 and $45,584,344, which were recorded in the Property, plant and equipment in the consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022. 

 

On March 23, 2023, the Company issued a press release detailing the delays in the opening of ourits Yuxin chemical factory due to COVID and stricter government regulations. As noted in the press release, the Company believes that once all of the equipment is delivered, it will take 3 to 4 months to get them installed.install the equipment. After installation, the testing process is anticipated to take 2 to 3 months, after which itthe Company will be in a position to apply for environmental and safety approval. After we get the Company has obtained environmental and safety approval, it will take us 4 months to conduct trial production, and then wethe Company may start commercial production.

On July 26, 2023, the Company announced that the delivery of the remaining equipment for its Yuxin chemical factory has been temporarily delayed and the Company will review its chemical products strategy.

The Company believes the relocation process will cost approximately $69 million in total. The Company incurred relocation costs comprising prepaid land lease, professional fees related to the design of the new chemical factory, and progress payment and deposit for the construction of the new factory building in the amount of $45,584,344 and $45,584,344, which were recorded in the prepaid land leases and property, plant and equipment in the consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022. The Company does not believe the delay in opening the factory will materially impact the overall cost of the project.

 

(iii) Natural Gas Segment

 

In January 2017, the Company completed the first brine water and natural gas well field construction in Daying located in Sichuan Province, China, and commenced trial production in January 2019. On May 29, 2019, the Company received a verbal notice from the government of Tianbao Town, Daying County, Sichuan Province, whereby the Company is required to obtain project approval for its well located in Daying, including the whole natural gas and brine water project, and approvals for safety production inspection, environmental protection assessment, and to solve the related land issue. Until these approvals have been received, the Company has had to temporarily halt trial production at its natural gas well in Daying. In compliance with the Chinese government new policies, the Company is also required to obtain an exploration license and a mining license for bromine and natural gas, respectively. Pursuant to the Opinions of the Ministry of Natural Resources on Several Issues in Promoting the Reform of Mineral Resources Management (Trial) promulgated by the Ministry of Natural Resources of PRC on January 9, 2020, which came into effect on May 1, 2020, privately owned enterprises are allowed to participate in the natural gas production. The Company plans to proceed with its applications for the natural gas and brine project approvals with related government departments until the governmental planning has been finalized.

 

(c)           Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

 

We make estimates of the uncollectibility of accounts receivable, especially analyzing accounts receivable and historical bad debts, customer concentrations, customer credit-worthiness, current economic trends and changes in customer payment terms, when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts. Credit evaluations are undertaken for all major sale transactions before shipment is authorized. On a quarterly basis, we evaluate aged items in the accounts receivable aging report and provide an allowance in an amount we deem adequate for doubtful accounts. If management were to make different judgments or utilize different estimates, material differences in the amount of our reported operating expenses could result.

 

(d)           Concentration of Credit Risk

 

The Company is exposed to credit risk in the normal course of business, primarily related to accounts receivable and cash and cash equivalents. Substantially all of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents are maintained with financial institutions in the PRC, namely, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited, China Merchants Bank Company Limited and Sichuan Rural Credit Union, which are not insured or otherwise protected. The Company placed $115,771,833103,774,977 and $108,226,214 with these institutions as of March 31,September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.  The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts in the PRC.

 


GULF RESOURCES, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31,SEPTEMBER 30, 2023

(Expressed in U.S. dollars)

(UNAUDITED)

 

NOTE 1 – BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – Continued

 

(e)           Property, Plant and Equipment

 

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any impairment losses. Expenditures for new facilities or equipment, and major expenditures for betterment of existing facilities or equipment are capitalized and depreciated, when available for intended use, using the straight-line method at rates sufficient to depreciate such costs less 5% residual value over the estimated productive lives. All other ordinary repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.

 

Mineral rights are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation and any impairment losses. Mineral rights are amortized ratably over the term of the lease, or the equivalent term under the units of production method, whichever is shorter.

 

Construction in process primarily represents direct costs of construction of property, plant and equipment. Costs incurred are capitalized and transferred to property, plant and equipment upon completion and depreciation will commence when the completed assets are placed in service. 

 

The Company’s depreciation and amortization policies on property, plant and equipment, other than mineral rights and construction in process, are as follows:

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment Useful Life

Minimum

Maximum

Minimum

Maximum

 

Useful life

(in years)

Buildings (including salt pans) 8 - 20
Plant and machinery (including protective shells, transmission channels and ducts) 3 - 8
Motor vehicles Motor Vehicles 5
Furniture, fixtures and equipment 3 - 8

 

Property, plant and equipment under the capital lease are depreciated over their expected useful lives on the same basis as owned assets, or if where shorter, the term of the lease.

 

Producing oil and gas properties are depreciated on a unit-of-production basis over the proved developed reserves. Common facilities that are built specifically to service production directly attributed to designateddesignate oil and gas properties are depreciated based on the proved developed reserves of the respective oil and gas properties on a pro-rata basis. Common facilities that are not built specifically to service identified oil and gas properties are depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives. Costs associated with significant development projects are not depreciated until commercial production commences and the reserves related to those costs are excluded from the calculation of depreciation.

 

(f)           Retirement Benefits

 

Pursuant to the relevant laws and regulations in the PRC, the Company participates in a defined contribution retirement plan for its employees arranged by a governmental organization. The Company makes contributions to the retirement plan at the applicable rate based on the employees’ salaries. The required contributions under the retirement plans are charged to the condensed consolidated statement of incomeloss on an accrual basis when they are due. The Company’s contributions totaled $154,184121,941 and $201,265141,996 for the three-month periodsperiod ended March 31,September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and totaled $405,664 and $488,773 for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

 

(g)           Revenue Recognition

 

Net revenue is net of discount and value added tax and comprises the sale of bromine, crude salt and chemical products. Revenue is recognized when the control of the promised goods is transferred to the customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that the Company expects to receive from the customers in exchange for those goods. The acknowledgement of receipt of goods by the customers is when control of the product is deemed to be transferred. Invoicing occurs upon acknowledgement of receipt of the goods by the customers. Customers have no rights to return the goods upon acknowledgement of receipt of goods. Revenue from contracts with customers is disaggregated in Note 14.

 


GULF RESOURCES, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31,SEPTEMBER 30, 2023

(Expressed (Expressed in U.S. dollars)

(UNAUDITED)

 

NOTE 1 – BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – Continued

 

(h)           Recoverability of Long-lived Assets

 

In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 360-10-35“Impairment or Disposal of Long-lived Assets”, long-lived assets to be held and used are analyzed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be fully recoverable or that the useful lives of those assets are no longer appropriate. The Company evaluates at each balance sheet date whether events and circumstances have occurred that indicate possible impairment.

 

The Company determines the existence of such impairment by measuring the expected future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) and comparing such amount to the carrying amount of the assets. An impairment loss, if one exists, is then measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the discounted estimated future cash flows. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value of such assets less costs to sell. Asset impairment charges are recorded to reduce the carrying amount of the long-lived asset that will be sold or disposed of to their estimated fair values. Charges for the asset impairment reduce the carrying amount of the long-lived assets to their estimated salvage value in connection with the decision to dispose of such assets.

 

For the three-monththree and nine months period ended March 31,September 30, 2023 and 2022, the Company determined that there were no events or circumstances indicating possible additional impairment of its long-lived assets.

 

(i)           Basic and Diluted Net IncomeEarnings per Share of Common Stock

 

Basic earnings per common share are based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the periods presented. Diluted earnings per share are computed using weighted average number of common shares plus dilutive common share equivalents outstanding during the period. Potential common shares that would have the effect of increasing diluted earnings per share are considered to be anti-dilutive, i.e. the exercise prices of the outstanding stock options were greater than the market price of the common stock. Anti-dilutive common stock equivalents which were excluded from the calculation of number of dilutive common stock equivalents amounted to 0 and 0 shares for the three-month periods ended March 31,September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

 

Because the Company reported a net loss for the three-month periods ended March 31,September 30, 2023 and 2022, common stock equivalents including stock options and warrants were anti-dilutive, therefore the amounts reported for basic and diluted loss per share were the same.

 


GULF RESOURCES, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31,SEPTEMBER 30, 2023

(Expressed (Expressed in U.S. dollars)

(UNAUDITED)

 

NOTE 1 – BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – Continued

 

(j)           Reporting Currency and Translation

 

The financial statements of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are measured using the local currency, Renminbi (“RMB”), as the functional currency; whereas the functional currency and reporting currency of the Company is the United States dollar (“USD” or “$”).

 

As such, the Company uses the “current rate method” to translate its PRC operations from RMB into USD, as required under FASB ASC 830 “Foreign Currency Matters”. The assets and liabilities of its PRC operations are translated into USD using the rate of exchange prevailing at the balance sheet date. The capital accounts are translated at the historical rate. Adjustments resulting from the translation of the balance sheets of the Company’s PRC subsidiaries are recorded in stockholders’ equity as part of accumulated other comprehensive income.loss. The statement of incomeloss and comprehensive incomeloss is translated at average rate during the reporting period. Gains or losses resulting from transactions in currencies other than the functional currencies are recognized in net incomeloss for the reporting periods as part of general and administrative expense. The statement of cash flows is translated at average rate during the reporting period, with the exception of the consideration paid for the acquisition of business which is translated at historical rates.

 

(k)           Foreign Operations

 

All of the Company’s operations and assets are located in PRC.  The Company may be adversely affected by possible political or economic events in this country.  The effect of these factors cannot be accurately predicted.

 

(l)           InventoriesInventories.

 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, determined on a first-in first-out cost basis, or net realizable value. Costs of work-in-progress and finished goods comprise direct materials, direct labor and an attributable portion of manufacturing overhead. Net realizable value is based on estimated selling price less costs to complete and selling expenses.

  

(m)       Leases

 

The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and operating lease liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. Finance leases are included in finance lease ROU assets and finance lease liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

 

ROU assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease and finance lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at January 1, 2019 based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term discounted using the rate implicit in the lease. In cases where the implicit rate is not readily determinable, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

 

The Company does not recognize operating lease ROU assets and liabilities arising from lease arrangements with lease term of twelve months or less.

GULF RESOURCES, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2023

(Expressed in U.S. dollars)

(UNAUDITED)

 NOTE 1 – BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – Continued

 

(n)        Stock-based Compensation

 

Stock-based awards issued to employees are recorded at their fair values estimated at grant date using the Black-Scholes model and the portion that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as compensation cost over the requisite service period. Consistent with the accounting requirement for employee stock-based awards, nonemployee stock-based awards are measured at the grant-date fair value of the equity instruments that the Company is obligated to issue when the good has been delivered or the service has been rendered and any other conditions necessary to earn the right to benefit from the instruments have been satisfied.

  

The Company has elected to account for the forfeiture of stock-based awards as they occur.

 

(o)        Loss Contingencies

 

The Company accrues for loss contingencies relating to legal matters, including litigation defense costs, claims and other contingent matters, including liquidated damage liabilities, when such liabilities become probable and could be reasonably estimable. Such estimates may be based on advice from third parties or on management’s judgment, as appropriate. Revisions to accruals are reflected in earnings (loss) in the period in which different facts or information become known or circumstances change that affect the Company’s previous assumptions with respect to the likelihood or amount of loss. Amounts paid upon the ultimate resolution of such liabilities may be materially different from previous estimates.

 

(p)        Income Tax

 

The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with the Income Taxes Topic of the FASB ASC, which requires the use of the liability method of accounting for deferred income taxes. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recorded to reflect the tax consequences on future years of temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts at each period end. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using tax rates that are expected to apply to taxable income for the years in which those tax assets and liabilities are expected to be realized or settled. The deferred income tax effects of a change in tax rates are recognized in the period of enactment. If it is more likely than not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized, a valuation allowance is recognized. The guidance also provides criteria for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosures of uncertain tax positions. A tax benefit from an uncertain tax position may be recognized if it is “more likely than not” that the position is sustainable based solely on its technical merits. Interests and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits are included within the (benefit from) provision for income tax in the consolidated statement of profitincome (loss).

 

(q)        New Accounting Pronouncements

  

Recent accounting pronouncements adopted

 

There were no recent accounting pronouncements adopted during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2023.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

 

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The amendments in this Update affect loans, debt securities, trade.

10 

GULF RESOURCES, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2023

(Expressed in U.S. dollars)

(UNAUDITED)

NOTE 1 – BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – Continued

trade receivables, and any other financial assets that have the contractual right to receive cash. The ASU requires an entity to recognize expected credit losses rather than incurred losses for financial assets. For public entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. For the Company which is a smaller reporting company, ASU No. 2019-10 extends the effective dates for two years. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of this on the condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosure.


GULF RESOURCES, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2023

 (Expressed in U.S. dollars)

(UNAUDITED)

 

NOTE 2 – ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, NET

 

  March 31,
2023
 December 31,
2022
     
Accounts receivable $5,249,916  $5,388,213 
Allowance for doubtful debt  (25,386)  (25,047)
Accounts receivable, net $5,224,530  $5,363,166 

Accounts receivable net consist of:

Accounts Receivable, Net - Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivables

  September 30,
2023
 December 31,
2022
     
Accounts receivable $2,174,443  $5,388,213 
Allowance for doubtful debt  (24,325)  (25,047)
Accounts receivable, net $2,150,118  $5,363,166 

 

The overall accounts receivable balance as of March 31,September 30, 2023 decreased by $138,2973,213,048, as compared to those of December 31, 2022. We have policies in place to ensure that sales are made to customers with an appropriate credit history. We perform ongoing credit evaluation on the financial condition of our customers.customer. 

 

NOTE 3 – INVENTORIES

 

Inventories consist of:

Inventories - Schedule of Inventories, Current

 

 March 31,
2023
 December 31,
2022
 September 30,
2023
 December 31,
2022
        
Raw materials $28,933  $26,192  $30,413  $26,192 
Finished goods  655,259   1,667,281   936,572   1,667,281 
Less: impairment  (96,183)  (94,901)  (92,165)  (94,901)
Inventory, net $588,009  $1,598,572  $874,820  $1,598,572 

 

The Company recorded impairment charges for slow moving inventory in the amountsvaluation allowance, representing a write-down of inventory, was $092,165 and $0 for the three months ended March 31,as of as of September 30, 2023 and 20222022.

 

NOTE 4 – PREPAID LAND LEASES

 

The Company has the rights to use certain parcels of land located in Shouguang, Shandong, PRC, through lease agreements signed with local townships or the government authority. The production facilities and warehouses of the Company are located on these parcels of land. The lease term ranges from ten to fifty years. Some of the lease contracts were paid in one lump sum upfront and some are paid annually at the beginning of each anniversary date. These leases have no purchase option at the end of the lease term and were classified as operating leases prior to and as of January 1, 2019 when the new lease standard was adopted. Prior to January 2019, the prepaid land lease was amortized on a straight-linestraight line basis. As of January 1, 2019, all the leases in which term has commenced and were in use were classified as operating lease right-of-use assets (“ROU”). See Note 6.

 

In December 2017, the Company paid a one lump sum upfront amount of $9,253,9068,867,267 for a 50-year lease of a parcel of land at Bohai Marine Fine Chemical Industrial Park (“Bohai”) for the new chemical factory under construction. There is no purchase option at the end of the lease term. This was classified as an operating lease prior to and as of January 1, 2019. The land use certificate was issued on October 25, 2019. The lease term expires on August 12, 2069. The amount paid was recorded as prepaid land leases, net of current portion in the consolidated balance sheet as of March 31September 30 2023 and December 31, 2022. As of March 31,September 30, 2023, the prepaid land lease increased to $9,641,0759,254,124 due to an additional amount paid for stamp duty and related land use rights fees. Amortization of this prepaid land lease will commence when the chemical factory is builtcompleted and placed in service.

 

11 


GULF RESOURCES, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31,SEPTEMBER 30, 2023

(Expressed (Expressed in U.S. dollars)

(UNAUDITED)

 

NOTE 5 – PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET

 

Property, plant and equipment, net consist of the following:

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net - Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment

 

 March 31,
2023
 December 31,
2022
 September 30,
2023
 December 31,
2022
At cost:                
Mineral rights $2,806,506  $2,769,091  $2,689,246  $2,769,091 
Buildings  31,929,577   31,503,908   28,965,369   31,503,908 
Plant and machinery  188,484,948   185,972,160   180,609,821   185,972,160 
Motor vehicles  126,986   125,293   121,680   125,293 
Furniture, fixtures and office equipment  2,312,075   2,281,251   2,215,474   2,281,251 
Construction in process  10,623,600   11,356,546   21,328,718   11,356,546 
Total  236,283,692   234,008,249   235,930,308   234,008,249 
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization  (90,567,121)  (84,091,483)  (95,057,558)  (84,091,483)
Impairment            
Net book value $145,716,571  $149,916,766  $140,872,750  $149,916,766 

 

The Company has certain buildings and salt pans erected on parcels of land located in Shouguang, PRC, and such parcels of land are collectively owned by local townships or the government authority. The Company has not been able to obtain property ownership certificates over these buildings and salt pans. The aggregate carrying values of these properties situated on parcels of the land are $14,535,86613,636,724 and $14,713,101 as at March 31,September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.

 

During the three-month period ended March 31,September 30, 2023, depreciation and amortization expense totaled $5,358,8714,787,568, of which $1,949,836760,400, $429,955166,042 and $2,979,0803,861,126 were recorded in direct labor and factory overheads incurred during plant shutdown, administrative expenses and cost of net revenue respectively.

.During the three-monthnine-month period ended March 31, 2022, September 30, 2023,depreciation and amortization expense totaled $5,001,61915,381,658, of which $1,761,0683,502,188, $1,197,687765,921 and $2,042,86411,113,549 were recorded in direct labor and factory overheads incurred during plant shutdown, administrative expenses and cost of net revenue respectively..

During the three-month period ended September 30, 2022, depreciation and amortization expense totaled $5,982,055 of which $1,523,855, $165,992 and $4,292,208 were recorded in direct labor and factory overheads incurred during plant shutdown, administrative expenses and cost of net revenue. During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2022, depreciation and amortization expense totaled $16,255,069 of which $4,817,711, $1,534,387 and $9,902,971 were recorded in direct labor and factory overheads incurred during plant shutdown, administrative expenses and cost of net revenue.

The Company has commenced a flood prevention initiative. The Company’s strategy involves the renovation of the channels of four major rivers within its mining area, encompassing the tributary of the Mihe River. The aim is to prevent flooding that could harm the wells, aqueducts, and crude salt pans at the Company’s plant. The projected expenditure for this initiative amounts to $50,497,652. As of September 30, 2023, the Company disbursed $15,149,296 for the initial phase of this project.

 

NOTE 6 –FINANCE LEASE RIGHT-OF-USE ASSETS

 

Property, plant and equipment under finance lease,leases, net consist of the following:

Finance Lease Right-Of-Use Assets - Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment Under Finance Leases

 

 March 31,
2023
 December 31,
2022
 September 30,
2023
 December 31,
2022
At cost:                
Buildings Buildings $119,750  $118,154  $114,748  $118,154 
Plant and machinery Plant and Machinery  2,190,664   2,161,461   110,085   2,161,461 
Total  2,310,414   2,279,615   224,833   2,279,615 
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization  (2,145,682)  (2,115,747)  (69,564)  (2,115,747)
Net book value $164,732  $163,868  $155,269  $163,868 

 

The above buildings erected on parcels of land located in Shouguang, PRC, are collectively owned by local townships.  The Company has not been able to obtain property ownership certificates over these buildings as the Company could not obtain land use rights certificates on the underlying parcels of land.  

 

During the three-monththree and nine months period ended March 31,September 30, 2023, depreciation and amortization expense totaled $1,3531,291 and $3,966, which was recorded in direct labor and factory overheads incurred during plant shutdown. During the three-month period ended March 31, 2022, depreciation and amortization expense totaled $1,459,respectively, which was recorded in direct labor and factory overheads incurred during plant shutdown.

 

During the three and nine months period ended September 30, 2022, depreciation and amortization expense totaled $1,356 and $4,216, respectively, which was recorded in direct labor and factory overheads incurred during plant shutdown.

12 

 

 

 


GULF RESOURCES, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31,SEPTEMBER 30, 2023

(Expressed (Expressed in U.S. dollars)

(UNAUDITED)

 

NOTE 7 – OPERATING LEASE RIGHT-OFRIGHT–OF USE ASSETS

 

As of March 31,September 30, 2023, the total operating lease ROU assets was $8,543,0737,668,554.

 

The total operating lease cost for the three-monthnine-month period ended March 31,September 30, 2023 and 2022 was $241,021706,033 and $258,398746,731, respectively..

 

The Company has the rights to use certain parcels of land located in Shouguang, the PRC, through lease agreements signed with local townships or the government authority.authority (See Note 3). For parcels of land that are collectively owned by local townships, the Company cannot obtain land use rights certificates. The parcels of land of which the Company cannot obtain land use rights certificates covers a total of approximately 38.6 square kilometers of aggregate carrying value of $9,116,2308,452,893 as at March 31,September 30, 2023.

 

NOTE 8 – ACCOUNTS ANDPAYABLE, OTHER PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES

 

Accounts andpayable, other payable and accrued expenses consist of the following:

Accounts and Other Payable and Accrued Expenses - Schedule of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities

 

  March 31, December 31,
  2023 2022
Accounts payable $411,554  $57,649 
Salary payable  253,475   250,610 
Other payable-related party (see Note 8)     89,577 
Accrued expense for construction  5,571,135   6,403,742 
Accrued expense-others  897,588   1,022,144 
Total $7,133,752  $7,823,722 

13 

GULF RESOURCES, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2023

(Expressed in U.S. dollars)

(UNAUDITED)

  September 30, December 31,
  2023 2022
Accounts payable $229,260  $57,649 
Salary payable  239,322   250,610 
Other payable     89,577 
Accrued expense for construction  5,322,637   6,403,742 
Accrued expense-others  359,806   1,022,144 
Total $6,151,025  $7,823,722 

 

NOTE 9 –9– RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

On September 25, 2012, the Company purchased five floors of a commercial building in the PRC, through SYCI, from Shandong Shouguang Vegetable Seed Industry Group Co., Ltd. (the “Seller”) at a cost of approximately $5.7 million in cash, of which Mr. Ming Yang, the Chairman of the Company, had a 99% equity interest in the Seller. During the first quarter of 2018, the Company entered into an agreement with the Seller, a related party, to provide property management services for an annual amount of approximately $90,785 for five years from January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2027. The expense associated with this agreement for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2023 was approximately $21,748and $66,028. The expense associated with this agreement for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 was approximately $22,69621,968 and $24,56869,775.

 

NOTE 98 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS – Continued

 

 a)Related parties

 

Name of related partiesPosition
Yang MingChairman Of the Board
Liu XiaoBinChief Executive Officer
Li MinChief Financial Officer
Miao NaiHuiChief Operating Officer

 

b)

 

 March 31, December 31, September 30, December 31,
 2023 2022 2023 2022
Amount due to related parties:                
Yang Ming $429,258  $423,534  $411,323  $423,534 
Liu XiaoBin  887,214   887,214 
Liu Xiao Bin  887,213   887,214 
Li Min  652,337   647,473   637,092   647,473 
Miao NaiHui  652,337   647,473 
Miao Nai Hui  637,092   647,473 
Total $2,621,146  $2,605,694  $2,572,720  $2,605,694 

 

Considering that the Company has not performed well in recent years, the Company and its executive officers mutually agreed and to returned all, or a portion of their cash compensation earned for their services with the Company, which may be considered for future compensation should the Company improve its results of operations.

 

NOTE 10 –10– TAXES PAYABLE

  

 March 31, December 31, September 30, December 31,
 2023 2022 2023 2022
Land use tax payable  25,446   25,107  $24,383  $25,107 
Value added tax and other taxes payable  930,422   674,456   497,443   674,456 
Land use tax payable $955,868  $699,563 
Total $521,826  $699,563 

 

NOTE 11 –LEASE LIABILITIES-FINANCE AND OPERATING LEASE

 

The components of finance lease liabilities were as follows:

Lease Liabilities - Finance and Operating Lease - Schedule of Finance Leased Liabilities

 

 Imputed March 31, December 31, Imputed September 30, December 31,
 Interest rate 2023 2022 Interest rate 2023 2022
Total finance lease liability 6.7% $1,726,156  $1,675,067   6.7%  $1,443,368  $1,675,067 
Less: Current portion    (244,685)  (213,346)    (188,750)  (213,346)
Finance lease liability, net of current portion   $1,481,471  $1,461,721    $1,254,618  $1,461,721 

 

Interest expenses from a financecapital lease liabilityobligations amounted to $28,56023,791 and $33,62223,934 for the three-month periodsperiod ended March 31,September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, which were charged to the condensed consolidated statement of loss.income (loss). Interest expenses from capital lease obligations amounted to $80,252 and $93,630 for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, which were charged to the condensed consolidated statement of income (loss).

 

The components of operating lease liabilities as follows:

Lease Liabilities - Finance and Operating Lease - Schedule of Operating Leased Liabilities

 

 Imputed March 31, December 31, Imputed September 30, December 31,
 Interest rate 2023 2022 Interest rate 2023 2022
Total Operating lease liabilities 4.89% $8,462,654  $8,009,091   4.89%  $7,480,606  $8,009,091 
Less: Current portion    (468,906)  (433,440)    (436,382)  (433,440)
Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion   $7,993,748  $7,575,651    $7,044,224  $7,575,651 

 

The weighted average remaining operating lease term at March 31,September 30, 2023 was 19 years and the weighted average discounts rate was 4.89%. This discount rates used are based onLease payments for the base rate quoted by the People's Bank of China and vary with the remaining term of the lease. Lease payment in the three-monthsthree-month period ended March 31,September 30, 2023 and 2022, wasrespectively, were $239,89864,866 and $257,87964,896. Lease payments for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, were $824,572 and $888,692.

 

Maturities of lease liabilities were as follows:

Lease Liabilities - Finance and Operating Lease - Schedule of Financing and Operating Lease Maturities

 

 Financial lease Operating Lease Financial lease Operating Lease
Payable within:          
the next 12 months $273,141  $847,895  $261,729  $816,349 
the next 13 to 24 months 273,141 853,614  261,729 823,459 
the next 25 to 36 months 273,141 859,366  261,729 827,647 
the next 37 to 48 months 273,141 865,489  261,729 835,232 
the next 49 to 60 months 273,141 871,652  261,729 839,755 
thereafter  819,423   10,186,057   523,458   9,147,846 
Total 2,185,128 14,484,073  1,832,103 13,290,288 
Less: Amount representing interest  (458,972)  (6,021,419)  (388,735)  (5,809,682
Present value of net minimum lease payments  1,726,156  $8,462,654  $1,443,368  $7,480,606 


GULF RESOURCES, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2023

 (Expressed in U.S. dollars)

(UNAUDITED)

 

NOTE 12 ––EQUITY

 

Restricted Shares

 

A restricted stock award (“RSA”) is an award of common shares that is subject to certain restrictions during a specified period. Restricted stock awards are independent of option grants and are generally subject to forfeiture if employment terminates prior to the release of the restrictions. The grantee cannot transfer the shares before the restricted shares vest. Shares of nonvested restricted stock have the same voting rights as common stock, are entitled to receive dividends and other distributions thereon and are considered to be currently issued and outstanding. The Company expenses the cost of the restricted stock awards, which is determined to be the fair market value of the shares at the date of grant, straight-line over the period during which the restrictions lapse. For these purposes, the fair market value of the restricted stock is determined based on the closing price of the Company's common stock on the grant date.

 

Retained Earnings – Appropriated

 

In accordance with the relevant PRC regulations and the PRC subsidiaries’ Articles of Association, the Company’s PRC subsidiaries are required to allocate its profit after tax to the following reserve:

 

Statutory Common Reserve Funds

 

SCHC, SYCI, SHSI and DCHC are required each year to transfer at least 10% of the profit after tax as reported under the PRC statutory financial statements to the Statutory Common Reserve Funds until the balance reaches 50% of the registered share capital.  This reserve can be used to make up any loss incurred or to increase share capital.  Except for the reduction of losses incurred, any other application should not result in this reserve balance falling below 25% of the registered capital. The Statutory Common Reserve Fund as of March 31,September 30, 2023 for SCHC, SYCI, SHSI, and DCHC is 17%16%, 14%, 0% and 0% of its registered capital, respectively.

 

14 

GULF RESOURCES, INC. 

AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2023

(Expressed in U.S. dollars)

(UNAUDITED)

NOTE 13 – TREASURY STOCK

 

As of March 31,September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the number of treasury stock of the Company was 285,830 and 285,830, respectively.

 

NOTE 14 – STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

 

Pursuant to the Company’s 2019 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan adopted and approved in 2019 (“2019 Plan”), awards under the 2019 Plan is limited in the aggregate to 2,068,398 shares of our common stock, inclusive of the awards that were previously issued and outstanding under the Company’s 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (the “2007 Plan”). Upon adoption and approval of the 2019 Plan, the 2007 Plan was frozen, no new awards will be granted under the 2007 Plan, and outstanding awards under the 2007 Plan will continue to be governed by the terms and condition of the 2007 Plan and applicable award agreement. As of March 31,September 30, 2023, the number of shares of the Company’s common stock available for grant of stock options and issuanceawards under the 2019 Plan was 856,801 shares.

 

The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The risk free rate is based on the yield-to-maturity in continuous compounding of the US Government Bonds with the time-to-maturity similar to the expected tenor of the option granted, volatility is based on the annualized historical stock price volatility of the Company, and the expected life is based on the historical option exercise pattern.

 

For the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2023 and 2022, total compensation costs for options issued recorded in the consolidated statement of loss were $0.

 

During the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2023, there were no options issuedgranted to employees or non-employees.

 

The following table summarizes all Company stock option transactions between January 1, 2023 and March 31,September 30, 2023.

Stock-Based Compensation - Schedule of Stock Option Activity

 

  Number of Option
and Warrants
Outstanding and exercisable
 Weighted- Average Exercise price of Option
and Warrants
 Range of
Exercise Price per Common Share
Balance, January 1, 2023    $
Granted during the period   
Granted during the period
Exercised during the period
Expired during the period$$
Balance, September 30, 2023$    
Exercised during the period
Expired during the period$$
Balance, March 31, 2023$

 

Stock Options and Warrants Outstanding and Exercisable
           Weighted Average 
           Remaining 
   Outstanding at March 31,September  30, 2023   

Range of

Exercise Prices

   

Contractual Life

 (Years)

 
Outstanding and exercisable         

 

All options exercisable and outstanding at March 31,September 30, 2023 are fully vested. As of March 31,September 30, 2023 there was no unrecognized compensation cost related to outstanding stock options,

 

The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding and exercisable as of March 31,September 30, 2023 was $0.

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, was $0.there were no options exercised. 

 

15 


GULF RESOURCES, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31,SEPTEMBER 30, 2023

(Expressed (Expressed in U.S. dollars)

(UNAUDITED)

 

NOTE 15 – INCOME TAXES

 

The Company utilizes the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes in accordance with FASB ASC 740-10. If it is more likely than not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized, a valuation allowance is recognized.

 

(a)          United States (“US”)

United States 

Gulf Resources, Inc. may be subject to the United States of America Tax laws at a tax rate of 21%. No provision for the US federal income taxes has been made as the Company had no US taxable income for the three-month and nine-month periods ended March 31,September 30, 2023 and 2022, and management believes that its earnings are permanently invested in the PRC.

 

(b)           British Virgin Islands (“BVI”)

 

Upper Class Group Limited, a subsidiary of Gulf Resources, Inc., was incorporated in the BVI and, under the current laws of the BVI, it is not subject to tax on income or capital gain in the BVI. Upper Class Group Limited did not generate assessable profit for the three-month and nine-month periods ended March 31,September 30, 2023 and 2022.

 

(c)           Hong Kong

Hong Kong 

HKJI, a subsidiary of Upper Class Group Limited, was incorporated in Hong Kong and is subject to Hong Kong taxation on its activities conducted in Hong Kong and income arising in or derived from Hong Kong.  No provision for income tax has been made as it has no taxable income for the three-month and nine-month periods ended March 31,September 30, 2023 and 2022.  The applicable statutory tax rates for the three-month and nine-month periods ended March 31,September 30, 2023 and 2022 are 16.5%. There is no dividend withholding tax in Hong Kong.

 

(d)           PRC

PRC 

Enterprise income tax (“EIT”) for SCHC, SYCI, SHSI and DCHC in the PRC is charged at 25% of the assessable profits.

 

The operating subsidiaries SCHC is a wholly foreign-owned enterprises (“FIE”), SYCI, DCHC, and SHSI are wholly foreign-owned enterprises (“FIE”) incorporated in the PRC and are subject to PRC Local Income Tax Law. The PRC tax losses may be carried forward to be utilized against future taxable profit for ten years for High-tech enterprises and small and medium-sized enterprises of science and technology and for five years for other companies. Tax losses of the operating subsidiaries of the Company may be carried forward for five years.

 

On February 22, 2008, the Ministry of Finance (“MOF”) and the State Administration of Taxation (“SAT”) jointly issued Cai Shui [2008] Circular 1 (“Circular 1”). According to Article 4 of Circular 1, distributions of accumulated profits earned by a FIE prior to January 1, 2008 to foreign investor(s) in 2008 will be exempted from withholding tax (“WHT”) while distribution of the profit earned by an FIE after January 1, 2008 to its foreign investor(s) shall be subject to WHT at 5% effective tax rate.

 

As of March 31,September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the accumulated distributable earnings under the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP”) of PRC that are subject to WHT are $148,449,311138,933,575 and $147,686,099, respectively. Since the Company intends to reinvest its earnings to further expand its businesses in mainland China, its foreign invested enterprises do not intend to declare dividends to their immediate foreign holding companies in the foreseeable future. Accordingly, as of March 31,September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company has not recorded any WHT on the cumulative amount of distributable retained earnings of its foreign invested enterprises that are subject to WHT in China. As of March 31,September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the unrecognized WHT are $6,431,3415,996,965 and $6,406,394, respectively.

 

The Company’s income tax returns are subject to the various tax authorities’ examination. The federal, state and local authorities of the United States may examine the Company’s income tax returns filed in the United States for three years from the date of filing. The Company’s US income tax returns since 20172016 are currently subject to examination.

 

Inland Revenue Department of Hong Kong (“IRD”) may examine the Company’s income tax returns filed in Hong Kong for seven years from date of filing. For the years 2012 through 2019, HKJI did not report any taxable income. It did not file any income tax returns during these years except for 2014 and 2018. For companies which do not have taxable income, IRD typically issues notification to companies requiring them to file income tax returns once in every four years. The tax returns for 2014 and 2018 are currently subject to examination.have been examined, and there is no Hong Kong Profits Tax was charged.

 

The components of the provision for income tax benefit (expense) from continuing operations are:

Income Taxes - Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense Benefit

     
 Three-Month Period Ended March 31,         
 2023 2022 Three-Month Period Ended September 30, Nine-Month Period Ended September 30,
     2023 2022 2023 2022
Current taxes – PRC $  $  $  $  $  $ 
Deferred tax – PRC entities  (200,556)  95,695   483,524   (3,010,967)  876,779   (4,356,283)
Deferred taxes – US entity      
Change in valuation allowance      
Income Tax (Expense) Benefit $(200,556) $95,695  $483,524  $(3,010,967) $876,779  $(4,356,283)

     

Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities at March 31, 2022September 30, 2023 and December 31, 20212022 are as follows:

Income Taxes - Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

 

 March 31, December 31, September 30, December 31,
 2023 2022 2023 2022
Deferred tax liabilities $  $  $  $ 
                
Deferred tax assets:                
Exploration costs  1,811,724   1,787,571   1,736,028   1,787,571 
PRC tax losses  12,587,980   12,211,867   12,948,587   12,211,867 
US federal net operating loss  1,543,076   1,336,405   1,569,617   1,336,405 
Total deferred tax assets  15,942,780   15,335,843   16,254,232   15,335,843 
Valuation allowance  (10,223,605)  (10,016,934)  (10,250,146)  (10,016,934)
Net deferred tax asset $5,719,175  $5,318,909  $6,004,086  $5,318,909 

 

The decrease in valuation allowance for the three-month period ended March 31,September 30, 2023 is $206,67112,974.

 

The increase in valuation allowance for the three-month period ended March 31,September 30, 2022 is $22,6530.

The decrease in valuation allowance for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2023 is $233,212.

The increase in valuation allowance for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2022 is $34,176.

 

There were no unrecognized tax benefits and accrual for uncertain tax positions as of March 31,September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 and no amounts accrued for penalties and interest for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2023 and 2022.


GULF RESOURCES, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2023

 (Expressed in U.S. dollars)

(UNAUDITED)

 

NOTE 16 – BUSINESS SEGMENTS

The Company has four reportable segments:  bromine, crude salt, chemical products and natural gas. The reportable segments are consistent with how management views the markets served by the Company and the financial information that is reviewed by its chief operating decision maker.

 

An operating segment’s performance is primarily evaluated based on segment operating income, which excludes share-based compensation expense, certain corporate costs and other income not associated with the operations of the segment. These corporate costs (income) are separately stated below and also include costs that are related to functional areas such as accounting, treasury, information technology, legal, human resources, and internal audit. The Company believes that segment operating income, as defined above, is an appropriate measure for evaluating the operating performance of its segments. All the customers are located in PRC.

 

Three-Month Period Ended March 31, 2023 Bromine * 

Crude

Salt *

 

Chemical

Products

 Natural Gas 

Segment

Total

 Corporate Total

Three-Month

Period Ended

September 30, 2023

 Bromine* 

Crude

 Salt*

 

Chemical

 Products

 Natural Gas 

Segment

 Total

 Corporate Total
Net revenue
(external customers)
 $8,470,372  $748,681  $  $82,954  $9,302,007  $  $9,302,007  $4,908,152  $889,556  $  $67,907  $5,865,615  $  $5,865,615 
Net revenue
(intersegment)
                                          
Loss from operations before income benefit  (409,692)  42,930   (417,873)  12,685   (771,950)  (27,608)  (799,558)
Income tax benefit  94,593   (11,323)  117,286      200,556      200,556 
Loss from operations after income taxes(benefit)  (315,099)  31,607   (300,587)  12,685   (571,394)  (27,608)  (599,002)
Income(loss) from operations before income tax benefit  (2,143,203)  500,469   (397,410)  4,156   (2,035,988)  (257,300)  (2,293,288)
Income tax benefit (expense)  516,927   (125,731)  92,328      483,524      483,524 
Income (loss) from operations after
income tax benefit (expense)
  (1,626,276)  374,738   (305,082)  4,156   (1,552,464)  (257,300)  (1,809,764)
Total assets  171,616,991   11,738,247   110,666,925   1,369,522   295,391,685   347,851   295,739,536   159,846,002   11,983,765   105,533,526   1,244,427   278,607,720   285,157   278,892,877 
Depreciation and amortization  5,065,606   188,687   70,911   35,020   5,360,224      5,360,224   4,507,616   180,121   67,692   33,430   4,788,859      4,788,859 
Capital expenditures  32,742            32,742      32,742   15,149,296            15,149,296      15,149,296 

 

Three-Month Period Ended March 31, 2022 Bromine * 

Crude

Salt *

 

Chemical

Products

 Natural Gas 

Segment

Total

 Corporate Total

Three-Month

Period Ended

September 30, 2022

 Bromine* 

Crude

 Salt*

 

Chemical

 Products

 Natural Gas 

Segment

 Total

 Corporate Total
Net revenue
(external customers)
 $8,126,015  $754,044  $  $50,678  $8,930,737  $  $8,930,737  $19,845,773  $2,934,707  $  $82,315  $22,862,795  $  $22,862,795 
Net revenue
(intersegment)
                                          
Loss from operations before income benefit  1,348,834   (521,921)  (513,282)  (26,739)  286,892   (351,979)  (65,087)
Income tax benefit  (342,161)  130,480   115,986      (95,695)     (95,695)
Loss from operations after income taxes(benefit)  1,006,673   (391,441)  (397,296)  (26,739)  191,197   (351,979)  (160,782)
Income(loss) from operations before income tax benefit (expense)  10,552,343   1,876,161   (447,960)  19,500   12,000,044   (57,452)  11,942,592 
Income tax benefit(expense)  (2,642,167)  (469,197)  100,397      (3,010,967)     (3,010,967)
Income (loss) from operations after income tax benefit (expense)  7,910,176   1,406,964   (347,563)  19,500   8,989,077   (57,452)  8,931,625 
Total assets  186,040,450   27,503,060   122,125,607   1,593,308   337,262,425   400,494   337,662,919   168,912,333   11,286,079   108,653,553   1,389,190   290,241,155   303,226   290,544,381 
Depreciation and amortization  3,694,749   1,194,058   76,456   37,815   5,003,078      5,003,078   5,055,864   821,269   71,120   35,158   5,983,411      5,983,411 
Capital expenditures  395,060            395,060      395,060                       

 

* Certain common production overheads, operating and administrative expenses and asset items (mainly cash and certain office equipment) of bromine and crude salt segments in SCHC were split by reference to the average selling price and production volume of the respective segment until April 2022. Commencing May 2022, costs were assigned to the two subsidiaries (SCHC and SHSI) by independent accounting.

 

16 


GULF RESOURCES, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31,SEPTEMBER 30, 2023

(Expressed (Expressed in U.S. dollars)

(UNAUDITED)

 

NOTE 16 – BUSINESS SEGMENTS – Continued

 

         
  Three-Month Period Ended March 31,
Reconciliations 2023 2022
Total segment operating loss $(771,950) $286,892 
Corporate costs  (59,960)  (68,190)
Unrealized gain (loss) on translation of intercompany balance  32,352   (283,789)
Loss from operations  (799,558)  (65,087)
Other income  41,255   40,836 
Loss before income taxes $(758,303) $(24,251)

Nine-Month

Period Ended

September 30, 2023

 Bromine* 

Crude

 Salt*

 

Chemical

 Products

 Natural Gas 

Segment

 Total

 Corporate Total
Net revenue
(external customers)
 $20,734,871  $2,287,672  $  $150,861  $23,173,404  $  $23,173,404 
Net revenue
(intersegment)
                     
Income(loss) from operations before income tax benefit  (3,340,404)  904,482   (1,231,302)  14,011   (3,653,213)  (358,731)  (4,011,944)
Income tax benefit (expense)  800,170   (228,002)  304,611      876,779      876,779 
Income (loss) from operations after
income tax benefit (expense)
  (2,540,234)  676,480   (926,691)  14,011   (2,776,434)  (358,731)  (3,135,165)
Total assets  159,846,002   11,983,765   105,533,526   1,244,427   278,607,720   285,157   278,892,877 
Depreciation and amortization  14,521,943   553,141   207,878   102,662   15,385,624      15,385,624 
Capital expenditures  15,197,648            15,197,648      15,197,648 

Nine-Month

Period Ended

September 30, 2022

 Bromine* 

Crude

 Salt*

 

Chemical

 Products

 Natural Gas 

Segment

 Total

 Corporate Total
Net revenue
(external customers)
 $41,865,598  $5,506,655  $  $132,993  $47,505,246  $  $47,505,246 
Net revenue
(intersegment)
                     
Income(loss) from operations before income tax benefit (expense)  17,226,718   1,497,208   (1,436,443)  (68,938)  17,218,545   (231,877)  16,986,668 
Income tax benefit(expense)  (4,304,623)  (374,822)  323,162      (4,356,283)     (4,356,283)
Income (loss) from operations after income tax benefit (expense)  12,922,095   1,122,386   (1,113,281)  (68,938)  12,862,262   (231,877)  12,630,385 
Total assets  168,912,333   11,286,079   108,653,553   1,389,190   290,241,155   303,226   290,544,381 
Depreciation and amortization  12,667,791   3,261,180   221,017   109,297   16,259,285      16,259,285 
Capital expenditures  33,217,987             33,217,987      33,217,987 

* Certain common production overheads, operating and administrative expenses and asset items (mainly cash and certain office equipment) of bromine and crude salt segments in SCHC were split by reference to the average selling price and production volume of each respective segment through April 2022. Commencing May 2022, costs were assigned to the two subsidiaries (SCHC and SHSI) by independent accounting.


GULF RESOURCES, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2023

 (Expressed in U.S. dollars)

(UNAUDITED)

NOTE 16 – BUSINESS SEGMENTS – Continued

                 
  Three-Month Period Ended September 30, Nine-Month Period Ended September 30,
Reconciliations 2023 2022 2023 2022
Total segment operating Income (loss) $(2,035,988) $12,000,044  $(3,653,213) $17,218,545 
Corporate costs  (65,148)  (50,505)  (193,287)  (186,682)
Unrealized gain on translation of intercompany balance  (192,152)  (6,947)  (165,444)  (45,195)
Income (loss) from operations  (2,293,288)  11,942,592   (4,011,944)  16,986,668 
Other income, net of expense  33,967   35,755   119,805   118,843 
Income (loss) before taxes $(2,259,321) $11,978,347  $(3,892,139) $17,105,511 

 

The following table shows the major customerscustomer(s) (10% or more) for the three-month period ended March 31,September 30, 2023.

Business Segments - Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers

Revenue

Number Customer 

Bromine

(000’s)

 

Crude Salt

(000’s)

 

Chemical Products

(000’s)

 

Total

Revenue

 (000’s)

 

Percentage of

Total

Revenue (%)

1 Shandong Brother Technology Limited  1,182   285      1,467   15.9%
2 Shandong Morui Chemical Company Limited $1,177  $260  $  $1,437   15.6%
3 Shouguang Weidong Chemical Company Limited  1,186   202      1,388   15.1%
4 Shandong Shouguangshen Runfa Marine Chemical Company Limited $963  $  $  $963   10.4%

Customer

Number Customer 

Bromine

(000’s)

 

Crude Salt

(000’s)

 

Chemical Products

(000’s)

 

Total

Revenue

 (000’s)

 

Percentage of

Total

Revenue (%)

1 Shandong Brother Technology Limited $766  $309  $  $1,075   18.5%
2 Shandong Morui Chemical Company Limited $769  $298  $  $1,067   18.4%
3 Shouguang Weidong Chemical Company Limited $772  $282  $  $1,054   18.2%

 

 

The following table shows the major customerscustomer(s) (10% or more) for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2023.

Number Customer 

Bromine

(000’s)

 

Crude Salt

(000’s)

 

Chemical Products

(000’s)

 

Total

Revenue

 (000’s)

 

Percentage of

Total

Revenue (%)

1 Shandong Morui Chemical Company Limited $3,166  $842  $  $4,008   17.4%
2 Shandong Brother Technology Limited $3,077  $768  $  $3,845   16.7%
3 Shouguang Weidong Chemical Company Limited $3,087  $677  $  $3,764   16.4%
4 Shandong Shouguangshen Runfa Marine Chemical Company Limited $2,532  $  $  $2,532   11%

The following table shows the major customer(s) (10% or more) for the three-month period ended March 31,September 30, 2022.

 

Number Customer 

Bromine

(000’s)

 

Crude Salt

(000’s)

 

Chemical Products

(000’s)

 

Total

Revenue

 (000’s) 

 

Percentage of

Total

Revenue (%)

 Customer 

Bromine

(000’s)

 

Crude Salt

(000’s)

 

Chemical Products

(000’s)

 

Total

Revenue

 (000’s)

 

Percentage of

Total

Revenue (%)

1 Shandong Morui Chemical Company Limited $940 $313 $ $1,253 14.1% Shandong Morui Chemical Company Limited $2,190  $1,123  $  $3,313   14.8%
2 Shandong Brother Technology Limited $782 $241 $ $1,023 11.5% Shouguang Weidong Chemical Company Limited $2,041  $885  $  $2,926   12.8%
3 Shandong Brother Technology Limited $2,339  $927  $  $3,266   14%

The following table shows the major customer(s) (10% or more) for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2022.

Number Customer 

Bromine

(000’s)

 

Crude Salt

(000’s)

 

Chemical Products

(000’s)

 

Total

Revenue

 (000’s)

 

Percentage of

Total

Revenue (%)

1 Shandong Morui Chemical Company Limited $4,942  $2,088  $  $7,030   14.8%
2 Shouguang Weidong Chemical Company Limited $4,169  $1,583  $  $5,752   12.1%
3 Shandong Brother Technology Limited $4,782  $1,836  $  $6,618   14%

 

 

NOTE 17 –17– CUSTOMER CONCENTRATION

Sale of Products

Product Concentration

During the three-monthnine-month period ended March 31,September 30, 2023, the Company sold 6468.4% of its products to its top five customers. As of March 31,September 30, 2023, amounts due from these customers were $3,492,9331,485,777.

 

During the three-monthnine-month period ended March 31,September 30, 2022, the Company sold 4952.9% of its products to its top five customers. As of March 31,September 30, 2022, amounts due from these customers were $7,115,0086,095,578.

 

NOTE 18 –18– MAJOR SUPPLIERS

Purchase of Raw Materials

Supplier Concentration 

During the three-monthnine-month period ended March 31,September 30, 2023 the Company purchased 100% of its raw materials from its top five suppliers.  As of March 31,September 30, 2023, amounts due to those suppliers were $411,554229,260.

 

During the three-monthnine-month period ended March 31,September 30, 2022 the Company purchased 100% of its raw materials from its top five suppliers.  As of March 31,September 30, 2022, amounts due to those suppliers were $623,523219,646.

 

NOTE 19 – FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

The carrying values of financial instruments, which consist of cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable and other payables, approximate their fair values due to the short-term nature of these instruments.  There were no material unrecognized financial assets and liabilities as of March 31,September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022.

 

NOTE 20 – CAPITAL COMMITMENT AND OTHER SERVICE CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

  

The following table sets forth the Company’s contractual obligations as of March 31,September 30, 2023:

Capital Commitment and Other Service Contractual Obligations - Schedule of Contractual Obligations

 

 Property Management Fees Capital Expenditure Property Management Fees Capital Expenditure
Payable within:            
the next 12 months $90,785 $14,864,350  $86,992  $49,575,927 
the next 13 to 24 months 90,785 1,003,081  86,992 961,171 
the next 25 to 36 months 90,785   86,992  
the next 37 to 48 months 90,785   86,992  
the next 49 to 60 months      
Total $363,140  $15,867,431  $347,968  $50,537,098 

 

NOTE 21 –LOSS CONTINGENCIES

Settled Litigation 

On or about August 3, 2018, written decisions of administration penalty captioned Shou Guo Tu Zi Fa Gao Zi [2018] No. 291, Shou Guo Tu Zi Fa Gao Zi [2018] No. 292, Shou Guo Tu Zi Fa Gao Zi [2018] No. 293, Shou Guo Tu Zi Fa Gao Zi [2018] No. 294, Shou Guo Tu Zi Fa Gao Zi [2018] No. 295 and Shou Guo Tu Zi Fa Gao Zi [2018] No. 296 (together, the “Written Decisions”) were served on Shouguang City Haoyuan Chemical Company Limited (“SCHC”) by Shouguang City Natural Resources and Planning Bureau (the “Bureau”), naming SCHC as respondent respectively thereof. The Decisions challenged the land use of Factory nos. 2, 9, 7, 4, 8 and 10, respectively, and alleged, among other things, that SCHC had illegally occupied and used the land in the total area of approximately 52,674 square meters,meter, on which Factory nos. 2, 9, 7, 4, 8 and 10 were built, respectively. The Written Decisions ordered SCHC, among other things, to return the land subject to the Written Decisions to its respective legal owner, restore the land to its original state, and demolish or confiscate all the buildings and facilities thereon and pay monetary penalty of approximately RMB 1.3 million ($184,000) in the aggregate. Each of the Written Decisions shall be executed within 15 days upon serving on SCHC. Additional interest penalty shall be imposed at a daily rate of 3% in the event that SCHC does not make the monetary penalty payment in a timely manner. Subsequently, the Bureau filed enforcement actions to the People’s Court of Shouguang City, Shandong Province (the “Court”), naming SCHC as enforcement respondent and alleged, among other things, that SCHC failed to perform its obligations under each of the Written Decisions within the specified timeframe. The enforcement proceedings sought court orders to enforce the Written Decisions. On May 5, 2019, written decisions of administrative ruling captioned (2019) Lu 0783 Xing Shen No. 384, (2019) Lu 0783 Xing Shen No. 385, (2019) Lu 0783 Xing Shen No. 389, (2019) Lu 0783 Xing Shen No. 390, (2019) Lu 0783 Xing Shen No. 393, and (2019) Lu 0783 Xing Shen No. 394, respectively (together, the “Court Rulings”) were made by the Court in favor of the Bureau. The Court orders, among other relief, to enforce each of the Written Decisions, to return each subject land to its legal owners and demolish or confiscate the buildings and facilities thereon and restore the land to its original state within 10 days from the service of the Court Rulings on SCHC. The Court Rulings became enforceable immediately upon service on SCHC on May 5, 2019.

 

In the last twenty years, to the Company’s knowledge, there were no government regulations requiring bromine manufacturers to obtain land use and planning approval document. As such, the Company believes most of the bromine manufacturers in Shouguang City do not have land use and planning approval documents and lease their land parcels from the village associations. They are facing the same issues in connection with land use and planning as the Company. To the Company’s knowledge, the local government has submitted its plan to solve the issues to higher authority and are waiting for approval from the higher authority.

 

The Company is in the process of resolving the issues in connection with SCHC’s land use and planning diligently. The Company has been in discussions closely with the local government authorities with the help from Shouguang City Bromine Association to seek reliefs and, based on verbal confirmation by local government authorities, believes the administrative penalties imposed by the Bureau according to the Written Decisions are being re-assessed by local government authorities and may be revoked. Pursuant to a Written Application dated October 28, 2019 addressed to the Court by the Bureau, the Bureau withdrew its application for the enforcement proceedings regarding the administrative penalty imposed on Factory No. 7, Factory No. 8 and Factory No.10.No. 10. Pursuant to a written decisions of administrative ruling captioned (2019) Lu 0783 Xing Shen No. 389 Zhi Yi, dated November 25, 2020, the Court orders to terminate the enforcement of the case captioned (2019) Lu 0783 Xing Shen No. 389. Production of Factory No. 7 was allowed to resume in April 2019. The Company received a notification from the Shouguang City Government in February 2019 informing the Company that Factory No. 1, No.4,No. 4, No. 7 and No. 9 have passed inspection and were approved to resume operation

 

In addition, on August 28, 2019, the People’s Government of Shandong Province, issued a regulation titled “Investment Project Management Requirements of Chemical Companies in Shandong Province” permitting the construction of facilities on existing sites or infrastructure of bromine manufacturing and other chemical industry-related types of projects (clause 11 of section 3). The Company believes that the goal of the government is to standardize and regulate the industry and not to demolish the facilities or penalize the manufacturers. As of the date of this report, the Company has not been notified by the local government that it will take any measure to enforce the administrative penalties. Based on information known to date, the Company believes that it is remote that the Written Decisions or Court Rulings will be enforced within the expected timeframe and a material penalty or costs and expenses against the Company will result. However, there can be no assurance that there will not be any further enforcement action, the occurrence of which may result in further liabilities, penalties and operational disruption.

 

In view of the above facts and circumstances, the Company believes that it is not necessary to accrue for any estimated losses or impairment as of March 31,September 30, 2023.

 

NOTE 22 - SUBSEQUENT EVENT

 

Not Applicable.

 

17 


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

 

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

The discussion below contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act.  We have used words such as “believes,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “expects” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are based on information currently available to us and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results of operations, financial condition, cash flows, performance, business prospects and opportunities and the timing of certain events to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these statements.  Except as expressly required by the federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to update such factors or to publicly announce the results of any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future events, developments, or changed circumstances, or for any other reason. 

 

Overview

 

We are a Nevada holding company which conducts operations through our wholly-owned China-based subsidiaries.  Our business is conducted and reported in four segments, namely, bromine, crude salt, chemical products and natural gas.

 

Through our wholly-owned subsidiary, SCHC we produce and trade brominebromine; and through our wholly-owned subsidiary, SHSI, we manufacture and sell crude salt.  We are one of the largest producers of bromine in China, as measured by production output. Elemental bromine is used to manufacture a wide variety of bromine compounds used in industry and agriculture. Bromine also is used to form intermediary chemical compounds such as Tetramethylbenzidine.  Bromine is commonly used in brominated flame retardants, fumigants, water purification compounds, dyes, medicines and disinfectants.  Crude salt is the principal material in alkali production as well as chlorine alkali production and is widely used in the chemical, food and beverage, and other industries.

 

Through our wholly-owned subsidiary, SYCI, we manufacture and sell chemical products used in oil and gas field exploration, oil and gas distribution, oil field drilling, papermaking chemical agents, inorganic chemicals and materials that are used for human and animal antibiotics.

 

Our wholly-owned subsidiary, DCHC, was established to explore and develop natural gas and brine resources (including bromine and crude salt) in Sichuan Province, China.

 

As disclosed in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 8, 2017, the Company received, on September 1, 2017, letters from the Yangkou County, Shouguang City government addressed to each of its subsidiaries, SCHC and SYCI, which stated that in an effort to improve the safety and environmental protection management level of chemical enterprises, the plants are requested to immediately stop production and perform rectification and improvements in accordance with the country’s new safety and environmental protection requirements. In the Company’s press release of August 11, 2017 and on its conference call of August 14, 2017, the Company addressed concerns that increased government enforcement of stringent environmental rules that were adopted in early 2017 to insure corporations bring their facilities up to necessary standards so that pollution and other negative environmental issues are limited and remediated, could have an impact on our business in both the short and long-term. The Company also expressed that although it believed its facilities were fully compliant at the time, the Company did not know how its facilities would fare under the new rules. Teams of inspectors from the government were sent to many provinces to inspect all mining and manufacturing facilities. The local government requested that facilities be closed, so that the facilities could undergo the inspection and analysis in the most efficient manner by inspectors’ team. As a result, our facilities were closed on September 1, 2017.

 

The Company believes that this is another step by the government to improve the environment. It further believes the goal of the government is not to close all plants, but rather to codify the regulations related to project approval, land use, planning approval and environmental protection assessment approval so that illegal plants are not able to open in the future and so that plants close to population centers do not cause serious environmental damage. In addition, the Company believes that the Shandong provincial government wants to assure that each of its regional and county governments has applied the Notice in a consistent manner.

 

The Shouguang City Bromine Association, on behalf of all the bromine plants in Shouguang, started discussions with the local government agencies. The local governmental agencies confirmed the facts that their initial requirements for the bromine industry did not include the project approval, the planning approval and the land use rights approval and that those three additional approvals were new requirements of the provincial government. The Company understood from the local government that it has been coordinating with several government agencies to solve these three outstanding approval issues in a timely manner and that all the affected bromine plants willnotwill not be allowed to commence production prior to obtaining those approvals.

 

In February 2019, the Company received a notification from the local government of Yangkou County that its Factory No. 1, No.4, No. 7 and No. 9 hadhave passed inspection and couldwere allowed to resume operations. In April 2019, Factory No. 1 and No. 7 resumed operations.

 

On February 28, 2020, the Company announced that it received an approval from the government to resume bromine production after winter temporary closure. Subsequently, it received another approval from the Shouguang Yangkou People’s Government dated on March 5, 2020 to resume production at its bromine factories No.1, No. 4, No.7 and No. 9 in order to meet the needs of bromide products for epidemic prevention and control. With these two approvals, the Company was allowed to resume production at all four bromine factories.

 


TheOn December 27, 2021, the Company received an oral notification from the government for its Factory No. 8, which permitted Factory No.8 to resume production in August 2022. Factory No.8 started to contribute revenue in the fourth quarter 2022.

Pursuant to the notification fromannounced that the government of Shouguang City all bromine facilities in Shouguang City were temporarily closed from December 10, 2022 until February 1, 2023 8:00 AM China Time. To comply with such notification,ordered the Company had temporarily stopped production at itsclosing of all bromine facilities during the aforesaid period andfrom December 28, 2021 to February 21, 2022. The Company reopened theits four operating bromine and crude salt factories infacilities as planned on February 2023.21, 2022.

 

The Company is still waiting for governmental approval for factories No.2No. 2 and No.10.

To the Company’sits knowledge, the government is currently completing its planning process for all mining areas including that for prevention of flood. As a result, the Company may be required to make some modifications to our current wells and aqueducts prior to commencement of operations of these factories to satisfy the local government's requirements. 

  

On November 24, 2017, Gulf Resources received a letter from the People’s Government of Yangkou County, Shouguang City notifying the Company that due to the new standards and regulations relating to safety production and environmental pollution, from certain local governmental departments, such as the municipal environmental protection department, the security supervision department and the fire department, its chemical enterprises would have to be relocated to a new industrial park called Bohai Marine Fine Chemical Industry Park.  Although our chemical companies were in compliance with regulations, they were also close to a residential area. As a result, the government determined wethe Company should relocate to the Bohai park. Chemical companies that arewere not being asked to move into the park are being permanentlyhave been closed.  Since the closure of our factories, closed, the Company has secured from the government the land use rights for its chemical plant. On January 6, 2020, the Company received the environmental protection approval by the government of Shouguang City, Shandong Province for the proposed Yuxin Chemical factory. The Company began the construction on its new chemical facilities located at Bohai Marine Fine Chemical Industrial Park in June 2020. The completion of construction was expectedhas been delayed due to take approximately one yearCOVID-19 related restrictions, supply chain disruption and an additional six months to completeelectric restrictions. On February 22, 2022, the Company announced that while the Company did not receive a formal notice from the government regarding the electricity needed for its Yuxin Chemical factory, discussions with the government have convinced management that the electricity restrictions are being eased. Accordingly, the Company has contacted its suppliers and will have the remainder of the equipment installationproduced and testing, however duedelivered, so the Company can complete installation. Because of supply chain issues, largely related to COVID 19, the COVID epidemic and utility restrictions, the openingdelivery of some of the chemical factoryequipment has been delayed. TheAt this time, the Company has received the refrigeration and air compressor units. The rest equipment is expected tocannot estimate when construction will be delivered by the second quarter or the third quarter of 2023.completed.

 

In January 2017, the Company completed the first brine water and natural gas well field construction in Daying located in Sichuan Province and commenced trial production in January 2019. On May 29, 2019, the Company received a verbal notice from the government of Tianbao TownDaying ,Daying County, Sichuan Province, whereby the Company is required to obtain project approval for its well located in Daying, including the whole natural gas and brine water project, and approvals for safety production inspection, environmental protection assessment, and to solve theas well as related land issue.issues. Until these approvals have been received, the Company has to temporarily halthalted trial production at its natural gas well in Daying. In compliance with the Chinese government new policies, the Company is also required to obtain an exploration license and a mining licenselicenses for both bromine and natural gas, respectively.gas. Pursuant to the Opinions of the Ministry of Natural Resources on Several Issues in Promoting the Reform of Mineral Resources Management (Trial) promulgated by the Ministry of Natural Resources of PRC on January 9, 2020, which came into effect on May 1, 2020, privately owned enterprises are allowed to participate in the natural gas production. The Company plans to proceed with its applications for the natural gas and brine project approvals with related government departments after the governmentgovernmental planning has been finalized and the land and resource planning for Sichuan Province.Province has been approved.

 

In April 2022, Shouguang Hengde Salt Industry Co. Ltd(“SHSI”)As a result of our acquisitions of SCHC and SYCI, our historical consolidated financial statements and the information presented below reflects the accounts of SCHC, SYCI , SHSI and DCHC, the consolidated financial statements and the information presented below as of and for the period ended Setpember 30, 2023. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our subsidiary, was incorporatedconsolidated financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in Shandong Province, China, for crude salt production and trading.this report.

 

On January 28, 2020 we completed a 1-for-5 reverse stock split of our common stock, such that for each five shares outstanding prior to the stock split there was one share outstanding after the reverse stock split.  All shares of common stock referenced in this report have been adjusted to reflect the stock split figures.

 

18 


Our current corporate structure chart is set forth in the following diagram:

 

 

 

As a result of our acquisitions of SCHC and SYCI, our historical financial statements and the information presented below reflects the accounts of SCHC, SYCI, SHSI and DCHC. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this report.


Recent Developments

In 2018, Shouguang City experienced the devastating impact of Typhoon Winbiya, regarded as one of the most destructive typhoons in history. In 2019, Typhoon Lekima struck Shouguang City, surpassing the destructive force of its predecessor. These typhoons inflicted significant damage upon our facilities and the surrounding agricultural fields. The Company incurred substantial expenses, amounting to more than $46 millions, including write-offs, for road repairs, equipment replacement, salt pan reconstruction, the re-drilling of flooded wells and etc.. To mitigate similar damages in the future, the Company has commenced a flood prevention initiative. Our strategy involves the renovation of the channels of four major rivers within our mining area, encompassing the tributary of the Mihe River. The aim is to prevent flooding that could harm the wells, aqueducts and crude salt pans at our plant. The projected expenditure for this initiative amounts to approximately $50.5 million. As of September 30, 2023, we disbursed approximately $15.2 for the initial phase of this project. Apart from reducing risk to surrounding regions, we anticipate three advantages from this flood prevention plan. It is expected to: (i) enhance the probability of obtaining authorization to reopen factories No. 2 and No. 10; (ii) enable the drilling of additional wells across our five operating factories, and (iii) mitigate the risks and associated expenses related to future storms-induced flooding.

    

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following table presents certain information derived from the condensed consolidated statements of income,operations, cash flows and stockholders’stockholders equity for the three-month and nine-month periods ended March 31,September 30, 2023 and 2022. 

 

Comparison of the Three-Month PeriodsPeriod Ended March 31,September 30, 2023 and 2022

 

 Three-Month Period
Ended March 31, 2023
 Three-Month Period
Ended March 31, 2022
 Percent Change
Increase/
(Decrease)
 Three-Month Period
Ended September 30, 2023
 Three-Month Period
Ended September 30, 2022
 Percent Change
Increase/
(Decrease)
Net revenue $9,302,007  $8,930,737   4% $5,865,615  $22,862,795   (74%)
Cost of net revenue $(6,769,074) $(4,549,968)  49%  (6,373,902)  (8,405,694)  (24%)
Gross profit (loss) $2,532,933  $4,380,769   (42%)
Gross profit  (508,287)  14,457,101   (104%)
Sales, marketing and other operating expenses $(13,704) $(10,360)  32%  (14,428)  (19,681)  (27%)
Direct labor and factory overheads incurred during plant shutdown $(2,408,736)  (2,184,591)  10%  (1,007,689)  (1,910,318)  (47%)
Other operating expense $   (8,404)   
General and administrative expenses $(910,051) $(2,242,501)  (59%)  (762,884)  (584,473)  31%
Loss from operations $(799,558) $(65,087)  1128%
Other income, net $41,255  $40,836   1%
Loss before taxes $(758,303) $(24,251)  3027%
Other operating income(loss)     (37)  (100%)
Income(Loss) from operations  (2,293,288)  11,942,592   (119%)
Other income  33,967   35,755   (5%)
Income(Loss) before taxes  (2,259,321)  11,978,347   (119%)
Income tax benefit $200,556  $(95,695)  310%  483,524   (3,010,967)  (116%)
Net loss $(557,747) $(119,946)  365%
Net income(loss) $(1,775,797) $8,967,380   (120%)

 

Net revenuerevenue.  The table below shows the changes in net revenue in the respective segment of the Company for the three-month period ended March 31,September 30, 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022:

 

 Net Revenue by Segment   Net Revenue by Segment  
 Three-Month Period Ended Three-Month Period Ended Percent Change Three-Month Period Ended Three-Month Period Ended Percent Change
Increase
 March 31, 2023 March 31, 2022 Increase September 30, 2023 September 30, 2022 of Net Revenue
Segment   % of total   % of total     % of total   % of total  
Bromine $8,470,372   91% $8,126,015   91%  4% $4,908,152   84% $19,845,773   86%  (75%)
Crude Salt $748,681   8% $754,044   8%  (1%)  889,556   15%  2,934,707   13%  (70%)
Chemical Products $     $                       
Natural Gas $82,954   1% $50,678   1%  64%  67,907   1%  82,315   1%  (17%)
Total sales $9,302,007   100% $8,930,737   100%  4% $5,865,615   100% $22,862,795   100%  (74%)

 

  Three-Month Period Ended Percentage Change
Bromine and crude salt segments product sold in tonnes March 31, 2023 March 31, 2022 Increase
Bromine (excluded volume sold to SYCI)  2,020   1,005   101%
Crude Salt  20,360   15,460   32%
Bromine and crude salt segments Three-Month Period Ended Percentage Change
product sold in tonnes September 30, 2023 September 30, 2022 Increase (Decrease)
Bromine  1,516   2,655   (43%)
Crude Salt  30,334   81,810   (63%)

 

Bromine segment

 

For the three-month periods ended March 31,September 30, 2023 and 2022, the net revenue for the bromine segment was $8,470,372$4,908,152 and $8,126,015. This increase$19,845,773, respectively. The decrease of the net revenue of bromine was due to the 101% increase43% decrease in tonnes sold and a 48%57% decrease in average selling price.price of bromine in the third quarter of 2023. The average selling price of bromine in the third quarter of 2023 was $3,237 compared to the average selling price of bromine in the third quarter of 2022 of $7,474(calculated by dividing revenue by tonnes).

 

Crude salt segment

 

For the three-month periods ended March 31,September 30, 2023 and 2022, the net revenue for the crude salt was $748,681$889,556 and $754,044. This increase$2,934,707, respectively. The decrease of net revenue of crude salt was mainly due to the 32% increase63% decrease in tonnes sold and a 25%18% decrease in average selling price.price of crude salt for the three-month period ended September 30, 2023.

 


Chemical products segment

 

For the three-month periods ended March 31,September 30, 2023 and 2022, the net revenue for the chemical products segment was $0 due to the closure of our chemical factories since September 1, 2017.

 

19 

Natural gas segment

 

For the three-month period ended March 31,September 30, 2023 and 2022, the net revenue for the natural gas production was $0.

 

Equipment Lease

 

For the three-month period ended March 31,September 30, 2023 and 2022, the net revenue for the equipment lease was $82,954$67,907 and $50,678.$82,315.

 

Cost of Net Revenue

 

 Cost of Net Revenue by Segment Percent Change Cost of Net Revenue by Segment Percent Change
 Three-Month Period Ended Three-Month Period Ended of Cost of Three-Month Period Ended Three-Month Period Ended of Cost of
 March 31, 2023 March 31, 2022 Net Revenue September 30, 2023 September 30, 2022 Net Revenue
Segment   % of total   % of total     % of total   % of total  
Bromine $6,148,443   90.8% $3,920,325   86.1%  57% $5,995,496   94.06% $7,362,103   87.58%  (19%)
Crude Salt $620,258   9.2% $629,560   13.8%  (1.5%)  378,100   5.93%  1,043,260   12.41%  (64%)
Chemical Products $     $                      
Natural Gas $373     $83   0.1      306   0.01%  331   0.01%  (8%)
Total $6,769,074   100% $4,549,968   100%  49% $6,373,902   100% $8,405,694   100%  (24%)

 

Costof net revenue reflects mainly the raw materials consumed, and the direct salaries and benefits of staff engaged in the production process, electricity, depreciation and amortization of manufacturing plant and machinery and other manufacturing costs. Our cost of net revenue was $6,769,074 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2023, an increase of $2,219,106 (or 49%) as compared to the same period in 2022 due to the increase of net revenue by 4% and the decline in the selling price for bromine and crude salt for the three-month period ended March 31, 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022.

In May 2022, we separated the bromine and the crude salt business to conform with government regulations. This separation required different allocation of costs. The net impact was to increase the cost allocations to bromine and decrease the cost allocations to crude salt.

 

Bromine production capacity and utilization of our factories

 

The table below represents the annual capacity and utilization ratios for all of our bromine producing properties:

 

  Annual Production Capacity (in tonnes) Utilization
Ratio (i)
Three-month period ended March 31, 2022   31,506      19
Three-month period ended March 31, 2023   31,506      39%
Variance of the three-month periods ended March 31, 2023and 2022          20
  Annual Production Capacity (in tonnes) 

Utilization

Ratio (i)

Three-month period ended September 30, 2022  31,506   34% 
Three-month period ended September 30, 2023  31,506   19% 
Variance of the three-month period ended September 30, 2023 and 2022  -   (15%)

 

(i) Utilization ratio is calculated based on the annualized actual production volume in tonnes for the periods divided by the annual production capacity in tonnes.tonnes of all the seven factories including those that have not commenced operations.

20 

 

Bromine segment

 

For the three-month period ended March 31,September 30, 2023, the cost of net revenue for the bromine segment was $6,148,443.had a net cost of revenue of $5,995,496.

 

For the three-month period ended March 31,September 30, 2022 the cost of net revenue for the bromine segment was $3,920,325.$7,362,103.

 

Crude salt segment

 

For the three-month period ended March 31,September 30, 2023 the cost of net revenue for the crude salt segment was $620,258.$378,100.

 

For the three-month period ended March 31,September 30, 2022 the cost of net revenue for the crude salt segment was $629,560.$1,043,260.

 

Chemical products segment

 

Cost of net revenue for our chemical products segment for the three-month period ended March 31,September 30, 2023 and 2022 was $0.

 

Natural gas segment

 

Cost of net revenue for our natural gas segment for the three-month period ended March 31,September 30, 2023 and 2022 was $373$306 and $83.331.

 


Gross Profit (Loss)Profit. Gross profitloss was $2,532,933,$508,287 or 27%9%, of net revenue for three-month period ended March 31,September 30, 2023, representing an decrease of $14,965,388, as compared to $4,380,769,a gross profit of $14,457,101, or 49%63%, of net revenue for three-monththe same period ended March 31,in 2022.

 

 Gross Profit (Loss) by Segment % Point Change Gross Profit (Loss) by Segment % Point Change
 Three-Month Period Ended Three-Month Period Ended of Gross Three-Month Period Ended Three-Month Period Ended of Gross
 March 31, 2023 March 31, 2022 Profit (Loss) Margin September 30, 2023 September 30, 2022 Profit Margin
Segment   Gross Profit Margin   Gross Profit Margin     

Gross Profit

(loss) Margin

   Gross Profit (loss) Margin  
Bromine $2,321,929   27% $4,205,690   52%  (25%) $(1,087,344)  (22%) $12,483,670   63%  (85%)
Crude Salt $128,423   17% $124,484   17%     511,456   57%  1,891,447   64%  (7%)
Chemical Products $     $                      
Natural Gas $82,581   100%  50,595   99   1%  67,601   100%  81,984   100   0%
Total Gross Profit (Loss) $2,532,933   27% $4,380,769   49%  (22%)
Total Gross Profit $(508,287)  (9%) $14,457,101   63%  (72%)

 

Bromine segment

 

For the three-month period ended March 31,September 30, 2023, the gross profit marginloss for our bromine segment was 27%22%, compared to 52%63% in the three-month period ended March 31,September 30, 2022. The decrease in gross profit margin was primarily attributable to the lower average selling price of bromine of $4,193$3,237 per ton in the three-month period ended March 31,September 30, 2023 compared to $8,082$7,474 per ton in the three-month period ended March 31,September 30, 2022.

 

For the three-month period ended March 31,September 30, 2022, the gross lossprofit margin for our bromine segment was 52%63%.

 

Crude salt segmensegmentt

 

For the three-month period ended March 31,September 30, 2023, the gross profit margin for our crude salt segment was 17%, compared to (17%) in three-month period ended March 31, 2022.This decrease was primarily attributable to the lower average selling price of crude salt of $37 per ton in three-month period ended March 31, 2023 compared to $49 per ton in three-month period ended March 31, 2022.57%.

 

For the three-month period ended March 31,September 30, 2022, the gross lossprofit margin for our crude salt segment was 17%64%.

 

Direct labor and factory overheads incurred during plant shutdownOn September 1, 2017, the Company received notification from the government of Yangkou County, Shouguang City of PRC that stated that production at all its bromine and crude salt and chemical factories should be halted with immediate effect in order for the Company to perform rectification and improvement in accordance with the county’s new safety and environmental protection requirements. On November 24, 2017, the Company received a letter from the Government of Yangkou County, Shouguang City notifying the Company to relocate its two chemical production plants located in the second living area of the Qinghe Oil Extraction Plant to Bohai Park. As a result, direct labor and factory overhead costs (including depreciation of plant and machinery) in the amount of $2,408,736$1,007,689 and $2,184,591$1,910,318 incurred for the three-month periods ended March 31,September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, of factories that have not resumed production were presented as part of the operating expense.

 

Income (loss) from Operations loss from operations was $2,293,288 for the three-month period ended September 30, 2023, compared to income of $11,942,592 in the same period in 2022.

  Loss from Operations by Segment
  

Three-Month Period Ended

September 30, 2023

 

Three-Month Period Ended

September 30, 2022

Segment:    % of total   % of total
Bromine $(2,143,203)  (105.27%) $10,552,343  87.94%
Crude Salt  500,469  24.58%  1,876,161  15.63%
Chemical Products  (397,410) (19.52%)  (447,960 0.16%
Natural Gas  4,156  0.21%  19,500  (3.73%)
Income(loss) from operations before corporate costs  (2,035,988)  100%  12,000,044  100%
Corporate costs  (65,148)    (50,505)  
Unrealized gain (loss) on translation of Intercompany balance  (192,152)    (6,947)  
Income (loss) from operations $(2,293,288)   $11,942,592   


21 Bromine segment

 

Loss from operations from our bromine segment was $2,143,203 for the three-month period ended September 30, 2023, compared to income from operations of $10,552,343 in the same period in 2022. The decrease of the net revenue of bromine was due to the 43% decrease in tonnes sold and 57% decrease in average selling price of bromine in the third quarter of 2023. 

Crude salt segment

Income from operations from our crude salt segment was $500,469 for the three-month period ended September 30, 2023, compared to income from operations of $1,876,161 in the same period in 2022. The decrease of net revenue of crude salt was mainly due to the 63% decrease in tonnes sold and 18% decrease in average selling price of crude salt for the three-month period ended September 30, 2023.

Chemical products segment

Loss from operations from our chemical products segment was $397,410 for the three-month period ended September 30, 2023, compared to loss from operations of $447,960 in the same period in 2022.

Natural gas segment

Income from operations from our natural gas segment was $4,156 for the three -month period ended September 30, 2023, compared to a loss of $19,500in the same period in 2022.

Other Income, Net Other income, net of $33,967 represented bank interest income, net of capital lease interest expense for the three -month period ended September 30, 2023, an decrease of $1,788 as compared to the same period in 2022.

Net Income (loss) Net loss was $1,775,797 for the three-month period ended September 30, 2023, compared to a net income of $8,967,380 in the same period in 2022.

Comparison of the Nine-Month Period Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022

  Nine-Month Period
Ended September 30, 2023
 Nine-Month Period
Ended September 30, 2022
 Percent Change
Increase/
(Decrease)
Net revenue $23,173,404  $47,505,246   (51%)
Cost of net revenue  (20,464,418)  (21,056,782)  (3%)
Gross profit  2,708,986   26,448,464   (90%)
Sales, marketing and other operating expenses  (42,850)  (47,086)  (9%)
Direct labor and factory overheads incurred during plant shutdown  (4,471,954)  (6,022,206)  (26%)
Other operating loss  60,134   (8,441)  812%
General and administrative expenses  (2,266,260)  (3,384,063)  (33%)
Income(Loss) from operations  (4,011,944)  16,986,668   (124%)
Other income  119,805   118,843   1%
Income(Loss) before taxes  (3,892,139)  17,105,511   (123%)
Income tax benefit (expense)  876,779   (4,356,283)  120%
Net income(loss) $(3,015,360) $12,749,228   (124%)


Net revenue.  The table below shows the changes in net revenue in the respective segment of the Company for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022:

  Net Revenue by Segment  
  Nine-Month Period Ended Nine-Month Period Ended Percent Increase
  September 30, 2023 September 30, 2022 of Net Revenue
Segment   % of total   % of total  
Bromine $20,734,871   89.48% $41,865,598   88%  (51%)
Crude Salt  2,287,672   9.87%  5,506,655   11%  (59%)
Chemical Products                 
Natural Gas  150,861   0.65%  132,993   1%  13%
Total sales $23,173,404   100% $47,505,246   100%  (51%)

Bromine and crude salt segments Nine-Month Period Ended Percentage Change
product sold in tonnes September 30, 2023 September 30, 2022 Increase
Bromine (excluding volume sold to SYCI)  5,937   5,456   9%
Crude Salt  71,354   144,750   (51%)

Bromine segment

Net revenue from our bromine segment increased to $20,734,871 for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2023 compared to $41,865,598 for the same period in 2022 respectively, due to the lower selling price and selling quantity.

Crude salt segment

Net revenue from our crude salt segment increased to $2,287,672 for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2023 compared $5,506,655 for the same period in 2022, respectively, due to the lower selling price and selling quantity.

Chemical products segment

For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, the net revenue for the chemical products segment was $0 due to the closure of our chemical factories since September 1, 2017.

Natural gas segment

For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, the net revenue for the natural gas was $0.

Equipment Lease

For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, the net revenue for the equipment lease was $150,861 and $132,993.

Cost of Net Revenue

  Cost of Net Revenue by Segment % Change
  Nine-Month Period Ended Nine-Month Period Ended of Cost of
  September 30, 2023 September 30, 2022 Net Revenue
Segment   % of total   % of total  
Bromine $19,187,620   94% $18,148,260   86%  6%
Crude Salt  1,276,119   6%  2,908,108   4%  (56%)
Chemical Products               
Natural Gas  679      414      64%
Total $20,464,418   100% $21,056,782   100%  (3%)

Costof net revenue reflects mainly the raw materials consumed-direct salaries and benefits of staff engaged in the production process, electricity, depreciation and amortization of manufacturing plant and machinery and other manufacturing costs. 


Bromine production capacity and utilization of our factories

The table below represents the annual capacity and utilization ratios for all of our bromine producing properties:

  Annual Production Capacity (in tonnes) 

Utilization

Ratio (i)

Nine-month period ended September 30, 2022  31,506   23% 
Nine-month period ended September 30, 2023  31,506   29% 
Variance of the nine-month period ended September 30, 2023 and 2022  -   6% 

(i)Utilization ratio is calculated based on the annualized actual production volume in tonnes for the periods divided by the annual production capacity in tonnes.

Bromine segment

For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2023 the cost of net revenue for the bromine segment was $19,187,620.

For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2022 the cost of net revenue for the bromine segment was $18,148,260.

Crude salt segment

For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2023 the cost of net revenue for the crude salt segment was $1,276,119. The cost of net revenue for our crude salt segment for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2022 was $2,908,108.

The reason for the decrease is that there is that with the creation of SHSI, some costs formerly allocated to crude sale were allocated to bromine.

Natural gas segment

Cost of net revenue for our natural gas segment for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 was $679 and $414.

Gross Profit. Gross profit was $2,708,986, or 12%, of net revenue for nine-month period ended September 30, 2023 compared to $26,448,464, or 56%, of net revenue for the same period in 2022.

  Gross Profit (Loss) by Segment % Point Change
  Nine-Month Period Ended Nine-Month Period Ended of Gross
  September 30, 2023 September 30, 2022 Profit Margin
Segment   Gross Profit (loss) Margin   Gross Profit Margin  
Bromine $1,547,251   7% $23,717,338   57%  (50%)
Crude Salt  1,011,553   44%  2,598,547   47%  (3%)
Chemical Products               
Natural Gas  150,182   100%  132,579   99.7%  0.3%
Total Gross Profit $2,708,986   12% $26,448,464   56%  (44%)

Bromine segment

For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2023, the gross profit margin for our bromine segment was 7%, compared to 57% in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2022. The decrease in gross profit margin was primarily attributable to the lower average selling price of bromine of $3,493 per ton in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2023 compared to $7,674 per ton in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2022.

For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2022, the gross profit margin for our bromine segment was 57%.

Crude salt segment

For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2023, the gross profit margin for our crude salt segment was 44%.

For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2022 the gross profit margin for our crude salt segment was 47%.


Chemical products segment

For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2023, the gross profit margin for our chemical segment was 0% due to the closure of our plant.. As a result of the closure, there were no chemical products for sale for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2023.

Direct labor and factory overheads incurred during plant shutdown On September 1, 2017, the Company received notification from the government of Yangkou County, Shouguang City of PRC that stated that production at all its bromine and crude salt and chemical factories should be halted with immediate effect in order for the Company to perform rectification and improvement in accordance with the county’s new safety and environmental protection requirements. On November 24, 2017, the Company received a letter from the Government of Yangkou County, Shouguang City notifying the Company to relocate its two chemical production plants located in the second living area of the Qinghe Oil Extraction Plant to Bohai Park. As a result, direct labor and factory overhead costs (including depreciation of plant and machinery) in the amount of $4,471,954 and $6,022,206 incurred for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, for the factories that have not resumed production were presented as part of the operating expense.

 

General and Administrative ExpensesExpenses. General and administrative expenses were $910,051$2,266,260 for the three-monthnine-month period ended March 31,September 30, 2023, ana decrease of $1,332,450$1,117,803 (or 59%33%) as compared to $2,242,501$3,384,063 for the same period in 2022. The decrease was mainly due to the unrealized foreign currency transaction loss on intercompany balance recorded in three-monthnine-month period ended March 31,September 30, 2023 compared to an unrealized foreign currency transaction gain on intercompany balance recorded in the same period in the previous year.

 

LossIncome (Loss) from OperationsOperations. Loss from operations was $799,558$4,011,944 for the three-monthnine-month period ended March 31,September 30, 2023, compared to loss from operationan income of $65,087$16,986,668 in the same period in 2022.

 

 Loss from Operations by Segment Income(Loss) from Operations by Segment
 Three-Month Period Ended
March 31, 2023
 Three-Month Period Ended
March 31, 2022
 Nine-Month Period Ended
 
September 30, 2023
 Nine-Month Period Ended
 
September 30, 2022
Segment:   % of total   % of total   % of total   % of total
Bromine $(409,692  53% $1,348,834   470% $(3,340,404)  91.43% $17,226,718   100%
Crude Salt 42,930 (6%) (521,921) (182%  904,482   (24.76%)  1,497,208   8.7%
Chemical Products (417,873) 54% (513,282) (179%  (1,231,302)  33.7%  (1,436,443)  (8.34%)
Natural Gas  12,685   (1%)  (26,739)  (9%)  14,011   (0.37%)  (68,938)  (0.36%)
Loss from operations before corporate costs (771,950  100% 286,892 100%
Corporate cost (59,960)   (68,190)   
Unrealized gain (loss) on translation of intercompany balance  32,352     (283,789   
Loss from operations $(799,558)   $(65,087)   
Income (Loss) from operations before corporate costs  (3,653,213)  100%  17,218,545   100%
Corporate costs  (193,287)      (186,682)    
Unrealized gain on translation of intercompany balance  (165,444)      (45,195)    
Income (Loss) from operations before taxes $(4,011,944)     $16,986,668     

 

Bromine segment

 

Loss from operations from our bromine segment was $409,692$3,340,404 for the three-monthnine-month period ended March 31,September 30, 2023, compared to an income from operations of $1,348,834$17,226,718 in the same period in 2022. ThisThe decrease in gross profit margin was dueprimarily attributable to the 101% increase in tonnes sold and a 48% decrease inlower average selling price as well as higher cost allocations dueof bromine of $3,493 per ton in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2023 compared to $7,674 per ton in the split off of our salt subsidiary in Maynine-month period ended September 30, 2022.

  

Crude salt segment

 

Income from operations from our crude salt segment was $42,930$904,482 for the three-monthnine-month period ended March 31,September 30, 2023, compared to loss from operationsan income of $521,921$1,497,208 in the same period in 2022, primarily due to the lower cost allocations due to the split off of our salt subsidiary in May 2022.

 

Chemical products segment

 

Loss from operations from our chemical products segment was $417,873$1,231,302 for the three-monthnine-month period ended March 31,September 30, 2023, compared to a loss from operations of $513,282$1,436,443 in the same period in 2022.

 

Natural gas segment

 

Income from operations from our natural gas segment was $12,685$14,011 for the three -monthnine-month period ended March 31,September 30, 2023, compared to a loss of $26,739$68,938 in the same period in 2022.

 

22 

Other Income, NetNet. Other income, net of $41,255$119,805 represented bank interest income, net of financecapital lease interest expense for the threenine -month period ended March 31,September 30, 2023, an increase of $419$962 (or approximately 1%) as compared to the same period in 2022.

 

Net LossIncome (Loss). Net loss was $557,747$3,015,360 for the three-monthnine-month period ended March 31,September 30, 2023, compared to a net lossincome of $119,946$12,749,228 in the same period in 2022.

 

Net Income Per Share

For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, net loss per share was $0.29 compared to an income of $1.22 in the period ending September 30, 2022. There were 10,431,924 shares outstanding compared to 10,471,924 shares.

Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment

For the nine months ending September 30, 2023, the Company had a negative foreign currency translation adjustment of $7,879,513 versus a positive adjustment of $30,774,686 in the previous year. This adjustment impacts all balance sheet translations into U.S. dollars.


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

As of March 31,September 30, 2023, cash and cash equivalents were $115,771,833$103,774,977 as compared to $108,226,214 as of December 31, 2022. The components of this increasedecrease of $7,545,619$4,451,237 are reflected below.

 

Statement of Cash Flows

  

 Three-Month Period Ended March 31, Nine-Month Period Ended September 30,
 2023 2022 2023 2022
Net cash provided by operating activities $4,831,553  $8,445,682 
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities $9,869,612  $37,101,024 
Net cash used in investing activities $(32,742) $(395,060)  (15,197,648)  (33,217,987)
Net cash used in financing activities  (267,810)  (283,915)
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents $2,746,808  $1,844,114   1,144,609   (6,728,107)
Net increase(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents $7,545,619  $9,894,736 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents $(4,451,237) $(3,128,985)

      

For the three-monthnine-month period ended March 31,September 30, 2023, we met our working capital and capital investment requirements mainly by using cash on hand.

 

Net Cash (used in) Provided by Operating Activities

 

During the three -monthnine-month period ended March 31,September 30, 2023, cash flow provided by operating activities of approximately $4.8$9.9 million was mainly due to a net loss of $0.56$3.02 million, a decrease in accounts receivable of $0.2$3.13 million, a decreasean increase in accounts payable of $0.8$1.5 million, an increase in deferred taxes of $0.2$1.0 million, and a non-cash adjustment related to depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment of $5.36$15.4 million, offset by increases in operating leases, and prepayments.

 

During the three -monthnine-month period ended March 31,September 30, 2022, cash flow provided by operating activities of approximately $8.4$37 million was mainly due to a net income of $12.75 million, a decrease in accounts receivable of $3.5$3.45 million, an increase in accounts payable of $1.55 million, an decrease in deferred taxes of $3.8 million, and a non-cash adjustment related to depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment reducedof $16.3 million, offset by a net loss of $0.12 millionincreases in operating leases, and an adjustment for income tax benefit of $0.1 million.prepayments.

 

Accounts receivable

 

Cash collections on our accounts receivable had a major impact on our overall liquidity. The following table presents the aging analysis of our accounts receivable as of March 31,September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022.

 

 March 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 September 30, 2023 December 31, 2022
   % of total   % of total   % of total   % of total
Aged 1-30 days $5,223,995   99,98% $2,792,156   52% $2,149,608   99.9% $2,792,156   52%
Aged 31-60 days  535   0.02%  2,571,010   48%  510   0.1%  2,571,010   48%
Aged 61-90 days                        
Aged 91-120 days                        
Aged 121-150 days                        
Aged 151-180 days                        
Aged 181-210 days                        
Aged 211-240 days                        
Total $5,224,530   100% $5,363,166   100% $2,150,118   100% $5,363,166   100%

 

The overall accounts receivable balance as of March 31,September 30, 2023 decreased by $138,636,$3,213,048, as compared to those of December 31, 2022. We have policies in place to ensure that sales are made to customers with an appropriate credit history. We perform ongoing credit evaluation on the financial condition of our customers. No allowance for doubtful accounts for the three-month periodand nine-month periods ended March 31,September 30, 2023 is required.

 

23 


Inventory

 

Our inventory consists of the following:

 

 March 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 September 30, 2023 December 31, 2022
   % of total   % of total   % of total   % of total
Raw materials $28,933   5% $26,192   2% $30,413   4% $26,192   2%
Finished goods  559,076   95%  1,572,380   98%  844,407   96%  1,572,380   98%
Total $588,009   100% $1,598,572   100% $874,820   100% $1,598,572   100%

 

The net inventory level as of March 31,September 30, 2023 decreased by $1,010,563 (or 63%),$723,752, as compared to the net inventory level as of December 31, 2022.

 

Raw materials increased by $2,741$4,221 as of March 31,September 30, 2023 as compared to December 31, 2022.

 

Our finished goods decreased by $1,013,304$727,973 as of March 31,September 30, 2023 as compared to December 31, 2022.

 

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

 

For the three-monthnine-month period ended March 31,September 30, 2023, we used approximately $0.04$15.2 million to the flood prevention project aiming to prevent flooding that could harm the wells, aqueducts and crude salt pans at our plant.

For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2022, we used approximately $33.2 million to acquire property, plant and equipment.

Forequipment, which mainly includes the three-month period ended March 31, 2022, we used approximately $0.4 million to acquire property, plantcost for bromine wells, aqueducts and equipment.the installation of high and low voltage lines for bromine Wells.

 

Net Cash Used in Financing Activities

 

We have no financing activities forFor the three-month periodsnine-month period ended March 31,September 30, 2023 and 2022.2022, we used $0.3 million to repay finance lease obligations. 

 

We believe that our available funds and cash flows generated from operations will be sufficient to meet our anticipated ongoing operating needs and our obligations as they full due in the next twelve (12) months.

 

We had available cash of approximately $115.8$103.77 million at March 31,September 30, 2023, mostall of which is in highly liquid current deposits which earnearning no or little interest. We do not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future.

 

We intend to continue to focus our efforts on the activities of SCHC, SYCI, SHSI and DCHC as these segments continue to expand within the Chinese market.

 

We may not be able to identify, successfully integrate or profitably manage any businesses or business segment we may acquire, or any expansion of our business. An expansion may involve a number of risks, including possible adverse effects on our operating results, diversion of management’s attention, inability to retain key personnel, risks associated with unanticipated events, risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and the financial statement effect of potential impairment of acquired intangible assets, any of which could have a materially adverse effect on our condition and results of operations. In addition, if competition for acquisition candidates or operations were to increase, the cost of acquiring businesses could increase materially. We may effect an acquisition with a target business which may be financially unstable, under-managed, or in its early stages of development or growth. Our inability to implement and manage our expansion strategy successfully may have a material adverse effect on our business and future prospects.

 

24 

Contractual Obligations and Commitments

 

We have no significant contractual obligations not fully recorded on our condensed consolidated balance sheets or fully disclosed in the notes to our condensed consolidated financial statements. Additional information regarding our contractual obligations and commitments at March 31,September 30, 2023 is provided in the notes to our condensed consolidated financial statements. See “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 18–17 – Capital Commitment and Other Service Contractual Obligations”Operating Lease Commitments”.

 

Material Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We do not currently have any off -balancebalance sheet arrangements falling within the definition of Item 303(a) of Regulation S-K.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and this requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We base its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Accordingly, actual results may differ significantly from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We have identified the following critical accounting policies and estimates used by us in the preparation of our financial statements: accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts, inventories and allowance for obsolescence, assets retirement obligation,leases, property, plant and equipment, recoverability of long-livedlong lived assets, mineral rights, leases, revenue recognition, income taxes, loss contingencies, and loss contingencies.stock-based compensation. These policies and estimates are described in the Company’s 2022 Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2023.10-K.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

Pursuant to Item 305(e) of Regulation S-K (§ 229.305(e)), the Company is not required to provide the information required by this Item as it is a “smaller reporting company,” as defined by Rule 229.10(f)(1).


Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed pursuant to the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules, regulations and related forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our CEO and CFO, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on this evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-Q.

 

(b) Changes in internal controls

 

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during our most recently completed fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

25 

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

On or about August 3, 2018, written decisions of administration penalty captioned Shou Guo Tu Zi Fa Gao Zi [2018] No. 291, Shou Guo Tu Zi Fa Gao Zi [2018] No. 292, Shou Guo Tu Zi Fa Gao Zi [2018] No. 293, Shou Guo Tu Zi Fa Gao Zi [2018] No. 294, Shou Guo Tu Zi Fa Gao Zi [2018] No. 295 and Shou Guo Tu Zi Fa Gao Zi [2018] No. 296 (together, the “Written Decisions”) were served on Shouguang City Haoyuan Chemical Company Limited (“SCHC”) by the Shouguang City Natural Resources and Planning Bureau (the “Bureau”), naming SCHC as respondent.

For more detailsrespondent respectively thereof. The Decisions challenged the land use of Factory nos. 2, 9, 7, 4, 8 and information related10, respectively, and alleged, among other things, that SCHC had illegally occupied and used the land in the total area of approximately 52,674 square meters, on which Factory nos. 2, 9, 7, 4, 8 and 10 were built, respectively. The Written Decisions ordered SCHC, among other things, to return the land subject to the Written Decisions please see “Note 19 – Loss Contingencies, Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statement” containedits respective legal owner, restore the land to its original state, and demolish or confiscate all the buildings and facilities thereon and pay monetary penalty of approximately RMB 1.3 million ($184,000) in the aggregate. Each of the Written Decisions shall be executed within 15 days upon serving on SCHC. Additional interest penalty shall be imposed at a daily rate of 3% in the event that SCHC does not make the monetary penalty payment in a timely manner. Subsequently, the Bureau filed enforcement actions to the People’s Court of Shouguang City, Shandong Province (the “Court”), naming SCHC as enforcement respondent and alleged, among other things, that SCHC failed to perform its obligations under each of the Written Decisions within the specified timeframe. The enforcement proceedings sought court orders to enforce the Written Decisions. On May 5, 2019, written decisions of administrative ruling captioned (2019) Lu 0783 Xing Shen No. 384, (2019) Lu 0783 Xing Shen No. 385, (2019) Lu 0783 Xing Shen No. 389, (2019) Lu 0783 Xing Shen No. 390, (2019) Lu 0783 Xing Shen No. 393, and (2019) Lu 0783 Xing Shen No. 394, respectively (together, the “Court Rulings”) were made by the Court in favor of the Bureau. The Court orders, among other relief, to enforce each of the Written Decisions, to return each subject land to its legal owner and demolish or confiscate the buildings and facilities thereon and restore the land to its original state within 10 days from the service of the Court Rulings on SCHC. The Court Rulings became enforceable immediately upon service on SCHC on May 5, 2019.

In the last twenty years, to the Company’s knowledge, there were no government regulations requiring bromine manufacturers to obtain land use and planning approval document. As such, the Company believes most of the bromine manufacturers in Shouguang City do not have land use and planning approval documents and lease their land parcels from the village associations. They are facing the same issues in connection with land use and planning as the Company.

The Company is in the process of resolving the issues in connection with SCHC’s land use and planning diligently. The Company has been in discussions regularly with the local government authorities with the help from Shouguang City Bromine Association to seek reliefs and, based on verbal confirmation by local government authorities, believes the administrative penalties imposed by the Bureau according to the Written Decisions are being re-assessed by local government authorities and may be revoked. Pursuant to a Written Application dated October 28, 2019 addressed to the Court by the Bureau, the Bureau withdrew its application for the enforcement proceedings regarding the administrative penalty imposed on Factory No. 7, Factory No. 8 and Factory No.10. Pursuant to a written decisions of administrative ruling captioned (2019) Lu 0783 Xing Shen No. 389 Zhi Yi, dated November 25, 2020, the Court orders to terminate the enforcement of the case captioned (2019) Lu 0783 Xing Shen No. 389. Production of Factory No. 7 was allowed to resume in April 2019. The Company received a notification from the Shouguang City Government in February 2019 informing the Company that Factory No. 1, No.4, No. 7 and No. 9 have passed inspection and were approved to resume operation.

In addition, on August 28, 2019, the People’s Government of Shandong Province, issued a regulation titled “Investment Project Management Requirements of Chemical Companies in Shandong Province” permitting the construction of facilities on existing sites or infrastructure of bromine manufacturing and other chemical industry-related types of projects (clause 11 of section 3). The Company believes that the goal of the government is to standardize and regulate the industry and not to demolish the facilities or penalize the manufacturers. As of the date of this quarterly report.report, the Company has not been notified by the local government that it will take any measure to enforce the administrative penalties. Based on information known to date, the Company believes that it is remote that the Written Decisions or Court Rulings will be enforced within the expected timeframe and a material penalty or costs and expenses against the Company will result. However, there can be no assurance that there will not be any further enforcement action, the occurrence of which may result in further liabilities, penalties and operational disruption.


Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

Investing in our common stock involvesThis information has been omitted based on the Company’s status as a high degree of risk. Before you invest you should carefully review our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations set forth in Item 2 of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, our consolidated financial statements and related notes included in Item 1 of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and our consolidated financial statements and related notes, as well as our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the other information in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022. Readers should carefully review risks described in other documents we file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.smaller reporting company.

 

Item 2. Unregistered SharesSale of Equity Securities, and Use of Proceeds, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

 

None.

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

None.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 5. Other Information

 

None.During our fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2023, none of our directors or officers informed us of the adoption or termination of a “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” or “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” as those terms are defined in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K.

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

Exhibit No.

Description

31.1                         
31.1  Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  
31.2Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

   

32.1Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  
101.1101                         The following financial statements from Gulf Resources, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2021September 30, 2023 formatted in XBRL (eXtensible(Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets; (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss); (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity; (iv) the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows; and, (v) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text.
  
104Cover Page Interactive Data File – The cover page interactive data file does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.

 

26 


SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

 

 GULF RESOURCES, INC.
   
Dated: May 15,November 20, 2023By:/s/ Xiaobin Liu
  Xiaobin Liu
  Chief Executive Officer
(principal executive officer)
   
Dated: November 20, 2023By:
Dated: May 15, 2023By:/s/ Min Li
  Min Li
  Chief Financial Officer
(principal financial and accounting officer)

 

31

27