UNITED STATES
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014
Commission file number: 000-12536
China Recycling Energy Corporation
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Nevada
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(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
90-0093373
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(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
| 12/F, Tower A | ||
| Chang An International Building | ||
| No. 88 Nan Guan Zheng Jie | ||
| Xi An City, Shaan Xi Province | ||
| China | 710068 | |
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (011) 86-29-8765-1097
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Name of each Exchange on which registered | |
| Common Stock, $.001 par value | NASDAQ Global Market |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
NONE
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ¨ No x
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ¨ No x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ¨
(Cover continued from previous page)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “small reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check one):
| Large accelerated filer ¨ | Accelerated filer ¨ |
| Non-accelerated filer ¨ | Smaller reporting company x |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x
The aggregate market value of the common stock issued and outstanding and held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based upon the closing sales price for the common stock on the NASDAQ Global Market on June 30, 2014, the last business day of the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter, was $37,323,887.
As of March 22, 2015, the registrant had 83,084,035 shares of Common Stock outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the China Recycling Energy Corporation Proxy Statement regarding the 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “Proxy Statement”) are incorporated into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
CHINA RECYCLING ENERGY CORPORATION
FORM 10-K
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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When we use the terms ”we,” ”us,” ”our” and “the Company,” we mean China Recycling Energy Corporation, a Nevada corporation, and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Sifang Holdings Co., Ltd., and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Huahong New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. (“Huahong”) and Shanghai TCH, Shanghai TCH’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, Xi’an TCH Energy Technology Company, Ltd. (“Xi’an TCH”), Xi’an TCH’s wholly-owned subsidiary Erdos TCH Energy Saving Development Co., Ltd. (“Erdos TCH”) and Xi’an TCH’s 90% owned subsidiary Xi’an Zhonghong New Energy Technology Co., Ltd.
General
We currently engage in the recycling energy business, providing energy savings and recycling products and services. We are a leading developer of waste energy recycling projects for industrial applications in China, and we believe we are the only developer to use a Build-Operate-Transfer (“BOT”) model to provide energy saving and recovery facilities for multiple energy intensive industries in China. Our waste energy recycling projects allow customers who use substantial amounts of electricity to recapture previously wasted pressure, heat, and gas from their manufacturing processes to generate electricity. We currently offer waste energy recycling systems to companies for use in iron and steel, nonferrous metal, cement, coal and petrochemical plants. We construct our projects at our customer’s facility and the electricity produced is used on-site by the customer. While some of our competitors offer projects targeting one or two verticals, we serve multiple verticals.
We develop fully customized projects across several verticals to better meet customer’s energy recovery needs. Our waste pressure-to-energy solution primarily consists of the Blast Furnace Top Gas Recovery Turbine Unit (“TRT”), a system that utilizes high pressure gas emitted from the blast furnace top to drive turbine units and generate electricity. Our waste heat-to-energy solution primarily consists of heat power generation projects for applications in cement, steel, coking coal, and nonferrous metal industries, which collect the residual heat from various manufacturing processes, e.g. the entrance and exit ends of the cement rotary kilns, to generate electricity. Our waste gas-to-energy solution primarily consists of the Waste Gas Power Generation system (“WGPG”) and the Combined Cycle Power Plant (the “CCPP”). A WGPG system utilizes flammable waste gas from coal mining, petroleum exploitation, refinery processing or other sources as a fuel source to generate electricity through the use of a gas turbine. A CCPP system employs more than one power generating cycle to utilize the waste gas, which not only generates electricity by burning the flammable waste gas in a gas turbine (as a WGPG) but also uses the waste heat from burning the gas to make steam to generate additional electricity via a steam turbine.
We provide a clean-technology and energy-efficient solution aimed at reducing the air pollution and energy shortage problems in China. Our projects capture industrial waste energy to produce low-cost electricity, enabling industrial manufacturers to reduce their energy costs, lower their operating costs, and extend the life of primary manufacturing equipment. Based on the differential between the cost to our customers of buying power from China’s national power grid and the cost to them of buying one of our projects, we believe our customers can recover the cost of our project within two to three years of operations. In addition, our waste energy recycling projects allow our industrial customers to reduce their reliance on China’s centralized national power grid, which is prone to black-outs or brown-outs or is completely inaccessible from certain remote areas. Our projects generally produce lower carbon dioxide emissions and other pollutants, and are hence more environmentally friendly than other forms of power generation.
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Since 2007, we have primarily used the BOT model to serve our customers. For each project, we design, finance, construct and install the waste energy recycling projects for our customers, operate the projects for five to twenty years, and then transfer the projects to the owners. The BOT model creates a win-win solution for both our customers and us. We provide the capital expenditure financing in exchange for attractive returns on each project; our customers can focus their capital resources on their core businesses, do not need to invest additional capital to comply with government environmental regulations, reduce noise and emissions and reduce their energy costs. We in turn efficiently recapture our costs through the stream of lease payments.
We are headquartered in China. Our principal executive offices are located at 12/F, Tower A, Chang An International Building, No. 88 Nan Guan Zheng Jie, Xi’an City, Shaanxi Province, China, and our telephone number at this location is +86-29-8769-1097.
Company Overview and History
The Company was incorporated on May 8, 1980 as “Boulder Brewing,” under the laws of the State of Colorado. On September 6, 2001, the Company re-domiciled its state of incorporation from Colorado to Nevada. On March 8, 2007, the Company changed its name to “China Recycling Energy Corporation.” The Company, through its subsidiaries, Shanghai TCH Energy Technology Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai TCH”) and Huahong New Energy Technology Co, Ltd., sells and leases energy saving systems and equipment to its customers.
Our business is primarily conducted through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Sifang Holdings, its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Huahong New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. (“Huahong”) and Shanghai TCH, Shanghai TCH’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, Xi’an TCH Energy Technology Company, Ltd. (“Xi’an TCH”), Xi’an TCH’s wholly-owned subsidiary Erdos TCH Energy Saving Development Co., Ltd. (“Erdos TCH”) and Xi’an TCH’s 90% owned subsidiary Xi’an Zhonghong New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. Shanghai TCH was established as a foreign investment enterprise in Shanghai under the laws of the PRC on May 25, 2004, currently with registered capital of $29.80 million. Xi’an TCH was incorporated in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province under the laws of the PRC on November 8, 2007. Erdos TCH was incorporated in April 2009. Huahong was incorporated in February 2009. Xi’an Zhonghong New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. was incorporated in July, 2013. Xi’an TCH paid RMB 27 million ($4.37 million) and owns 90% of Zhonghong. Zhonghong is engaged to provide energy saving solutions and services, including constructing, selling and leasing energy saving systems and equipment to customers.
Our Projects
We design, finance, construct, operate and eventually transfer waste energy recycling projects to meet the energy saving and recovery needs of our customers. Our waste energy recycling projects use the pressure, heat or gas, which is generated as a byproduct of a variety of industrial processes to create electricity. The residual energy from industrial processes, which was traditionally wasted, may be captured in a recovery process and utilized by our waste energy recycling projects to generate electricity without burning additional fuel and without additional emissions. Among a wide variety of waste-to-energy technologies and solutions, we primarily focus on waste pressure to energy systems, waste heat to energy systems and waste gas power generation systems. We do not manufacture the equipment and materials that are used in the construction of our waste energy recycling projects. Rather, we incorporate standard power generating equipment into a fully integrated onsite project for our customers.
Waste Pressure to Energy Systems
TRT is a power generating system utilizing the exhaust pressure and heat from industrial processes in the iron, steel, petrochemical, chemical and non-ferrous metals industries, often from blast furnace gases in the metal production industries. Without TRT power systems, blast furnace gas is treated by various de-pressurizing valves to decrease its pressure and temperature before the gas is transmitted to end users. No electricity is generated during the process and noise and heat pollution is released. In a TRT system, the blast furnace gas produced during the smelting process is directed through the system to decrease its pressure and temperature. The released pressure and heat is then utilized to drive the turbine unit to generate electricity, which is then transmitted back to the producer. We believe our projects are superior to those of our competitors due to the inclusion of advanced dry-type de-dusting technology, joined turbine systems, and automatic power grid synchronization.
Waste Heat to Energy Systems
Waste heat to energy systems utilize waste heat generated in industrial production to generate electricity. The waste heat is trapped to heat a boiler to create steam and power a steam turbine. Our waste heat to energy systems have used waste heat from cement production and from metal production. We invested and have built two cement low temperature heat power generation systems. These projects can use about 35% of the waste heat generated by the cement kiln, and generate up to 50% of the electricity needed to operate the cement plant.
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Waste Gas to Energy Systems
Our Waste Gas to Energy Systems primarily include Waste Gas Power Generation (“WGPG”) systems and Combined Cycle Power Plant (“CCPP”) systems. WGPG uses the flammable waste gases emitted from industrial production processes such as blast furnace gas, coke furnace gas, and oil gas, to power gas-fired generators to create energy. A CCPP system employs more than one power generating cycle to utilize the waste gas, which is more efficient because it not only generates electricity by burning the flammable waste gas in a gas-fired generator (WGPG) but also uses the waste heat from burning the gas to make steam to generate additional electricity via a steam generator (CCPP).
Shanghai TCH and its Subsidiaries
Shanghai TCH was established as a foreign investment enterprise in Shanghai under the laws of the PRC on May 25, 2004 and has a registered capital of $29.80 million. Xi’an TCH was incorporated in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province under the laws of the PRC on November 8, 2007. In February 2009, Huahong was incorporated in Xi’an, Shaanxi province. Erdos TCH was incorporated in April 2009 in Erdos, Inner Mongolia Autonomic Region. On July 19, 2013, Xi’an TCH formed a new company called Xi’an Zhonghong New Energy Technology Co., Ltd (“Zhonghong”). Xi’an TCH owns 90% of Zhonghong, which provides energy saving solutions and services, including constructing, selling and leasing energy saving systems and equipment to customers.
As of December 31, 2014, Xi’an TCH, a wholly owned subsidiary of Shanghai TCH leases the following systems: (i) BMPG systems to Pucheng Phase I and II (15 and 11.9 year terms, respectively); (ii) BMPG systems to Shenqiu Phase I (11 year term); (iii) Shenqiu Phase II (9.5 year term); (iv) WHPG systems to Jitie (24 year term); (v) WGPG systems to Boli Yida (15 year term); and (vi) two BPRT systems to Shanxi Datong (30 year term). In addition, as of December 31, 2014, Erdos TCH leased power and steam generating systems from waste heat from metal refining to Erdos (five systems) for a term of twenty (20) years.
The Fund Management Company and the HYREF Fund
On June 25, 2013, Xi’an TCH and Hongyuan Huifu Venture Capital Co. Ltd (“Hongyuan Huifu”) jointly established Hongyuan Recycling Energy Investment Management Beijing Co., Ltd. (the “Fund Management Company”) with registered capital of RMB 10 million. Xi’an TCH made an initial capital contribution of RMB 4 million ($650,000) and has a 40% ownership interest in the Fund Management Company. With respect to the Fund Management Company, voting rights and dividend rights are allocated 80% and 20% between Hongyuan Huifu and Xi’an TCH, respectively.
The Fund Management Company serves as the general partner of Beijing Hongyuan Recycling Energy Investment Center, LLP (the “HYREF Fund”), a limited liability partnership established on July 18, 2013 in Beijing. The Fund Management Company made an initial capital contribution of RMB 5 million ($830,000) to the HYREF Fund. An initial total amount of RMB 460 million ($75 million) has been fully subscribed by all partners for the HYREF Fund. The HYREF Fund has three limited partners: (1) China Orient Asset Management Co., Ltd., which made an initial capital contribution of RMB 280 million ($46.67 million) to the HYREF Fund and is a preferred limited partner; (2) Hongyuan Huifu, which made an initial capital contribution of RMB 100 million ($16.67 million) to the HYREF Fund and is an ordinary limited partner; and (3) the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Xi’an TCH, which made an initial capital contribution of RMB 75 million ($12.5 million) to the HYREF Fund and is a secondary limited partner. The term of the HYREF Fund’s partnership is six (6) years from the date of its establishment, expiring on July 18, 2019. The term is three (3) years from the date of contribution for the preferred limited partner, or four (4) years from the date of contribution for the ordinary limited partner. The total size of the HYREF Fund is RMB 460 million ($76.66 million). The HYREF Fund was formed for the purpose of investing in Xi’an Zhonghong New Energy Technology Co., Ltd., a 90% owned subsidiary of Xi’an TCH, for the construction of two coke dry quenching (“CDQ”) waste heat power generation stations with Jiangsu Tianyu Energy and Chemical Group Co., Ltd. (“Tianyu”) and one CDQ waste heat power generation station with Boxing County Chengli Gas Supply Co., Ltd. (“Chengli”).
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Erdos TCH – Joint Venture
On April 14, 2009, the Company formed Erdos TCH as a joint venture (the “JV”) with Erdos Metallurgy Co., Ltd. (“Erdos”) to recycle waste heat from Erdos’ metal refining plants to generate power and steam to be sold back to Erdos. The JV has a term of twenty (20) years with a total investment for the project estimated at $79 million (RMB 500 million) and an initial investment of $17.55 million (RMB 120 million). Erdos contributed 7% of the total investment for the project, and Xi’an TCH contributed 93%. According to Xi’an TCH and Erdos’ agreement on profit distribution, Xi’an TCH and Erdos will receive 80% and 20%, respectively, of the profit from the JV until Xi’an TCH receives the complete return of its investment. Xi’an TCH and Erdos will then receive 60% and 40%, respectively, of the profit from the JV. On June 15, 2013, Xi’an TCH and Erdos entered into a share transfer agreement, pursuant to which Erdos transferred and sold its 7% ownership interest in the JV to Xi’an TCH for $1.29 million (RMB 8 million), plus certain accumulated profits as described below. Xi’an TCH paid the $1.29 million in July 2013 and, as a result, became the sole shareholder of the JV. In addition, Xi’an TCH is required to pay Erdos accumulated profits from inception up to June 30, 2013 in accordance with the supplementary agreement entered on August 6, 2013. In August 2013, Xi’an TCH paid 20% of the accumulated profit (calculated under PRC GAAP) of $226,000 to Erdos. The JV currently has two power generation systems in Phase I with a total of 18MW power capacity, and three power generation systems in Phase II with a total of 27MW power capacity.
Shanxi Datong Coal Group Power Generation Projects
In February 2011, Xi’an TCH entered into an agreement with Shanxi Datong Coal Group Steel Co., Ltd (“Shanxi Datong”) to recycle gas and steam from groups of blast-furnaces and converters at Shanxi Datong’s metal refining plants to generate power and pursuant to which Xi’an TCH agreed to install two 3MW TRT systems, one 15MW WGPG system and two 1MW steam power generation systems, with a total of 23MW power capacity for an estimated total investment of $28.6 million (RMB 180 million). In June 2013, the two 3MW BPRT power generation systems were completed. The lease term is thirty (30) years, during which time Shanxi Datong will pay a service fee to Xi’an TCH. The service fee is based on an average of 8,000 electricity-generating hours per year and $0.05 (RMB 0.33) per kilowatt hour (“kWh”) for the first five (5) years from the completion of each power generation station. For each of the leases, at the 6th, 11th and 21st year anniversary of the date of the lease, the rates will change to RMB 0.3 kWh, 0.27 kWh and 0.25 kWh, respectively. On June 10, 2013, Xi’an TCH and Shanxi Datong entered into a supplemental agreement relating to the minimum service fee. The minimum service fee per month for the first five (5) years is $0.19 million (RMB 1.2 million), $0.18 million ($1.1 million) for the second five (5) years, $0.16 (RMB 1.0 million) for the following ten (10) years and $0.15 million (RMB 0.9 million) for the last ten (10) years. After thirty (30) years, the units will be transferred to Shanxi Datong at no additional charge.
As of December 31, 2014, the Company had construction in progress of $18.43 million for the remaining Shanxi Datong Coal Group Power Generation project and is committed to paying an additional $2.45 million.
Shenqiu Yuneng Biomass Power Generation (“BMPG”) Projects
On May 25, 2011, Xi’an TCH entered into a Letter of Intent with Shenqiu YuNeng Thermal Power Co., Ltd. (“Shenqiu”) to reconstruct and transform a Thermal Power Generation System owned by Shenqiu into a 75T/H Biomass Power Generation System for $3.57 million (RMB 22.5 million). The project commenced in June 2011 and was completed in the third quarter of 2011. On September 28, 2011, Xi’an TCH entered into a Biomass Power Generation Asset Transfer Agreement with Shenqiu (the “Shenqiu Transfer Agreement”). Pursuant to the Shenqiu Transfer Agreement, Shenqiu sold Xi’an TCH a set of 12 MW biomass power generation systems (after Xi’an TCH converted the system for biomass power generation purposes). As consideration for the biomass power generation systems, Xi’an TCH agreed to pay Shenqiu $10,937,500 (RMB 70 million) in cash in three installments within six (6) months upon the transfer of ownership of the systems. By the end of 2012, all of the consideration was paid. On September 28, 2011, Xi’an TCH and Shenqiu also entered into a Biomass Power Generation Project Lease Agreement (the “2011 Shenqiu Lease”). Under the 2011 Shenqiu Lease, Xi’an TCH agreed to lease a set of 12MW biomass power generation systems to Shenqiu at a monthly rental rate of $286,000 (RMB 1,800,000) for eleven (11) years. Upon expiration of the 2011 Shenqiu Lease, ownership of this system will be transferred from Xi’an TCH to Shenqiu at no additional cost. In connection with the 2011 Shenqiu Lease, Shenqiu paid one (1) month’s rent as a security deposit to Xi’an TCH, in addition to providing personal guarantees.
On October 8, 2012, Xi’an TCH entered into a Letter of Intent for technical reformation of Shenqiu Project Phase II with Shenqiu for technical reformation to enlarge the capacity of the Shenqiu Project Phase I (the “Shenqui Phase II Project”). The technical reformation involved the construction of another 12MW biomass power generation system. After the reformation, the generation capacity of the power plant increased to 24MW. The project commenced on October 25, 2012 and was completed during the first quarter of 2013. The total cost of the project was $11.1 million (RMB 68 million). On March 30, 2013, Xi’an TCH and Shenqiu entered into a Biomass Power Generation Project Lease Agreement (the “2013 Shenqiu Lease”). Under the 2013 Shenqiu Lease, Xi’an TCH agreed to lease the second set of 12MW biomass power generation systems to Shenqiu for $239,000 (RMB 1.5 million) per month for 9.5 years. When the 2013 Shenqiu Lease expires, ownership of this system will be transferred from Xi’an TCH to Shenqiu at no additional cost.
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Pucheng Biomass Power Generation (“BMPG”) Projects
On September 5, 2013, Xi’an TCH entered into a Biomass Power Generation Asset Transfer Agreement (the “Pucheng Transfer Agreement”) with Pucheng Xin Heng Yuan Biomass Power Generation Corporation (“Pucheng”), a limited liability company incorporated in China. The Pucheng Transfer Agreement provided for the sale by Pucheng to Xi’an TCH of a set of 12MW biomass power generation systems with completion of system transformation for a purchase price of RMB 100,000,000 ($16.48 million) in the form of 8,766,547 shares of common stock of the Company at the price of $1.87 per share. Also on September 5, 2013, Xi’an TCH also entered into a Biomass Power Generation Project Lease Agreement with Pucheng (the “Pucheng Lease”). Under the Pucheng Lease, Xi’an TCH will lease this same set of 12MW biomass power generation system to Pucheng, and combine this lease with the lease for the 12MW biomass power generation station of Pucheng Phase I project, under a single lease to Pucheng for RMB 3,800,000 million ($0.63 million) per month (the “Pucheng Phase II Project”). The term for the combined lease is from September 2013 to June 2025, and the lease agreement for the 12MW station from Pucheng Phase I project terminated upon the execution of the Pucheng Lease on September 1, 2013. The ownership of two 12 MW BMPG systems will be transferred to Pucheng at no additional charge when the Pucheng Lease expires.
Jitie Power Generation Projects
In May 2013, Xi’an TCH signed a contract with Sinosteel Jilin Ferroalloys Co., Ltd. (“Jitie”) to build furnace gas waste heat power generation systems for electricity generation from recycled heat and steam from groups of ferroalloy furnaces and electric furnaces (the “Jitie Project”). According to the contract, Xi’an TCH will install a 7.5 MW and a 3 MW turbine power generation system with a total of 10.5 MW power capacity for an estimated total investment of $9.71 million (RMB 60 million). The lease term is twenty-four (24) years. During the term of this lease, Jitie will pay a service fee to Xi’an TCH based on the actual generating capacity with a minimum service fee per month of $300,000 (RMB 1.8 million). Xi’an TCH will be responsible for the systems operation and will own the power generation systems. In December 2013, the Jitie Project was completed and began operations.
Qitaihe City Boli Yida Coal Selection Co., Ltd. Coal Oven Gas Power Generation Project
On June 28, 2014, Xi’an TCH entered into an Asset Transfer Agreement (the “Transfer Agreement”) with Qitaihe City Boli Yida Coal Selection Co., Ltd. (the “Seller”), a limited liability company incorporated in China.
The Transfer Agreement provides for the sale to Xi’an TCH of a 15 MW coke oven gas power generation station which has been converted from a 15 MW coal gangue power generation station (the "Transfer Asset") from the Seller. As consideration for the Transfer Asset, Xi’an TCH will pay to the Seller RMB 115,000, 000 (approximately $18,690,677) in the form of the common stock shares of the Company at the average closing price per share of the Stock for the 10 trading days prior to the closing date of the transaction (the "Shares"). The exchange rate between U.S. Dollar and Chinese RMB in connection with the stock issuance is the rate equal to the middle rate published by the People’s Bank of China on the closing date of the assets transfer. The Company will file a Form S-3 Registration Statement to register the resale of the Shares for the Seller.
On June 28, 2014, Xi’an TCH also entered into a Coal Oven Gas Power Generation Project Lease Agreement (the “Lease Agreement”) with the Seller. Under the Lease Agreement, Xi'an TCH will lease the Transfer Asset to the Seller for RMB 3,000,000 ($487,583) per month, and the term of the lease is from June 28, 2014 to June 27, 2029. The Seller will also provide a RMB 3,000,000 security deposit (without interest) for the lease . Xi’an TCH will transfer the Transfer Asset back to the Seller at no cost at the end of the term of the lease.
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The following projects are under construction:
Chengli Waste Heat Power Generation (“WHPG”) Projects
On July 24, 2013, Zhonghong entered into a Cooperative Agreement of CDQ and CDQ Waste Heat Power Generation Project with Boxing County Chengli Gas Supply Co., Ltd. (“Chengli”). The parties entered into a supplemental agreement on July 26, 2013. Pursuant to these agreements, Zhonghong will design, build and maintain a 25 MW CDQ system and a CDQ waste heat power generation system to supply power to Chengli, and Chengli will pay energy saving fees (the “Chengli Project”). Chengli will contract the operation of the system to a third party contractor that is mutually agreed to by Zhonghong. In addition, Chengli will provide the land for the CDQ system and CDQ waste heat power generation system at no cost to Zhonghong. The term of the Agreements is for twenty (20) years. The first 800 million watt hours generated by the Chengli Project will be charged at RMB 0.42 ($0.068) per kilowatt hour (excluding tax); thereafter, the energy saving fee will be RMB 0.20 ($0.036) per kilowatt hour (excluding tax). The operating time shall be based upon an average 8,000 hours annually. If the operating time is less than 8,000 hours per year due to a reason attributable to Chengli, then time charged shall be 8,000 hours a year, and if it is less than 8,000 hours due to a reason attributable to Zhonghong, then it shall be charged at actual operating hours. The construction of the Chengli Project is anticipated to be completed in the second quarter of 2015. When operations begin, Chengli shall ensure its coking production line works properly and that working hours for the CDQ system are at least 8,000 hours per year, and Zhonghong shall ensure that working hours and the CDQ waste heat power generation system will be at least 7,200 hours per year.
On July 22, 2013, Zhonghong entered into an EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) General Contractor Agreement for the Boxing County Chengli Gas Supply Co., Ltd. CDQ Power Generation Project (the “Huaxin Project”) with Xi’an Huaxin New Energy Co., Ltd. (“Huaxin”). Zhonghong, as the owner of the Huaxin Project, contracted engineering, procurement and construction services for a CDQ system and a 25 MW CDQ waste heat power generation system for Chengli to Huaxin. Huaxin shall provide construction, equipment procurement, transportation, installation and adjustment, test run, construction engineering management and other necessary services to complete the Huaxin Project and ensure the CDQ system and CDQ waste heat power generation system for Chengli meet the inspection and acceptance requirements and work normally. The Huaxin Project is a turn-key project where Huaxin is responsible for monitoring the quality, safety, duration and cost of the project. The total contract price is RMB 200 million (approximately $33.34 million), which includes all the materials, equipment, labor, transportation, electricity, water, waste disposal, machinery and safety costs.
Tianyu Waste Heat Power Generation (“WHPG”) Project
On July 19, 2013, Zhonghong entered into a Cooperative Agreement (the “Tianyu Agreement”) for Energy Management of CDQ and CDQ Waste Heat Power Generation Project with Jiangsu Tianyu Energy and Chemical Group Co., Ltd (“Tianyu”). Pursuant to the Tianyu Agreement, Zhonghong will design, build, operate and maintain two sets of 25 MW CDQ systems and CDQ WHPG systems for two subsidiaries of Tianyu – Xuzhou Tian’an Chemical Co., Ltd. (“Xuzhou Tian’an”) and Xuzhou Huayu Coking Co., Ltd. (“Xuzhou Huayu”) – to be located at Xuzhou Tian’an and Xuzhou Huayu’s respective locations (the “Tianyu Project”). Upon completion of the Tianyu Project, Zhonghong will charge Tianyu an energy saving service fee of RMB 0.534 ($0.087) per kilowatt hour (excluding tax). The operating time will be based upon an average 8,000 hours annually. If the operating time is less than 8,000 hours per year due to a reason attributable to Tianyu, then time charged will be 8,000 hours a year. The construction of the Tianyu Project is anticipated to be completed between the end of 2015 and the middle of 2016. Tianyu will provide the land for the CDQ systems and CDQ waste heat power generation systems for free. Tianyu also guarantees that it will purchase all of the power generated by the CDQ WHPG systems.
On July 22, 2013, Xi’an Zhonghong New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. entered into an EPC General Contractor Agreement for the Xuzhou Tianyu Group CDQ Power Generation Project with Xi’an Huaxin New Energy Co., Ltd. (“Huaxin”). Zhonghong as the owner of the Project contracted EPC for the two sets of CDQ systems and 25 MW CDQ waste heat power generation systems for Tianyu to Huaxin—one for Xuzhou Tian’an and one for Xuzhou Huayu. Huaxin shall provide construction, equipment procurement, transportation, installation and adjustment, test run, construction engineering management and other necessary works to complete the Project and ensure the CDQ systems and CDQ waste heat power generation systems for Tianyu meet the inspection and acceptance requirements and work normally. The project is a turn-key project and Huaxin is responsible for the quality, safety, duration and cost of the Project. The total contract price is RMB 400 million ($66.67) of which RMB 200 million ($33.34 million) is for the Xuzhou Tian’an system and RMB 200 million is for the Xuzhou Huayu system. The price is a cover-all price which includes but not limited to all the materials, equipment, labor, transportation, electricity, water, waste disposal, machinery and safety matters.
Zhongtai Waste Heat Power Generation Energy Management Cooperative Agreement
On December 6, 2013, Xi’an entered into a CDQ and Waste Heat Power Generation Energy Management Cooperative Agreement (the “Zhongtai Agreement”) with Xuzhou Zhongtai Energy Technology Co., Ltd. (“Zhongtai”), a limited liability company incorporated in Jiangsu Province, China.
Pursuant to the Zhongtai Agreement, Xi’an TCH will design, build and maintain a 150 ton per hour CDQ system and a 25 MW CDQ WHPG system and sell the power to Zhongtai, and Xi’an TCH will also build a furnace to generate steam from the waste heat of the smoke pipeline and sell the steam to Zhongtai.
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The construction period of the Project is expected to be eighteen (18) months from the date when conditions are ready for construction to begin. Zhongtai will start to pay an energy saving service fee from the date when the WHPG station passes the required 72 hour test run. The term of payment is for twenty (20) years. For the first ten (10) years of the term, Zhongtai shall pay an energy saving service fee at RMB 0.534 ($0.089) per kilowatt hour (including value added tax) for the power generated from the system. For the second ten (10) years of the term, Zhongtai shall pay an energy saving service fee at RMB 0.402 ($0.067) per kilowatt hour (including value added tax). During the term of the contract the energy saving service fee shall be adjusted at the same percentage as the change of local grid electricity price. Zhongtai shall also pay an energy saving service fee for the steam supplied by Xi’an TCH at RMB 100 ($16.67) per ton (including value added tax). Zhongtai and its parent company will provide guarantees to ensure Zhongtai will fulfill its obligations under the Agreement. Upon the completion of the term, Xi’an TCH will transfer the systems to Zhongtai at RMB 1 ($0.16). Zhongtai shall provide waste heat to the systems for no less than 8,000 hours per year and waste gas volume no less than 150,000 Nm3 per hour with a temperature no less than 950°C. If these requirements are not met, the term of the Agreement will be extended accordingly. If Zhongtai wants to terminate the Zhongtai Agreement early, it shall provide Xi’an TCH a 60 day notice and pay the termination fee and compensation for the damages to Xi’an TCH according to the following formula: 1) if it is less than five (5) years into the term when Zhongtai requests termination, Zhongtai shall pay: Xi’an TCH’s total investment amount plus Xi’an TCH’s annual investment return times five (5) years minus the years in which the system has already operated); or 2) if it is more than five (5) years into the term when Zhongtai requests the termination, Zhongtai shall pay: Xi’an TCH’s total investment amount minus total amortization cost (the amortization period is ten (10) years).
Rongfeng CDQ Power Generation Energy Management Cooperative Agreement
On December 12, 2013, Xi’an TCH entered into a CDQ Power Generation Energy Management Cooperative Agreement with Tangshan Rongfeng Iron & Steel Co., Ltd. (the “Rongfeng Agreement”), a limited liability company incorporated in Hebei Province, China.
Pursuant to the Rongfeng Agreement, Xi’an TCH will design, build and maintain a CDQ system and a CDQ WHPG system and sell the power to Rongfeng. The construction period of the Project is expected to be eighteen (18) months after the Agreement takes effect and from the date when conditions are ready for construction to begin.
Rongfeng will start to pay an energy saving service fee from the date when the WHPG station passes the required 72 hour test run. The term of payment is for twenty (20) years. For the first ten (10) years of the term, Rongfeng shall pay an energy saving service fee at RMB 0.582 ($0.095) per kilowatt hour (including tax) for the power generated from the system. For the second ten (10) years of the term, Rongfeng shall pay an energy saving service fee at RMB 0.432 ($0.071) per kWh (including tax). During the term of the contract the energy saving service fee shall be adjusted at the same percentage as the change of local grid electricity price. Rongfeng and its parent company will provide guarantees to ensure Rongfeng will fulfill its obligations under the Rongfeng Agreement. Upon the completion of the term, Xi’an TCH will transfer the systems to Rongfeng at RMB 1. Rongfeng shall provide waste heat to the systems for no less than 8,000 hours per year with a temperature no less than 950°C. If these requirements are not met, the term of the Agreement will be extended accordingly. If Rongfeng wants to terminate the Agreement early, it shall provide Xi’an TCH a 60 day notice and pay the termination fee and compensation for the damages to Xi’an TCH according to the following formula: 1) if it is less than five (5) years (including five (5) years) into the term when Rongfeng requests termination, Rongfeng shall pay: Xi’an TCH’s total investment amount plus Xi’an TCH’s average annual investment return times (five (5) years minus the years of which the system has already operated); 2) if it is more than five (5) years into the term when Rongfeng requests the termination, Rongfeng shall pay: Xi’an TCH’s total investment amount minus total amortization cost (the amortization period is ten (10) years).
Baoliyuan CDQ Power Generation Energy Management Cooperative Agreement
On March 26, 2014, Xi’an TCH entered into a CDQ Waste Heat Recycling Project Energy Management Cooperative Agreement with Tangshan Baoliyuan Coking Co., Ltd. (“Baoliyuan”), a limited liability company incorporated in Hebei Province, China.
Pursuant to the Agreement, Xi’an TCH will design, build and maintain a CDQ system and a CDQ WHPG system and sell the power to Baoliyuan (the “CDQ Project”) and Xi’an TCH will also build a high scale waste water treatment system for Baoliyuan and charge monthly payment for two years (the “ Waste Water Treatment Project”).
The construction period of the CDQ Project is expected to be fifteen (15) months from the effective date of the Agreement. Baoliyuan will start to pay an energy saving fee from the date when the WHPG station passes the required 72 hour test run. The term of payment is for twenty (20) years and Baoliyuan shall pay an energy saving fee at RMB 0.7 ($0.114) per kilowatt hour (including tax) for the power generated from the system, from which Xi’an TCH shall take 92.86% and Baoliyuan shall take 7.14% as parties to share the energy saving benefits. During the term of the contract the energy saving fee shall be adjusted at the same percentage as the change of local grid electricity price. Baoliyuan shall provide guarantees to ensure it will fulfill its obligations under the Agreement. Upon the completion of the term, Xi’an TCH will transfer the systems to Baoliyuan at RMB 1.
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Baoliyuan shall provide waste heat to the systems for no less than 8,000 hours per year and coking production shall reach 80% of its capacity. If these requirements are not met, the energy saving fee will be calculated according to such hours and capacity.
If Baoliyuan wants to terminate the Agreement early, it shall provide Xi’an TCH a 60 day notice and pay the termination fee and compensation for the damages to Xi’an TCH according to the following formula: 1) if it is less than five (5) years (including five (5) years) into the term when Baoliyuan requests termination, Baoliyuan shall pay: Xi’an TCH’s total investment amount plus Xi’an TCH’s average annual investment return times (five (5) years minus the years of which the system has already operated); 2) if it is more than five (5) years into the term when Baoliyuan requests the termination, Baoliyuan shall pay: Xi’an TCH’s total investment amount minus total amortization cost (the amortization period is twenty (20) years).
From the first month of the completion of Waste Water Treatment Project, Baoliyuan shall pay a fixed monthly fee for the waste water treatment system at RMB 1.05 million per month ($171,010) for the first twelve (12) months and RMB 940,000 per month ($153,094) for the next twelve (12) months.
As of December 31, 2014, the project has not commenced because Baoliyuan has not obtained all the necessary permission for the construction from local government.
Industry and Market Overview
Overview of Waste-to-Energy Industry
The waste energy recycling industry concentrates mostly on power-intensive manufacturing and production processes, such as iron, steel and nonferrous metal production, cement production, and coal and petrochemical plants. Our waste energy recycling projects allow customers to recapture previously wasted pressure, heat, and gas from their manufacturing and production processes and use this waste to generate electricity. Waste energy recycling projects are installed at a customer’s facility and the electricity produced can be used on-site to lower energy costs and create a more efficient production process. The industry verticals at the vanguard of this trend are metallurgical production (including iron & steel), cement, coal mining, coke production and petrochemicals.
The industry also includes the conversion of biomass to electricity. For thousands of years, biomass, biological material derived from living organisms like plants and their byproducts, was burned to produce heat so as to convert it to energy. A number of non-combustion methods are now available to convert raw biomass into a variety of gaseous, liquid, or solid fuels that can be used directly in a power plant to generate electricity.
Waste-to-Energy Industry Growth
China has experienced rapid economic growth and industrialization in recent years, increasing the demand for electricity. In the PRC, growth in energy consumption has exceeded growth in gross domestic product, causing a shortage of electricity with blackouts and brownouts over much of the country. Much of the energy demand has been due to the expansion of energy intensive industrial sectors such as steel, cement, and chemicals. China’s increasing modernization and industrialization has made it the world’s largest consumer of energy.
One result of this massive increase in electric generation capacity has been the rise of harmful emissions. China has surpassed the United States to become the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, and the country faces enormous challenges from the pollution brought about by its consumption of conventional energy. On September 12, 2013, the State Council has released the Action Plan for Air Pollution Prevention and Control. The action plan has proposed that in five years, China will witness the overall improvement of air quality and dramatic drop of seriously polluted days. China will strive to gradually eliminate the seriously polluted weather and notably better the national air quality in another five years or longer. Specific targets are as follows: PM10 in cities at prefecture level or above declines by over 10% in 2017 compared with that in 2012 and premium air quality days increase year by year. The PM2.5 of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, Yangtze Delta and Pearl River Delta areas drops by about 25%, 20% and 15% respectively and the annual PM2.5 in Beijing is controlled to within 60 micrograms per cubic meter.
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Description of WGPG (Waste Gas Power Generation)
During the process of industrial production, some by-products, such as blast furnace gas, coke furnace gas, oil gas, and others are created with certain high intensive thermal energy. The waste gas can be collected and used as a fuel by gas turbine system to generate power energy.
Gas turbines are a set of hi-tech equipment and devices that is crucial to the energy development strategy of China. Gas turbine, which uses flammable gas as fuel and combines with recycling power generating technology, has many merits. These include high efficiency power generation, low investment, short construction periods, small land usage, water savings, environment protection and more. We believe the market prospect of the gas turbine industry is promising. On January 2013, the State Council released “Energy ‘Twelfth Five-Year’ Plan ”. The Plan has proposed to focus on developing natural gas power generation. The total volume of gas power generating is expected to reach 56,000 MW, representing 16.2% growth rate compared with 2010. During the “Twelfth Five-Year” period, the newly constructed gas power generation station will reach 30,000 MW.
Through years of research, development and experimental applications, this gas-to-energy system has started to be applied into some high energy intensive industrial plants, such as in the course of iron-smelting in metallurgy plants. Metallurgical enterprises, as the biggest industrial energy user in China, consume 13%-15% of the nation’s electricity. Electricity consumed by the iron-smelting industry accounts for 40% of that consumed by metallurgical enterprises. If all top furnaces in the iron-smelting industry are equipped with gas recovery systems, electricity consumption may decrease by 30-45%. Furthermore, environmental pollution will be reduced while energy efficiency is improved in those heavy industries.
Stringent Environmental Standards and Increasing Government Supports
Since energy is a major strategic issue affecting the development of the Chinese economy, the Chinese government has promoted the development of recycling and encouraged enterprises to use waste energy recycling projects of the type we sell and service. Similar to previous five year periods, the China National Environment Protection Plan, for the Twelfth five year period (2011-2015), is focused on high energy consumption industries, including specific programs to support the building of waste energy recycling projects for application in iron, steel and nonferrous metal plants and in cement production lines. Given the worsening environment and insufficient energy supply in China, the Chinese government has implemented policies to curb pollution and reduce wasteful energy usage. The Renewable Energy Law, strict administrative measures to restrict investment and force consolidation in energy wasting industries, and the requirement to install energy-saving and environment protecting equipment whenever possible are just some ways the government is emphasizing the need to reduce emissions and to maximize energy creation. Local government officials, who sometimes flout central government policies for the sake of local GDP growth, are now required to tie emission, energy usage and pollution to GDP growth. If local emissions of pollutants grow faster than the local GDP, these local officials face the risk of losing their jobs. Such determination and strict enforcement by the central and local governments provide a good backdrop and growth opportunity for CREG’s business activities.
The following tables show the funds invested, or expected to be invested, in the environmental protection industry by the Chinese government.
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Source: China National Environmental Protection Plan in the Twelve Five Years (2011-2015).
According to data from the State Electricity Regulatory Commission of China, in the first half of 2012, total consumption of clean power energy is 388 billion kWh, 16.9% of the total electricity on the power grid, which is 0.93% higher than the same period of 2011; our expectation is that this percentage will continue to increase. Because of environmental protection pressure, expanded efforts to improve infrastructure in western China with the related increase in production of cement and other heavy industrial products and emphasis on additional sources of electricity, demand for recycled energy, as a special and stable energy resource, should continue to grow in China.
Waste-to-Energy is a Cost-Effective Means to Meet Rising Energy Needs
According to the International Energy Agency, China will need to increase its electricity generating capacity to meet its future needs. This demand may mean price increases for electricity in China. With the need for more energy, in particular energy that does not cause additional emissions, and the relative low price of the waste-to-energy production we provide, we believe that our markets will continue to expand.
Since China has been experiencing a dramatic surge in its energy consumption as well as widespread energy shortages, recycling energy is not only an attractive alternative to other sources of energy as part of a national diversification strategy to avoid dependence on any one energy source or politically sensitive energy supplies, but also a proven solution to make the use of energy more efficient. Under current economic conditions and current tax and regulatory regimes, waste energy recycling projects generally can create price-competitive electricity compared to electricity generated from fossil fuels or other renewable sources. Our customers can reduce energy costs significantly by installing our waste energy recycling projects. Compared to electricity from the national grid, the generating cost from recycling energy is lower, which means our customers can leverage the waste-to-energy projects to generate low-cost electricity, reducing energy costs for the manufacturing process. The current national grid electricity rate ranges from RMB 0.45-0.50/kWh and our operated recycling rate ranges from 0.35-0.45/kWh subject to project type, generating scale and local situation.
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Customers of our energy recycling projects may also qualify for credits from the Clean Development Mechanism (“CDM”). The CDM is an international arrangement under the Kyoto Protocol allowing industrialized countries with a greenhouse gas reduction commitment to invest in ventures that reduce emissions in developing countries as an alternative to more expensive emission reductions in their own countries. In 2005, China’s government promulgated “Measures for Operation and Management of Clean Development Mechanism Projects in China” (“China CDM Measures”) to facilitate the application and operation of CDM project activities in China. Our energy recycling solutions are of a kind which falls into the beneficial categories accredited by the China CDM Measures. If our customers can get approval from the Chinese government and successfully register their projects in the United Nations’ CDM Executive Board, they can receive additional revenue income through exchanging their Certified Emission Reductions (“CER”) credits with investors in industrialized countries. As of February 22, 2013, 1,128 China CDM projects received CER credits from the United Nations.
Trends in Industries We Principally Service
Iron, Steel and Nonferrous Metal Industry
According to data from the Organization of China Steel & Iron Enterprises, the amount of energy consumed per ton of steel produced decreased by 5.99kgce/t (1%) in the first half of 2014 compared to the same period of 2013. Meanwhile, the amount of fresh water consumed per ton of steel is 3.27m3/t, decreased by 4.66%, and there are 32 enterprises consumed less than 3m3/t per ton of steel produced.
China is one of the largest producers and consumers of nonferrous metals in the world. However, the global economic downturn has slowed the momentum of China's nonferrous metal industry after keeping high-speed growth for almost a decade. A detailed three-year stimulus plan to support the nonferrous metal industry was released in the beginning of 2009 by China’s State Council. Its purpose is to help the nonferrous metal sector maintain steady operations and achieve a sustainable development. China’s nonferrous metal import and export value increased 12.1% in 2014 from 2013, and the output of the ten major types of nonferrous metals was 44.17 million tons in2014, an increase of7.2% from2013. Among them, growth rates of the production of refined copper, aluminium, lead and zinc are 13.8%, 7.7%, 5.5% and 7%, respectively. The production of cooper and aluminum was 17.84 million tons and 48.46 million tons, up 13.3% and 18.6% respectively. With the wide development of new technology, significant results were obtained in energy savings in the nonferrous metal industry. In 2014, China's aluminum composite ac power consumption dropped to 13596 KWH/ton, down 144 KWH/tons; the annual electricity saved was about 3.5 billion KWH; copper smelting and electrolytic zinc comprehensive energy consumption dropped by 16.2% and 1% to 251.8 kg per standard coal/ton and 896.6 kg per standard coal/ton.
Environmental pollution, shortage of resources and energy shortage have been identified in China as three major challenges for China’s nonferrous metal industry. China aims to save 1.7 million tons of coal and 6 billion kWh of electricity per year, as well as reduce sulfur dioxide by 850,000 tons annually as part of the industrial upgrading for the nonferrous metallurgy sector and, at the same time, to improve the utilization efficiency for resources. In China, the utilization rate for the nonferrous metal mineral resources is 60%, which is 10 to 15% lower than developed countries. The utilization rate for associated nonferrous metals is only 40%, which is 20% lower than developed nations. In addition, parts of nonferrous mines located in different cities are disorganized with random mining, causing severe wastes of resources.
Coal and Petrochemicals
Flammable waste gases emitted from industrial production processes, such as blast furnace gas, coke furnace gas, oil or gas can be used to power gas-fired generators to create energy. Two large producers of these waste gases are coal mining and petrochemical refining. The PRC is the largest coal producer and consumer in the world. Coal is the dirtiest fossil fuel and a major cause of methane gas emissions, a greenhouse gas 21 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Methane gas is found naturally in coal beds. In the 1950s, China began recovering methane to make mines safer. Now, as then, most of the captured methane is released into the air but it could be used as a clean energy source using waste energy recycling technologies.
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Biomass Waste-to-Energy Industry
In China, agricultural waste and biogas are two main sources for biomass waste. China has more than 600 million tons of wasted straw produced every year. It also has 19 billion tons of forest biomass, of which 300 million tons can be utilized as an energy source. The straw burning power industry will grow faster in China with supportive policies, development of new technologies and the formation of raw material collection and storage systems, according to the National Development and Reform Commission. Electricity generated from straw has a preferential price of RMB 0.25 per kWh higher than coal-fueled power when sold to the state grid. In addition, straw power plants enjoy a series of preferential policies including tax exemption.
Biogas technology captures methane gases emitted from compostable materials and burns it to power a turbine to produce electricity. The waste that is usually disposed of in landfills is converted into liquid or gaseous fuels. By utilizing the resource from waste cellulosic or organic materials, biomass energy can be generated through the fermentation process.
Our Strategies
Focus on Core Verticals to Increase Market Share in China
We focus on waste-to-energy projects to specific verticals, such as steel, cement, nonferrous metal and coal mining. We plan to continue to focus on such core verticals and leverage our expertise to expand our market share. We intend to expand our waste-to-energy power generating capacity rapidly in order to meet the anticipated growth of demand in China’s energy efficiency industrial applications and to gain market share. We continually identify potential customers in our core verticals. Based on our existing contracts and signed MOUs, we are targeting to increase our in-operation power generating capacity from 125 MW in 2014 and 190MW in 2015, respectively.
Expand to New Verticals with Future High Growth Potentials
We plan to pursue disciplined and targeted expansion strategies for verticals which we currently do not serve. We actively seek and explore opportunities to apply waste-to-energy technologies to new industries or segments with high growth potential, including glass, ceramics, magnesium metal and electrolytic aluminum industries. We have expanded into the biomass area, having completed our first biomass to power generation acquisition project. We believe that we have the flexibility to pursue acquisitions or develop new projects in-house through our existing research and development team. Our market entry strategy will focus on obtaining or developing new industrial applications in China as well as accesses to new market segments and customers, with the goal of using our early mover advantage to become the industry standard maker and maintain our leading position in the waste-to-energy industry.
Increase Sales of Integrated Projects Targeting Large-Scale Customers
Large-scale manufacturers have complex manufacturing processes, from multiple points of which we can collect waste pressure, heat or gas to generate electricity. In addition, we can also combine more than one power generating cycle to recycle the waste collected from such multi-point industrial processes, which results in improved overall energy efficiency. For example, the CCPP system combines both gas and steam cycles - a gas turbine generator generates electricity and the waste heat from the gas turbine is used to make steam to generate additional electricity via a steam turbine. We are targeting mid- to large-scale customers with highly intensive energy consumption, sizeable power generating capacity and substantial project investment requirement, e.g. RMB 500 million/ $78 million or above, which can benefit from economies of scale. We believe offering large-scale integrated systems will increase overall energy efficiency and promote higher customer satisfaction and in return provide us an attractive internal rate of return and higher barrier to entry through the establishment of long-term operation contracts.
Continually Enhance Research and Development Efforts
In 2014 and 2013, we invested about $0.60 million and $0.68 million, respectively, in research and development. We plan to devote substantial resources to research and development in order to enhance our waste-to-energy design and engineering capabilities. Our in-house design and engineering team provide additional competitive advantages, including flexibility to quickly design and evaluate new technologies or applications in response to changing market trends.
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Selectively Acquire Waste-to-Energy Power Plants
While we have experienced substantial organic growth, we plan to pursue a disciplined acquisition strategy to accelerate our growth. Our strategy will focus on obtaining additional power generating capacity, research and development capabilities and access to new markets and customers.
Our Business Models
We have sold our products to our customers under two models: the BOT model and the operating lease model, although we emphasize the BOT model which we believe is more economically beneficial to us and to our customers.
BOT Model
We primarily engage in the “Build-Operate-Transfer” (the “BOT”) model to provide waste-to-energy solutions to our customers:
“Build”
We work directly with customers for each of our waste-to-energy projects. Our working process starts with a team of engineers that assesses and analyzes the specific needs of the customer to establish the design layout, equipment procurement list and capital expenditure budget for the project. Our sales team works closely with our engineering staff to present and negotiate the model with the customer.
After the signing of a contract, we finance the entire capital expenditure budget ourselves and commence the construction and installation of the project. We do not manufacture the equipment and materials that are used in the construction of the waste-to-energy power generation facility. Rather, we incorporate standard power generating equipment into a fully integrated on-site waste energy recycling project for our customer. The construction and installation period ranges from three to 12 months subject to the project type, size and complexity.
We usually engage an EPC general contractor, who is experienced in power plant and waste energy recycling project construction, to take charge of equipment procurement, project construction and installation. Our team of eight to 10 engineers participates in and monitors the equipment purchase process; this team also oversees the construction and installation activities to ensure that they are completed on time and meet our rigorous standards and specifications.
“Operate”
After the project has been installed at the customer site and passed a series of stringent tests, we, currently, outsource the operation to a third-party vendor. The operation period ranges from 5 to 20 years subject to the terms of each contract.
During the operation period, the customer can purchase all the electricity at a below-market price. We collect energy-saving-based lease payments from the customer; the lease term is equivalent to the operation period, ranging from five to twenty years, and the payments are based on the sale by us as lessor to our customers as lessee of energy generated by the waste energy recycling project at below-market rates. The customer’s payments are based on a minimum operation schedule agreed upon by us with our customer, and are collateralized by assets of the customer and/or third party guarantees. To reduce risk, we offer leasing services across a wide variety of industries and only target larger manufacturers or state-owned enterprises. Operation in excess of the minimum schedule enables us to receive additional revenues from the excess energy generated and sold to the customer.
“Transfer”
Based on the specific terms for each project, we eventually transfer the waste energy recycling project to the customer at no cost or a nominal cost upon the completion of the operation/lease period.
Why BOT
Waste-to-energy projects are capital intensive, which requires the manufacturers to invest a considerable amount of cash to purchase equipment during the construction period. As a BOT service provider, we fund all contracted projects on our own or jointly with our customers; such financing arrangements can help our customers by removing or reducing the heavy capital expenditure burden required by specific projects, thereby allowing them to concentrate on their core business. While technologically mature in advanced countries, waste-to-energy projects are still new to most of China’s industrial companies and require intensive technology or know-how with respect to energy recycling and power generation. It is time-consuming or not feasible for industrial manufacturers to equip themselves with adequate expertise and technicians. Our specific sector knowledge and rich project experience allow us to construct, operate and maintain the power plants efficiently and to respond to operational issues in a timely and cost-efficient manner.
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In exchange for upfront capital investment, we require secured power generating capacity during the operation period and guaranteed attractive internal rates of return from each project. Our operation period ranges from 5 to 20 years, during which we are entitled to sell the recycled electricity to those customers at a predetermined rate. Such electricity sales are secured by long-term electricity production agreements with guarantees, which result in minimum annual payments. We employ a process of stringent and systematic internal scrutiny on new customer development so as to minimize operational and default risk; for some smaller or non-SOE businesses, we require property collateral, management or third party guarantees, and/or prepayment of three months. As such, our cash inflow schedule from each in-operation project is fixed and predictable providing clear financial visibility. Our payback period is generally two to three years, depending on the project size.
In our experience, this BOT model is well received by our existing and potential customers in China. The insufficient supply of BOT vendors to the market is wholly due to the funding limitations of most of the recycling energy solution providers. Not all of our competitors have the ability to access sufficient capital on a timely basis.
Operating Lease Model
In the past, we also recorded rental income from two separate one-year operating leases. Under the operating leases, we leased waste-energy systems and subleased the systems to a customer for a greater amount. We choose not to renew our lease agreements, and we do not generally expect any revenue in the future through such model. In 2015, however, the Company plans to put the one Chengli project, the two Tianyu projects and the Datong project under operating leases; these projects were under construction at the end of 2014.
Contractor and Equipment Suppliers
We generally conduct our project construction through an EPC general contractor. We select the EPC general contractor for each project through a bidding process; then we sign a contract with the selected contractor for that project. The general contractor may outsource parts of our project construction to subcontractors according to the complexity and economics of the project. The general contractor is responsible for purchasing equipment to satisfy the requirements of the project we design for our customer. We generally do not purchase equipment directly from the equipment suppliers, but our general contractors obtain our consent before selecting the equipment suppliers. Our engineering department is involved in the equipment supplier selection process together with our general contractors and makes sure our stringent standards and requirements have been appropriately applied in selection of the equipment. We currently have engaged Shaanxi Huaxin Energy Engineering Co., Ltd. and Xianyang Hengfeng Energy Engineering Co., Ltd. for our projects under construction, and we also maintain relationships with many other quality general contractors in China, including Wuxi Guolian, CITIC Heavy Industries Co., Ltd., A-Power Energy Generation Systems, Ltd.
As mentioned above, we do not manufacture the equipment and materials that are used in the construction of our waste energy recycling projects. Rather, we incorporate standard power generating equipment into a fully integrated onsite system. The key equipment used in our projects are the boilers and turbine generators, which represent the majority of equipment cost for each project. Though we do not place the direct procurement orders, we believe we maintain good relationships with those power generation equipment suppliers, and these relationships help provide cost-effective equipment purchasing by the general contractor for our intended projects and ensure the timely completion of these projects. We have well-established business relationships with most of the suppliers from whom our general contractors procure equipment, including Hangzhou Boiler Plant, Beijing Zhongdian Electric Machinery, Chengdu Engine Group, Shanghai Electric Group, China Aviation Gas Turbine Co. Ltd and Xuji Electric. Therefore, we believe we have a strong position and support in equipment supply and installation, which benefits us, the general contractors and our customers.
Main Customers
Our customers are mainly mid- to large-size enterprises in China involving high energy-consuming businesses. Following our selection process described in the next paragraph, we conduct stringent evaluation procedures to identify and qualify potential customers and projects. To lower our investment and operational risk, we target companies with geographic or industry competitive advantages, with strong reputations and in good financial condition. Generally, our targets include steel and nonferrous metal mills with over 3 million tons of production capacity per year, cement plants with over 2 million tons of production capacity per year that utilize new-suspension-line process, and coking plants with over 600 tons production capacity per year. Our existing customers operate in Hebei province, Shanxi province, Shaan’xi province, Shandong province, Jiangsu province and the Inner Mongolia Autonomic Region in China.
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Marketing and Sales
We market and sell our projects nationwide through our direct sales force of 32 employees based in Xi’an, China. Our marketing programs include industrial conferences, trade fairs, sales training, and trade publication advertising. Our sales and marketing group works closely with our research and development and engineering departments to coordinate our project development activities, project launches and ongoing demand and supply planning. We market our projects directly to the industrial manufacturers who can utilize our energy recovery projects in their manufacturing processes, including steel, cement, nonferrous metal, coal and petrochemical industries.
Our management team has long-standing relationships with our existing customers and those companies that we consider to be potential customers. We also maintain relationships with municipal governments, which often sponsor or subsidize potential customers that can utilize our projects.
Geographic Distribution of Sales
Sales outside the US accounted for 100% of revenue in 2014, 2013 and 2012.
Seasonality
For the most part, the Company’s business and sales is not subject to any seasonality factors.
Intellectual Property Rights
Service Marks
We have applied for the service mark “TCH” in China, which will be used in all of our business operations. The USPTO has also approved CREG and our logo for the trademark in the US.
Patents
As of December 31, 2014, we owned patents: (i) A usage and design patent of High Temperature Flap Valve in China by Xi’an TCH transferred from Shanghai Bake Technology Development Co., Ltd. (Chinese Patent No. ZL 2006 2 0041958.6); and (ii) A usage and design patent of Compound Barrel Type Slag Cooler/Quencher in China by Xi’an TCH transferred from Shanghai Bake Technology Development Co., Ltd. (Chinese Patent No. ZL 2006 2 0047536.X).
Licenses
From time to time, we enter into license agreements with third parties under which we obtain or grant rights to patented or proprietary technology.
Research and Development
In 2014 and 2013, we invested about $0.60 million and $0.68 million, respectively, in research and development. We believe that our research and development efforts are among the best in the waste heat, gas and pressure to energy industry, particularly with regards to practical usage and application. All of the individuals that comprise our research and development staff have more than 10 years of experience on heat powered energy, mechanical, furnace engineering or power generation engineering.
To develop new and practical solutions for our customers, our R&D team also has the support of our on-site and project engineers who provide feedback and numerous ideas to the R&D team from their daily experiences with installation and operation of various waste gas, heat or pressure to energy projects. Our cooperative relationship with the South China University of Technology School of Power and Electricity and Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology gives us access to the latest developments in energy and waste-to-energy technologies as well as technical support of the research and development teams of these universities on integrated utilization of waste heat, gas and pressure to energy.
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Government and Environmental Management System
We own all licenses that the Chinese governments require for our operations.
Competition
In the past, waste energy recycling projects have been installed mainly by the industrial plants themselves. These plants hire general contractors to purchase waste energy recycling equipment manufactured by third parties and with design support from government design institutes, which usually charge a one-time design fee, construct the projects on-site. Pressure has increased on Chinese producers to become more energy-efficient, but many mid-sized companies do not have the special technical expertise or the capital to install and operate such waste energy recycling projects. Many companies have begun to outsource these functions to third-party providers, creating an opportunity in a growing market.
We are a leading developer of industrial waste energy recycling projects in China. To our knowledge, we are the only non-state owned enterprise primarily using a BOT model to provide energy saving and recovery systems for various energy intensive industries, such as cement, steel and metallurgy industries. We face competition from an array of market participants.
Our main competitors as third-party providers are state owned research institutes or their wholly owned construction companies; however, smaller private companies occasionally employ a BOT model to provide waste-to-energy systems. The state-owned enterprises include Equipment and System Engineer Co., Ltd. of Hangzhou Steam Turbine & Power Group (Hangzhou Turbine) and Energy Saving Development Co., Ltd of China National Material Group, Sinoma Development Co., Ltd. The private companies include China Senyuan Electronic Co., Ltd., Dalian East New Energy Development Co. Ltd., Top Resource Conservation Engineering Co., Ltd. and Nanjing Kaisheng Kaineng Environmental Energy.
We believe that there is a larger market in the waste-to-energy industry in China for systems constructed on the “Engineering Procurement Construction” or “EPC” model in which customers purchase the services of a contractor to construct a system for the customer at the customer’s expense. Service providers include Dalian East New Energy Development, Nanjing Kaisheng Cement Technology and Engineering Co., Ltd., Jiangxi Sifang Energy Co., Ltd., Beijing Century Benefits Co., Ltd., Beijing Shineng Zhongjin Energy Technology Co., Ltd., Kunming Sunwise Co., Ltd. and China Everbright International Ltd. We compete with EPC providers for waste-to-energy projects when potential customers are able to obtain external financing or have the necessary capital.
We believe that we offer advantages over our competitors in several ways:
• Our management team has over 20 years of industry experience and expertise;
• We have the capabilities to provide TRT, CHPG and WGPG systems, while our competitors usually concentrate on one type or another;
• We have the capabilities and experience in undertaking large scale projects; and
• We provide BOT or capital lease services to the customers, while our competitors usually use an EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) or turnkey contract model.
Employees
As of December 31, 2014, we had 180 employees:
| Management: | 10 Employees |
| Administration: | 9 Employees |
| Marketing: | 32 Employees |
| Research & Development: | 36 Employees |
| Accounting & Finance: | 12 Employees |
| Project Officer: | 81 Employees, including 73 operators |
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All of our personnel are employed full-time and none of them are represented under collective bargaining agreements. We consider our relations with our employees to be good.
Costs and effects of compliance with environmental laws
There were many new laws, regulations, rules and notices regarding the environment and energy production adopted, promulgated and put into force during past years. The Chinese government is putting more stringent requirements and urgency on reducing pollution and emissions and improving energy efficiency nationwide. Our products are designed and constructed to comply with the environmental laws and regulations of China. As our systems allow our customers to use waste heat and gases to create energy, we help reduce the overall environmental impact of our customers. Since our business focuses on recycling energy, the effect of the strengthening of environmental laws in China may be to increase demand for the products and services we offer and others like them.
Available Information
We file reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other reports from time to time. The public may read and copy any materials we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The Company is an electronic filer and the SEC maintains an Internet site at http://www.sec.gov that contains the reports, proxy and information statements, and other information filed electronically. Our website address is www.creg-cn.com. Please note that our website address is provided as an inactive textual reference only. The information provided on our website is not part of this report, and is therefore not incorporated by reference unless such information is otherwise specifically referenced elsewhere in this report.
Risks Related to our Common Stock
The market price for our common stock may be volatile.
The market price for our common stock is highly volatile and subject to wide fluctuations in response to factors including the following:
• actual or anticipated fluctuations in our quarterly operating results;
• announcements of new services by us or our competitors;
• announcements by our competitors of significant acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments;
• changes in financial estimates by securities analysts;
• conditions in the energy recycling market;
• changes in the economic performance or market valuations of other companies involved in the same industry;
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• changes in accounting standards, policies, guidance, interpretation or principles;
• loss of external funding sources;
• failure to maintain compliance with NASDAQ listing rules;
• additions or departures of key personnel;
• potential litigation;
• conditions in the market; or
• relatively small size of shares of our common stock available for purchase.
In addition, the securities markets from time to time experience significant price and volume fluctuations that are not related to the operating performance of particular companies. These market fluctuations may also materially and adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
Shareholders could experience substantial dilution.
We may issue additional shares of our capital stock to raise additional cash for working capital. If we issue additional shares of our capital stock, our shareholders will experience dilution in their respective percentage ownership in the company.
We have no present intention to pay dividends.
We have not paid dividends or made other cash distributions on our common stock during any of the past three years, and we do not expect to declare or pay any dividends in the foreseeable future. We intend to retain any future earnings for working capital and to finance current operations and expansion of our business.
A large portion of our common stock is controlled by a small number of shareholders.
A large portion of our common stock is held by a small number of shareholders. As a result, these shareholders are able to influence the outcome of shareholder votes on various matters, including the election of directors and extraordinary corporate transactions including business combinations. In addition, the occurrence of sales of a large number of shares of our common stock, or the perception that these sales could occur, may affect our stock price and could impair our ability to obtain capital through an offering of equity securities. Furthermore, the current ratios of ownership of our common stock reduce the public float and liquidity of our common stock which can in turn affect the market price of our common stock.
We may be unable to maintain compliance with NASDAQ Marketplace Rules which could cause our common stock to be delisted from the NASDAQ Global Market. This could result in the lack of a market for our common stock, cause a decrease in the value of our common stock, and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Under the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules our common stock must maintain a minimum price of $1.00 per share for continued inclusion on the NASDAQ Global Market. The per share price of our common stock has fluctuated significantly. We cannot guarantee that our stock price will remain at or above $1.00 per share and if the price again drops below $1.00 per share, the stock could become subject to delisting. If our common stock is delisted, trading of the stock will most likely take place on an over-the-counter market established for unlisted securities. An investor is likely to find it less convenient to sell, or to obtain accurate quotations in seeking to buy, our common stock on an over-the-counter market, and many investors may not buy or sell our common stock due to difficulty in accessing over-the-counter markets, or due to policies preventing them from trading in securities not listed on a national exchange or other reasons. For these reasons and others, delisting would adversely affect the liquidity, trading volume and price of our common stock, causing the value of an investment in us to decrease and having an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations by limiting our ability to attract and retain qualified executives and employees and limiting our ability to raise capital.
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On January 28, 2015, the Company received written notice from the NASDAQ Stock Market (“NASDAQ”) stating that the Company is not in compliance with the $1.00 minimum closing bid price requirement for continued listing on The NASDAQ Global Market. The notice has no immediate effect on the listing of the Company's common stock, and its common stock will continue to trade on The NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “CREG” at this time. In accordance with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A), the Company has a grace period of 180 calendar days, or until July 27, 2015, to regain compliance with the minimum closing bid price requirement. To regain compliance, the closing bid price of the Company's common stock must meet or exceed $1.00 per share for at least ten consecutive business days during this 180-day grace period.
If the Company does not regain compliance with the minimum closing bid price requirement by July 27, 2015, NASDAQ may provide written notification to the Company that its securities will be subject to delisting. At that time, the Company may have alternatives to obtain an extension and/or avoid a delisting, including an appeal of NASDAQ’s delisting determination to the NASDAQ Listing Qualifications Panel, or, alternatively, an additional grace period of 180 days in connection with a listing transfer to The NASDAQ Capital Market provided that the Company meets the applicable market value of publicly held shares requirement for continued listing and all other applicable requirements for initial listing on The NASDAQ Capital Market (except for the bid price requirement) and notifies NASDAQ of its intent to cure this deficiency.
On March 16, 2015, the Company received written notice from NASDAQ that the Company was in compliance with the minimum closing bid price requirement and the matter is now closed.
Risks Related to Our Business Operations
In recent years, the economy of China has experienced unprecedented growth. As a result of the global financial crisis, this growth has slowed in the last year, and if the growth of the economy continues to slow or if the economy contracts, our financial condition may be materially and adversely affected.
The rapid growth of the PRC economy has historically resulted in widespread growth opportunities in industries across China. As a result of the global financial crisis and the inability of enterprises to gain comparable access to the same amounts of capital available in past years, there may be an adverse effect on the business climate and growth of private enterprise in the PRC. An economic slowdown could have an adverse effect on our financial condition. Further, if economic growth slows, and if, in conjunction, inflation is allowed to proceed unchecked, our costs would likely increase, and there can be no assurance that we would be able to increase our prices to an extent that would offset the increase in our expenses.
We depend on the waste energy of our customers to generate electricity.
We acquire waste pressure, heat and gases from steelworks, cement, coking or metallurgy plants and use these to generate power. Therefore, our power generating capacity depends on the availability of an adequate supply of our “raw materials” from our customers. If we do not have enough supply, power generated for those customers will be impeded. Since our contracts are often structured so that we receive compensation based on the amount of energy we supply, a reduction in production may cause problems for our revenues and results of operations.
Our revenue depends on gaining new customers and project contracts and purchase commitments from customers.
Currently and historically, we have only had a limited number of projects in process at any time. Thus, our revenues have historically resulted, and are expected to continue in the immediate future to result, primarily from the sale and operation of our waste energy recycling projects that, once completed, typically produce ongoing revenues from energy production. Customers may change or delay orders for any number of reasons, such as force majeure or seasonality factors that are unrelated to us. As a result, in order to maintain and expand our business, we must continue to develop and obtain new orders. However, it is difficult to predict whether and when we will receive such orders or project contracts due to the lengthy process, which may be affected by factors that we do not control, such as market and economic conditions, financing arrangements, commodity prices, environmental issues and government approvals.
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We may require additional funds to run our business and may be required to raise these funds on terms which are not favorable to us or which reduce our stock price.
We may need to complete additional equity or debt financings to fund our operations. Our inability to obtain additional financing could adversely affect our business. Financings may not be available at all or on terms favorable to us. In addition, these financings, if completed, may not meet our capital needs and could result in substantial dilution to our stockholders.
Changes in the economic and credit environment could have an adverse effect on demand for our projects, which would in turn have a negative impact on our results of operations, our cash flows, our financial condition, our ability to borrow and our stock price.
Since late 2008 and continuing into 2014, global market and economic conditions have been disrupted and volatile. Concerns over increased energy costs, geopolitical issues, the availability and cost of credit, the US mortgage market and a declining residential real estate market in the US contributed to this increased volatility. These factors, combined with declining business and consumer confidence and increased unemployment, precipitated a global recession. It is difficult to predict how long the current economic conditions will persist or whether they will deteriorate further. As a result, these conditions could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
The global economic crisis has also resulted in tighter credit conditions, which may lead to higher financing costs. Although poor market conditions can act as an incentive for our customers to reduce their energy costs, if the global economic crisis persists and has material adverse effects on our customers’ business, our customers may delay or cancel their plan of installing waste energy recycling projects.
Decreases in the price of coal, oil and gas or a decline in popular support for “green” energy technologies could reduce demand for our waste energy recycling projects, which could materially harm our ability to grow our business.
Higher coal, oil and gas prices provide incentives for customers to invest in “green” energy technologies such as our waste energy recycling projects that reduce their need for fossil fuels. Conversely, lower coal, oil and gas prices would tend to reduce the incentive for customers to invest in capital equipment to produce electric power or seek out alternative energy sources. Demand for our projects and services depends in part on the current and future commodity prices of coal, oil and gas. We have no control over the current or future prices of these commodities.
In addition, popular support by governments, corporations and individuals for “green” energy technologies may change. Because of the ongoing development of, and the possible change in support for, “green” energy technologies we cannot assure you that negative changes to this industry will not occur. Changes in government or popular support for “green” energy technologies could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects and results of operations.
Changes in the growth of demand for or pricing of electricity could reduce demand for our waste energy recycling projects, which could materially harm our ability to grow our business.
Our revenues are dependent on the ability to provide savings on energy costs for our clients. According to the National Bureau of Statistics of the PRC, domestic electricity consumption grew at a rate of 3.8% in 2014. Power generation capacity was 1.36 billion kWh, an increase of 8.7% from 2013. Clean energy power generation increased largely in 2014. The China Electricity Council has forecasted that the rate of growth in China’s electricity demand will continue to increase in 2015 as the growth in electricity consumption increases due to the continued development of the Chinese economy. However, such growth is unpredictable and depends on general economic conditions and consumer demand, both of which are beyond our control. Furthermore, pricing of electricity in the PRC is set in advance by the state or local electricity administration and may be artificially depressed by governmental regulation or influenced by supply and demand imbalances. If these changes reduce the cost of electricity from traditional sources of supply, the demand for our waste energy recycling projects could be reduced, and therefore, could materially harm our ability to grow our business.
Our insurance may not cover all liabilities and damages.
Our industry can be dangerous and hazardous. The insurance we carry might not be enough to cover all the liabilities and damages that may be caused by potential accidents.
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A downturn in the Chinese economy may slow down our growth and profitability.
The growth of the Chinese economy has been uneven across geographic regions and economic sectors. There is no assurance that growth of the Chinese economy will be steady or that any downturn will not have a negative effect on our business. Our profitability will decrease if less energy is consumed due to a downturn in the Chinese economy.
Our heavy reliance on the experience and expertise of our management may cause adverse impacts on us if a management member departs.
We depend on key personnel for the success of our business. Our business may be severely disrupted if we lose the services of our key executives and employees or fail to add new senior and middle managers to our management.
Our future success is heavily dependent upon the continued service of our key executives. We also rely on a number of key technology staff for the operation of our company. Our future success is also dependent upon our ability to attract and retain qualified senior and middle managers to our management team. If one or more of our current or future key executives or employees are unable or unwilling to continue in their present positions, we may not be able to easily replace them, and our business may be severely disrupted. In addition, if any of these key executives or employees joins a competitor or forms a competing company, we could lose customers and suppliers and incur additional expenses to recruit and train personnel. We do not maintain key-man life insurance for any of our key executives.
We may need more capital for the operation and failure to raise capital we need may delay the development plan and reduce the profits.
If we don’t have adequate income or our capital can’t meet the requirement for expansion of operations, we will need to seek financing to continue our business development. If we fail to acquire adequate financial resources at acceptable terms, we might have to postpone our proposed business development plans and reduce projections of our future incomes.
Our use of a “Build-Operate-Transfer” model requires us to invest substantial financial and technical resources in a project before we deliver a waste energy recycling project.
We use a “Build-Operate-Transfer” model to provide our waste energy recycling projects to our customers. This process requires us to provide significant capital at the beginning of each project. The design, construction and completion of a waste energy recycling project is highly technical and the time necessary to complete a project can take three to 12 months without any delays, including delays outside our control such as from the result of customer’s operations, and we incur significant expenses as part of this process. Our initial cash outlay and the length of the delivery time makes us particularly vulnerable to the loss of a significant customer or contract because we may be unable to quickly replace the lost cash flow.
Our BOT model and the accounting for our projects as sales-type leases could result in a difference between our revenue recognition and our cash flows.
While we recognize a large portion of the revenue from each project when it goes on-line, all of the cash flow from the project is received in even monthly payments across the term of the lease. Although our revenues may be high, the initial cash outlay required for each project is substantial and even with the recovery of this cost in the early years of each lease, we may need to raise additional capital resulting in a dilution in your holdings. This discrepancy between revenue recognition and cash flow could also contribute to volatility in our stock price.
There is collection risk associated with payments to be received over the terms of agreements with customers of our waste energy recycling projects.
We are dependent in part on the viability of our customers for collections under our BOT model. Customers may experience financial difficulties that could cause them to be unable to fulfill their contractual payment obligations to us. Although our customers usually provide collateral or other guarantees to secure their obligations to provide the minimum electricity income from the waste energy recycling projects, there is no guarantee that such collateral will be sufficient to meet all obligations under the respective contract. As a result, our future revenues and cash flows could be adversely affected.
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We may not be able to assemble and deliver our waste energy recycling projects as quickly as customers may require which could cause us to lose sales and could harm our reputation.
We may not be able to assemble our waste energy recycling projects and deliver them to our customers at the times they require. Manufacturing delays and interruptions can occur for many reasons, including, but not limited to:
• the failure of a supplier to deliver needed components on a timely basis or of acceptable quality;
• equipment failures;
• personnel shortage;
• labor disputes; or
• transportation disruptions.
Assembly of our waste energy recycling projects is complex. If we fail to assemble and deliver our waste energy recycling projects in a timely fashion, our reputation may be harmed, we may jeopardize existing orders and lose potential future sales, and we may be forced to pay penalties to our customers.
We operate in an emerging competitive industry and if we are unable to compete successfully our revenue and profitability will be adversely affected.
Currently, the PRC waste energy recycling market is fragmented but competitive. As the industry evolves, we anticipate that competition will increase. We currently face competition primarily from companies that focus on one type of waste energy recycling project or one industry in the waste energy recycling market, some of which may have more expertise in their area of focus than we do. We also compete against companies that have substantial competitive advantage because of longer operating histories and larger marketing budgets, as well as substantially greater financial and other resources than us. Our largest potential clients may choose to build their own systems. National or global competitors could enter the market with more substantial financial and workforce resources, stronger existing customer relationships, and greater name recognition or could choose to target medium to small companies in our traditional markets. Competitors could focus their substantial resources on developing a more attractive solution set than ours or products with technologies that reduce demand for energy beyond what our solutions can provide and at cheaper prices. Competition also places downward pressure on our contract prices and profit margins, which presents us with significant challenges in our ability to maintain strong growth rates and acceptable profit margins. If we are unable to meet these competitive challenges, we could lose market share to our competitors and experience an overall reduction in our profits.
If we infringe the rights of third parties, we could be prevented from selling products, forced to pay damages and compelled to defend against litigation.
If our waste energy recycling projects, methods, processes and other technologies infringe proprietary rights of other parties, we may have to obtain licenses (which may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, if at all), redesign our waste energy recycling projects or processes, stop using the subject matter claimed in the asserted patents, pay damages, or defend litigation or administrative proceedings, which may be costly whether we win or lose. All of the above could result in a substantial diversion of valuable management resources and we could incur substantial costs.
We believe we have taken reasonable steps, including prior patent searches, to ensure we have the freedom to operate under our intellectual property rights, and that our development and commercialization efforts can be carried out as planned without infringing others’ proprietary rights. However, a third-party patent may have been filed or will be filed that may contain subject matter of relevance to our development, causing a third-party patent holder to claim infringement. Resolution of such issues sometimes results in lengthy and costly legal proceedings, the outcome of which we cannot predict accurately.
We may not be able to adequately respond to changes in technology affecting the waste energy recycling industry.
Our industry could experience rapid technological changes and new product introductions. Current competitors or new market entrants could introduce new or enhanced products with features which render the systems used in our projects obsolete or less marketable. Our future success will depend, in part, on our ability to respond to changing technology and industry standards in a timely and cost-effective manner. We may not be successful in effectively using new technologies, developing new systems or enhancing our existing systems and technology on a timely basis. Our new technologies or enhancements may not achieve market acceptance. Our pursuit of new technologies may require substantial time and expense. We may need to license new technologies to respond to technological change. These licenses may not be available to us on terms that we can accept. Finally, we may not succeed in adapting our projects to new technologies as they emerge.
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We are dependent on third parties for manufacturing key components and delays by third parties may cause delays in assembly and increased costs to us.
We rely upon third parties for the manufacture of key components. Delays and difficulties in the manufacturing of our waste energy recycling projects could substantially harm our revenues. There are limited sources of supply for some key waste energy recycling project components. Business disruptions, financial difficulties of the manufacturers or suppliers of these components, or raw material shortages could increase our costs, reduce the availability of these components or delay our delivery of projects to customers. To date, we have been able to obtain adequate supplies of these key components. If we are unable to obtain a sufficient supply of required components, we could experience significant delays in construction, which could result in the loss of orders and customers, and could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. If the cost of components increases, we may not be able to pass on price increases to our customers if we are to remain competitively priced. This would reduce profit, which in turn would reduce the value of your investment.
Risks Related to the People’s Republic of China
Adverse changes in political and economic policies of the PRC government could have a material adverse effect on the overall economic growth of China, which could materially and adversely affect the demand for our projects and our business.
Currently, all of our operations are conducted in China. Accordingly, our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects are affected significantly by economic, political and legal developments in China. The PRC economy differs from the economies of most developed countries in many respects, including:
• the amount of government involvement;
• the level of development;
• the growth rate;
• the control of foreign exchange; and
• the allocation of resources.
While the PRC economy has grown significantly since the late 1970s, the growth has been uneven, both geographically and among various sectors of the economy. The PRC government has implemented various measures to encourage economic growth and guide the allocation of resources. Some of these measures benefit the overall PRC economy, but may also have a negative effect on us. For example, our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected by government control over capital investments or changes in tax regulations that are applicable to us.
The PRC economy has been transitioning from a planned economy to a more market-oriented economy. Although the PRC government has in recent years implemented measures emphasizing the utilization of market forces for economic reform, the reduction of state ownership of productive assets and the establishment of sound corporate governance in business enterprises, a substantial portion of the productive assets in China is still owned by the PRC government. The continued control of these assets and other aspects of the national economy by the PRC government could materially and adversely affect our business. The PRC government also exercises significant control over economic growth in China through the allocation of resources, controlling payment of foreign currency-denominated obligations, setting monetary policy and providing preferential treatment to particular industries or companies. Efforts by the PRC government to slow the pace of growth of the PRC economy could result in decreased capital expenditure by energy users, which in turn could reduce demand for our products. In addition, the PRC government, which regulates the power industry in China, has adopted laws related to renewable energy, and has adopted policies for the accelerated development of renewable energy as part of a Development Plan promulgated on August 31, 2007.
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Any adverse change in the economic conditions or government policies in China could have a material adverse effect on the overall economic growth and the level of energy investments and expenditures in China, which in turn could lead to a reduction in demand for our products and consequently have a material adverse effect on our business and prospects.
Restrictions under PRC law on our subsidiaries’ ability to make dividends and other distributions could materially and adversely affect our ability to grow, make investments or acquisitions that could benefit our business, pay dividends to you, and otherwise fund and conduct our business.
We conduct all of our business through our consolidated subsidiaries and affiliated companies operating in the PRC. We rely on dividends paid by these consolidated subsidiaries for our cash needs, including the funds necessary to pay any dividends and other cash distributions to our stockholders, to service any debt we may incur and to pay our operating expenses. The payment of dividends by entities established in the PRC is subject to limitations imposed by government regulations. Regulations in the PRC currently permit payment of dividends only out of accumulated profits as determined in accordance with accounting standards and regulations in the PRC, subject to certain statutory procedural requirements and these may not be calculated in the same manner as US GAAP. In addition, each of our subsidiaries in China is required to set aside a certain amount of its after-tax profits each year, if any, to fund certain statutory reserves. These reserves are not distributable as cash dividends. Furthermore, if our subsidiaries in China incur debt on their own behalf in the future, the instruments governing the debt may restrict their ability to pay dividends or make other payments to us. Any limitations on the ability of our PRC subsidiaries to transfer funds to us could materially and adversely limit our ability to grow, make investments or acquisitions that could be beneficial to our business, pay dividends and otherwise fund and conduct our business.
Fluctuation in the value of the Renminbi may have a material adverse effect on your investment.
The value of the Renminbi (“RMB”) against the US Dollar and other currencies may fluctuate and is affected by, among other things, changes in China’s political and economic conditions. The conversion of RMB into foreign currencies, including US Dollars, has historically been set by the People’s Bank of China. On March 17, 2014, the PRC government changed its policy of pegging the value of the RMB to the US Dollar. Under the new policy, the RMB is permitted to fluctuate within a band against a basket of certain foreign currencies, determined by the Bank of China, against which it can rise or fall by as much as 2% each day. Since the adoption of this new policy, the value of the RMB against the US Dollar has fluctuated on a daily basis within narrow ranges, but overall has strengthened against the US Dollar. There remains significant international pressure on the PRC government to further liberalize its currency policy, which could result in a further and more significant appreciation in the value of the RMB against the US Dollar. Appreciation or depreciation in the value of the RMB relative to the US Dollar would affect our financial results reported in US Dollar terms even if there is no underlying change in our business or results of operations. In addition, if we decide to convert our RMB into US Dollars for the purpose of making payments for dividends on our common stock or for other business purposes, appreciation of the US Dollar against the RMB would have a negative effect on the US Dollar amount available to us.
The PRC currency is not a freely convertible currency, which could limit our ability to obtain sufficient foreign currency to support our business operations in the future. In addition, changes in foreign exchange regulations in the PRC may affect our ability to pay dividends in foreign currency or conduct other foreign exchange business.
The PRC government imposes controls on the convertibility of RMB into foreign currencies and, in certain cases, the remittance of currency out of the PRC. We receive substantially all of our revenues in RMB, which is currently not a freely convertible currency. Shortages in the availability of foreign currency may restrict our ability to remit sufficient foreign currency to pay dividends, or otherwise satisfy foreign currency-denominated obligations. Under existing PRC foreign exchange regulations, payments of current account items, including profit distributions, interest payments and expenditures from the transaction, can be made in foreign currencies without prior approval from the PRC State Administration of Foreign Exchange, or the SAFE, by complying with certain procedural requirements. However, approval from appropriate governmental authorities is required where RMB are to be converted into foreign currency and remitted out of China to pay capital expenses such as the repayment of bank loans denominated in foreign currencies.
The PRC government may also at its discretion restrict access in the future to foreign currencies for current account transactions. If the foreign exchange control system prevents us from obtaining sufficient foreign currency to satisfy our currency demands, we may not be able to pay certain of our expenses as they come due.
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There are significant uncertainties under the Enterprise Income Tax Law regarding our PRC enterprise income tax liabilities, such as tax on dividends paid to us by our PRC subsidiaries and tax on any dividends we pay to our non-PRC stockholders.
The Enterprise Income Tax Law, also known as the EIT Law, provides that enterprises established outside of the PRC whose “de facto management bodies” are located in the PRC are considered as a “tax-resident enterprise” and are generally subject to the uniform 25.0% enterprise income tax rate on global income. Under the implementation regulations to EIT Law, “de facto management body” refers to a managing body that in practice exercises overall management control over the production and business, personnel, accounting and assets of an enterprise. In addition, on April 22, 2009, the State Administration of Taxation of the PRC issued the Notice on the Issues Regarding Recognition of Overseas Incorporated Enterprises that are Domestically Controlled as PRC Resident Enterprises Based on the De Facto Management Body Criteria, which was retroactively effective as of January 1, 2008. This notice provides that an overseas incorporated enterprise that is controlled domestically will be recognized as a “tax-resident enterprise” if it satisfies all of the following conditions: (i) the senior management responsible for daily production/business operations are primarily located in the PRC, and the location(s) where such senior management execute their responsibilities are primarily in the PRC; (ii) strategic financial and personnel decisions are made or approved by organizations or personnel located in the PRC; (iii) major properties, accounting ledgers, company seals and minutes of board meetings and stockholder meetings, etc, are maintained in the PRC; and (iv) 50.0% or more of the board members with voting rights or senior management habitually reside in the PRC.
In addition, dividends paid by us to our non-PRC stockholders as well as gains realized by such stockholders from the sale or transfer of our stock may be subject to a PRC tax under the EIT Law, and we may be required to withhold PRC tax on dividends paid to our non-PRC stockholders.
PRC regulation of loans to and direct investment by offshore holding companies in PRC entities may delay or prevent us from making loans or additional capital contributions to our PRC operating companies, which could materially and adversely affect our liquidity and ability to fund and expand our business.
As an offshore holding company of PRC operating companies, we may make loans or additional capital contributions to our PRC operating companies. Any loans to our PRC operating companies are subject to PRC regulations. For example, loans to our operating companies in China to finance their activities may not exceed statutory limits and must be registered with SAFE. If we decide to make capital contributions to our operating entities in the PRC, the PRC Ministry of Commerce, or MOFCOM, (or MOFCOM’s local counterpart, depending on the amount involved) must approve these capital contributions. We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain these government approvals on a timely basis, if at all, with respect to any such capital contributions. If we fail to receive such approvals, our ability to use the proceeds of this offering and to capitalize our PRC operations may be negatively affected, which could adversely affect our ability to fund and expand our business.
We may face PRC regulatory risks relating to our equity incentive plan.
On March 28, 2007, the SAFE promulgated a notice requiring PRC individuals who are granted stock options and other types of stock-based awards by an overseas publicly-listed company to obtain approval from the local SAFE branch through an agent of the overseas publicly-listed company (generally its PRC subsidiary or a financial institution).
We urged our PRC management personnel, directors, employees and consultants who were granted stock options under our 2007 Plan to register them with the local SAFE pursuant to the said regulation. However, we cannot ensure that each of these individuals have carried out all of the required registration procedures.
If we, or any of these persons, fail to comply with the relevant rules or requirements, we may be subject to penalties, and may become subject to more stringent review and approval processes with respect to our foreign exchange activities, such as our PRC subsidiaries’ dividend payment to us or borrowing foreign currency loans, all of which may adversely affect our business and financial condition.
The Chinese government exerts substantial influence over the manner in which we must conduct our business activities.
The Chinese government has exercised and continues to exercise substantial control over virtually every sector of the Chinese economy through regulation and state ownership. Our ability to operate in China may be harmed by changes in its laws and regulations, including those relating to taxation, environmental regulations, land use rights, property and other matters. The central or local governments of these jurisdictions may impose new, stricter regulations or interpretations of existing regulations that would require additional expenditures and efforts on our part to ensure our compliance with such regulations or interpretations. Accordingly, government actions in the future, including any decision not to continue to support recent economic reforms and to return to a more centrally planned economy or regional or local variations in the implementation of economic policies, could have a significant effect on economic conditions in China or particular regions thereof, and could require us to divest ourselves of any interest we then hold in Chinese properties.
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Uncertainties with respect to the PRC legal system could adversely affect us and we may have limited legal recourse under PRC law if disputes arise under our contracts with third parties.
Since 1979, PRC legislation and regulations have significantly enhanced the protections afforded to various forms of foreign investments in China. However, China has not developed a fully integrated legal system and recently enacted laws and regulations may not sufficiently cover all aspects of economic activities in China in particular, because these laws and regulations are relatively new, and because of the limited volume of published decisions and their non-binding nature, the interpretation and enforcement of these laws and regulations involve uncertainties. In addition, the PRC legal system is based in part on government policies and internal rules (some of which are not published on a timely basis or at all) that may have a retroactive effect. As a result, we may not be aware of our violation of these policies and rules until some time after violation.
The Chinese government has enacted some laws and regulations dealing with matters such as corporate organization and governance, foreign investment, commerce, taxation and trade. However, their experience in implementing, interpreting and enforcing these laws and regulations is limited, and our ability to enforce commercial claims or to resolve commercial disputes is unpredictable. The resolution of these matters may be subject to the exercise of considerable discretion by agencies of the Chinese government, and forces unrelated to the legal merits of a particular matter or dispute may influence their determination. Any rights we may have to specific performance, or to seek an injunction under PRC law, in either of these cases, are severely limited, and without a means of recourse by virtue of the Chinese legal system, we may be unable to prevent others from violating our rights. The occurrence of any such events could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We must comply with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and Chinese anti-corruption laws.
We are required to comply with the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, or FCPA, which prohibits US companies from engaging in bribery or other prohibited payments to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. Foreign companies, including some of our competitors, are not subject to these prohibitions. The PRC also strictly prohibits bribery of government officials. Certain of our suppliers are owned by the PRC government and our dealings with them are likely to be considered to be with government officials for these purposes. Corruption, extortion, bribery, pay-offs, theft and other fraudulent practices occur from time-to-time in China. It is our policy to prohibit our employees and to discourage our agents, representatives and consultants from engaging in such practices. If our competitors engage in these practices, they may receive preferential treatment from personnel of some companies, giving our competitors an advantage in securing business or from government officials who might give them priority in obtaining new licenses, which would put us at a disadvantage. Our employees, agents, representatives and consultants may not always be subject to our control. If any of them violates FCPA or other anti-corruption law, we might be held responsible. We could suffer severe penalties in that event. In addition, the US government may seek to hold us liable for successor liability FCPA violations committed by companies in which we invest or which we acquire.
We may have difficulty maintaining adequate management, legal and financial controls in the PRC.
The PRC historically has been deficient in western style management and financial reporting concepts and practices, as well as in modern banking, and other control systems. We may have difficulty in hiring and retaining a sufficient number of qualified employees to work in the PRC. As a result of these factors, and especially since we are a publicly listed company in the US and subject to regulation as such, we may experience difficulty in maintaining management, legal and financial controls, collecting financial data and preparing financial statements, books of account and corporate records and instituting business practices that meet western standards. We may have difficulty establishing adequate management, legal and financial controls in the PRC. Therefore, we may, in turn, experience difficulties in implementing and maintaining adequate internal controls as required under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or SOX 404, and other applicable laws, rules and regulations. This may result in significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in our internal controls which could impact the reliability of our financial statements and prevent us from complying with SEC rules and regulations and the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Any such deficiencies, weaknesses or lack of compliance could have a materially adverse effect on our business and the market price of our stock.
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If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, our ability to accurately and timely report our financial results or prevent fraud may be adversely affected and investor confidence and the market price of our ordinary shares may be adversely impacted.
As directed by SOX 404, the SEC adopted rules requiring public companies to include a report of management on the company’s internal controls over financial reporting in their annual reports. Our management may conclude that our internal controls over our financial reporting are not effective, which could result in an adverse reaction in the financial marketplace due to a loss of investor confidence in the reliability of our reporting processes, which could adversely impact the market price of our common stock.
Your ability to bring an action against us or against our directors and officers, or to enforce a judgment against us or them, will be limited because we conduct substantially all of our operations in the PRC and because the majority of our directors and officers reside outside of the United States.
We are a Nevada corporation but nearly all of our assets are located outside of the US. Most of our current operations are conducted in the PRC. In addition, most of our directors and officers are nationals and residents of the PRC. A substantial portion of the assets of these persons is located outside the US. As a result, it may be difficult for you to effect service of process within the United States upon these persons. It may also be difficult for you to enforce in US courts judgments on the civil liability provisions of the US federal securities laws against us and our officers and directors. In addition, there is uncertainty as to whether the courts of the PRC would recognize or enforce judgments of US courts. The recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments are provided for under the PRC Civil Procedures Law. Courts in the PRC may recognize and enforce foreign judgments in accordance with the requirements of the PRC Civil Procedures Law based on treaties between the PRC and the country where the judgment is made or on reciprocity between jurisdictions. The PRC does not have any treaties or other arrangements that provide for the reciprocal recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments with the United States. In addition, according to the PRC Civil Procedures Law, courts in the PRC will not enforce a foreign judgment against us or our directors and officers if they decide that the judgment violates basic principles of PRC law or national sovereignty, security or the public interest. So it is uncertain whether a PRC court would enforce a judgment rendered by a court in the US.
A failure by our stockholders or beneficial owners who are PRC residents to comply with certain PRC foreign exchange regulations could restrict our ability to distribute profits, restrict our overseas and cross-border investment activities or subject us to liability under PRC laws, which could adversely affect our business and financial condition.
On October 21, 2005, SAFE issued the Notice on Relevant Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Administration for PRC Residents Engaging in Financing and Roundtrip Investments via Offshore Special Purpose Vehicles, or State Administration of Foreign Exchange of China (“SAFE”) Circular 75. SAFE Circular 75 states that PRC residents (including both legal persons and natural persons) must register with SAFE or its local branch in connection with their establishment or control of an offshore entity established for the purpose of overseas equity financing involving a roundtrip investment whereby the offshore entity acquires or controls onshore assets or equity interests held by the PRC residents. In addition, such PRC residents must update their SAFE registrations when the offshore SPV undergoes material events relating to increases or decreases in investment amount, transfers or exchanges of shares, mergers or divisions, long-term equity or debt investments, external guarantees, or other material events that do not involve roundtrip investments. To further clarify the implementation of SAFE Circular 75, the General Affairs Department of SAFE issued SAFE Circular 106 on May 29, 2007. Under SAFE Circular 106, PRC subsidiaries of an offshore company governed by SAFE Circular 75 are required to coordinate and supervise the filing of SAFE registrations in a timely manner by the offshore holding company’s shareholders who are PRC residents. If these shareholders fail to comply, the PRC subsidiaries are required to report to the local SAFE authorities. If our shareholders who are PRC residents do not complete their registration with the local SAFE authorities, our PRC subsidiaries will be prohibited from distributing their profits and proceeds from any reduction in capital, share transfer or liquidation to us, and we may be restricted in our ability to contribute additional capital to our PRC subsidiaries.
On July 14, 2014, SAFE promulgated the Circular Relating to Foreign Exchange Administration of Offshore Investment, Financing and Return Investment by Domestic Residents Utilizing Special Purpose Vehicles (Circular 37). Replacing an earlier circular published by SAFE in 2005 (Circular 75), Circular 37 further simplifies the registration process for Chinese residents seeking the round-trip investment transactions where Chinese companies (Domestic Entities) are re-organized to create an offshore holding company (the SPV) that will control the Domestic Entities and seek offshore financing. Also, for the first time overseas investments by Chinese individuals are formally legalized under Circular 37.
We are committed to complying, and to ensuring that our shareholders, who are PRC residents, comply with the SAFE Circular 37 requirements. We believe that all of our PRC resident shareholders and beneficial owners have completed their required registrations with SAFE, or are otherwise in the process of registering. However, we may not at all times be fully aware or informed of the identities of all our beneficial owners who are PRC residents, and we may not always be able to compel our beneficial owners to comply with the SAFE Circular 75 requirements. As a result, we cannot assure you that all of our shareholders or beneficial owners who are PRC residents will at all times comply with, or in the future make or obtain any applicable registrations or approvals required by, SAFE Circular 75 or other related regulations. Failure by any such shareholders or beneficial owners to comply with SAFE Circular 75 could subject us to fines or legal sanctions, restrict our overseas or cross-border investment activities, limit our subsidiaries’ ability to make distributions or pay dividends or affect our ownership structure, which could adversely affect our business and prospects.
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PRC regulations involve complex procedures for acquisitions conducted by foreign investors that could make our restructuring or an offering subject to government approval.
Pursuant to the Regulations on Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors (“M&A Rule”), effective as of September 8, 2006 and revised as of June 22, 2009, additional procedures and requirements were established that are expected to make merger and acquisition activities in China by foreign investors more time-consuming and complex, including requirements in some instances that MOFCOM be notified in advance of any change-of-control transaction in which a foreign investor takes control of a PRC domestic enterprise, or that the approval from MOFCOM be obtained in circumstances where overseas companies established or controlled by PRC enterprises or residents acquire affiliated domestic companies and special anti-monopoly submissions for parties meeting certain reporting thresholds.
The M&A Rules require offshore companies formed for overseas listing purposes through acquisitions of PRC domestic companies and controlled by PRC companies or individuals to obtain the approval of MOFCOM prior to a cross-border share swap and the CSRC prior to the public listing of their securities on an overseas stock exchange through share swap. On September 21, 2006, pursuant to the M&A Rule and other PRC Laws, the CSRC published on its official website relevant guidance with respect to the listing and trading of PRC domestic enterprises’ securities on overseas stock exchanges (“Related Clarifications”), including a list of application materials regarding the listing on overseas stock exchange by special purpose vehicles, however, the CSRC currently has not issued any definitive rule concerning whether an offering, is subject to the M&A Rule and Related Clarifications.
There are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of the above rules, and MOFCOM and CSRC have yet to promulgate any written provisions or formally to declare or state whether the overseas listing of a PRC related company similar to us will be subject to approvals from MOFCOM and CSRC with respect to any offering or a failure to maintain an offering. If MOFCOM and CSRC approvals are required in connection with our previous restructuring and this offering, our failure to obtain or delay in obtaining such approval could result in penalties imposed by MOFCOM, CSRC and other PRC regulatory agencies. These penalties could include fines and penalties on our operations in China, restriction or limitation on remitting dividends outside of China, and other forms of sanctions that may cause a material and adverse effect on our business, operations and financial conditions.
Notwithstanding those provisions, we are advised by our PRC counsel, Shaanxi Yan Tan Law Firm, MOFCOM and CSRC approvals are not required in the context of our previous restructuring, because our previous restructuring does not constitute a cross-border share swap contemplated by the M&A Rule. However, we cannot assure you that the relevant PRC government agencies, including MOFCOM and CSRC, would reach the same conclusion, and we still cannot rule out the possibility that MOFCOM and CSRC may deem our listing structure as circumventing the M&A Rule and Related Clarifications, in particular in consideration of the fact that our restructuring was completed through several steps. Please refer to the Company History section about our restructuring.
PRC regulations also involve complex procedures for acquisitions conducted by foreign investors that could make it more difficult for us to grow through acquisitions.
We may grow our business in part by acquiring other companies in the PRC. Complying with the requirements of the M&A Rule to complete such transactions could be time-consuming, and any required approval processes, including approval from MOFCOM, may delay or inhibit our ability to complete such transactions, which could affect our ability to expand our business or maintain our market share.
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Our labor costs may increase due to the implementation of the new PRC Labor Contract Law.
The PRC Labor Contract Law was adopted by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of PRC in June 2007 and became effective on January 1, 2008. The Implementation Rules of the PRC Labor Contract Law were passed by the PRC State Council in September 2008 and became effective that same month. The implementation of the new law and its Implementation Rules, particularly the following provisions, may increase our labor costs: (a) an employer shall make monetary compensation, which shall be based on the number of an employee’s working years with the employer at the rate of one month’s wage for each year, to the employee upon termination of an employment contract with certain exceptions (for example, in circumstances where the term of a fixed-term employment contract expires and the employee does not agree to renew the contract even though the conditions offered by the employer are the same as or better than those stipulated in the current contract); (b) the wages of an employee who is on probation may not be less than the lowest wage level for the same job with the employer or less than 80% of the wage agreed upon in the employment contract, and may not be less than the local minimum wage rate; (c) if an employee has been working for the employer for a consecutive period of not less than 10 years, or if a fixed-term employment contract with an employee was entered into on two consecutive occasions, generally the employer should enter into an open-ended employment contract with such employee, unless the employee requests a fixed-term employment contract; (d) if an employer fails, in violation of the related provisions, to enter into an open-ended employment contract with an employee, it shall in each month pay to the employee twice his wage, starting from the date on which an open-ended employment contract should have been entered into; (e) if an employer fails to enter into a written employment contract with an employee more than one month but less than one year after the date on which it started employing him, it shall in each month pay to the employee twice his wage; and (f) if an employer hires an employee whose employment contract with another employer has not yet been terminated or ended, causing the other employer to suffer a loss, the later hiring employer shall be jointly and severally liable with the employee for the compensation for such loss. Our labor costs may increase due to the implementation of the new PRC Labor Contract Law and the Implementation Rules of the PRC Labor Contract Law and our business and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Not applicable.
We currently lease three office spaces, one in Xi’an, one in Shanghai and one in Beijing. On February 1, 2010, we expanded and moved our leased office space in Xi’an within the Chang’an Metropolis Center where we previously occupied part of a floor in Tower B. Our leased space in Xi-an is now the 12th Floor of Tower A at Chang’an Metropolis Center, No. 88, Nanguanzheng Street, Xi’an, PRC. Our leased office space in Shanghai is located at Room 3163, Floor 31, Jinmao Plaza, No.88 Century Avenue, Pudong New District, Shanghai, PRC. Our leased office space in Beijing is located at Apt 101, Unit 7, Building C, Fenghuahaojing, Xuanwu District, Beijing, PRC. Average monthly rent for all locations was $23,155 in 2013 and $32,529 in 2014.
The Company is not a party to any legal proceedings that it believes will have a material adverse effect upon the conduct of its business or its financial position.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY, RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS AND SMALL BUSINESS ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.
Our common stock is currently traded on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “CREG.” On March 13, 2015, the last reported sales price for our common stock was $1.07 per share. As of March 23, 2015, there were 83,084,035 shares of our common stock outstanding held by approximately 2,727 shareholders of record.
The table below provides information with respect to the Company’s quarterly stock prices during 2014 and 2013:
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4Q | 3Q | 2Q | 1Q | 4Q | 3Q | 2Q | 1Q | 4Q | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| High | $ | 1.42 | $ | 1.76 | $ | 3.99 | $ | 5.03 | $ | 3.19 | $ | 1.17 | $ | 4.6 | $ | 1.34 | High | |||||||||||||||||
| Low | $ | 0.71 | $ | 1.1 | $ | 1.67 | $ | 2.55 | $ | 1.14 | $ | 0.917 | $ | 1.79 | $ | 1.12 | Low | |||||||||||||||||
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Dividend Policy
We did not pay any cash dividends on our common stock in 2013 or 2014. We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain future earnings, if any, to finance operations and the expansion of our business.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
On June 28, 2014, Xi’an TCH entered into an Asset Transfer Agreement (the “Transfer Agreement”) with Qitaihe City Boli Yida Coal Selection Co., Ltd. (the “Seller”), a limited liability company incorporated in China.
The Transfer Agreement provides for the sale to Xi’an TCH of a 15 MW coke oven gas power generation station which has been converted from a 15 MW coal gangue power generation station (the "Transfer Asset") from the Seller. As consideration for the Transfer Asset, Xi’an TCH will pay to the Seller RMB 115,000, 000 ($18,690,677) in the form of the common stock shares of the Company at the average closing price per share of the Stock for the 10 trading days prior to the closing date of the transaction (the "Shares"). The exchange rate between U.S. Dollar and Chinese RMB in connection with the stock issuance is the rate equal to the middle rate published by the People’s Bank of China on the closing date of the assets transfer. The Company shall file a Form S-3 Registration Statement to register the resale of the Shares for the Seller. On August 20, 2014, the Company issued 8,233,779 shares of common stock to the designated party of the Seller and the Company is currently working on the registration statement.
On August 27, 2014, the Company entered into a Share Purchase Agreement with Mr. Guohua Ku, a Chinese citizen, major shareholder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of this Company. Pursuant to the Agreement, the Company issued to Mr. Ku, 13,829,074 shares of common stock of the Company on September 5, 2014. The purchase price per share for the Shares was $1.37 per share, which represented the average closing price quoted on the NASDAQ Global Market for the common stock of the Company for 15 trading days prior to the effective date of the Agreement. The Company shall file a registration statement for the registration of the Shares for their resale by Mr. Ku within 180 days from the effective date of the Share Purchase Agreement and the Company is currently working on the registration statement.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
There were no common stock purchases by the Company during 2014.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
Information about our equity compensation plans at December 31, 2014 that were either approved or not approved by our shareholders is as follows:
| Plan Category | Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options | Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options | Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans | |||||||||
| Equity compensation plans approved by security holders | - | $ | - | - | ||||||||
| Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders | - | $ | - | - | ||||||||
| - | $ | - | - | |||||||||
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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.
Not applicable.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This annual report on Form 10-K and other reports filed by the Company from time to time with the SEC (collectively the “Filings”) contain or may contain forward-looking statements and information that are based upon beliefs of, and information currently available to, Company’s management as well as estimates and assumptions made by Company’s management. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are only predictions and speak only as of the date hereof. When used in the filings, the words “may”, “will”, “should”, “would”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “future”, “intend”, “plan”, or the negative of these terms and similar expressions as they relate to Company or Company’s management identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the current view of Company with respect to future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors (including the statements in the section “results of operations” below), and any businesses that Company may acquire. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may differ significantly from those anticipated, believed, estimated, expected, intended, or planned.
Although the Company believes the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements. Except as required by applicable law, including the securities laws of the United States, the Company does not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements to conform these statements to actual results. Readers are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made throughout the entirety of annual report, which attempts to advise interested parties of the risks and factors that may affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects.
Our financial statements are prepared in US Dollars and in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. See “Foreign Currency Translation and Comprehensive Income (Loss)” below for information concerning the exchange rates at which Renminbi (“RMB”) were translated into US Dollars (“USD”) at various pertinent dates and for pertinent periods.
OVERVIEW OF BUSINESS BACKGROUND
China Recycling Energy Corporation (the “Company” or “CREG”) was incorporated on May 8, 1980 as Boulder Brewing Company under the laws of the State of Colorado. On September 6, 2001, the Company changed its state of incorporation to the State of Nevada. In 2004, the Company changed its name from Boulder Brewing Company to China Digital Wireless, Inc. and on March 8, 2007, the Company again changed its name from China Digital Wireless, Inc. to its current name, China Recycling Energy Corporation. The Company, through its subsidiaries, sells and leases energy saving systems and equipment to its customers, in the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”). Typically, the Company transfers ownership of the waste energy recycling power generating projects to its customers at the end of each sales-type lease and finances its customers for the cost of the projects as described below.
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Our Subsidiaries
Our business is primarily conducted through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Sifang Holdings, its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Huahong New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. (“Huahong”) and Shanghai TCH, Shanghai TCH’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, Xi’an TCH Energy Technology Company, Ltd (“Xi’an TCH”), Xi’an TCH’s wholly-owned subsidiary Erdos TCH Energy Saving Development Co., Ltd (“Erdos TCH”) and Xi’an TCH’s 90% owned subsidiary Xi’an Zhonghong New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. Zhonghong is engaged to provide energy saving solutions and services, including constructing, selling and leasing energy saving systems and equipment to customers.
The Company’s organizational chart is as follows:
Shanghai TCH and its Subsidiaries
Shanghai TCH was established as a foreign investment enterprise in Shanghai under the laws of the PRC on May 25, 2004 and has a registered capital of $29.80 million. Xi’an TCH was incorporated in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province under the laws of the PRC on November 8, 2007. In February 2009, Huahong was incorporated in Xi’an, Shaanxi province. Erdos TCH was incorporated in April 2009 in Erdos, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. On July 19, 2013, Xi’an TCH formed a new company called Xi’an Zhonghong New Energy Technology Co., Ltd (“Zhonghong”). Xi’an TCH owns 90% of Zhonghong, which provides energy saving solutions and services, including constructing, selling and leasing energy saving systems and equipment to customers.
As of December 31, 2014, Shanghai TCH had sales or sales-type leases with the following parties: (i) Yida (for one coke oven gas power generation system (“WGPG” system); (ii) Erdos (for five recycling waste heat power generating systems); (iii) Sinosteel Jilin Ferroalloys Co., Ltd. (for one waste heat power generation system (“WHPG”)); (iv) Pucheng (for two biomass power generation (“BMPG”) systems); (v) Shenqiu (for two biomass power generation (“BMPG”) systems); and (vi) Shanxi Datong Coal Group Steel Co., Ltd (for two BPRT systems).
The Fund Management Company and the HYREF Fund
On June 25, 2013, Xi’an TCH and Hongyuan Huifu Venture Capital Co. Ltd (“Hongyuan Huifu”) jointly established Hongyuan Recycling Energy Investment Management Beijing Co., Ltd (the “Fund Management Company”) with registered capital of RMB 10 million. Xi’an TCH made an initial capital contribution of RMB 4 million ($650,000) and has a 40% ownership interest in the Fund Management Company. With respect to the Fund Management Company, voting rights and dividend rights are allocated 80% and 20% between Hongyuan Huifu and Xi’an TCH, respectively.
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The Fund Management Company serves as the general partner of Beijing Hongyuan Recycling Energy Investment Center, LLP (the “HYREF Fund”), a limited liability partnership established on July 18, 2013 in Beijing. The Fund Management Company made an initial capital contribution of RMB 5 million ($830,000) to the HYREF Fund. An initial total amount of RMB 460 million ($75 million) has been fully subscribed by all partners for the HYREF Fund. The HYREF Fund has three limited partners: (1) China Orient Asset Management Co., Ltd., which made an initial capital contribution of RMB 280 million ($46.67 million) to the HYREF Fund and is a preferred limited partner; (2) Hongyuan Huifu, which made an initial capital contribution of RMB 100 million ($16.67 million) to the HYREF Fund and is an ordinary limited partner; and (3) the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Xi’an TCH, which made an initial capital contribution of RMB 75 million ($12.5 million) to the HYREF Fund and is a secondary limited partner. The term of the HYREF Fund’s partnership is six (6) years from the date of its establishment, expiring on July 18, 2019. The term is three (3) years from the date of contribution for the preferred limited partner, or four (4) years from the date of contribution for the ordinary limited partner. The total size of the HYREF Fund is RMB 460 million ($75 million). The HYREF Fund was formed for the purpose of investing in Xi’an Zhonghong New Energy Technology Co., Ltd., a 90% owned subsidiary of Xi’an TCH, for the construction of two coke dry quenching (“CDQ”) WHPG stations with Jiangsu Tianyu Energy and Chemical Group Co., Ltd. (“Tianyu”) and one CDQ WHPG station with Boxing County Chengli Gas Supply Co., Ltd. (“Chengli”).
Erdos TCH – Joint Venture
On April 14, 2009, the Company formed Erdos TCH as a joint venture (the “JV”) with Erdos Metallurgy Co., Ltd. (“Erdos”) to recycle waste heat from Erdos’ metal refining plants to generate power and steam to be sold back to Erdos. The JV has a term of twenty (20) years with a total investment for the project estimated at $79 million (RMB 500 million) and an initial investment of $17.55 million (RMB 120 million). Erdos contributed 7% of the total investment for the project, and Xi’an TCH contributed 93%. According to Xi’an TCH and Erdos’ agreement on profit distribution, Xi’an TCH and Erdos will receive 80% and 20%, respectively, of the profit from the JV until Xi’an TCH receives the complete return of its investment. Xi’an TCH and Erdos will then receive 60% and 40%, respectively, of the profit from the JV. On June 15, 2013, Xi’an TCH and Erdos entered into a share transfer agreement, pursuant to which Erdos transferred and sold its 7% ownership interest in the JV to Xi’an TCH for $1.29 million (RMB 8 million), plus certain accumulated profits as described below. Xi’an TCH paid the $1.29 million in July 2013 and, as a result, became the sole shareholder of the JV. In addition, Xi’an TCH is required to pay Erdos accumulated profits from inception up to June 30, 2013 in accordance with the supplementary agreement entered on August 6, 2013. In August 2013, Xi’an TCH paid 20% of the accumulated profit (calculated under PRC GAAP) of $226,000 to Erdos. The JV currently has two power generation systems in Phase I with a total of 18MW power capacity, and three power generation systems in Phase II with a total of 27MW power capacity.
Shanxi Datong Coal Group Power Generation Projects
In February 2011, Xi’an TCH entered into an agreement with Shanxi Datong Coal Group Steel Co., Ltd (“Shanxi Datong”) to recycle gas and steam from groups of blast-furnaces and converters at Shanxi Datong’s metal refining plants to generate power and pursuant to which Xi’an TCH agreed to install two 3MW BPRT systems, and one 15MW WGPG system with a total of 21MW power capacity for an estimated total investment of $28.6 million (RMB 180 million). In June 2013, the two 3MW BPRT power generation systems were completed. The lease term is thirty (30) years, during which time Shanxi Datong will pay a service fee to Xi’an TCH. The service fee is based on an average of 8,000 electricity-generating hours per year and $0.05 (RMB 0.33) per kilowatt hour (“kWh”) for the first five (5) years from the completion of each power generation station. For each of the leases, at the 6th, 11th and 21st year anniversary of the date of the lease, the rates will change to RMB 0.3 kWh, 0.27 kWh and 0.25 kWh, respectively. On June 10, 2013, Xi’an TCH and Shanxi Datong entered into a supplemental agreement relating to the minimum service fee. The minimum service fee per month for the first five (5) years is $0.19 million (RMB 1.2 million), $0.18 million (RMB 1.1 million) for the second five (5) years, $0.16 million (RMB 1.0 million) for the following ten (10) years and $0.15 million (RMB 0.9 million) for the last ten (10) years. After thirty (30) years, the units will be transferred to Shanxi Datong at no additional charge.
As of December 31, 2014, the Company had construction in progress of $18.43 million for the remaining Shanxi Datong Coal Group Power Generation project and is committed to paying an additional $2.45 million.
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Shenqiu Yuneng Biomass Power Generation Projects
On May 25, 2011, Xi’an TCH entered into a Letter of Intent with Shenqiu YuNeng Thermal Power Co., Ltd. (“Shenqiu”) to reconstruct and transform a Thermal Power Generation System owned by Shenqiu into a 75T/H BMPG System for $3.57 million (RMB 22.5 million). The project commenced in June 2011 and was completed in the third quarter of 2011. On September 28, 2011, Xi’an TCH entered into a Biomass Power Generation Asset Transfer Agreement with Shenqiu (the “Shenqiu Transfer Agreement”). Pursuant to the Shenqiu Transfer Agreement, Shenqiu sold Xi’an TCH a set of 12 MW BMPG systems (after Xi’an TCH converted the system for BMPG purposes). As consideration for the BMPG systems, Xi’an TCH agreed to pay Shenqiu $10.94 million (RMB 70 million) in cash in three installments within six (6) months upon the transfer of ownership of the systems. By the end of 2012, all of the consideration was paid. On September 28, 2011, Xi’an TCH and Shenqiu also entered into a Biomass Power Generation Project Lease Agreement (the “2011 Shenqiu Lease”). Under the 2011 Shenqiu Lease, Xi’an TCH agreed to lease a set of 12MW BMPG systems to Shenqiu at a monthly rental rate of $286,000 (RMB 1.8 million) for eleven (11) years. Upon expiration of the 2011 Shenqiu Lease, ownership of this system will be transferred from Xi’an TCH to Shenqiu at no additional cost. In connection with the 2011 Shenqiu Lease, Shenqiu paid one (1) month’s rent as a security deposit to Xi’an TCH, in addition to providing personal guarantees.
On October 8, 2012, Xi’an TCH entered into a Letter of Intent for technical reformation of Shenqiu Project Phase II with Shenqiu for technical reformation to enlarge the capacity of the Shenqiu Project Phase I (the “Shenqiu Phase II Project”). The technical reformation involved the construction of another 12MW BMPG system. After the reformation, the generation capacity of the power plant increased to 24MW. The project commenced on October 25, 2012 and was completed during the first quarter of 2013. The total cost of the project was $11.1 million (RMB 68 million). On March 30, 2013, Xi’an TCH and Shenqiu entered into a BMPG Project Lease Agreement (the “2013 Shenqiu Lease”). Under the 2013 Shenqiu Lease, Xi’an TCH agreed to lease the second set of 12MW BMPG systems to Shenqiu for $239,000 (RMB 1.5 million) per month for nine and half (9.5) years. When the 2013 Shenqiu Lease expires, ownership of this system will be transferred from Xi’an TCH to Shenqiu at no additional cost.
Pucheng Biomass Power Generation Projects
On September 11, 2013, Xi’an TCH entered into a Biomass Power Generation Asset Transfer Agreement (the “Pucheng Transfer Agreement”) with Pucheng Xin Heng Yuan Biomass Power Generation Corporation (“Pucheng”), a limited liability company incorporated in China. The Pucheng Transfer Agreement provided for the sale by Pucheng to Xi’an TCH of a set of 12MW BMPG systems with completion of system transformation for a purchase price of RMB 100 million ($16.48 million) in the form of 8,766,547 shares of common stock of the Company at the price of $1.87 per share. Also on September 11, 2013, Xi’an TCH also entered into a Biomass Power Generation Project Lease Agreement with Pucheng (the “Pucheng Lease”). Under the Pucheng Lease, Xi’an TCH will lease this same set of 12MW BMPG system to Pucheng, and combine this lease with the lease for the 12MW BMPG station of Pucheng Phase I project, under a single lease to Pucheng for RMB 3.8 million ($0.63 million) per month (the “Pucheng Phase II Project”). The term for the combined lease is from September 2013 to June 2025. The lease agreement for the 12MW station from Pucheng Phase I project terminated upon the effective date of the Pucheng Lease. The ownership of two 12 MW BMPG systems will be transferred to Pucheng at no additional charge when the Pucheng Lease expires.
Jitie Power Generation Projects
In May 2013, Xi’an TCH signed a contract with Sinosteel Jilin Ferroalloys Co., Ltd. (“Jitie”) to build furnace gas WHPG systems for electricity generation from recycled heat and steam from groups of ferroalloy furnaces and electric furnaces (the “Jitie Project”). According to the contract, Xi’an TCH will install a 7.5 MW and a 3 MW turbine power generation system with a total of 10.5 MW power capacity for an estimated total investment of $9.71 million (RMB 60 million). The lease term is twenty-four (24) years. During the term of this lease, Jitie will pay service fees to Xi’an TCH based on the actual generating capacity with a minimum service fee per month of $300,000 (RMB 1.8 million). Xi’an TCH will be responsible for the systems operation and will own the power generation systems. In December 2013, the Jitie Project was completed and began operations.
Chengli Waste Heat Power Generation Projects
On July 24, 2013, Zhonghong entered into a Cooperative Agreement of Coke Dry Quenching (CDQ) and CDQ Waste Heat Power Generation Project with Boxing County Chengli Gas Supply Co., Ltd. (“Chengli”). The parties entered into a supplement agreement on July 26, 2013. Pursuant to these agreements, Zhonghong will design, build and maintain a 25 MW CDQ system and a CDQ WHPG system to supply power to Chengli, and Chengli will pay energy saving fees (the “Chengli Project”). Chengli will contract the operation of the system to a third party contractor that is mutually agreed to by Zhonghong. In addition, Chengli will provide the land for the CDQ system and CDQ WHPG system at no cost to Zhonghong. The term of the Agreements is for twenty (20) years. The first 800 million watt hours generated by the Chengli Project will be charged at RMB 0.42 ($0.068) per kWh (excluding tax); thereafter, the energy saving fee will be RMB 0.20 ($0.036) per kWh (excluding tax). The operating time shall be based upon an average 8,000 hours annually. If the operating time is less than 8,000 hours per year due to a reason attributable to Chengli, then time charged shall be 8,000 hours a year, and if it is less than 8,000 hours due to a reason attributable to Zhonghong, then it shall be charged at actual operating hours. The construction of the Chengli Project is anticipated to be completed in the first quarter of 2015. When operations begin, Chengli shall ensure its coking production line works properly and that working hours for the CDQ system are at least 8,000 hours per year, and Zhonghong shall ensure that working hours and the CDQ WHPG system will be at least 7,200 hours per year.
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On July 22, 2013, Zhonghong entered into an EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) General Contractor Agreement for the Boxing County Chengli Gas Supply Co., Ltd. CDQ Power Generation Project (the “Huaxin Project”) with Xi’an Huaxin New Energy Co., Ltd. (“Huaxin”). Zhonghong, as the owner of the Huaxin Project, contracted engineering, procurement and construction services for a CDQ system and a 25 MW CDQ WHPG system for Chengli to Huaxin. Huaxin shall provide construction, equipment procurement, transportation, installation and adjustment, test run, construction engineering management and other necessary services to complete the Huaxin Project and ensure the CDQ system and CDQ WHPG system for Chengli meet the inspection and acceptance requirements and work normally. The Huaxin Project is a turn-key project where Huaxin is responsible for monitoring the quality, safety, duration and cost of the project. The total contract price is RMB 200 million ($33.34 million), which includes all the materials, equipment, labor, transportation, electricity, water, waste disposal, machinery and safety costs.
Tianyu Waste Heat Power Generation Project
On July 19, 2013, Zhonghong entered into a Cooperative Agreement (the “Tianyu Agreement”) for Energy Management of CDQ and CDQ Waste Heat Power Generation Project with Jiangsu Tianyu Energy and Chemical Group Co., Ltd (“Tianyu”). Pursuant to the Tianyu Agreement, Zhonghong will design, build, operate and maintain two sets of 25 MW CDQ systems and CDQ WHPG systems for two subsidiaries of Tianyu – Xuzhou Tian’an Chemical Co., Ltd (“Xuzhou Tian’an”) and Xuzhou Huayu Coking Co., Ltd (“Xuzhou Huayu”) – to be located at Xuzhou Tian’an and Xuzhou Huayu’s respective locations (the “Tianyu Project”). Upon completion of the Tianyu Project, Zhonghong will charge Tianyu an energy saving service fee of RMB 0.534 ($0.087) per kWh (excluding tax). The operating time will be based upon an average 8,000 hours annually for each of Xuzhou Tian'an and Xuzhou Huayu. If the operating time is less than 8,000 hours per year due to a reason attributable to Tianyu, then time charged will be 8,000 hours a year. The construction of the Tianyu Project is anticipated to be completed in in the middle of 2015. Tianyu will provide the land for the CDQ systems and CDQ WHPG systems for free. Tianyu also guarantees that it will purchase all of the power generated by the CDQ WHPG systems.
On July 22, 2013, Xi’an Zhonghong New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. entered into an EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) General Contractor Agreement for the Xuzhou Tianyu Group CDQ Power Generation Project with Xi’an Huaxin New Energy Co., Ltd. (“Huaxin”). Zhonghong as the owner of the Project contracted EPC for the two sets of CDQ systems and 25 MW CDQ WHPG systems for Tianyu to Huaxin—one for Xuzhou Tian’an and one for Xuzhou Huayu. Huaxin shall provide construction, equipment procurement, transportation, installation and adjustment, test run, construction engineering management and other necessary works to complete the Project and ensure the CDQ systems and CDQ WHPG systems for Tianyu meet the inspection and acceptance requirements and work normally. The project is a turn-key project and Huaxin is responsible for the quality, safety, duration and cost of the Project. The total contract price is RMB 400 million ($66.67 million) of which RMB 200 million ($33.34 million) is for the Xuzhou Tian’an system and RMB 200 million is for the Xuzhou Huayu system. The price is a cover-all price, which includes but not limited to all the materials, equipment, labor, transportation, electricity, water, waste disposal, machinery and safety matters.
Yida Coke Oven Gas Power Generation Project
On June 28, 2014, Xi’an TCH entered into an Asset Transfer Agreement (the “Transfer Agreement”) with Qitaihe City Boli Yida Coal Selection Co., Ltd. (“Yida”), a limited liability company incorporated in China. The Transfer Agreement provided for the sale to Xi’an TCH of a 15 MW coke oven WGPG station, which has been converted from a 15 MW coal gangue power generation station from Yida. As consideration for the Transfer Asset, Xi’an TCH will pay to Yida RMB 115 million ($18.69 million) in the form of the common stock shares of the Company at the average closing price per share of the Stock for the 10 trading days prior to the closing date of the transaction. The exchange rate between US Dollar and Chinese RMB in connection with the stock issuance is the rate equal to the middle rate published by the People’s Bank of China on the closing date of the assets transfer.
On June 28, 2014, Xi’an TCH also entered into a Coke Oven Gas Power Generation Project (“WGPG”) Lease Agreement (the “Lease Agreement”) with Yida. Under the Lease Agreement, Xi'an TCH leased the Transfer Asset to Yida for RMB 3 million ($0.49 million) per month, and the term of the lease is from June 28, 2014 to June 27, 2029. Yida will also provide an RMB 3 million ($0.49 million) security deposit (without interest) for the lease. Xi’an TCH will transfer the Transfer Asset back to Yida at no cost at the end of the term of the lease.
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Zhongtai WHPG Energy Management Cooperative Agreement
On December 6, 2013, Xi’an entered into a CDQ and WHPG Energy Management Cooperative Agreement (the “Zhongtai Agreement”) with Xuzhou Zhongtai Energy Technology Co., Ltd. (“Zhongtai”), a limited liability company incorporated in Jiangsu Province, China.
Pursuant to the Zhongtai Agreement, Xi’an TCH will design, build and maintain a 150 ton per hour CDQ system and a 25 MW CDQ WHPG system and sell the power to Zhongtai, and Xi’an TCH will also build a furnace to generate steam from the waste heat of the smoke pipeline and sell the steam to Zhongtai.
The construction period of the Project is expected to be eighteen (18) months from the date when conditions are ready for construction to begin. Zhongtai will start to pay an energy saving service fee from the date when the WHPG station passes the required 72 hour test run. The term of payment is for twenty (20) years. For the first ten (10) years of the term, Zhongtai shall pay an energy saving service fee at RMB 0.534 ($0.089) per kilowatt hour (including value added tax) for the power generated from the system. For the second ten (10) years of the term, Zhongtai shall pay an energy saving service fee at RMB 0.402 ($0.067) per kilowatt hour (including value added tax). During the term of the contract the energy saving service fee shall be adjusted at the same percentage as the change of local grid electricity price. Zhongtai shall also pay an energy saving service fee for the steam supplied by Xi’an TCH at RMB 100 ($16.67) per ton (including value added tax). Zhongtai and its parent company will provide guarantees to ensure Zhongtai will fulfill its obligations under the Agreement. Upon the completion of the term, Xi’an TCH will transfer the systems to Zhongtai at RMB 1 ($0.16). Zhongtai shall provide waste heat to the systems for no less than 8,000 hours per year and waste gas volume no less than 150,000 Nm3 per hour with a temperature no less than 950°C. If these requirements are not met, the term of the Agreement will be extended accordingly. If Zhongtai wants to terminate the Zhongtai Agreement early, it shall provide Xi’an TCH a 60 day notice and pay the termination fee and compensation for the damages to Xi’an TCH according to the following formula: 1) if it is less than five (5) years into the term when Zhongtai requests termination, Zhongtai shall pay: Xi’an TCH’s total investment amount plus Xi’an TCH’s annual investment return times (five (5) years minus the years in which the system has already operated); or 2) if it is more than five (5) years into the term when Zhongtai requests the termination, Zhongtai shall pay: Xi’an TCH’s total investment amount minus total amortization cost (the amortization period is ten (10) years).
Rongfeng CDQ Power Generation Energy Management Cooperative Agreement
On December 12, 2013, Xi’an TCH entered into a CDQ Power Generation Energy Management Cooperative Agreement with Tangshan Rongfeng Iron & Steel Co., Ltd. (the “Rongfeng Agreement”), a limited liability company incorporated in Hebei Province, China.
Pursuant to the Rongfeng Agreement, Xi’an TCH will design, build and maintain a CDQ system and a CDQ WHPG system and sell the power to Rongfeng. The construction period of the Project is expected to be eighteen (18) months after the Agreement takes effect and from the date when conditions are ready for construction to begin.
Rongfeng will start to pay an energy saving service fee from the date when the WHPG station passes the required 72 hour test run. The term of payment is for twenty (20) years. For the first ten (10) years of the term, Rongfeng shall pay an energy saving service fee at RMB 0.582 ($0.095) per kilowatt hour (including tax) for the power generated from the system. For the second ten (10) years of the term, Rongfeng shall pay an energy saving service fee at RMB 0.432 ($0.071) per kWh (including tax). During the term of the contract the energy saving service fee shall be adjusted at the same percentage as the change of local grid electricity price. Rongfeng and its parent company will provide guarantees to ensure Rongfeng will fulfill its obligations under the Rongfeng Agreement. Upon the completion of the term, Xi’an TCH will transfer the systems to Rongfeng at RMB 1. Rongfeng shall provide waste heat to the systems for no less than 8,000 hours per year with a temperature no less than 950°C. If these requirements are not met, the term of the Agreement will be extended accordingly. If Rongfeng wants to terminate the Agreement early, it shall provide Xi’an TCH a 60 day notice and pay the termination fee and compensation for the damages to Xi’an TCH according to the following formula: 1) if it is less than five (5) years (including five (5) years) into the term when Rongfeng requests termination, Rongfeng shall pay: Xi’an TCH’s total investment amount plus Xi’an TCH’s average annual investment return times (five (5) years minus the years of which the system has already operated); 2) if it is more than five (5) years into the term when Rongfeng requests the termination, Rongfeng shall pay: Xi’an TCH’s total investment amount minus total amortization cost (the amortization period is ten (10) years).
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Baoliyuan CDQ Power Generation Energy Management Cooperative Agreement
On March 26, 2014, Xi’an TCH entered into a CDQ Waste Heat Recycling Project Energy Management Cooperative Agreement with Tangshan Baoliyuan Coking Co., Ltd. (“Baoliyuan”), a limited liability company incorporated in Hebei Province, China.
Pursuant to the Agreement, Xi’an TCH will design, build and maintain a CDQ system and a CDQ WHPG system and sell the power to Baoliyuan (the “CDQ Project”) and Xi’an TCH will also build a high scale waste water treatment system for Baoliyuan and charge monthly payment for two (2) years (the “Waste Water Treatment Project”).
The construction period of the CDQ Project is expected to be fifteen (15) months from the effective date of the Agreement. Baoliyuan will start to pay an energy saving fee from the date when the WHPG station passes the required 72 hour test run. The term of payment is for twenty (20) years and Baoliyuan shall pay an energy saving fee at RMB 0.7 ($0.114) per kilowatt hour (including tax) for the power generated from the system, from which Xi’an TCH shall take 92.86% and Baoliyuan shall take 7.14% as parties to share the energy saving benefits. During the term of the contract the energy saving fee shall be adjusted at the same percentage as the change of local grid electricity price. Baoliyuan shall provide guarantees to ensure it will fulfill its obligations under the Agreement. Upon the completion of the term, Xi’an TCH will transfer the systems to Baoliyuan at RMB 1.
Baoliyuan shall provide waste heat to the systems for no less than 8,000 hours per year and coking production shall reach 80% of its capacity. If these requirements are not met, the energy saving fee will be calculated according to such hours and capacity.
If Baoliyuan wants to terminate the Agreement early, it shall provide Xi’an TCH a 60 day notice and pay the termination fee and compensation for the damages to Xi’an TCH according to the following formula: 1) if it is less than five (5) years (including five (5) years) into the term when Baoliyuan requests termination, Baoliyuan shall pay: Xi’an TCH’s total investment amount plus Xi’an TCH’s average annual investment return times (five (5) years minus the years of which the system has already operated); 2) if it is more than five (5) years into the term when Baoliyuan requests the termination, Baoliyuan shall pay: Xi’an TCH’s total investment amount minus total amortization cost (the amortization period is twenty (20) years).
From the first month of the completion of Waste Water Treatment Project, Baoliyuan shall pay a fixed monthly fee for the waste water treatment system at RMB 1.05 million per month ($171,010) for the first twelve (12) months and RMB 940,000 per month ($153,094) for the next twelve (12) months.
As of December 31, 2014, the project has not yet commenced because Baoliyuan has not obtained all the necessary permission for the construction from local government.
Related Party Transactions
On March 1, 2014, Xi’an TCH entered a loan agreement with Mr. Ku, a major shareholder and the Company’s Chairman and CEO, in which Mr. Ku will loan the Company, from time to time, up to RMB 80 million ($13 million) for the Company’s operating needs. The loan bore no interest, had one-year term from the actual lending date, the Company can repay the principal in installment. As of December 31, 2014, the Company did not have any ourstanding balance on the loan from Mr. Ku, but had $40,954 in advances from the Company’s management, which bore no interest, and payable upon demand of the management.
On August 27, 2014, the Company entered into a Share Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Mr. Guohua Ku. Pursuant to the Agreement, the Company issued to Mr. Ku, 13,829,074 shares of common stock of the Company on September 5, 2014. The purchase price per share for the Shares shall be the average closing price quoted on the NASDAQ Global Market for the common stock of the Company for 15 trading days prior to the effective date of the Agreement, which was $1.37 per share. The Company received payments in two installments of $12 million and $6.91 million on September 5, 2014 and September 12, 2014 respectively in equivalent of RMB 74.05 million and RMB 42.85 million respectively using the middle exchange rate between USD and RMB published by the People’s Bank of China on the effective date of the agreement pursuant to its terms. These shares were recorded using the FV of $1.49 per share. The Company shall file a registration statement for the registration of the Shares for their resale by Mr. Ku within 180 days from the effective date of this Agreement; the Company is currently working on the registration statement.
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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based on our consolidated financial statements, which were prepared in accordance with US GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements as well as the reported net sales and expenses during the reporting periods. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and assumptions. We base our estimates on historical experience and various other factors that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
While our significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements, we believe the following accounting policies are the most critical to assist you in fully understanding and evaluating this management discussion and analysis.
Basis of Presentation
These accompanying consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with US GAAP and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC for financial statements.
Basis of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CREG and, its subsidiary, Sifang Holdings; Sifang Holdings’ wholly-owned subsidiaries, Huahong and Shanghai TCH; Shanghai TCH’s wholly-owned subsidiary Xi’an TCH; and Xi’an TCH’s subsidiaries, Erdos TCH and Zhonghong. Substantially all of the Company’s revenues are derived from the operations of Shanghai TCH and its subsidiaries, which represent substantially all of the Company’s consolidated assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions were eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates
In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the balance sheets as well as revenues and expenses during the year reported. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
Concentration of Credit Risk
Cash includes cash on hand and demand deposits in accounts maintained within China. Balances at financial institutions within China are not covered by insurance. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts.
Certain other financial instruments, which subject the Company to concentration of credit risk, consist of accounts and other receivables. The Company does not require collateral or other security to support these receivables. The Company conducts periodic reviews of its customers’ financial condition and customer payment practices to minimize collection risk on accounts receivable.
The operations of the Company are located in the PRC. Accordingly, the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations may be influenced by the political, economic and legal environments in the PRC.
Revenue Recognition
Sales-type Leasing and Related Revenue Recognition
The Company constructs and then leases waste energy recycling power generating projects to its customers. The Company typically transfers ownership of the waste energy recycling power generating projects to its customers at the end of each lease. Investment in these projects is recorded as investment in sales-type leases in accordance with “Accounting for Leases” (codified in Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 840 and its various amendments and interpretations. The Company manufactures and constructs waste energy recycling power generating projects and finances its customers for the costs of the projects. The sales and cost of sales are recognized at the time of sale or inception of the lease. The investment in sales-type leases consists of the sum of the total minimum lease payments receivable less unearned interest income and estimated executory cost. Unearned interest income is amortized to income over the lease term so as to produce a constant periodic rate of return on the net investment in the lease. While a portion of revenue is recognized at the inception of the lease, the cash flow from the sales-type lease occurs over the course of the lease. Revenue is net of the Value Added Tax.
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Contingent Rental Income
The Company records the income from actual electricity usage in addition to minimum lease payment of each project as contingent rental income in the period earned. Contingent rent is not part of minimum lease payments.
Foreign Currency Translation and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The Company’s functional currency is RMB. For financial reporting purposes, RMB figures were translated into USD as the reporting currency. Assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rate in effect on the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses are translated at the average rate of exchange prevailing during the reporting period. Translation adjustments arising from the use of different exchange rates from period to period are included as a component of stockholders’ equity as “Accumulated other comprehensive income.” Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are included in income. There has been no significant fluctuation in exchange rate for the conversion of RMB to USD after the balance sheet date.
The Company uses “Reporting Comprehensive Income” (codified in FASB ASC Topic 220). Comprehensive income is comprised of net income and all changes to the statements of stockholders’ equity, except those due to investments by stockholders, changes in paid-in capital and distributions to stockholders.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Comparison of Years Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013
The following table sets forth the results of our operations for the periods indicated as a percentage of net sales:
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||||||
| % of Sales | % of Sales | |||||||||||||||
| Sales | $ | 19,659,069 | 100 | % | $ | 63,193,190 | 100 | % | ||||||||
| Sales of systems | 18,868,632 | 96 | % | 62,013,135 | 98 | % | ||||||||||
| Contingent rental income | 790,437 | 4 | % | 1,180,055 | 2 | % | ||||||||||
| Cost of sales (“COS”) | 14,585,462 | 74 | % | 47,847,313 | 76 | % | ||||||||||
| Cost of systems | 14,585,462 | 74 | % | 47,847,313 | 76 | % | ||||||||||
| Gross profit | 5,073,607 | 26 | % | 15,345,877 | 24 | % | ||||||||||
| Interest income on sales-type lease | 26,458,713 | 135 | % | 19,344,855 | 31 | % | ||||||||||
| Total operating income | 31,532,320 | 161 | % | 34,690,732 | 55 | % | ||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | (3,494,711 | ) | (18 | )% | (4,160,742 | ) | (7 | )% | ||||||||
| Income from operations | 28,037,609 | 143 | % | 30,529,990 | 48 | % | ||||||||||
| Total non-operating expenses, net | (2,201,150 | ) | (11 | )% | (7,827,583 | ) | (12 | )% | ||||||||
| Income before income tax | 25,836,459 | 132 | % | 22,702,407 | 36 | % | ||||||||||
| Income tax expense | 6,111,267 | 31 | % | 6,886,601 | 11 | % | ||||||||||
| Less: net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling-interest | (86,730 | ) | - | % | 186,270 | - | % | |||||||||
| Net income attributable to China Recycling Energy Corp | $ | 19,811,922 | 101 | % | $ | 15,629,536 | 25 | % | ||||||||
SALES. Total sales, including system sales and contingent rental income, for the year ended December 31, 2014 were $19.66 million while total sales for the comparable period of 2013 were $63.19 million, a decrease of $43.53 million as a result of sales of fewer systems. Of the total sales, sales of systems for the year ended December 31, 2014 were $18.87 million, as compared to $62.01 million for the comparable period of 2013, a decrease of $43.14 million. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Yida project was completed and sold. In comparison, in the same period of 2013, the Shenqiu Phase II project, the Shanxi Datong Phase I project, the Pucheng Biomass Phase II project, and the Jitie projectwere completed and sold. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company received contingent rental income of $0.79 million from the usage of electricity in addition to the minimum lease payments, compared to $1.18 million for the comparable period in year 2013. For the sales-type lease, sales and cost of sales (“COS”) are recorded at the time of the lease; in addition to sales revenue, our other major source of revenue is interest income from the sales-type leases.
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COST OF SALES. COS for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $14.59 million while our COS for the comparable period of 2013 was $47.85 million, a decrease of $33.26 million. This decrease was mainly due to only sales of the Yida project for the year ended December 31, 2014, in comparison to the comparable period in 2013 when the Shenqiu Phase II project, Shanxi Datong Phase I project, the Pucheng Biomass Phase II project, and the Jitie project were sold.
GROSS PROFIT. Gross profit was $5.07 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to $15.35 million for the comparable period of 2013, representing a blended gross margin of 26% and 24% for the comparable period of 2014 and 2013, respectively.
INTEREST INCOME ON SALES-TYPE LEASES. Interest income on sales-type leases for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $26.46 million, a $7.11 million increase from $19.34 million for the comparable period of 2013. This increase was primarily due to a greater number of sales-type leases in the comparable period of 2014. During the year ended December 31, 2014, interest income was derived from the following sixteen (16) sales-type leases:
| i. | One (1) TRT system to Zhangzhi (13 years), sold and terminated on September 24, 2014; | ||
| ii. | One (1) CHPG system to Jing Yang Shengwei (5 years), expired on June 30, 2014; | ||
| iii. | Two (2) BMPG systems to Pucheng Phase I and II (15 and 11.9 years, respectively); | ||
| iv. | One (1) BMPG system to Shenqiu Phase I (11 years); | ||
| v. | One (1) BMPG system to Shenqiu Phase II (9.5 years); | ||
| vi. | Five (5) power and steam generating systems to Erdos (20 years); | ||
| vii. | One (1) WHPG system to Zhongbao (9 years), sold and terminated on December 22, 2014; | ||
| viii. | One (1) WHPG system to Jitie (24 years); | ||
| ix. | Two (2) BPRT systems to Shanxi Datong (30 years); and | ||
| x. | One (1) WGPG system to Yida (15 years). |
In comparison, during the comparable period of 2013, interest income was derived from fifteen (15) systems: one (1) TRT system, two (2) CHPG systems, two (2) systems for the Erdos Phase I project, three (3) systems for the Erdos Phase II project, two (2) BMPG systems to Pucheng, two (2) BMPG systems to Shenqiu, one (1) WHPG system to Zhongbao, one (1) WHPG system to Jitie, and one (1) BPRT system for the Shanxi Datong Phase I project.
OPERATING EXPENSES. Operating expenses consisted of general and administrative expenses totaling $3.49 million for theyear ended December 31, 2014 as compared to $4.16million for the comparable period of 2013, a decrease of $0.67 million or 16%. The decrease was mainly due to a $0.59 million decrease in consulting expenses compared to the same period of last year.
NON-OPERATING INCOME (EXPENSES). Non-operating income (expenses) consisted of non-sales-type lease interest income, interest expenses, bank charges and miscellaneous expenses. For the year ended December 31, 2014, net non-operating expense was $2.20 million compared to $7.83 million for the comparable period of 2013. For the year ended December 31, 2014, we had $3.43 million interest expense on loans, and $1.02 million other income mainly consisted of $0.93 million income from sale of TRT system to Zhangzhi and $1.76 million income from sale of WHPG system to Zhongbao, but offset with$1.58 million financial expense including an amortized consulting fee of $1.54 million for the Company’s Zhonghong funding project. In addition, we had $0.19 million interest income. For the comparable period of 2013, we had $6.72 million interest expense on loans, and a $1.29 million one-time commission to the Fund Management Company for initiating and completing a RMB 460 million ($75.0 million) financing for the Company, but $0.23 million interest income.
INCOME TAX EXPENSE. Income tax expense was $6.11 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, a decrease of $0.78 million from $6.89 million for the comparable period of 2013. The decrease was mainly due to the 15% preferential income tax rate of Xi’an TCH in 2014, and income tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2013 was 25%. In July 2013, Xi’an TCH was re-approved for high tech enterprise status and enjoyed 15% preferential income tax rate effective on January 1, 2013; however, it is a change of accounting estimates and only affect the Company’s financial statements going forward. The consolidated effective income tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were 23.7% and 30.3%, respectively; the decrease of effective income tax rate in 2014 was mainly due to the preferential income tax rate of 15% for Xi’an TCH. The income tax rate for Shanghai TCH was 25% for 2014 and 2013. Huahong, Erdos TCH and Zhonghong’s income tax rate for 2014 and 2013 was 25%.
NET INCOME. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $19.81 million compared to net income of $15.63 million for the comparable period of 2013, an increase of $4.18 million. This increase in net income was mainly due to increased interest income from sales-type leases and decreased non-operating expenses in the year ended December 31, 2014.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
Comparison of the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013
As of December 31, 2014, the Company had cash and equivalents of $35.87 million, other current assets of $9.70 million, current liabilities of $26.66 million, working capital of $18.91 million, current ratio of 1.70:1 and debt-to-equity ratio of 0.69:1.
The following is a summary of cash provided by or used in each of the indicated types of activities during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| Cash provided by (used in): | ||||||||
| Operating Activities | $ | (35,120,170 | ) | $ | (70,277,259 | ) | ||
| Investing Activities | 2,276,815 | (12,313,662 | ) | |||||
| Financing Activities | 60,803,472 | 44,504,818 | ||||||
Net cash used in operating activities was $35.12 million during the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to $70.28 million used in operating activities in the comparable period of 2013. The decrease in net cash outflow was mainly due to increased collection on sales-type lease receivables and net income, decreased other receivable outstanding, and increased tax payable and other payables outstanding; however, the decrease in cash outflow was partially offset by payment for accounts payable and increased payments in connection with the construction and commencement of the Xuzhou Zhongtai project and Tangshan Rongfeng project.
Net cash provided by investing activities was $2.28 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to $12.31 million used in investing activities in the comparable period of 2013. We had $2.28 million cash inflow for restricted cash in the year ended December 31, 2014 compared with $0.50 million in the same period of 2013. In addition, we had cash outflow for an investment of $0.64 million in Fund Management Company and an investment of $12.0 million in HYREF Fund in the period of 2013.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $60.80 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $44.50 million for the comparable period of 2013. The cash inflow in the year ended December 31, 2014 included $60.83 million of loan proceeds, $18.92 million proceeds from shares issued to Mr. Ku, a major shareholder and the Company's Chairman and CEO, and $0.65 million from decreased notes receivable, but was offset by $15.83 million repayment of bank loans, $1.41 million repayment of a long-term payable, and $2.36 million repayment to Mr. Ku’s advance to the Company. In comparison, the cash inflow for the year ended December 31, 2013, resulted from $89.63 million in bank loan proceeds and proceeds from the Fund, $2.33 million advance from Mr. Ku, and $0.40 million contribution from non-controlling interest, but was offset by $44.40 million repayment of bank loans, $1.31 million repayment of a long-term payable, $0.64 million increased notes receivable, $0.23 million profit distribution to the non-controlling interest of the JV, and $1.29 million for the purchase of the non-controlling interest of the JV.
We believe we have sufficient cash to continue our current business through 2015 based on recurring receipts from existing sales-type leases. As of December 31, 2014, the lease on one CHPG system had expired, one TRT system hadwas sold and terminated, and one WHPG system was sold and terminated. We have five recycling WHPG systems from the Erdos projects, four BMPG systems (two for Pucheng and two for Shenqiu), one WHPG system for Jitie, two BPRT systems for Shanxi Datong, and one WGPG system for Yida (first receipt comes in July 2014), all of which generate cash flow. In addition, we have access to bank loans in case of an immediate need for working capital. We believe we have sufficient cash resources to cover our anticipated capital expenditures in 2014. In addition, we currently have 13 systems in operation with minimum monthly lease payments of RMB 16.41 million ($2.67 million).
We do not believe inflation has had or will have a significant negative impact on our results of operations in 2014 and 2015.
Transfers of Cash To and From our Subsidiaries
The PRC has currency and capital transfer regulations that require us to comply with regulations for the movement of capital. The Company is able to transfer cash (US Dollars) to its PRC subsidiaries through: (i) an investment (by increasing the Company’s registered capital in a PRC subsidiary), or (ii) a shareholder loan. Except as described below, the Company’s subsidiaries in the PRC have not transferred any earnings or cash to the Company to date. The Company’s business is primarily conducted through its subsidiaries. The Company is a holding company and its material assets consist solely of the ownership interests held in its PRC subsidiaries. The Company relies on dividends paid by its subsidiaries for its working capital and cash needs, including the funds necessary: (i) to pay dividends or cash distributions to its shareholders, (ii) to service any debt obligations and (iii) to pay operating expenses. As a result of PRC laws and regulations (noted below) that require annual appropriations of 10% of after-tax income to be set aside in a general reserve fund prior to payment of dividends, the Company’s PRC subsidiaries are restricted in that respect, as well as in others respects noted below, in their ability to transfer a portion of their net assets to the Company as a dividend.
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With respect to transferring cash from the Company to its subsidiaries, increasing the Company’s registered capital in a PRC subsidiary requires the pre-approval of the local commerce department, while a shareholder loan requires a filing with the state administration of foreign exchange or its local bureau.
With respect to the payment of dividends, we note the following:
| 1. | PRC regulations currently permit the payment of dividends only out of accumulated profits, as determined in accordance with accounting standards and PRC regulations (an in-depth description of the PRC regulations is set forth below); |
| 2. | Our PRC subsidiaries are required to set aside, at a minimum, 10% of their net income after taxes, based on PRC accounting standards, each year as statutory surplus reserves until the cumulative amount of such reserves reaches 50% of their registered capital; |
| 3. | Such reserves may not be distributed as cash dividends; |
| 4. | Our PRC subsidiaries may also allocate a portion of their after-tax profits to fund their staff welfare and bonus funds; except in the event of a liquidation, these funds may also not be distributed to shareholders; the Company does not participate in a Common Welfare Fund; |
| 5. | The incurrence of debt, specifically the instruments governing such debt, may restrict a subsidiary’s ability to pay shareholder dividends or make other cash distributions; and |
| 6. | The Company is subject to covenants and consent requirements (presently, the Company has all consents necessary). |
If, for the reasons noted above, our subsidiaries are unable to pay shareholder dividends and/or make other cash payments to the Company when needed, the Company’s ability to conduct operations, make investments, engage in acquisitions, or undertake other activities requiring working capital may be materially and adversely affected. However, our operations and business, including investment and/or acquisitions by our subsidiaries within China, will not be affected as long as the capital is not transferred in or out of the PRC.
PRC Regulations
In accordance with PRC regulations on Enterprises with Foreign Investment and their articles of association, a foreign-invested enterprise (“FIE”) established in the PRC is required to provide statutory reserves, which are appropriated from net profit, as reported in the FIE’s PRC statutory accounts. An FIE is required to allocate at least 10% of its annual after-tax profit to the surplus reserve until such reserve has reached 50% of its respective registered capital (based on the FIE’s PRC statutory accounts). The aforementioned reserves may only be used for specific purposes and may not be distributed as cash dividends. Until such contribution of capital is satisfied, the FIE is not allowed to repatriate profits to its shareholders, unless approved by the State Administration of Foreign Exchange. After satisfaction of this requirement, the remaining funds may be appropriated at the discretion of the FIE’s board of directors. Our subsidiary, Shanghai TCH, qualifies as an FIE and is therefore subject to the above-mandated regulations on distributable profits.
Additionally, in accordance with PRC corporate law, a domestic enterprise is required to maintain a surplus reserve of at least 10% of its annual after-tax profit until such reserve has reached 50% of its respective registered capital based on the enterprise’s PRC statutory accounts. A domestic enterprise is also required to provide discretionary surplus reserve, at the discretion of the board of directors, from the profits determined in accordance with the enterprise’s PRC statutory accounts. The aforementioned reserves can only be used for specific purposes and may not be distributed as cash dividends. Xi’an TCH, Huahong, and Erdos TCH were established as domestic enterprises; therefore, each is subject to the above-mentioned restrictions on distributable profits.
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As a result of PRC laws and regulations that require annual appropriations of 10% of after-tax income to be set aside, prior to payment of dividends, in a general reserve fund, the Company’s PRC subsidiaries are restricted in their ability to transfer a portion of their net assets to the Company as a dividend or otherwise.
Chart of the Company’s Statutory Reserve
Pursuant to PRC corporate law, effective on January 1, 2006, the Company is now required to maintain a statutory reserve by appropriating from its after-tax profit before declaration or payment of dividends. The statutory reserve represents restricted retained earnings. Our restricted and unrestricted retained earnings under US GAAP are set forth below:
| As at December 31, | ||||||||
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| Unrestricted retained earnings | $ | 68,199,797 | $ | 50,603,291 | ||||
| Restricted retained earnings (surplus reserve fund) | 11,888,170 | 9,672,754 | ||||||
| Retained earnings (including surplus reserve fund) | $ | 80,087,967 | $ | 60,276,045 | ||||
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have not entered into any other financial guarantees or other commitments to guarantee the payment obligations of any third parties. We have not entered into any derivative contracts that are indexed to our shares and classified as stockholders’ equity or that are not reflected in our consolidated financial statements. Furthermore, we do not have any retained or contingent interest in assets transferred to an unconsolidated entity that serves as credit, liquidity or market risk support to such entity. We do not have any variable interest in any unconsolidated entity that provides financing, liquidity, market risk or credit support to us or engages in leasing, hedging or research and development services with us.
Contractual Obligations
Company’s contractual obligations as of December 31, 2014 are as follows:
| Contractual Obligation | 1 year or less | More than 1 year | See Note (for details) | |||||||||
| Bank loans and trust loan payable | $ | 15,729,694 | $ | 63,114,888 | 12 | |||||||
| Long term payable – current portion | 2,401,405 | - | 13 | |||||||||
| Entrusted loan | - | 62,428,501 | 12 | |||||||||
| Total | $ | 18,131,099 | $ | 125,543,389 | ||||||||
The Company believes that it has a stable cash inflow each month and a sufficient channel to commercial institutions to obtain any loans that may be necessary to meet its working capital needs. Historically, we have been able to obtain loans or otherwise achieve our financing objectives due to the Chinese government’s support for energy-saving businesses with stable cash inflows, good credit ratings and history. The Company does not believe it will have difficulties related to the repayment of its outstanding short-term loans.
Commitments
Shanxi Datong Coal Group Power Generation Projects
In February 2011, Xi’an TCH entered into an agreement with Shanxi Datong Coal Group Steel Co., Ltd (“Shanxi Datong”) to recycle gas and steam from groups of blast-furnaces and converter of Shanxi Datong’s metal refining plants to generate power. According to the contract, Xi’an TCH will install two 3MW BPRT, and one 15MW WGPG with a total of 21MW power capacity for an estimated total investment of $27.45 million (RMB 180 million). The lease term is thirty (30) years. During the term of the lease, Shanxi Datong will pay service fee to Xi’an TCH. The service fee is based on an average of 8,000 electricity-generating hours per year and $0.05 (RMB 0.33) per kWh for the first five (5) years from the completion of each power generation station. For each of the leases, at the 6th year, 11th year and 21st year thereafter, the rate will be RMB 0.3 kWh, 0.27 kWh and 0.25 kWh, respectively. After thirty (30) years, the units will be transferred to Shanxi Datong without any charge.
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As of December 31, 2014, the two 3 MW BPRT systems were completed, and the Company had paid $18.43 million for the remaining Shanxi Datong Coal Group Power Generation projects. The Company is committed to pay an additional $2.45 million for completing the Shanxi Datong Coal Group Power Generation projects.
Boxing Chengli Power Generation Projects
On July 24, 2013, Zhonghong entered into a Cooperative Agreement of Coke Dry Quenching (“CDQ”) and CDQ Waste Heat Power Generation Project with Boxing County Chengli Gas Supply Co., Ltd. (“Chengli”), including a supplement agreement entered by the parties on July 26, 2013.
Pursuant to the agreements, Zhonghong will design, build and maintain a CDQ system and a 25 MW CDQ WHPG system to supply power to Chengli, and Chengli will pay energy saving fees. Chengli will contract the operation of the system to a third party contractor that is mutually agreed to by Zhonghong. In addition, Chengli will provide the land for the CDQ system and CDQ WHPG system at no cost to Zhonghong. The term of the Agreements is for twenty (20) years. The energy saving service fees generated by the Project will be charged at RMB 0.42 ($0.068) per kWh (excluding tax). The operating time shall be based upon an average 8,000 hours annually. If the operating time is less than 8,000 hours due to a reason attributable to Chengli’s, then time charged shall be 8,000 hours a year, and if it is less than 8,000 hours due to a reason attributable to Zhonghong, then it shall be charged at actual operating hours. The construction of the Project is anticipated to be completed in the second quarter of 2015. From the date of the operation, Chengli shall ensure its coking production line works properly and that working hours for the CDQ system are no less than 8,000 hours/year, while Zhonghong shall ensure that working hours and the CDQ WHPG system will be no less than 7,200 hours/year.
On July 22, 2013, Xi’an Zhonghong New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. entered into a EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) General Contractor Agreement for the Boxing County Chengli Gas Supply Co., Ltd. CDQ Power Generation Project (the “Project”) with Xi’an Huaxin New Energy Co., Ltd. (“Huaxin”). Zhonghong as the owner of the Project contracted EPC for a CDQ system and a 25 MW CDQ WHPG system for Chengli to Huaxin. Huaxin shall provide construction, equipment procurement, transportation, installation and adjustment, test run, construction engineering management and other necessary works to complete the Project and ensure the CDQ system and CDQ WHPG system for Chengli meet the inspection and acceptance requirements and work normally. The project is a turn-key project and Huaxin is responsible for the quality, safety, duration and cost of the Project. The total contract price is RMB 200 million ($33.34 million). The price is a cover-all price which includes but is not limited to all the materials, equipment, labor, transportation, electricity, water, waste disposal, machinery and safety matters. As of December 31, 2014, Zhonghong has paid $26.75 million for the project, and is committed to pay an additional $9.81 million for the Boxing project.
Xuzhou Tian’an and Xuzhou Huayu CDQ Power Generation Projects
On July 19, 2013, Zhonghong entered into a Cooperative Agreement for Energy Management of CDQ and CDQ Waste Heat Power Generation Project (the “Tianyu Project”) with Jiangsu Tianyu Energy and Chemical Group Co., Ltd. (“Tianyu”).
Pursuant to the Tianyu Agreement, Zhonghong will design, build, operate and maintain two sets of 25 MW CDQ systems and CDQ WHPG systems for two subsidiaries of Tianyu: one is for and will be located at Xuzhou Tian’an Chemical Co., Ltd and one set is for and will be located at Xuzhou Huayu Coking Co., Ltd. Upon the completion of the Tianyu Project, Zhonghong will charge Tianyu an energy saving service fee of RMB 0.534 ($0.088) per kWh (excluding tax). The operating time shall be based upon an average 8,000 hours annually. If the operating time is less than 8,000 hours a year due to the reason attributable to Tianyu, then time charged shall be 8,000 hours a year. The construction of the Tianyu Project is anticipated to be completed the end of 2015 and the middle of 2016. Tianyu will provide the land for the CDQ systems and CDQ WHPG systems for free. Tianyu also provided a guarantee to purchase all the power generated by the CDQ WHPG system.
On July 22, 2013, Xi’an Zhonghong New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. entered into an EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) General Contractor Agreement for the Xuzhou Tianyu Group CDQ Power Generation Project (the “Project”) with Xi’an Huaxin New Energy Co., Ltd. (“Huaxin”). Zhonghong as the owner of the Project contracted EPC for the two sets of CDQ systems and 25 MW CDQ WHPG systems for Tianyu to Huaxin—one for Xuzhou Tian’an and one for Xuzhou Huayu. Huaxin shall provide construction, equipment procurement, transportation, installation and adjustment, test run, construction engineering management and other necessary works to complete the Project and ensure the CDQ systems and CDQ WHPG systems for Tianyu meet the inspection and acceptance requirements and work normally. The project is a turn-key project and Huaxin is responsible for the quality, safety, duration and cost of the Project. The total contract price is RMB 400 million ($66.67 million) of which RMB 200 million ($33.34 million) is for the Xuzhou Tian’an system and RMB 200 million is for the Xuzhou Huayu system. The price is a cover-all price which includes but not limited to all the materials, equipment, labor, transportation, electricity, water, waste disposal, machinery and safety matters. As of December 31, 2014, Zhonghong has paid $28.51 million for Huayu project and $25.70 million for the Tian’an project and is committed to pay an additional $8.17 million for Huayu project and $9.81 million for Tian’an project.
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Zhongtai Waste Heat Power Generation Energy Management Cooperative Agreement
On December 6, 2013, Xi’an entered into a CDQ and Waste Heat Power Generation Energy Management Cooperative Agreement with Xuzhou Zhongtai Energy Technology Co., Ltd. (the “Zhongtai Agreement”), a limited liability company incorporated in Jiangsu Province, China.
Pursuant to the Zhongtai Agreement, Xi’an TCH will design, build and maintain a 150 ton per hour CDQ system and a 25 MW CDQ WHPG system and sell the power to Zhongtai, and Xi’an TCH will also build a furnace to generate steam from the waste heat of the smoke pipeline and sell the steam to Zhongtai.
The construction period of the Project is expected to be eighteen (18) months from the date when conditions are ready for construction to begin. Zhongtai will start to pay an energy saving service fee from the date when the WHPG station passes the required 72 hour test run. The term of payment is for twenty (20) years. For the first ten (10) years of the term, Zhongtai shall pay an energy saving service fee at RMB 0.534 ($0.089) per kWh (including value added tax) for the power generated from the system. For the second ten (10) years of the term, Zhongtai shall pay an energy saving service fee at RMB 0.402 ($0.067) per kWh (including value added tax). Zhongtai shall also pay an energy saving service fee for the steam supplied by Xi’an TCH at RMB 100 ($16.67) per ton (including value added tax). Upon the completion of the term, Xi’an TCH will transfer the systems to Zhongtai at RMB 1. Zhongtai shall provide waste heat to the systems for no less than 8,000 hours per year and waste gas volume no less than 150,000 Nm3 per hour with a temperature no less than 950°C. If these requirements are not met, the term of the Agreement will be extended accordingly. If Zhongtai wants to terminate the Agreement early, it shall provide Xi’an TCH a 60 day notice and pay the termination fee and compensation for the damages to Xi’an TCH according to the following formula: 1) if it is less than five (5) years into the term when Zhongtai requests termination, Zhongtai shall pay: Xi’an TCH’s total investment amount plus Xi’an TCH’s annual investment return times (five (5) years minus the years of which the system has already operated); 2) if it is more than five (5) years into the term when Zhongtai requests the termination, Zhongtai shall pay: Xi’an TCH’s total investment amount minus total amortization cost (the amortization period is ten (10) years). As of December 31, 2014, the Company has paid $26.57 million for the Zhongtai project, and is committed to pay an additional $8.28 million for completing the project.
Rongfeng CDQ Power Generation Energy Management Cooperative Agreement
On December 12, 2013, Xi’an TCH entered into a CDQ Power Generation Energy Management Cooperative Agreement (with Tangshan Rongfeng Iron & Steel Co., Ltd. (the “Rongfeng Agreement”), a limited liability company incorporated in Hebei Province, China. Pursuant to the Rongfeng Agreement, Xi’an TCH will design, build and maintain a CDQ system and a CDQ WHPG system and sell the power to Rongfeng. The construction period of the Project is expected to be eighteen (18) months after the Agreement takes effect and from the date when conditions are ready for construction to begin.
Rongfeng will start to pay an energy saving service fee from the date when the WHPG station passes the required 72 hour test run. The term of payment is for twenty (20) years. For the first ten (10) years of the term, Rongfeng shall pay an energy saving service fee at RMB 0.582 ($0.095) per kWh (including tax) for the power generated from the system. For the second ten (10) years of the term, Rongfeng shall pay an energy saving service fee at RMB 0.432 ($0.071) per kWh (including tax). During the term of the contract the energy saving service fee shall be adjusted at the same percentage as the change of local grid electricity price. Rongfeng and its parent company will provide guarantees to ensure Rongfeng will fulfill its obligations under the Rongfeng Agreement. Upon the completion of the term, Xi’an TCH will transfer the systems to Rongfeng at RMB 1. Rongfeng shall provide waste heat to the systems for no less than 8,000 hours per year with a temperature no less than 950°C. If these requirements are not met, the term of the Agreement will be extended accordingly. If Rongfeng wants to terminate the Agreement early, it shall provide Xi’an TCH a 60 day notice and pay the termination fee and compensation for the damages to Xi’an TCH according to the following formula: 1) if it is less than five (5) years (including five (5) years) into the term when Rongfeng requests termination, Rongfeng shall pay: Xi’an TCH’s total investment amount plus Xi’an TCH’s average annual investment return times (five (5) years minus the years of which the system has already operated); 2) if it is more than five (5) years into the term when Rongfeng requests the termination, Rongfeng shall pay: Xi’an TCH’s total investment amount minus total amortization cost (the amortization period is ten (10) years). As of December 31, 2014, the Company has paid $28.37 million for the Rongfeng project, and is committed to pay an additional $2.42 million for completing the project.
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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Not applicable.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
China Recycling Energy Corporation
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of China Recycling Energy Corporation as of December 31, 2014, and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended. China Recycling Energy Corporation’s management is responsible for these financial statements. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of China Recycling Energy Corporation as of December 31, 2014, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
| MJF & Associates, APC | |
| Los Angeles, CA | |
| March 20, 2015 | |
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Board of Directors and Shareholders of
China Recycling Energy Corporation
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of China Recycling Energy Corporation and Subsidiaries (the “Company” or “CREG”) as of December 31, 2013 and the related consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income (loss), shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2013. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall consolidated financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of China Recycling Energy Corporation and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2013 and the consolidated results of their operations and their consolidated cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2013, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ Goldman Kurland and Mohidin, LLP
Encino, California
March 20, 2014
| -50- |
CHINA RECYCLING ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER, 31, 2014 AND 2013
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| ASSETS | ||||||||
| CURRENT ASSETS | ||||||||
| Cash and equivalents | $ | 35,871,030 | $ | 7,701,530 | ||||
| Restricted cash | - | 2,296,249 | ||||||
| Accounts receivable | 16,330 | 71,573 | ||||||
| Current portion of investment in sales type leases, net | 6,561,984 | 9,063,386 | ||||||
| Interest receivable on sales type leases | 974,526 | 765,010 | ||||||
| Prepaid expenses | 951,180 | 1,045,802 | ||||||
| Other receivables | 1,196,684 | 1,813,220 | ||||||
| Notes receivable | - | 656,071 | ||||||
| Prepaid loan fees - current | - | 83,649 | ||||||
| Total current assets | 45,571,734 | 23,496,490 | ||||||
| NON-CURRENT ASSETS | ||||||||
| Prepaid loan fees - noncurrent | - | 125,474 | ||||||
| Investment in sales type leases, net | 174,458,615 | 175,441,561 | ||||||
| Long term investment | 821,205 | 738,513 | ||||||
| Long term deposit | 60,525 | 385,073 | ||||||
| Property and equipment, net | 25,116 | 44,243 | ||||||
| Construction in progress | 154,340,627 | 83,719,596 | ||||||
| Total non-current assets | 329,706,088 | 260,454,460 | ||||||
| TOTAL ASSETS | $ | 375,277,822 | $ | 283,950,950 | ||||
| LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | ||||||||
| CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | 1,140,181 | $ | 2,642,663 | ||||
| Notes payable - bank acceptances | 163,425 | 5,740,622 | ||||||
| Taxes payable | 2,614,311 | 1,560,829 | ||||||
| Accrued liabilities and other payables | 3,250,744 | 1,517,191 | ||||||
| Due to related parties | 40,954 | 2,420,391 | ||||||
| Deferred tax liability | 1,035,337 | 1,371,766 | ||||||
| Loans payable - current | 15,729,694 | 14,925,618 | ||||||
| Interest payable on entrusted loans | 285,257 | 287,887 | ||||||
| Current portion of long term payable | 2,401,405 | 1,441,051 | ||||||
| Total current liabilities | 26,661,308 | 31,908,018 | ||||||
| NONCURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||||
| Deferred tax liability, net | 13,302,537 | 11,954,619 | ||||||
| Refundable deposit from customers for systems leasing | 1,650,597 | 1,164,526 | ||||||
| Long term payable | - | 2,385,422 | ||||||
| Loans payable | 63,114,888 | 18,862,045 | ||||||
| Entrusted loan payable | 62,428,501 | 62,654,792 | ||||||
| Total noncurrent liabilities | 140,496,523 | 97,021,404 | ||||||
| Total liabilities | 167,157,831 | 128,929,422 | ||||||
| CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS | ||||||||
| STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | ||||||||
| Common stock, $0.001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized, 83,009,035 and 60,910,058 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively | 83,009 | 60,910 | ||||||
| Additional paid in capital | 111,517,578 | 78,130,053 | ||||||
| Shares to be issued | 187,500 | - | ||||||
| Statutory reserve | 11,888,170 | 9,672,754 | ||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive income | 15,987,138 | 16,209,403 | ||||||
| Retained earnings | 68,199,797 | 50,603,291 | ||||||
| Total Company stockholders' equity | 207,863,192 | 154,676,411 | ||||||
| Noncontrolling interest | 256,799 | 345,117 | ||||||
| Total equity | 208,119,991 | 155,021,528 | ||||||
| TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | $ | 375,277,822 | $ | 283,950,950 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
| 51 |
CHINA RECYCLING ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
| YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, | ||||||||
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| Revenue | ||||||||
| Sales of systems | $ | 18,868,632 | $ | 62,013,135 | ||||
| Contingent rental income | 790,437 | 1,180,055 | ||||||
| Total revenue | 19,659,069 | 63,193,190 | ||||||
| Cost of sales | ||||||||
| Cost of contingent rental income and systems | 14,585,462 | 47,847,313 | ||||||
| Total cost of sales | 14,585,462 | 47,847,313 | ||||||
| Gross profit | 5,073,607 | 15,345,877 | ||||||
| Interest income on sales-type leases | 26,458,713 | 19,344,855 | ||||||
| Total operating income | 31,532,320 | 34,690,732 | ||||||
| Operating expenses | ||||||||
| General and administrative | 3,494,711 | 4,160,742 | ||||||
| Total operating expenses | 3,494,711 | 4,160,742 | ||||||
| Income from operations | 28,037,609 | 30,529,990 | ||||||
| Non-operating income (expenses) | ||||||||
| Interest income | 192,812 | 226,772 | ||||||
| Interest expense | (3,431,241 | ) | (6,718,729 | ) | ||||
| Investment income | 20,739 | - | ||||||
| Other income (expenses) | 1,016,540 | (1,335,626 | ) | |||||
| Total non-operating expenses, net | (2,201,150 | ) | (7,827,583 | ) | ||||
| Income before income tax | 25,836,459 | 22,702,407 | ||||||
| Income tax expense | 6,111,267 | 6,886,601 | ||||||
| Income before noncontrolling interest | 19,725,192 | 15,815,806 | ||||||
| Less: income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest | (86,730 | ) | 186,270 | |||||
| Net income attributable to China Recycling Energy Corp | 19,811,922 | 15,629,536 | ||||||
| Other comprehensive items | ||||||||
| Foreign currency translation gain (loss) attributable to China Recycling Energy Corp | (222,265 | ) | 4,655,178 | |||||
| Foreign currency translation gain (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest | (1,588 | ) | 3,592 | |||||
| Comprehensive income attributable to China Recycling Energy Corp | $ | 19,589,657 | $ | 20,284,714 | ||||
| Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest | $ | (88,318 | ) | $ | 189,862 | |||
| Basic weighted average shares outstanding | 69,627,116 | 53,850,289 | ||||||
| Diluted weighted average shares outstanding | 69,627,116 | 54,383,418 | ||||||
| Basic earnings per share | $ | 0.28 | $ | 0.29 | ||||
| Diluted earnings per share | $ | 0.28 | $ | 0.29 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
| 52 |
CHINA RECYCLING ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
| YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, | ||||||||
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||
| Income including noncontrolling interest | $ | 19,725,192 | $ | 15,815,806 | ||||
| Adjustments to reconcile income including noncontrolling interest to net cash used in operating activities: | ||||||||
| Changes in sales type leases receivables | (18,868,632 | ) | (62,013,135 | ) | ||||
| Shares issued for the cost of system purchase | 14,491,450 | 16,481,108 | ||||||
| Stock compensation for IR service | 187,500 | - | ||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 20,931 | 49,001 | ||||||
| Amortization of prepaid loan fees | 207,550 | 82,070 | ||||||
| Investment income | (20,739 | ) | - | |||||
| Changes in deferred tax | 1,055,464 | 3,933,596 | ||||||
| Loss on disposal of property and equipment | 127 | - | ||||||
| Changes in assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
| Interest receivable on sales type leases | (211,447 | ) | 172,368 | |||||
| Collection of principal on sales type leases | 21,675,548 | 10,874,735 | ||||||
| Prepaid expenses | 90,489 | (150,383 | ) | |||||
| Accounts receivable | 54,767 | 12,537 | ||||||
| Other receivables | 865,198 | (1,153,941 | ) | |||||
| Construction in progress | (70,645,162 | ) | (58,881,561 | ) | ||||
| Accounts payable | (7,021,743 | ) | 4,281,365 | |||||
| Taxes payable | 1,054,964 | 143,084 | ||||||
| Interest payable on entrusted loans | (1,584 | ) | (39,157 | ) | ||||
| Accrued liabilities and other payables | 1,731,604 | (47,957 | ) | |||||
| Accrued interest on convertible notes | - | (383,929 | ) | |||||
| Refundable deposit from customers for systems leasing | 488,353 | 547,134 | ||||||
| Net cash used in operating activities | (35,120,170 | ) | (70,277,259 | ) | ||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||
| Changes of restricted cash | 2,278,980 | 503,363 | ||||||
| Acquisition of property and equipment | (2,165 | ) | (23,321 | ) | ||||
| Long term investment | - | (12,793,704 | ) | |||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | 2,276,815 | (12,313,662 | ) | |||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||
| Notes receivable | 651,137 | (643,687 | ) | |||||
| Proceeds from loans | 60,832,479 | 89,633,420 | ||||||
| Repayment of loans | (15,830,769 | ) | (44,399,439 | ) | ||||
| Long term payable | (1,405,711 | ) | (1,307,011 | ) | ||||
| Contribution from noncontrolling interest | - | 400,695 | ||||||
| Distribution to acquire noncontrolling interest | - | (226,600 | ) | |||||
| Purchase of noncontrolling interest share | - | (1,287,374 | ) | |||||
| Proceeds from shares issued to officer | 18,918,173 | - | ||||||
| Advance from related parties | (2,361,837 | ) | 2,334,814 | |||||
| Net cash provided by financing activities | 60,803,472 | 44,504,818 | ||||||
| EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGE ON CASH & EQUIVALENTS | 209,383 | 783,329 | ||||||
| NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH & EQUIVALENTS | 28,169,500 | (37,302,774 | ) | |||||
| CASH & EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR | 7,701,530 | 45,004,304 | ||||||
| CASH & EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR | $ | 35,871,030 | $ | 7,701,530 | ||||
| Supplemental cash flow data: | ||||||||
| Income tax paid | $ | 3,990,323 | $ | 3,326,464 | ||||
| Interest paid | $ | 13,834,312 | $ | 14,294,572 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
| 53 |
CHINA RECYCLING ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014 AND 2013
| Common stock | Shares to be | Statutory | Other comprehensive | Accumulated | Noncontrolling | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | Paid in capital | issued | reserves | income | retained earnings | Total | interest | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at January 1, 2013 | 50,224,350 | $ | 50,224 | $ | 58,501,643 | $ | - | $ | 7,766,002 | $ | 11,554,225 | $ | 37,107,107 | $ | 114,979,201 | $ | 4,376,436 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued for system purchase | 8,766,547 | 8,767 | 16,472,341 | - | - | - | - | 16,481,108 | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital contribution from noncontrolling interest | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 403,618 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercise of stock options | 1,892,672 | 1,893 | - | - | - | - | - | 1,893 | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercise of warrants | 26,489 | 26 | - | - | - | - | - | 26 | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income for year | - | - | - | - | - | - | 15,629,536 | 15,629,536 | 186,270 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Transfer to statutory reserves | - | - | - | - | 1,906,752 | - | (1,906,752 | ) | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Purchase of noncontrolling interest of Erdos TCH | - | - | 3,156,069 | - | - | - | (226,600 | ) | 2,929,469 | (4,624,799 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation gain | - | - | - | - | - | 4,655,178 | - | 4,655,178 | 3,592 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2013 | 60,910,058 | 60,910 | 78,130,053 | - | 9,672,754 | 16,209,403 | 50,603,291 | 154,676,411 | 345,117 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued for system purchase | 8,233,779 | 8,234 | 14,483,217 | - | - | - | - | 14,491,451 | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cashless exercise of stock options | 36,124 | 36 | (36 | ) | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares purchased by officer | 13,829,074 | 13,829 | 18,904,344 | - | - | - | - | 18,918,173 | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares to be issued for IR service | - | - | - | 187,500 | - | - | - | 187,500 | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income for year | - | - | - | - | - | - | 19,811,922 | 19,811,922 | (86,730 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Transfer to statutory reserves | - | - | - | - | 2,215,416 | - | (2,215,416 | ) | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation gain | - | - | - | - | - | (222,265 | ) | - | (222,265 | ) | (1,588 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2014 | 83,009,035 | $ | 83,009 | $ | 111,517,578 | $ | 187,500 | $ | 11,888,170 | $ | 15,987,138 | $ | 68,199,797 | $ | 207,863,192 | $ | 256,799 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 54 |
CHINA RECYCLING ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2014 AND 2013
1. ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
China Recycling Energy Corporation (the “Company” or “CREG”) was incorporated on May 8, 1980 as Boulder Brewing Company under the laws of the State of Colorado. On September 6, 2001, the Company changed its state of incorporation to the State of Nevada. In 2004, the Company changed its name from Boulder Brewing Company to China Digital Wireless, Inc. and on March 8, 2007, the Company again changed its name from China Digital Wireless, Inc. to its current name, China Recycling Energy Corporation. The Company, through its subsidiaries, provides energy saving solutions and services, including selling and leasing energy saving systems and equipment to customers, in the Peoples Republic of China (“PRC”).
Erdos TCH – Joint Venture
On April 14, 2009, the Company formed a joint venture (the “JV”) with Erdos Metallurgy Co., Ltd. (“Erdos”) to recycle waste heat from Erdos’ metal refining plants to generate power and steam to be sold back to Erdos. The name of the JV was Inner Mongolia Erdos TCH Energy Saving Development Co., Ltd. with a term of twenty (20) years. Total investment for the project was estimated at $79 million (RMB 500 million) with an initial investment of $17.55 million (RMB 120 million). Erdos contributed 7% of the total investment of the project, and Xi’an TCH Energy Technology Co., Ltd. (“Xi’an TCH”) contributed 93%. According to the parties’ agreement on profit distribution, Xi’an TCH and Erdos will receive 80% and 20%, respectively, of the profit from the JV until Xi’an TCH receives the complete return of its investment. Xi’an TCH and Erdos will then receive 60% and 40%, respectively, of the profit from the JV. On June 15, 2013, Xi’an TCH and Erdos entered into a share transfer agreement, pursuant to which Erdos transferred and sold its 7% ownership interest in the JV to Xi’an TCH for $1.29 million (RMB 8 million), plus certain accumulated profits as described below. Xi’an TCH paid the $1.29 million in July 2013 and, as a result, became the sole shareholder of the JV. In addition, Xi’an TCH paid Erdos accumulated profits from inception up to June 30, 2013 in accordance with a supplementary agreement entered on August 6, 2013. In August 2013, Xi’an TCH paid 20% of the accumulated profit (calculated under PRC GAAP) of $226,000 to Erdos. The JV currently has two power generation systems in Phase I with a total of 18MW power capacity, and three power generation systems in Phase II with a total of 27MW power capacity.
Pucheng Biomass Power Generation Projects
On June 29, 2010, Xi’an TCH entered into a Biomass Power Generation Project Lease Agreement with Pucheng Xin Heng Yuan Biomass Power Generation Co., Ltd. (“Pucheng”), a limited liability company incorporated in China. Under this lease agreement, Xi’an TCH leased a set of 12MW biomass power generation (“BMPG”) systems to Pucheng at a minimum of $279,400 (RMB 1,900,000) per month for a term of fifteen (15) years.
On September 11, 2013, Xi’an TCH entered into a Biomass Power Generation Asset Transfer Agreement (the “Pucheng Transfer Agreement”) with Pucheng. The Pucheng Transfer Agreement provided for the sale by Pucheng to Xi’an TCH of a set of 12MW BMPG systems with completion of system transformation for a purchase price of RMB 100 million ($16.48 million) in the form of 8,766,547 shares of common stock of the Company at the price of $1.87 per share. These shares were issued to Pucheng on October 29, 2013. Also on September 11, 2013, Xi’an TCH entered into a BMPG Project Lease Agreement with Pucheng (the “Pucheng Lease”). Under the Pucheng Lease, Xi’an TCH will lease this same set of 12MW BMPG system to Pucheng, and combine this lease with the lease for the 12MW BMPG station of Pucheng Phase I project, under a single lease to Pucheng for RMB 3.8 million ($0.63 million) per month (the “Pucheng Phase II Project”). The term for the combined lease is from September 2013 to June 2025. The lease agreement for the 12MW station from Pucheng Phase I project terminated upon the effective date of the Pucheng Lease. The ownership of two 12 MW BMPG systems will be transferred to Pucheng at no additional charge when the Pucheng Lease expires.
Zhongbao Waste Heat Power Generation Projects
On September 30, 2010, Xi’an TCH delivered to Zhongbao Binhai Nickel Co., Ltd. (“Zhongbao”) a 7MW capacity waste heat power generation (“WHPG”) system, an integral part of the facilities designed to produce 80,000 tons of nickel-alloy per year according to the recovery and power generation of waste heat agreement with Zhongbao, a nickel-alloy manufacturing established in June 2009. The waste heat agreement with Zhongbao has a term of nine (9) years and provides that Xi’an TCH will recycle waste heat from the nickel-alloy rotary kilns of Zhongbao to generate power and steam, which will be supplied back to Zhongbao. In addition, Xi’an TCH is responsible for applying for the Clean Development Mechanism (“CDM”) under the Kyoto Protocol. Net proceeds from any CDM credit will be distributed between Zhongbao and Xi’an TCH at 60% and 40%, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, Xi’an TCH had not yet commenced the CDM application process. On December 22, 2014, Xi’an TCH entered into a WHPG System Repurchase Agreement with Zhonggang Binhai Enterprise Ltd. (“Zhonggang”), currently a 100% owner of Zhongbao.Under the Repurchase Agreement, Zhonggang will purchase the WHPG System from Xi’an TCH and repay the outstanding energy saving service fees owed to Xi'an TCH. The purchase price for the WHPG System is RMB 60 million ($9.76 million). Zhonggang will pay all of the Repurchase Price within 10 working days from the execution of the Repurchase Agreement. Zhonggang will also repay the outstanding energy saving service fees of RMB 1.5 million ($243,902) to Xi’an TCH within 3 working days from the execution of the Repurchase Agreement.The ownership of the WHPG System will be transferred to Zhonggang when it timely pays off the entire Repurchase Price. As of December 31, 2014, Xi’an TCH received the payment in full.
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Shenqiu Yuneng Biomass Power Generation Projects
On May 25, 2011, Xi’an TCH entered into a Letter of Intent with Shenqiu YuNeng Thermal Power Co., Ltd. (“Shenqiu”) to reconstruct and transform a Thermal Power Generation System owned by Shenqiu into a 75T/H BMPG System for $3.57 million (RMB 22.5 million). The project commenced in June 2011 and was completed in the third quarter of 2011. On September 28, 2011, Xi’an TCH entered into a Biomass Power Generation Asset Transfer Agreement with Shenqiu (the “Shenqiu Transfer Agreement”). Pursuant to the Shenqiu Transfer Agreement, Shenqiu sold Xi’an TCH a set of 12 MW BMPG systems (after Xi’an TCH converted the system for BMPG purposes). As consideration for the BMPG systems, Xi’an TCH agreed to pay Shenqiu $10,937,500 (RMB 70 million) in cash in three installments within six (6) months upon the transfer of ownership of the systems. By the end of 2012, all of the consideration was paid. On September 28, 2011, Xi’an TCH and Shenqiu also entered into a Biomass Power Generation Project Lease Agreement (the “2011 Shenqiu Lease”). Under the 2011 Shenqiu Lease, Xi’an TCH agreed to lease a set of 12MW BMPG systems to Shenqiu at a monthly rental rate of $286,000 (RMB 1,800,000) for eleven (11) years. Upon expiration of the 2011 Shenqiu Lease, ownership of this system will be transferred from Xi’an TCH to Shenqiu at no additional cost. In connection with the 2011 Shenqiu Lease, Shenqiu paid one (1) month’s rent as a security deposit to Xi’an TCH, in addition to providing personal guarantees.
On October 8, 2012, Xi’an TCH entered into a Letter of Intent for technical reformation of Shenqiu Project Phase II with Shenqiu for technical reformation to enlarge the capacity of the Shenqiu Project Phase I (the “Shenqiu Phase II Project”). The technical reformation involved the construction of another 12MW BMPG system. After the reformation, the generation capacity of the power plant increased to 24MW. The project commenced on October 25, 2012 and was completed during the first quarter of 2013. The total cost of the project was $11.1 million (RMB 68 million). On March 30, 2013, Xi’an TCH and Shenqiu entered into a Biomass Power Generation Project Lease Agreement (the “2013 Shenqiu Lease”). Under the 2013 Shenqiu Lease, Xi’an TCH agreed to lease the second set of 12MW BMPG systems to Shenqiu for $239,000 (RMB 1.5 million) per month for nine and half (9.5) years. When the 2013 Shenqiu Lease expires, ownership of this system will be transferred from Xi’an TCH to Shenqiu at no additional cost.
Shanxi Datong Coal Group Power Generation Projects
In February 2011, Xi’an TCH entered into an agreement with Shanxi Datong Coal Group Steel Co., Ltd. (“Shanxi Datong”) to recycle gas and steam from groups of blast-furnaces and converters at Shanxi Datong’s metal refining plants to generate power and pursuant to which Xi’an TCH agreed to install two 3MW BPRT systems and, one 15MW WGPG system with a total of 21MW power capacity for an estimated total investment of $28.6 million (RMB 180 million). In June 2013, the two 3MW BPRT power generation systems were completed. The lease term is thirty (30) years, during which time Shanxi Datong will pay a service fee to Xi’an TCH. The service fee is based on an average of 8,000 electricity-generating hours per year and $0.05 (RMB 0.33) per kilowatt hour (“kWh”) for the first five (5) years from the completion of each power generation station. For each of the leases, at the 6th, 11th and 21st year anniversary of the date of the lease, the rates will change to RMB 0.3 kWh, 0.27 kWh and 0.25 kWh, respectively. On June 10, 2013, Xi’an TCH and Shanxi Datong entered into a supplemental agreement relating to the minimum service fee. The minimum service fee per month for the first five (5) years is $0.19 million (RMB 1.2 million), $0.18 million (RMB 1.1 million) for the second five (5) years, $0.16 million (RMB 1.0 million) for the following ten (10) years and $0.15 million (RMB 0.9 million) for the last ten (10) years. After thirty (30) years, the units will be transferred to Shanxi Datong at no additional charge.
Jitie Power Generation Projects
In May 2013, Xi’an TCH signed a contract with Sinosteel Jilin Ferroalloys Co., Ltd. (“Jitie”) to build furnace gas WHPG systems for electricity generation from recycled heat and steam from groups of ferroalloy furnaces and electric furnaces (the “Jitie Project”). According to the contract, Xi’an TCH will install a 7.5 MW and a 3 MW turbine power generation system with a total of 10.5 MW power capacity for an estimated total investment of $9.71 million (RMB 60 million). The lease term is twenty-four (24) years. During the term of this lease, Jitie will pay a service fee to Xi’an TCH based on the actual generating capacity with a minimum service fee per month of $300,000 (RMB 1.8 million). Xi’an TCH will be responsible for the systems operation and will own the power generation systems. In December 2013, the Jitie Project was completed and began operations.
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Yida Coke Oven Gas Power Generation Projects
On June 28, 2014, Xi’an TCH entered into an Asset Transfer Agreement (the “Transfer Agreement”) with Qitaihe City Boli Yida Coal Selection Co., Ltd. (“Yida”), a limited liability company incorporated in China. The Transfer Agreement provided for the sale to Xi’an TCH of a 15 MW coke oven gas power generation station, which has been converted from a 15 MW coal gangue power generation station from Yida. As consideration for the Transfer Asset, Xi’an TCH will pay to Yida RMB 115 million ($18.69 million) in the form of the common stock shares of the Company at the average closing price per share of the Stock for the 10 trading days prior to the closing date of the transaction ($2.27 per share). The exchange rate between the US Dollar and Chinese RMB in connection with the stock issuance is the rate equal to the middle rate published by the People’s Bank of China on the closing date of the assets transfer. Accordingly, the Company issued 8,233,779 for the Yida 15 MW coke oven gas power generation station, the fair value of 8,233,779 shares was $14.49 million based on the stock price at agreement date ($1.76 per share), and was the cost of the power generation station.
On June 28, 2014, Xi’an TCH also entered into a Coke Oven Gas Power Generation Project (“WGPG”) Lease Agreement (the “Lease Agreement”) with Yida. Under the Lease Agreement, Xi'an TCH leased the Transfer Asset to Yida for RMB 3 million ($0.49 million) per month, and the term of the lease is from June 28, 2014 to June 27, 2029. Yida will also provide an RMB 3 million ($0.49 million) security deposit (without interest) for the lease. Xi’an TCH will transfer the Transfer Asset back to Yida at no cost at the end of the lease term.
The Fund Management Company
On June 25, 2013, Xi’an TCH and Hongyuan Huifu Venture Capital Co. Ltd. (“Hongyuan Huifu”) jointly established Hongyuan Recycling Energy Investment Management Beijing Co., Ltd. (the “Fund Management Company”) with registered capital of RMB 10 million. Xi’an TCH made an initial capital contribution of RMB 4 million ($650,000) and has a 40% ownership interest in the Fund Management Company. With respect to the Fund Management Company, voting rights and dividend rights are allocated 80% and 20% between Hongyuan Huifu and Xi’an TCH, respectively.
The Fund Management Company serves as the general partner of Beijing Hongyuan Recycling Energy Investment Center, LLP (the “HYREF Fund”), a limited liability partnership established on July 18, 2013 in Beijing. The Fund Management Company made an initial capital contribution of RMB 5 million ($830,000) to the HYREF Fund. An initial total amount of RMB 460 million ($75 million) has been fully subscribed by all partners for the HYREF Fund. The HYREF Fund has three limited partners: (1) China Orient Asset Management Co., Ltd., which made an initial capital contribution of RMB 280 million ($46.67 million) to the HYREF Fund and is a preferred limited partner; (2) Hongyuan Huifu, which made an initial capital contribution of RMB 100 million ($16.67 million) to the HYREF Fund and is an ordinary limited partner; and (3) the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Xi’an TCH, which made an initial capital contribution of RMB 75 million ($12.5 million) to the HYREF Fund and is a secondary limited partner. The term of the HYREF Fund’s partnership is six (6) years from the date of its establishment, expiring on July 18, 2019. The term is three (3) years from the date of contribution for the preferred limited partner, or four (4) years from the date of contribution for the ordinary limited partner. The total size of the HYREF Fund is RMB 460 million ($76.66 million). The HYREF Fund was formed for the purpose of investing in Xi’an Zhonghong New Energy Technology Co., Ltd., a 90% owned subsidiary of Xi’an TCH, for the construction of two coke dry quenching (“CDQ”) WHPG stations with Jiangsu Tianyu Energy and Chemical Group Co., Ltd. (“Tianyu”) and one CDQ WHPG station with Boxing County Chengli Gas Supply Co., Ltd. (“Chengli”).
Chengli Waste Heat Power Generation Projects
On July 19, 2013, Xi’an TCH formed a new company “Xi’an Zhonghong New Energy Technology Co., Ltd.” (“Zhonghong”) with registered capital of RMB 30 million ($4.85 million). Xi’an TCH paid RMB 27 million ($4.37 million) and owns 90% of Zhonghong. Zhonghong is engaged to provide energy saving solution and services, including constructing, selling and leasing energy saving systems and equipment to customers.
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On July 24, 2013, Zhonghong entered into a Cooperative Agreement of Coke Dry Quenching (CDQ) and CDQ Waste Heat Power Generation Project with Boxing County Chengli Gas Supply Co., Ltd. (“Chengli”). The parties entered into a supplement agreement on July 26, 2013. Pursuant to these agreements, Zhonghong will design, build and maintain a 25 MW CDQ system and a CDQ WHPG system to supply power to Chengli, and Chengli will pay energy saving fees (the “Chengli Project”). Chengli will contract the operation of the system to a third party contractor that is mutually agreed to by Zhonghong. In addition, Chengli will provide the land for the CDQ system and CDQ WHPG system at no cost to Zhonghong. The term of the Agreements is for twenty (20) years. The first 800 million watt hours generated by the Chengli Project will be charged at RMB 0.42 ($0.068) per kilowatt hour (excluding tax); thereafter, the energy saving fee will be RMB 0.20 ($0.036) per kilowatt hour (excluding tax). The operating time shall be based upon an average 8,000 hours annually. If the operating time is less than 8,000 hours per year due to a reason attributable to Chengli, then time charged shall be 8,000 hours a year, and if it is less than 8,000 hours due to a reason attributable to Zhonghong, then it shall be charged at actual operating hours. The construction of the Chengli Project is anticipated to be completed in the second quarter of 2015. When operations begin, Chengli shall ensure its coking production line works properly and that working hours for the CDQ system are at least 8,000 hours per year, and Zhonghong shall ensure that working hours and the CDQ WHPG system will be at least 7,200 hours per year.
On July 22, 2013, Zhonghong entered into an EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) General Contractor Agreement for the Boxing County Chengli Gas Supply Co., Ltd. CDQ Power Generation Project (the “Huaxin Project”) with Xi’an Huaxin New Energy Co., Ltd. (“Huaxin”). Zhonghong, as the owner of the Huaxin Project, contracted engineering, procurement and construction services for a CDQ system and a 25 MW CDQ WHPG system for Chengli to Huaxin. Huaxin shall provide construction, equipment procurement, transportation, installation and adjustment, test run, construction engineering management and other necessary services to complete the Huaxin Project and ensure the CDQ system and CDQ WHPG system for Chengli meet the inspection and acceptance requirements and work normally. The Huaxin Project is a turn-key project where Huaxin is responsible for monitoring the quality, safety, duration and cost of the project. The total contract price is RMB 200 million ($33.34 million), which includes all the materials, equipment, labor, transportation, electricity, water, waste disposal, machinery and safety costs.
Tianyu Waste Heat Power Generation Project
On July 19, 2013, Zhonghong entered into a Cooperative Agreement (the “Tianyu Agreement”) for Energy Management of Coke Dry Quenching (CDQ) and CDQ Waste Heat Power Generation Project with Jiangsu Tianyu Energy and Chemical Group Co., Ltd. (“Tianyu”). Pursuant to the Tianyu Agreement, Zhonghong will design, build, operate and maintain two sets of 25 MW CDQ systems and CDQ WHPG systems for two subsidiaries of Tianyu – Xuzhou Tian’an Chemical Co., Ltd. (“Xuzhou Tian’an”) and Xuzhou Huayu Coking Co., Ltd (“Xuzhou Huayu”) – to be located at Xuzhou Tian’an and Xuzhou Huayu’s respective locations (the “Tianyu Project”). Upon completion of the Tianyu Project, Zhonghong will charge Tianyu an energy saving service fee of RMB 0.534 ($0.087) per kilowatt hour (excluding tax). The operating time will be based upon an average 8,000 hours annually for each of Xuzhou Tian'an and Xuzhou Huayu. If the operating time is less than 8,000 hours per year due to a reason attributable to Tianyu, then time charged will be 8,000 hours a year. The term of the Tianyu Agreement is twenty (20) years. The construction of the Tianyu Project is anticipated to be completed between the end of 2015 and the middle of 2016. Tianyu will provide the land for the CDQ systems and CDQ WHPG systems for free. Tianyu also guarantees that it will purchase all of the power generated by the CDQ WHPG systems.
On July 22, 2013, Zhonghong entered into an EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) General Contractor Agreement for the Jiangsu Tianyu Energy and Chemical Group Co., Ltd. CDQ Power Generation Project (the “Tianyu Project”) with Xi’an Huaxin New Energy Co., Ltd. (“Huaxin”). Zhonghong, as the owner of the Tianyu Project, contracted engineering, procurement and construction services for two CDQ systems and two 25 MW CDQ WHPG systems for Tianyu to Huaxin. Huaxin shall provide construction, equipment procurement, transportation, installation and adjustment, test run, construction engineering management and other necessary services to complete the Tianyu Project and ensure the CDQ system and CDQ WHPG system for Tianyu meet the inspection and acceptance requirements and work normally. The Tianyu Project is a turn-key project where Huaxin is responsible for monitoring the quality, safety, duration and cost of the project. The total contract price is RMB 400 million ($66.68 million), which includes all the materials, equipment, labor, transportation, electricity, water, waste disposal, machinery and safety costs.
Zhongtai Waste Heat Power Generation Energy Management Cooperative Agreement
On December 6, 2013, Xi’an entered into a CDQ and Waste Heat Power Generation Energy Management Cooperative Agreement (the “Zhongtai Agreement”) with Xuzhou Zhongtai Energy Technology Co., Ltd. (“Zhongtai”), a limited liability company incorporated in Jiangsu Province, China.
Pursuant to the Zhongtai Agreement, Xi’an TCH will design, build and maintain a 150 ton per hour CDQ system and a 25 MW CDQ WHPG system and sell the power to Zhongtai, and Xi’an TCH will also build a furnace to generate steam from the waste heat of the smoke pipeline and sell the steam to Zhongtai.
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The construction period of the Project is expected to be eighteen (18) months from the date when conditions are ready for construction to begin. Zhongtai will start to pay an energy saving service fee from the date when the WHPG station passes the required 72 hour test run. The term of payment is for twenty (20) years. For the first ten (10) years of the term, Zhongtai shall pay an energy saving service fee at RMB 0.534 ($0.089) per kilowatt hour (including value added tax) for the power generated from the system. For the second ten (10) years of the term, Zhongtai shall pay an energy saving service fee at RMB 0.402 ($0.067) per kilowatt hour (including value added tax). During the term of the contract the energy saving service fee shall be adjusted at the same percentage as the change of local grid electricity price. Zhongtai shall also pay an energy saving service fee for the steam supplied by Xi’an TCH at RMB 100 ($16.67) per ton (including value added tax). Zhongtai and its parent company will provide guarantees to ensure Zhongtai will fulfill its obligations under the Agreement. Upon the completion of the term, Xi’an TCH will transfer the systems to Zhongtai at RMB 1 ($0.16). Zhongtai shall provide waste heat to the systems for no less than 8,000 hours per year and waste gas volume no less than 150,000 Nm3 per hour with a temperature no less than 950°C. If these requirements are not met, the term of the Agreement will be extended accordingly. If Zhongtai wants to terminate the Zhongtai Agreement early, it shall provide Xi’an TCH a 60 day notice and pay the termination fee and compensation for the damages to Xi’an TCH according to the following formula: 1) if it is less than five (5) years into the term when Zhongtai requests termination, Zhongtai shall pay: Xi’an TCH’s total investment amount plus Xi’an TCH’s annual investment return times five (5) years minus the years in which the system has already operated); or 2) if it is more than five (5) years into the term when Zhongtai requests the termination, Zhongtai shall pay: Xi’an TCH’s total investment amount minus total amortization cost (the amortization period is ten (10) years).
Rongfeng CDQ Power Generation Energy Management Cooperative Agreement
On December 12, 2013, Xi’an TCH entered into a CDQ Power Generation Energy Management Cooperative Agreement with Tangshan Rongfeng Iron & Steel Co., Ltd. (the “Rongfeng Agreement”), a limited liability company incorporated in Hebei Province, China.
Pursuant to the Rongfeng Agreement, Xi’an TCH will design, build and maintain a CDQ system and a CDQ WHPG system and sell the power to Rongfeng. The construction period of the Project is expected to be eighteen (18) months after the Agreement takes effect and from the date when conditions are ready for construction to begin.
Rongfeng will start to pay an energy saving service fee from the date when the WHPG station passes the required 72 hour test run. The term of payment is for twenty (20) years. For the first ten (10) years of the term, Rongfeng shall pay an energy saving service fee at RMB 0.582 ($0.095) per kilowatt hour (including tax) for the power generated from the system. For the second ten (10) years of the term, Rongfeng shall pay an energy saving service fee at RMB 0.432 ($0.071) per kWh (including tax). During the term of the contract the energy saving service fee shall be adjusted at the same percentage as the change of local grid electricity price. Rongfeng and its parent company will provide guarantees to ensure Rongfeng will fulfill its obligations under the Rongfeng Agreement. Upon the completion of the term, Xi’an TCH will transfer the systems to Rongfeng at RMB 1. Rongfeng shall provide waste heat to the systems for no less than 8,000 hours per year with a temperature no less than 950°C. If these requirements are not met, the term of the Agreement will be extended accordingly. If Rongfeng wants to terminate the Agreement early, it shall provide Xi’an TCH a 60 day notice and pay the termination fee and compensation for the damages to Xi’an TCH according to the following formula: 1) if it is less than five (5) years (including five (5) years) into the term when Rongfeng requests termination, Rongfeng shall pay: Xi’an TCH’s total investment amount plus Xi’an TCH’s average annual investment return times (five (5) years minus the years of which the system has already operated); 2) if it is more than five (5) years into the term when Rongfeng requests the termination, Rongfeng shall pay: Xi’an TCH’s total investment amount minus total amortization cost (the amortization period is ten (10) years).
Baoliyuan CDQ Power Generation Energy Management Cooperative Agreement
On March 26, 2014, Xi’an TCH entered into a CDQ Waste Heat Recycling Project Energy Management Cooperative Agreement with Tangshan Baoliyuan Coking Co., Ltd. (“Baoliyuan”), a limited liability company incorporated in Hebei Province, China.
Pursuant to the Agreement, Xi’an TCH will design, build and maintain a CDQ system and a CDQ WHPG system and sell the power to Baoliyuan (the “CDQ Project”) and Xi’an TCH will also build a high scale waste water treatment system for Baoliyuan and charge monthly payment for two years (the “ Waste Water Treatment Project”).
The construction period of the CDQ Project is expected to be fifteen (15) months from the effective date of the Agreement. Baoliyuan will start to pay an energy saving fee from the date when the WHPG station passes the required 72 hour test run. The term of payment is for twenty (20) years and Baoliyuan shall pay an energy saving fee at RMB 0.7 ($0.114) per kilowatt hour (including tax) for the power generated from the system, from which Xi’an TCH shall take 92.86% and Baoliyuan shall take 7.14% as parties to share the energy saving benefits. During the term of the contract the energy saving fee shall be adjusted at the same percentage as the change of local grid electricity price. Baoliyuan shall provide guarantees to ensure it will fulfill its obligations under the Agreement. Upon the completion of the term, Xi’an TCH will transfer the systems to Baoliyuan at RMB 1.
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Baoliyuan shall provide waste heat to the systems for no less than 8,000 hours per year and coking production shall reach 80% of its capacity. If these requirements are not met, the energy saving fee will be calculated according to such hours and capacity.
If Baoliyuan wants to terminate the Agreement early, it shall provide Xi’an TCH a 60 day notice and pay the termination fee and compensation for the damages to Xi’an TCH according to the following formula: 1) if it is less than five (5) years (including five (5) years) into the term when Baoliyuan requests termination, Baoliyuan shall pay: Xi’an TCH’s total investment amount plus Xi’an TCH’s average annual investment return times (five (5) years minus the years of which the system has already operated); 2) if it is more than five (5) years into the term when Baoliyuan requests the termination, Baoliyuan shall pay: Xi’an TCH’s total investment amount minus total amortization cost (the amortization period is twenty (20) years).
From the first month of the completion of Waste Water Treatment Project, Baoliyuan shall pay a fixed monthly fee for the waste water treatment system at RMB 1.05 million per month ($171,010) for the first twelve (12) months and RMB 940,000 per month ($153,094) for the next twelve (12) months.
As of December 31, 2014, the project has not yet commenced because Baoliyuan has not obtained all the necessary permission for the construction from local government.
Summary of December 31, 2014 Sales-Types Leases
On September 24, 2014, Xi’an TCH entered into an Assets Repurchase Agreement for the TRT system with Capital Steel Group Zhangzhi Iron & Steel Co., Ltd. (“Zhangzhi”). Under the Repurchase Agreement, Zhangzhi purchased the TRT System from Xi’an TCH and also repaid the outstanding energy saving service fees owed to Xi'an TCH. The repurchase price for the TRT System was RMB 35 million ($5.69 million) and the outstanding energy saving service fees was RMB 1.1 million ($179,000). Xi’an TCH stopped the payment of site lease fee to Zhangzhi for the TRT System upon the execution of the Repurchase Agreement. The ownership of the TRT System was transferred to Zhangzhi. The outstanding balance of net investment receivable at date of transfer was $4.78 million. The Company recorded $0.98 million gain from this transaction, which was included in other income.
On December 22, 2014, Xi’an TCH entered into a WHPG System Repurchase Agreement with Zhonggang Binhai Enterprise Ltd. (“Zhonggang”). Under the Repurchase Agreement, Zhonggang will purchase the WHPG System from Xi’an TCH and repay the outstanding energy saving service fees owed to Xi'an TCH. The purchase price for the WHPG System is RMB 60 million ($9.76 million). Zhonggang will pay all of the Repurchase Price within 10 working days from the execution of the Repurchase Agreement. Zhonggang will also repay the outstanding energy saving service fees of RMB 1.5 million ($243,902) to Xi’an TCH within 3 working days from the execution of the Repurchase Agreement.The ownership of the WHPG System will be transferred to Zhonggang when it timely pays off the entire Repurchase Price. As of December 31, 2014, Xi’an TCH received the payment in full. The outstanding balance of net investment receivable at date of transfer was $8.04 million. The Company recorded $1.76 million gain from this transaction, which was included in other income.
As of December 31, 2014, Xi’an TCH leases the following systems: (i) BMPG systems to Pucheng Phase I and II (15 and 11 year terms, respectively); (ii) BMPG systems to Shenqiu Phase I (11 year term); (iii) Shenqiu Phase II (9.5 year term); (iv) WHPG systems to Jitie (24 year term); (v) WGPG systems to Yida (15 year term); and (vi) two BPRT systems to Shanxi Datong (30 year term). In addition, as of December 31, 2014, Erdos TCH leased power and steam generating systems from waste heat from metal refining to Erdos (five systems) for a term of twenty (20) years.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements were prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC for annual financial statements.
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Basis of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CREG and its subsidiary, Sifang Holdings, its wholly owned subsidiaries, Huahong New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. (“Huahong”) and Shanghai TCH, Shanghai TCH’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Xi’an TCH Energy Tech Co., Ltd. (“Xi’an TCH”) and Xi’an TCH’s subsidiaries, Erdos TCH Energy Saving Development Co., Ltd (“Erdos TCH”), 100% owned by Xi’an TCH (See note 1), and Zhonghong, 90% owned by Xi’an TCH. Substantially all of the Company’s revenues are derived from the operations of Shanghai TCH and its subsidiaries, which represent substantially all of the Company’s consolidated assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions were eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates
In preparing these consolidated financial statements in accordance with US GAAP, management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the balance sheets as well as revenues and expenses during the period reported. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
Revenue Recognition
Sales-type Leasing and Related Revenue Recognition
The Company constructs and leases waste energy recycling power generating projects to its customers. The Company typically transfers ownership of the waste energy recycling power generating projects to its customers at the end of the lease. The investment in these projects is recorded as investment in sales-type leases in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 840, “Leases,” and its various amendments and interpretations. The Company finances construction of waste energy recycling power generating projects. The sales and cost of sales are recognized at the inception of lease. The investment in sales-type leases consists of the sum of the minimum lease payments receivable less unearned interest income and estimated executory cost. Minimum lease payments are part of the lease agreement between the Company (as the lessor) and the customer (as the lessee). The discount rate implicit in the lease is used to calculate the present value of minimum lease payments. The minimum lease payment consists of the gross lease payments net of executory costs and contingent rentals, if any. Unearned interest income is amortized to income over the lease term to produce a constant periodic rate of return on net investment in the lease. While revenue is recognized at the inception of the lease, the cash flow from the sales-type lease occurs over the course of the lease, which results in interest income and reduction of receivables. Revenue is recognized net of sales tax.
Contingent Rental Income
The Company records income from actual electricity usage in addition to minimum lease payments of each project as contingent rental income in the period contingent rental income is earned. Contingent rent is not part of minimum lease payments.
Cash and Equivalents
Cash and equivalents includes cash on hand, demand deposits placed with banks or other financial institutions and all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three (3) months or less as of the purchase date of such investments.
Accounts Receivable
As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had accounts receivable of $16,330 and $71,573, respectively, from contingent rental income.
Concentration of Credit Risk
Cash includes cash on hand and demand deposits in accounts maintained within China. Balances at financial institutions within China are not covered by insurance. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts.
Certain other financial instruments, which subject the Company to concentration of credit risk, consist of accounts and other receivables. The Company does not require collateral or other security to support these receivables. The Company conducts periodic reviews of its customers’ financial condition and customer payment practices to minimize collection risk on accounts receivable.
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The operations of the Company are located in the PRC. Accordingly, the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations may be influenced by the political, economic and legal environments in the PRC.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred; additions, renewals and betterments are capitalized. When property and equipment are retired or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective accounts, and any gain or loss is included in operations. Depreciation of property and equipment is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated lives as follows:
| Building | 20 years | |||
| Vehicles | 2 - 5 years | |||
| Office and Other Equipment | 2 - 5 years | |||
| Software | 2 - 3 years |
Impairment of Long-life Assets
In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 360, “Property, Plant, and Equipment,” the Company reviews its long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of the assets may not be fully recoverable. If the total expected undiscounted future net cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset, a loss is recognized for the difference between the fair value and carrying amount of the asset. There was no impairment as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales consists primarily of the direct material of the power generating system and expenses incurred directly for project construction for sales-type leasing and sales tax and additions for contingent rental income.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes,” which requires recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements or tax returns. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences in future years of differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts at each period end based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.
Under FASB ASC Topic 740, when tax returns are filed, it is likely that some positions taken would be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities, while others are subject to uncertainty about the merits of the position taken or the amount of the position that would be ultimately sustained. The benefit of a tax position is recognized in the financial statements in the period during which, based on all available evidence, management believes it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of appeals or litigation processes, if any. Tax positions taken are not offset or aggregated with other positions. Tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement with the applicable taxing authority. The portion of the benefits associated with tax positions taken that exceeds the amount measured as described above is reflected as a liability for unrecognized tax benefits in the accompanying balance sheets along with any associated interest and penalties that would be payable to the taxing authorities upon examination. Interest associated with unrecognized tax benefits is classified as interest expense and penalties are classified in selling, general and administrative expenses in the statements of income. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had not taken any uncertain positions that would necessitate recording of tax related liability.
Non-Controlling Interests
The Company follows FASB ASC Topic 810, “Consolidation,” which established new standards governing the accounting for and reporting of non-controlling interests (“NCIs”) in partially owned consolidated subsidiaries and the loss of control of subsidiaries. Certain provisions of this standard indicate, among other things, that NCIs (previously referred to as minority interests) be treated as a separate component of equity, not as a liability (as was previously the case), that increases and decreases in the parent’s ownership interest that leave control intact be treated as equity transactions rather than as step acquisitions or dilution gains or losses, and that losses of a partially-owned consolidated subsidiary be allocated to NCIs even when such allocation might result in a deficit balance.
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The net income (loss) attributed to NCIs was separately designated in the accompanying statements of income and other comprehensive income (loss). Losses attributable to NCIs in a subsidiary may exceed an NCI’s interests in the subsidiary’s equity. The excess attributable to NCIs is attributed to those interests. NCIs shall continue to be attributed their share of losses even if that attribution results in a deficit NCI balance.
Statement of Cash Flows
In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 230, “Statement of Cash Flows,” cash flows from the Company’s operations are calculated based upon the local currencies. As a result, amounts related to assets and liabilities reported on the statement of cash flows may not necessarily agree with changes in the corresponding balances on the balance sheet.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
For certain of the Company’s financial instruments, including cash and equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, other receivables, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and short-term debts, the carrying amounts approximate their fair values due to their short maturities. Receivables on sales-type leases are based on interest rates implicit in the lease.
FASB ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” requires disclosure of the fair value (“FV”) of financial instruments held by the Company. FASB ASC Topic 825, “Financial Instruments,” defines FV, and establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosures of FV measurement that enhances disclosure requirements for FV measures. The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for receivables and current liabilities each qualify as financial instruments and are a reasonable estimate of their FV because of the short period of time between the origination of such instruments and their expected realization and their current market rate of interest. The three levels of valuation hierarchy are defined as follows:
| · | Level 1 inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. |
| · | Level 2 inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. |
| · | Level 3 inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to FV measurement. |
The Company analyzes all financial instruments with features of both liabilities and equity under ASC 480, “Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity,” and ASC 815, “Derivatives and Hedging”.
The following are the considerations with respect to disclosures of FV of long-term debt obligations:
As of December 31, 2014, the Company’s long-term debt obligations consisted of the following: (i) various long-term bank loans and Zhongrong International Trust Co., Ltd. (“ZRIT”) trust loan payable of $67.41 million, and (ii) Zhonghong entrusted loan of $62.43 million. As of December 31, 2013, the Company’s long-term debt obligations consisted of the following: (i) long-term bank loans payable of $18.86 million, (ii) a long-term payable for a sale-leaseback transaction of $3.83 million, and (iii) Zhonghong entrusted loan of $62.65 million.
FV measurements and approximations for certain financial instruments are based on what a reporting entity would likely have to pay to transfer the financial obligation to an entity with a comparable credit rating. The Company’s bank loans and trust loans payable are privately held (i.e., nonpublic) debt; therefore, pricing inputs are not observable. For this reason, the Company classified bank loans and trust loans payable as a Level 3 FV measurement in the valuation hierarchy.
For the Company’s long-term bank loans, ZRIT trust loan and Zhonghong entrusted loans noted above, the Company believes the carrying amounts approximate their FV. Based on the Company’s understanding of the credit markets, the Company’s business is in a sector (energy-saving green) that is supported by the PRC government and the lending bank, the Company believes it could have obtained similar loans on similar terms and interest rates. In addition, in connection with the FV measurement, the Company considered nonperformance risk (including credit risk) relating to the debt obligations, including the following: (i) the Company is considered a low credit risk customer to the lending bank and its creditors; (ii) the Company has a good history of making timely payments (discussed in Note 12) and have never defaulted on any loans; and (iii) the Company has a stable and continuous cash inflow from collections from its sales-type lease of energy saving projects.
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As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company did not identify any assets and liabilities that are required to be presented on the balance sheet at FV other than the sale-lease back transaction of $0 and $2.39 million on December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, which was the present value of the total future cash outflow including principal and interest payments (See Note 15).
Stock Based Compensation
The Company accounts for its stock-based compensation in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 “Compensation—Stock Compensation,” and FASB ASC Topic 505, “Equity.” The Company recognizes in its statement of operations FV at the grant date for stock options and other equity-based compensation issued to employees and non-employees.
Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share
The Company presents net income (loss) per share (“EPS”) in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 740. Accordingly, basic income (loss) per share is computed by dividing income (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding, without consideration for common stock equivalents. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing the net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding as well as common share equivalents outstanding for the period determined using the treasury-stock method for stock options and warrants and the if-converted method for convertible notes. The Company made an accounting policy election to use the if-converted method for convertible securities that are eligible to receive common stock dividends, if declared. Diluted EPS reflect the potential dilution that could occur based on the exercise of stock options or warrants or conversion of convertible securities using the if-converted method.
The following table presents a reconciliation of basic and diluted EPS for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| Net income | $ | 19,811,922 | $ | 15,629,536 | ||||
| Weighted average shares outstanding – basic | 69,627,116 | 53,850,289 | ||||||
| Effect of dilutive securities: | ||||||||
| Options granted | - | 533,129 | ||||||
| Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted | 69,627,116 | 54,383,418 | ||||||
| Earnings per share – basic | $ | 0.28 | $ | 0.29 | ||||
| Earnings per share – diluted | $ | 0.28 | $ | 0.29 | ||||
Foreign Currency Translation and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The Company’s functional currency is the Renminbi (“RMB”). For financial reporting purposes, RMB were translated into United States Dollars (“USD” or “$”) as the reporting currency. Assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses are translated at the average rate of exchange prevailing during the reporting period. Translation adjustments arising from the use of different exchange rates from period to period are included as a component of stockholders’ equity as “Accumulated other comprehensive income.” Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in income. There was no significant fluctuation in the exchange rate for the conversion of RMB to USD after the balance sheet date.
The Company uses FASB ASC Topic 220, “Comprehensive Income.” Comprehensive income is comprised of net income and all changes to the statements of stockholders’ equity, except those due to investments by stockholders, changes in paid-in capital and distributions to stockholders.
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Segment Reporting
FASB ASC Topic 280, “Segment Reporting,” requires use of the “management approach” model for segment reporting. The management approach model is based on the way a company’s management organizes segments within the company for making operating decisions and assessing performance. Reportable segments are based on products and services, geography, legal structure, management structure, or any other manner in which management disaggregates a company. FASB ASC Topic 280 has no effect on the Company’s financial statements as substantially all of the Company’s operations are conducted in one industry segment. All of the Company’s assets are located in the PRC.
Reclassification
Certain prior year period accounts have been reclassified in comformity with the presentation of current period including the reclassification of noncurrent deffered tax asset to current deferred tax asset in the amount of $70,551.
New Accounting Pronouncements
In January 2014, FASB issued, Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-05, Service Concession Arrangements (ASC Topic 853). The objective of this Update is to specify that an operating entity should not account for a service concession arrangement within the scope of this Update as a lease in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 840, Leases. Service concession arrangements may become more prevalent in the United States as public-sector entities seek alternative ways to provide public services on a more efficient and cost-effective basis. The amendments apply to an operating entity of a service concession arrangement entered into with a public-sector entity grantor when the arrangement meets certain conditions. The amendments in this Update should be applied on a modified retrospective basis to service concession arrangements that exist at the beginning of an entity’s fiscal year of adoption. The modified retrospective approach requires the cumulative effect of applying this Update to arrangements existing at the beginning of the period of adoption to be recognized as an adjustment to the opening retained earnings balance for the annual period of adoption. The amendments are effective for a public business entity for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2014. The adoption of this ASU will not affect the Company’s financial statements.
The FASB has issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This ASU supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in FASB ASC 605 - Revenue Recognition and most industry-specific guidance throughout the Codification. The standard requires that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This ASU is effective on January 1, 2017 and should be applied retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying the ASU recognized at the date of initial application. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations.
The FASB has issued ASU No. 2014-12, Compensation - Stock Compensation (ASC Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period. This ASU requires that a performance target that affects vesting, and that could be achieved after the requisite service period, be treated as a performance condition. As such, the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant date fair value of the award. This update further clarifies that compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the period(s) for which the requisite service has already been rendered.. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Earlier adoption is permitted. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position and results of operations.
3. RESTRICTED CASH
Restricted cash is held by the banks as collateral to issue bank acceptances and bank loans. The Company endorses bank acceptances to vendors as payment of its obligations. Most of the bank acceptances have maturities of less than six (6) months.
4. INVESTMENT IN SALES-TYPE LEASES, NET
Under sales-type leases, Xi’an TCH leases the following systems: (i) TRT systems to Zhangzhi (13 year term) (termination of the lease was effective as of October 22, 2014 ); (ii) BMPG systems to Pucheng Phase I and II (15 and 11 year terms, respectively); (iii) BMPG systems to Shenqiu Phase I (11 year term); (iv) Shenqiu Phase II (9.5 year term); (v) WHPG system to Zhongbao (9 year term, this system was sold to Zhonggang on December 22, 2014); (vi) WHPG systems to Jitie (24 year term); (vii) WGPG systems to Yida (15 year term); and (viii) two BPRT systems to Shanxi Datong (30 year term). In addition, as of December 31, 2014, Erdos TCH leased power and steam generating systems from waste heat from metal refining to Erdos (five systems) for a term of twenty (20) years. The components of the net investment in sales-type leases as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
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| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| Total future minimum lease payments receivable | $ | 583,820,886 | $ | 560,187,391 | ||||
| Less: executory cost | (134,771,919 | ) | (134,447,605 | ) | ||||
| Less: unearned interest income | (268,028,368 | ) | (241,234,839 | ) | ||||
| Net investment in sales - type leases | 181,020,599 | 184,504,947 | ||||||
| Current portion | 6,561,984 | 9,063,386 | ||||||
| Noncurrent portion | $ | 174,458,615 | $ | 175,441,561 | ||||
As of December 31, 2014, the future minimum rentals to be received on non-cancelable sales-type leases by years are as follows:
| 2015 | $ | 42,114,725 | ||
| 2016 | 40,398,758 | |||
| 2017 | 40,398,758 | |||
| 2018 | 40,300,703 | |||
| 2019 | 40,202,647 | |||
| Thereafter | 380,405,295 | |||
| Total | $ | 583,820,886 |
5. PREPAID EXPENSES
Prepaid expenses mainly consisted of prepayment for office rental and decorations, and consulting fees for the Company’s RMB 460 million ($75 million) HYREF fund completed in July 2013. Before the HYREF Fund released the money to Zhonghong, Xi'an TCH paid 2% of the funds raised for Zhonghong, i.e. RMB 9.2 million ($1.5 million) to the Fund Management Company as a consulting fee and it shall pay such 2% on the amount of funds actually contributed as an annual management fee on every 365 day anniversary thereafter until Zhonghong fully repays the loan and the HYREF Fund no longer has an ownership interest in Zhonghong. The Company had $0.88 million and $1.5 million prepaid consulting expense as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
6. OTHER RECEIVABLES
As of December 31, 2014, other receivables mainly consisted of advance to third party of $0.56 million, bore no interest, payable upon demand; advance to employees of $0.04 million, bore no interest, payable upon demand;,and maintanence cost and tax receivable of $0.1 million. As of December 31, 2013, other receivables mainly consisted of advance to third party of $1.18 million, bore no interest, payable upon demand; advance to employees of $0.04 million, bore no interest, payable upon demand; and maintanence cost and tax receivable of $0.1 million.
7. LONG TERM INVESTMENT
On June 25, 2013 Xi’an TCH with Hongyuan Huifu Venture Capital Co. Ltd (“Hongyuan Huifu”) jointly established Hongyuan Recycling Energy Investment Management Beijing Co., Ltd (the "Fund Management Company") with registered capital of RMB 10 million ($1.6 million), to manage a fund that will be used for financing CDQ WHPG projects. Xi’an TCH made an initial capital contribution of RMB 4 million ($0.65 million) and has a 40% ownership interest in Fund Management Company. Voting rights and dividend rights are allocated between Hongyuan Huifu and Xi'an TCH at 80% and 20%, respectively. The Company accounted for this investment using equity method. The Company recorded $167,446 equity based investment income during the year ended December 31, 2014; however it was eliminated with financial fee of Zhonghong as 100% of Fund Management Company’s revenue is from Zhonghong’s financial fee and Zhonghong is 91.7% owned by Xi’an TCH (Note 12). Xi’an TCH paid $1.6 million one-time commission (recorded as other expense) to the Fund Management Company during 2013 for initiating and completion of the Fund financing for the Company.
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On July 18, 2013, the HYREF Fund was established as a limited liability partnership in Beijing. Pursuant to the Partnership Agreement, the HYREF Fund has a general partner, the Fund Management Company, which made an initial capital contribution of RMB 5 million ($0.83 million) to the HYREF Fund. The HYREF Fund has three limited partners: (1) China Orient Asset Management Co., Ltd., which made an initial capital contribution of RMB 280 million ($46.67 million) and is a preferred limited partner, (2) Hongyuan Huifu, which made an initial capital contribution of RMB 100 million ($16.67 million) and is an ordinary limited partner and (3) the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Xian TCH, which made an initial capital contribution of RMB 75 million ($12.5 million) and is a secondary limited partner. The term of the HYREF Fund’s partnership is six (6) years from the date of its establishment, July 18, 2013. The term for the preferred limited partner is three (3) years from the date of its contribution and for the ordinary limited partner is four (4) years from the date of its contribution. Unless otherwise approved by the general partner (the Fund Management Company), upon the expiration of their respective terms, each partner shall exit from the partnership automatically. The total size of the HYREF Fund is RMB 460 million ($75.0 million), and the purpose of the HYREF Fund is to invest in Zhonghong for constructing 3 new CDQ WHPG projects. Xi’an TCH owns 16.3% of the HYREF Fund. The Company accounted for this investment using the cost method. The Company netted off the investment of RMB 75 million ($12.2 million) by Xi’an TCH with the entrusted loan payable of the HYREF Fund by Xi’an TCH.
8. CONSTRUCTION IN PROGRESS
Construction in progress was for constructing power generation systems. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013 the Company’s construction in progress included:
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| Shanxi Datong Coal Group on 15MW WGPG | $ | 18,431,457 | $ | 17,012,469 | ||||
| Xuzhou Zhongtai | 26,573,828 | - | ||||||
| Tangshan Rongfeng | 28,373,387 | - | ||||||
| Xuzhou Huayu | 28,510,731 | 25,537,326 | ||||||
| Xuzhou Tian’an | 25,697,884 | 17,188,366 | ||||||
| Boxing County Chengli | 26,753,340 | 23,981,435 | ||||||
| Total | $ | 154,340,627 | $ | 83,719,596 | ||||
As of December 31, 2014, the Company was committed to pay an additional 1) $2.45 million for the Shanxi Datong Coal Group Power Generation project, 2) $8.28 million for Xuzhou Zhongtai project, 3) $2.42 million for Tangshan Rongfeng project, 4) $8.17 million for Xuzhou Huayu project, 5) $9.81 million for Xuzhou Tian’an project, and 6) $9.81 million for Boxing County Chengli project.
9. TAXES PAYABLE
Taxes payable consisted of the following as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| Income | $ | 1,872,995 | $ | 806,231 | ||||
| Business | 306,848 | 316,485 | ||||||
| VAT arising from transfer WGPG to Shenmu | 392,221 | 393,643 | ||||||
| Other | 42,247 | 44,470 | ||||||
| Total | $ | 2,614,311 | $ | 1,560,829 | ||||
10. ACCRUED LIABILITIES AND OTHER PAYABLES
Accrued liabilities and other payables consisted of the following as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| Employee training, labor union expenditure and social insurance payable | $ | 693,969 | $ | 521,373 | ||||
| Consulting, auditing, and legal expenses | 537,973 | 403,860 | ||||||
| Accrued payroll and welfare | 304,512 | 318,871 | ||||||
| Accrued system maintenance expense | - | 49,205 | ||||||
| Accrued interest expense | 1,439,770 | 71,902 | ||||||
| Other | 274,520 | 151,980 | ||||||
| Total | $ | 3,250,744 | $ | 1,517,191 | ||||
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11. DEFERRED TAX LIABILITY, NET
Deferred tax asset resulted from accrued employee social insurance that can be deducted for tax purposes in the future, and difference between tax and accounting basis of cost of fixed assets which was capitalized for tax purposes and expensed as part of cost of systems in accordance with US GAAP. Deferred tax liability arose from the difference between tax and accounting basis of net investment in sales-type leases.
As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, deferred tax liability consisted of the following:
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| Deferred tax asset — current (accrual of employee social insurance) | $ | 89,114 | $ | 70,551 | ||||
| Deferred tax liability — current (net investment in sales-type leases) | (1,124,451 | ) | (1,442,317 | ) | ||||
| Deferred tax liability, net of deferred tax asset – current | $ | (1,035,337 | ) | $ | (1,371,766 | ) | ||
| Deferred tax asset — noncurrent (depreciation of fixed assets) | $ | 30,310,142 | $ | 31,308,695 | ||||
| Deferred tax liability — noncurrent (net investment in sales-type leases) | (43,612,679 | ) | (43,263,314 | ) | ||||
| Deferred tax liability, net of deferred tax asset – noncurrent | $ | (13,302,537 | ) | $ | (11,954,619 | ) | ||
12. LOANS PAYABLE
Collective Capital Trust Plan
On December 3, 2009, the Company and Beijing International Trust Co., Ltd. (the “Beijing Trust”) formed a Low Carbon Fortune-Energy Recycling No. 1 Collective Capital Trust Plan (the “Capital Trust Plan”) pursuant to the Capital Trust Loan Agreement, dated November 19, 2009, entered into between Erdos TCH and the Beijing Trust (the “Capital Trust Agreement”). All amounts raised under the Capital Trust Plan were loaned to Erdos TCH in connection with its WHPG projects Phase II and Phase III construction and operation.
Under the Capital Trust Agreement, the annual base interest rate was 9.94% for A1 preferred trust fund units with a term of two (2) years, 11% for A2 preferred trust fund units with a term of three (3) years, 12.05% for A3 preferred trust fund units and 8.35% for the category B secondary trust fund units, each with a term of four (4) years. Erdos TCH provided a lien on its equipment, assets and accounts receivable to guarantee the loans under the Capital Trust Agreement. Xi’an TCH and Mr. Guohua Ku, the CEO, the Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors and a major shareholder, provided unconditional and irrevocable joint liability guarantees to the Beijing Trust for Erdos TCH’s performance under the Capital Trust Agreement. Erdos (the former minority shareholder and customer of Erdos TCH) provided a commitment letter on minimum power purchase from Erdos TCH.
The Capital Trust Plan raised $44.1 million (RMB 300 million) through a series of capital raises in 2009 and 2010, including (i) 13,750,000 B1 units ($2.0 million) purchased by the management of Erdos TCH; (ii) 1,600,000 ($235,600) A1 units and (iii) 46,250,000 B2 units ($7.4 million) purchased by Xi’an TCH, which was considered an investment by Xi’an TCH into Erdos TCH and, accordingly, was eliminated in the consolidated financial statements. On behalf of Erdos TCH, Xi’an TCH paid in full to Beijing Trust for the Trust Loan in December 2013 except the principal of RMB 46.25 million ($7.59 million) that was previously invested by Xi’an TCH to the Trust Loan plus accumulated interest of RMB 2.78 million ($0.46 million), and RMB 7.65 million ($1.25 million) that was previously invested by Mr. Guohua Ku to the Trust Loan plus accumulated interest of RMB 459,000 ($75,000), that remained as outstanding liabilities of Erdos TCH. Beijing Trust transferred credit rights of the above outstanding balances to Xian TCH and Mr. Guohua Ku. In addition, Xi’an TCH assumed liability of Erdos TCH to pay Mr. Ku. The outstanding liability of Erdos TCH to Xi’an TCH was eliminated in the consolidation. The related management incentive benefit and Clean Development Mechanism under the Kyoto Protoco were terminated accordingly without further execution as a result of repayment to Beijing Trust.
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Entrusted Loan Payable
The HYREF Fund (Beijing Hongyuan Recycling Energy Investment Center, LLP) established in July, 2013 with total fund size of RMB 460 million ($75.0 million) invests in Xi’an Zhonghong for Zhonghong’s three new CDQ WHPG projects. The HYREF Fund invested RMB 3 million ($0.5 million) as an equity investment and RMB 457 million ($74.5 million) as a debt investment in Xi’an Zhonghong; in return for such investments, the HYREF Fund will receive an interest payment from Zhonghong for the HYREF Fund’s debt investment. The RMB 457 million ($74.5 million) was released to Zhonghong through an entrusted bank, which is also the supervising bank for the use of the loan. The loan was deposited to a bank account at the Supervising Bank (the Industrial Bank Xi’an Branch) and is jointly supervised by Zhonghong and the Fund Management Company. Project spending shall be verified by the Fund Management Company to confirm that it is in accordance with the project schedule before the funds are released. All the operating accounts of Zhonghong have been opened with the branches of the Supervising Bank and the Supervising Bank has the right to monitor all bank accounts opened by Zhonghong. The entrusted bank will charge 0.1% of loan amount as service fee and will not take any lending risk. The loan was collateralized by the accounts receivable and the fixed assets of Shenqiu Phase I and II power generation systems, the accounts receivable and fixed assets of Zhonghong’s three CDQ WHPG systems, and a 27 million RMB capital contribution made by Xi’an TCH. Repayment of the loan (principal and interest) was also jointly and severally guaranteed by Xi’an TCH and Mr. Guohua Ku, the Chairman and CEO of the Company.
The loan agreement provides, Zhonghong shall also maintain a certain capital level in its account with the Supervising Bank to make sure it has sufficient funds to make interest payments when they are due:
| · | During the first three (3) years from the first release of the loan, the balance in its account shall be no less than RMB 7.14 million ($1.19 million) on the 20th day of the 2nd month of each quarter and no less than RMB 14.28 million ($2.38 million) on the 14th day of the last month of each quarter; |
| · | During the fourth year from the first release of the loan, the balance in its account shall be no less than RMB 1.92 million ($0.32 million) on the 20th day of the 2nd month of each quarter and no less than RMB 3.85 million ($0.64 million) on the 14th day of the last month of each quarter; and |
| · | During the fifth year from the first release of the loan, the balance in its account shall be no less than RMB 96,300 ($16,050) on the 20th day of the 2nd month of each quarter and no less than RMB 192,500 ($32,080) on the 14th day of the last month of each quarter. |
The term of this loan is for sixty (60) months from July 31, 2013 to July 30, 2018. On August 6, 2016, Zhonghong shall repay principal in the amount of RMB 280 million ($45.54 million); on August 6, 2017, it shall repay principal of RMB 100 million ($16.27 million) and on July 30, 2018, it shall repay the remainder of RMB 77 million ($12.52 million). The interest rate is 12.5% per year. During the term, Zhonghong shall maintain a minimal funding level and capital level in its designated account with the Supervising Bank to make sure it has sufficient funds to make principal payments when they are due. Notwithstanding the requirement, there is a verbal agreement from the HYREF Fund that for the purpose of the efficient utilization of working capital, Zhonghong does not have to maintain a minimum funding level in its designated account with the Supervising Bank. As of December 31, 2014, the entrusted loan payable had an outstanding balance of $74.69 million, of which, $12.26 million was from the investment of Xi’an TCH; accordingly, the Company netted off the loan payable of $12.26 million with the long-term investment to the HYREF Fund made by Xi’an TCH. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company recorded interest expense of $1,377,731 on this loan and capitalized $7.96 million interest to construction in progress.
Bank Loans - Industrial Bank
On March 31, 2011, Xi’an TCH entered into a loan agreement with the Industrial Bank for energy saving and emission reduction projects, whereby the Industrial Bank agreed to loan $4.88 million (RMB 30 million) to Xi’an TCH for three (3) years to March 30, 2014. The loan agreement has a floating interest rate that resets at the beginning of each quarter at 115% of the national base interest rate for the same term and same level loan (then 7.07%). Under the loan, Xi’an TCH is required to make quarterly interest payments and, beginning six (6) months after the date of the release of the funds, to make minimum quarterly principal payments of $488,000 (RMB 3 million). The loan agreement contains standard representations, warranties and covenants, and the loan is guaranteed by Xi’an TCH, Mr. Guohua Ku and Ms. Chaoying Zhang. This loan was paid in full at maturity.
On November 8, 2011, Xi’an TCH entered another loan agreement with the same Industrial Bank for energy saving and emission reduction projects, whereby the Lender agreed to loan $21.04 million (RMB 130 million) to Xi’an TCH for four (4) years to November 28, 2015. The loan agreement has a floating interest rate that resets at the beginning of each quarter at 115% of the national base interest rate for the same term and same level loan (then 7.36%). Under the loan, Xi’an TCH is required to make quarterly interest payments and, beginning nine (9) months after the date of the release of the funds, to make minimum quarterly principal payments of $1,618,463 (RMB 10 million). For the first nine (9) months, the loan was in a grace period and there was no repayment requirement. The loan is guaranteed by accounts receivable of Xi’an TCH, Pucheng and Shenqiu BMPG systems and Mr. Guohua Ku. As of December 31, 2014, this loan had an outstanding balance of $4.90 million, and was classified as a current liability due to required minimum quarterly principal payments of $1,618,463.
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On October 9, 2013, Xi’an TCH entered the third loan agreement with the same Industrial Bank for energy saving and emission reduction projects, whereby the Lender agreed to loan $16.40 million (RMB 100 million) to Xi’an TCH for four (4) years to October 8, 2017. The loan agreement has a floating interest rate that resets at the beginning of each month at 120% of the national base interest rate for the same term and same level loan. Under the loan, Xi’an TCH is required to make quarterly interest payments and, beginning six (6) months after the date of the release of the funds, to make minimum quarterly principal payments of $615,067 (RMB 3.75 million) for 2014, $1,025,111 (RMB 6.25 million) for 2015, and $1,230,133 (RMB 7.5 million) for 2016 and 2017. For the first six (6) months, the loan was in a grace period and there was no repayment requirement. The loan is guaranteed by the assets of the Erdos project systems, the accounts receivable of Jilin Ferroallys and Mr. Guohua Ku. As of December 31, 2014, this loan had an outstanding balance of $12.87 million, of which, $4.29 million was to be repaid within one year and was classified as a current liability, and $8.58 million will be repaid after one year and was classified as a noncurrent liability.
Bank Loan – Bank of Xi’an
On March 28, 2013, Xi’an TCH entered into a loan agreement with Bank of Xi’an, whereby Bank of Xi’an agreed to loan $4.88 million (RMB 30 million) to Xi’an TCH for one (1) year with maturity on March 27, 2014. The monthly interest rate of the loan is 0.575%. Under the terms of the loan, Xi’an TCH is required to make monthly interest payments and the principal is to be repaid at maturity. The loan is guaranteed by a third party guarantee company and Mr. Guohua Ku. The Company paid a third party $115,315 (RMB 712,500) as a re-guarantee service fee. This loan was repaid at maturity.
On May 28, 2014, Xi’an TCH entered into another loan agreement with Bank of Xi’an, whereby Bank of Xi’an agreed to loan $6.50 million (RMB 40 million) to Xi’an TCH for one (1) year with maturity on May 29, 2015. The monthly interest rate of the loan is 0.65%. Under the terms of the loan, Xi’an TCH is required to make monthly interest payments and the principal is to be repaid at maturity. The loan is guaranteed by a third party guarantee company and Mr. Guohua Ku. The Company paid a third party $155,280 (RMB 950,000) as a re-guarantee service fee. As of December 31, 2014, this loan had an outstanding balance of $6.54 million, to be repaid within one year and was classified as a current liability.
Bank Loan – Bank of Chongqing
On April 11, 2014, Xi’an TCH entered into a loan agreement with Bank of Chongqing - Xi’an Branch, whereby Bank of Chongqing agreed to loan $8.13 million (RMB 50 million) to Xi’an TCH for three (3) years with maturity on April 10, 2017. The annual interest rate of the loan is 9.225%. Under the terms of the loan, Xi’an TCH is required to make monthly interest payments and, to make a principal payment of $0.81 million (RMB 5 million) on the 24th month after receiving the loan and of the remaining $7.32 million (RMB 45 million) on the loan maturity date. The loan is guaranteed by a third party guarantee company and Mr. Guohua Ku. The company paid a third party $155,280 (RMB 950,000) as a re-guarantee service fee. In addition, Xi’an TCH should pledge its collection right for Tangshan Rongfeng and Xuzhou Zhongtai projects to Bank of Chongqing after the two projects are completed and put into operation, to ensure the repayment of loan. As of December 31, 2014, this loan had an outstanding balance of $8.17 million, to be repaid after one year and was classified as a noncurrent liability.
Trust Loan - Zhongrong International Trust - Xuzhou Zhongtai and Tangshan Rongfeng
On February 17, 2014, Xi’an TCH entered into a trust loan agreement with Zhongrong International Trust Co., Ltd (“ZRIT”), for Xi’an TCH to borrow RMB 150 million ($24.5 million) for the CDQ system and the CDQ WHPG Project with Xuzhou Zhongtai Energy Technology Co., Ltd. (the “Zhongtai Project”). ZRIT will set up a Zhongrong-Green Recycling Energy Collective Capital Trust Plan No. 1 (the “Trust Plan No. 1”) to raise money and loan the proceeds to Xi’an TCH for the Zhongtai Project (the “Zhongtai Loan”). The Zhongtai Loan is secured by the pledge of CDQ equipment and power generation system of the Zhongtai Project, by personal guarantee of Mr. Ku Guohua, and by a corporate guarantee of Xuzhou Zhongtai Energy Technology Co., Ltd. and its affiliated companies. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had a $24.45 million outstanding balance under Zhongtai Loan.
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The Zhongtai Loan has a term of four (4) years. The annual interest rate for the first twenty-four (24) months of the loan is 12%. ZRIT has the right to adjust the interest rate according to the market conditions after twenty-four (24) months and Xi'an TCH has the right to prepay the Zhongtai Loan before maturity if Xi’an TCH does not agree to such adjustment of interest rate. ZRIT has the right to request repayment of all principal and interest of the Zhongtai Loan on the 24-month anniversary date of the establishment of Trust Plan No. 1. Under the terms of the loan, Xi’an TCH should make the first, second, and all remaining repayment of the principal which is 30%, 30%, and 40% of the accumulated amount released by ZRIT on the last day of the 24th month, 36th month, and maturity date from the establishment of the trust plan.
On February 17, 2014, Xi’an TCH entered into another trust loan agreement with ZRIT, for Xi’an TCH to borrow RMB 135 million ($22.1 million) for the CDQ system and the CDQ WHPG Project with Tangshan Rongfeng Iron & Steel Co., Ltd. (the “Rongfeng Project”). ZRIT will set up a Zhongrong-Green Recycling Energy Collective Capital Trust Plan No. 2 (the “Trust Plan No. 2”) to raise money and loan the proceeds to Xi’an TCH for the Rongfeng Project (the “Rongfeng Loan”). The Rongfeng Loan is secured by the pledge of CDQ equipment and power generation system of the Rongfeng Project, by a personal guarantee of Mr. Ku Guohua, and by a corporate guarantee of Tangshan Rongfeng Iron & Steel Co., Ltd. and its parent company. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had a $21.92 million outstanding balance under Rongfeng Loan.
The Rongfeng Loan has a term of four (4) years. The annual interest rate for the first twenty-four (24) months of the loan is 12%. ZRIT has the right to adjust the interest rate according to the market conditions after twenty-four (24) months and Xi'an TCH has the right to prepay the Rongfeng Loan before maturity if Xi’an TCH does not agree to such adjustment of the interest rate. ZRIT has the right to request repayment of all principal and interest of the Rongfeng Loan on the 24-month anniversary date of the establishment of Trust Plan No. 2. Under the terms of the loan, Xi’an TCH should make the first, second, and all remaining repayment of the principal which is 30%, 30%, and 40% of the accumulated amount released by ZRIT on the last day of the 24th month, 36th month, and maturity date from the establishment of the trust plan.
For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company capitalized $3.00 million interest to construction in progress for ZRIT Trust loans.
As of December 31, 2014, the future minimum repayment of all the loans including entrusted loan to be made by years is as follows:
| 2015 | 15,729,694 | |||
| 2016 | 65,388,135 | |||
| 2017 | 41,282,889 | |||
| 2018 | 18,872,365 | |||
| 2019 | - | |||
| Total | $ | 141,273,083 |
13. LONG TERM PAYABLE – FINANCING AGREEMENT FOR SALE LEASE-BACK TRANSACTION
On June 28, 2011, Xi’an TCH entered into a Financing Agreement (the “Cinda Agreement”) with Cinda Financial, an affiliate of China Cinda (HK) Asset Management Co., Ltd, a company organized under the laws of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China (“Cinda HK”).
Under the Cinda Agreement, Xi’an TCH transferred its ownership of (i) a set of 7MW steam turbine WHPG systems and (ii) four furnaces and ancillary apparatus ((i) and (ii) collectively, the “Assets”) to Cinda Financial for $6.72 million (RMB 42.50 million), and Cinda Financial leased the Assets to Xi’an TCH for five (5) years for $8.15 million (RMB 51.54 million) based on the transfer cost and benchmark interest rate for five (5) year loans by People’s Bank of China (“PBOC”) (then 6.65%) plus 15% of that rate (7.6475%). The interest rate will increase if the five-year benchmark interest rate of PBOC increases but will remain the same if the benchmark rate decreases in the future. Xi’an TCH shall make pro rata quarterly payments to Cinda Financial for the leasing fees. Upon the completion of the lease term and full payment of all leasing fees and other fees, Xi’an TCH can pay $676 (RMB 4,250) to acquire the Assets from Cinda Financial. The quarterly minimum leasing payment to Cinda Financial is $412,855 (RMB 2.59 million).
In addition to the leasing fees, Xi’an TCH prepaid a one-time non-refundable leasing service charge of $405,696 (RMB 2.550 million) and a refundable security deposit of $338,079 (RMB 2.13 million) to Cinda Financial. The prepaid leasing service fee is to be: amortized over five (5) years. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, $207,550 (RMB 1,275,000) and $82,070 (RMB 510,000) was amortized, respectively.
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As of December 31, 2014, the prepaid leasing service fee was fully amortized as a result of the Early Repayment Agreement entered by Xi’an TCH and Cinda Financial on December 22, 2014. Under the Repayment Agreement, Xi’an TCH will pay the principal and interest in the amount of RMB 2.55 million ($0.42 million) in the first quarter of 2015 as well as the remaining principal of RMB 12.14 million ($1.97 million) before March 28, 2015 (the “Total Repayment Price”). Cinda Financial will return the deposit of RMB 2,125,000 ($0.35 million) to Xi’an TCH within three days after Xi’an TCH pays off the Total Repayment Price. Upon the effective date of the Repayment Agreement, the Financial Leasing Agreement will be terminated.
In accordance with ASC 840-10-25-4, since CREG retains substantially all of the benefits and risks relating to the property, this transaction was a financing and was recorded as such. The proceeds of this financing were not received prior to June 30, 2011; therefore, this transaction was recorded in the third quarter of 2011. As of December 31, 2014, the Company made repayments of $5.94 million including interest to Cinda Financial.
14. REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT FROM CUSTOMERS FOR SYSTEMS LEASING
Refundable deposit from customers for systems leasing was $1,650,597 and $1,164,526 as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The refundable deposit was mainly for Pucheng, Shenqiu and Yida systems.
15. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
On March 1, 2014, Xi’an TCH entered a loan agreement with Mr. Guohua Ku, a major shareholder and the Company's Chairman and CEO, pursuant to which Mr. Ku will loan the Company, from time to time, up to RMB 80 million ($13 million) for the Company’s operating needs. The loans bear no interest, have a one-year term, and the Company can repay the principal in installments. As of December 31, 2014, the Company borrowed $0 from Mr. Ku, but had $40,954 in advances from the Company’s management, which bear no interest, and are payable upon demand.
On August 27, 2014, the “Company” entered into a Share Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Mr. Guohua Ku. Pursuant to the Agreement, the Company issued to Mr. Ku, 13,829,074 shares of common stock of the Company on September 5, 2014. The purchase price per share for the Shares shall be the average closing price quoted on the NASDAQ Global Market for the common stock of the Company for 15 trading days prior to the effective date of the Agreement, which was $1.37 per share. The Company received payments in two installments of $12 million and $6.91 million on September 5, 2014 and September 12, 2014 respectively in equivalent of RMB 74.05 million and RMB 42.85 million respectively using the middle exchange rate between USD and RMB published by the People’s Bank of China on the effective date of the agreement pursuant to its terms. These shares were recorded using the FV of $1.49 per share. The Company shall file a registration statement for the registration of the Shares for their resale by Mr. Ku within 180 days from the effective date of this Agreement, the Company is currently working on the registration statement.
As of December 31, 2013, amounts due to related parties totaled $2,420,391, including an advance of $2,379,734 from Mr. Ku, a major shareholder and the Company's Chairman and CEO; and $40,657 from the Company’s management, which bore no interest, and were payable on demand. The $2,379,734 advance from the Company’s shareholder became short term, non-interest bearing, one-year loan as a result of the loan agreement entered on March 31, 2014, which was repaid in September 2014.
16. NONCONTROLLING INTEREST
Prior to June 15, 2013, “Non-controlling interest” was a 7% equity interest of Erdos TCH (the “JV”) owned by Erdos Metallurgy Co., Ltd. (“Erdos”).
As of June 15, 2013, the total registered capital of Erdos TCH was $17.55 million (RMB 120 million), of which, $16.37 million (RMB 112 million) was contributed by Xi’an TCH, and $1.29 million (RMB 8 million ) was from Erdos Metallurgy. Erdos TCH engages in a business similar to that of Xi’an TCH. On June 15, 2013, Xi’an and Erdos Metallurgy entered into a share purchase agreement. Xi’an TCH will pay Erdos Metallurgy $1.29 million (RMB 8 million ) for the 7% equity interest of Erdos TCH and then become 100% owner of Erdos TCH. In addition, Erdos TCH distributed 20% of the accumulated profit (calculated under PRC GAAP) to Erdos Metallurgy up to June 30, 2013, in accordance with the supplementary agreement entered on August 6, 2013. In July 2013, Xi’an TCH paid $1.29 million (RMB 8 million) to Erdos Metallurgy, and in August 2013, Xi’an TCH paid 20% of the accumulated profit (calculated under PRC GAAP) in the amount of $226,000 to Erdos Metallurgy.
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On July 15, 2013, Xi’an TCH and HYREF Fund jointly established Xi’an Zhonghong New Energy Technology (“Zhonghong”) with registered capital of RMB 30 million ($4.88 million), to manage new projects. Xi’an TCH paid RMB 27 million ($4.37 million). Xi'an TCH owns 90% of Zhonghong while HYREF Fund owns 10% of Zhonghong as non-controlling interest of Zhonghong.
In addition, the HYREF Fund was 16.3% owned by Xi’an TCH and 1.1% owned by the Fund Management Company, and the Fund Management Company was 40% owned by Xi’an TCH as described in Note 12, which resulted in an additional indirect ownership of Xi’an TCH in Zhonghong of 1.7%; accordingly, the ultimate non-controlling interest (HYREF Fund) in Zhonghong became 8.3%.
17. INCOME TAX
The Company’s Chinese subsidiaries are governed by the Income Tax Law of the PRC concerning privately-run enterprises, which are generally subject to tax at 25% on income reported in the statutory financial statements after appropriate tax adjustments. Under the Chinese tax law, the tax treatment of finance and sales-type leases is similar to US GAAP. However, the local tax bureau continues to treat CREG sales-type leases as operating leases. Accordingly, the Company recorded deferred income taxes.
The Company’s subsidiaries generate all of their net income from their PRC operations. Shanghai TCH’s effective income tax rate for 2014 and 2013 was 25%. During 2013, Xi’an TCH was re-approved for high tech enterprise status and enjoyed 15% preferential income tax rate for three (3) years effective January 1, 2013. Huahong, Zhonghong and Erdos TCH’s effective income tax rate for 2014 and 2013 was 25%. Shanghai TCH, Xi’an TCH, Huahong, Zhonghong and Erdos TCH file separate income tax returns.
There is no income tax for companies domiciled in the Cayman Islands. Accordingly, the Company’s consolidated financial statements do not present any income tax provisions related to Cayman Islands tax jurisdiction where Sifang Holding is domiciled.
The US parent company, China Recycling Energy Corporation, is taxed in the US and, as of December 31, 2014, had net operating loss (“NOL”) carry forwards for income taxes of $13.60 million, which may be available to reduce future years’ taxable income as NOLs can be carried forward up to twenty (20) years from the year the loss is incurred. Our management believes the realization of benefits from these losses may be uncertain due to the US parent company’s continuing operating losses. Accordingly, a 100% deferred tax asset valuation allowance was provided.
Consolidated foreign pretax earnings approximated $27.30 and $24.58 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Pretax earnings of a foreign subsidiary are subject to US taxation when repatriated. The Company provides income taxes on the undistributed earnings of non-US subsidiaries except to the extent that such earnings are indefinitely invested outside the United States. As of December 31, 2014, $104.21 million of accumulated undistributed earnings of non-US subsidiaries were indefinitely invested. At the existing US federal income tax rate, additional taxes of $20.10 million would have to be provided if such earnings were remitted currently.
The following table reconciles the US statutory rates to the Company’s effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively:
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| US statutory rates | 34.0 | % | 34.0 | % | ||||
| Tax rate difference – current provision | (9.5 | )% | (9.7 | )% | ||||
| Effective tax holiday | (8.0 | )% | (9.5 | )% | ||||
| Prior periods income tax adjustment per income tax return filed | 1.4 | % | 3.3 | % | ||||
| Other | 0.4 | % | (0.3 | )% | ||||
| Effect of tax rate change on deferred tax items | 3.5 | % | 9.7 | % | ||||
| Valuation allowance on PRC NOL | - | % | - | % | ||||
| Valuation allowance on US NOL | 1.9 | % | 2.8 | % | ||||
| Tax per financial statements | 23.7 | % | 30.3 | % | ||||
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The provision for income taxes expense for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 consisted of the following:
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| Income tax expense – current | $ | 5,055,803 | $ | 2,953,005 | ||||
| Income tax expense benefit - deferred | 1,055,464 | 3,933,596 | ||||||
| Total income tax expense | $ | 6,111,267 | $ | 6,886,601 | ||||
18. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLAN
Options to Employees
On August 4, 2008, the Company granted certain employees stock options under the Company’s 2007 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan, which was later amended and restated in 2010, to acquire 3,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001, at $0.80 per share. The options vested over three (3) years and have a life of five (5) years. The Company’s 2007 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan has expired.
Based on the FV method under FASB ASC Topic 718, the FV of each stock option granted is estimated on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model (“BSOPM”). The BSOPM has assumptions for risk free interest rates, dividends, stock volatility and expected life of an option grant. The risk free interest rate is based upon market yields for United States Treasury debt securities at a maturity near the term remaining on the option. Dividend rates are based on the Company’s dividend history. The stock volatility factor is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock price. The expected life of an option grant is based on management’s estimate as no options have been exercised in the Plan to date. The FV of each option granted to employees is recognized as compensation expense over the vesting period of each stock option award. The FV of the options was calculated using the following assumptions, estimated life of five (5) years, volatility of 100%, risk free interest rate of 2.76%, and dividend yield of 0%. No estimate of forfeitures was made as the Company has a short history of granting options. The options were accounted for as a modification of the options cancelled on June 25, 2008. The grant date FV of options was $5.04 million. The options expired on August 3, 2013.
On November 9 and 11, 2009, the Company and three option holders agreed to cancel 87,000 vested but unexercised shares and forfeit unvested options for 203,000 unvested shares. On November 11, 2009, the Company granted options to two other employees for 290,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at $2.35 per share. The options vested over three (3) years and have a life of five (5) years. The FV of the options was calculated using the following assumptions, estimated life of five (5) years, volatility of 100%, risk free interest rate of 3.84%, and dividend yield of 0%. The grant date FV of options was $518,513. The options expired on November 10, 2014.
In July 2011, the Compensation Committee approved and provided the employees cashless exercise elections to the stock options granted by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) on August 4, 2008. On August 20, 2013, the Board further approved and provided the Employee Recipients (stock options granted to purchase shares of common stock of the Company in its resolutions on November 11, 2009 and August 13, 2010, as further discussed below) cashless exercise elections. The holder of the stock options may elect to receive shares equal to the value (as determined below) of his/her option (or the portion thereof being canceled) according to the following formula:
X = Y (A-C)
A
| Where | X = | the number of shares of Common Stock to be issued to the holder | |
| Y = | the number of shares of stock option or, if only a portion of the stock option is being exercised, the portion of the option being canceled | ||
| A = | the Fair Market Value of one share of Common Stock as defined below | ||
| C = | Stock Option Exercise Price |
For purposes of the above calculation, the fair market value per share shall be the closing price quoted on the NASDAQ Global Market for the five (5) trading days prior to the date on which a written notice of such holder’s election to exercise his/her option has been received by the Company. During 2013, the Employee Recipients exercised 2,650,000 shares of stock options (granted on August 4, 2008) into 1,887,411 shares of the Company’s common stock.
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On August 13, 2010, the Company granted 2,200,000 options to acquire the Company’s common stock at $3.05 per share to 36 managerial and non-managerial employees as new equity awards pursuant to the Corporation’s Amended and Restated 2007 plan. According to the vesting terms, the options granted were divided into three tranches, (i) 1/3 (one third) of the total number of shares subject to the options shall vest and become exercisable if the Company meets its minimum revenue and earnings goals in the Company’s guidance for 2010 as delivered in its earnings releases and/or conference calls in the first quarter of 2010, such vesting to occur immediately upon completion of the annual audit confirming the financial results for 2010; and (ii) an additional 1/3 (one third) of the total number of shares subject to the options shall vest and become exercisable if the Company meets certain financial goals of 2011 which will be set out and decided by the Compensation Committee, such vesting to occur immediately upon Compensation Committee’s determination that the Company has met such goals for 2011; and (iii) the remaining 1/3 (one third) of the total number of shares subject to the options shall vest and become exercisable if the Company meets certain financial goals of 2012 which is set out and decided by the Compensation Committee, such vesting is to occur immediately upon Compensation Committee’s determination that the Company has met such goals for 2012. The options may only be exercised to the extent that such options have become vested and exercisable.
The Company did not meet the financial goals of 2012 and 2011; accordingly, the second and third tranches (two thirds of the total number of 2,200,000 options) were forfeited.
The options have a life of five (5) years. The FV of the options was calculated using the following assumptions; estimated life of five (5) years, volatility of 92%, risk free interest rate of 3.54%, and dividend yield of 0%. Each tranche of the options is deemed to be independent of the others. Therefore, the FV of the first tranche of options was expensed during 2011; the second and third tranche of options were forfeited due to the non-achievement of established financial benchmarks.
The following table summarizes activity for employees in the Company’s Plan:
| Number of Shares | Average Exercise Price per Share | Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term in Years | ||||||||||
| Outstanding at January 1, 2013 | 3,733,333 | $ | 1.36 | 1.09 | ||||||||
| Exercisable at January 1, 2013 | 3,733,333 | 1.36 | 1.09 | |||||||||
| Granted | - | - | - | |||||||||
| Exercised | 2,650,000 | 0.80 | - | |||||||||
| Forfeited | 60,000 | - | - | |||||||||
| Outstanding at December 31, 2013 | 1,023,333 | $ | 2.85 | 1.40 | ||||||||
| Exercisable at December 31, 2013 | 1,023,333 | 2.85 | 1.40 | |||||||||
| Granted | - | - | - | |||||||||
| Exercised | - | - | - | |||||||||
| Forfeited | 290,000 | - | - | |||||||||
| Outstanding at December 31, 2014 | 733,333 | 3.05 | 0.62 | |||||||||
| Exercisable at December 31, 2014 | 733,333 | $ | 3.05 | 0.62 | ||||||||
0 and 2,650,000 (cashless exercise) shares of options were exercised during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
The Company recorded $0 compensation expense for stock options to employees during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Options that were vested and exercisable at December 31, 2014 were 733,333 shares, weighted average exercise price of $3.05, no intrinsic value, and weighted-average remaining contractual term of 0.62 years. Options that were expected to vest at December 31, 2014 were 0 shares.
Options to Independent Directors
On October 30, 2009, the Company granted stock options for 130,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, at $1.85 per share to three independent directors. The options vested and became exercisable on the six-month anniversary of the grant date with a life of five (5) years. The FV of the options was calculated using the following assumptions: estimated life of five (5) years, volatility of 100%, risk free interest rate of 3.54%, and dividend yield of 0%. The grant date FV of options was $183,000. The options expired on October 29, 2014.
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On January 20, 2010, the Company granted stock options for 40,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, at $4.68 per share to another independent director. The options vested and became exercisable on the six-month anniversary of the grant date with a life of five (5) years. The FV of the options was calculated using the following assumptions: estimated life of five (5) years, volatility of 100%, risk free interest rate of 3.54%, and dividend yield of 0%. The grant date FV of options was $142,000.
On October 7, 2010, the Board appointed Mr. Yilin Ma and Mr. Chungui Shi as new members of the Board to fill the director vacancies until their successors have been duly elected and qualified. In connection with their appointment, the Board authorized the Company to provide Mr. Shi with (i) compensation of $2,000 per month and (ii) the grant of an option to purchase 40,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, at an exercise price equal to the closing price per share of the Company’s common stock on October 7, 2010. The Director Stock Options vested and became exercisable upon shareholder approval; the options had a life of five (5) years from the original grant date. The FV of these options was calculated using the following assumptions: estimated life of five (5) years, volatility of 87%, risk free interest rate of 3.54%, and dividend yield of 0%. The grant date FV of the Director Stock Options was $83,000. On October 31, 2013, the Company was notified by NASDAQ that the grant of options to Mr. Chungui Shi were subject to our shareholders’ approval pursuant to NASDAQ rule 5635(c); accordingly, on November 11, 2013, the Company and Mr. Shi entered into that certain First Amendment to the Non-Statutory Stock Option Agreement. Per the First Amendment, the parties agreed that the underlying Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement would be subject to stockholder approval at the Company's 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and that if shareholder approval is not obtained, the initial grant shall be deemed null and void and Mr. Shi shall not have a right to these shares, the stock options granted to Mr. Shi was approved in the Company’s 2014 Annual Meeting.
The Director Stock Options did not include a cashless exercise right clause. On August 20, 2013, the Board approved and provided the Director Recipients cashless exercise elections to the Director Stock Options. The holder of the stock options may elect to receive shares equal to the value (as determined below) of his/her option (or the portion thereof being canceled) according to the following formula:
X = Y (A-C)
A
| Where | X = | the number of shares of common stock to be issued to the holder |
| Y = | the number of shares of stock option or, if only a portion of the stock option is being exercised, the portion of the option being canceled | |
| A = | the Fair Market Value of one share of common stock as defined below | |
| C = | Stock Option Exercise Price |
For purposes of the above calculation, the fair market value per share shall be the closing price quoted on the NASDAQ Global Market for the five (5) trading days prior to the date on which a written notice of such holder’s election to exercise his/her option has been received by the Company. During 2013, one of the Company’s directors exercised 10,000 shares of stock options into 5,261 shares of the Company’s common stock. During the year ended December 31, 2014, two of the Company’s directors exercised 60,000 shares (50,000 and 10,000 shares respectively) of stock options into 36,124 shares (30,575 and 5,549 shares respectively) of the Company’s common stock.
The following table summarizes option activity with respect to the independent directors:
| Number of Shares | Average Exercise Price per Share | Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term in Years | ||||||||||
| Outstanding at January 1, 2013 | 210,000 | $ | 2.60 | 2.05 | ||||||||
| Exercisable at January 1, 2013 | 210,000 | 2.60 | 2.05 | |||||||||
| Granted | - | - | - | |||||||||
| Exercised | 10,000 | 1.85 | - | |||||||||
| Forfeited | - | - | - | |||||||||
| Outstanding at December 31, 2013 | 200,000 | 2.64 | 1.05 | |||||||||
| Exercisable at December 31, 2013 | 160,000 | 2.64 | 0.74 | |||||||||
| Granted | - | - | - | |||||||||
| Exercised | 60,000 | 1.85 | - | |||||||||
| Forfeited | 60,000 | - | - | |||||||||
| Outstanding at December 31, 2014 | 80,000 | 3.83 | 0.31 | |||||||||
| Exercisable at December 31, 2014 | 80,000 | $ | 3.83 | 0.31 | ||||||||
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60,000 and 10,000 (both were cashless exercise) shares of options were exercised during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
Options that were vested and exercisable at December 31, 2014 were 80,000 shares, weighted average exercise price of $3.83, no intrinsic value, and weighted-average remaining contractual term of 0.31 years.
Shares issued to a consulting firm
On October 16, 2013, the Company entered a one-year financing consulting service agreement with a consulting firm. The Company will pay 75,000 restricted Rule 144 shares for the service. The Board approved such share issuance on March 27, 2014. The fair value of the 75,000 shares was $187,500 at agreement date, and was amortized over the term of the service.
Shares issued to CEO
On August 27, 2014, the Company entered into a Share Purchase Agreement with Mr. Guohua Ku, a Chinese citizen, major shareholder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of this Company. Pursuant to the Agreement, the Company issued to Mr. Ku, 13,829,074 shares of common stock of the Company on September 5, 2014. The purchase price per share for the Shares shall be the average closing price quoted on the NASDAQ Global Market for the common stock of the Company for 15 trading days prior to the effective date of the Agreement, which was $1.37 per share. The Company received payments in two installments of $12 million and $6.91 million on September 5, 2014 and September 12, 2014, respectively, in equivalent of RMB 74.05 million and RMB 42.85 million, respectively, using the middle exchange rate between USD and RMB published by the People’s Bank of China on the effective date of the agreement pursuant to its terms ..These shares were recorded using the FV of $1.49 per share. The Company shall file a registration statement for the registration of the Shares for their resale by Mr. Ku within 180 days from the effective date of this Agreement.
19. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Shares Issued for System Purchase
On June 28, 2014, Xi’an TCH entered into an Asset Transfer Agreement with Yida described in Note 1, which provided for the sale to Xi’an TCH of a set of 15MW coke oven gas power generation station with completion of station transformation from Yida. As consideration for the coke oven gas power generation station, Xi’an TCH paid Yida RMB 115 million ($18.69 million) in the form of 8,233,779 shares of common stock of the Company at the price of $2.27 per share, which was an agreed-upon price between the seller and the Compnay. The FV of 8,233,779 shares at the trsansaction closing date is $14,491,451 with the stock price of $1.76 on that date.
Shares Purchased by Officer
On August 27, 2014, the “Company” entered into a Share Purchase Agreement with Mr. Guohua Ku. Pursuant to the Agreement, the Company issued to Mr. Ku, 13,829,074 shares of common stock of the Company on September 5, 2014. The purchase price per share for the Shares shall be the average closing price quoted on the NASDAQ Global Market for the common stock of the Company for 15 trading days prior to the effective date of the Agreement, which was $1.37 per share. The Company received payments in two installments of $12 million and $6.91 million on September 5, 2014 and September 12, 2014 respectively in equivalent of RMB 74.05 million and RMB 42.85 million respectively using the middle exchange rate between USD and RMB published by the People’s Bank of China on the effective date of the agreement pursuant to its terms. These shares were recorded using the FV of $1.49 per share.
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20. STATUTORY RESERVES
Pursuant to the corporate law of the PRC effective January 1, 2006, the Company is only required to maintain one statutory reserve by appropriating from its after-tax profit before declaration or payment of dividends. The statutory reserve represents restricted retained earnings.
Surplus Reserve Fund
The Company’s Chinese subsidiaries are required to transfer 10% of their net income, as determined under PRC accounting rules and regulations, to a statutory surplus reserve fund until such reserve balance reaches 50% of the Company’s registered capital.
The surplus reserve fund is non-distributable other than during liquidation and can be used to fund previous years’ losses, if any, and may be utilized for business expansion or converted into share capital by issuing new shares to existing shareholders in proportion to their shareholding or by increasing the par value of the shares currently held by them, provided that the remaining reserve balance after such issue is not less than 25% of the registered capital.
The maximum statutory reserve amount has not been reached for any subsidiary. The table below discloses the statutory reserve amount in the currency type registered for each Chinese subsidiary as of December 31, 2014.
| Name of Chinese Subsidiaries |
Registered Capital | Maximum Statutory Reserve Amount |
Statutory reserve at December 31, 2014 | |||||||
| Shanghai TCH | $ | 29,800,000 | $ | 14,900,000 | ¥ 6,564,303 ($959,387) | |||||
| Xi’an TCH | ¥ | 202,000,000 | ¥ | 101,000,000 | ¥ 55,971,758 ($8,541,109) | |||||
| Erdos TCH | ¥ | 120,000,000 | ¥ | 60,000,000 | ¥ 15,680,561 ($2,387,674) | |||||
| Xi’an Zhonghong | ¥ | 30,000,000 | ¥ | 15,000,000 | Did not accrue yet due to accumulated deficit | |||||
| Shaanxi Huahong | $ | 2,500,300 | $ | 1,250,150 | Did not accrue yet due to accumulated deficit | |||||
Common Welfare Fund
The common welfare fund is a voluntary fund to which the Company can transfer 5% to 10% of its net income. This fund can only be utilized on capital items for the collective benefit of the Company’s employees, such as construction of dormitories, cafeteria facilities, and other staff welfare facilities. This fund is non-distributable other than upon liquidation. The Company does not participate in this fund.
21. CONTINGENCIES
The Company’s operations in the PRC are subject to specific considerations and significant risks not typically associated with companies in North America and Western Europe. These include risks associated with, among others, the political, economic and legal environments and foreign currency exchange. The Company’s results may be adversely affected by changes in governmental policies with respect to laws and regulations, anti-inflationary measures, currency conversion and remittance abroad, and rates and methods of taxation, among other things.
The Company’s sales, purchases and expense transactions are denominated in RMB and all of the Company’s assets and liabilities are also denominated in RMB. The RMB is not freely convertible into foreign currencies under the current law. In China, foreign exchange transactions are required by law to be transacted only by authorized financial institutions. Remittances in currencies other than RMB may require certain supporting documentation in order to make the remittance.
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The Company sells electricity to its customers and receives commercial notes (bank acceptance) from them in lieu of payments for accounts receivable. The Company discounts the commercial notes with the bank or endorses the commercial notes to vendors for payment of their own obligations or to get cash from third parties. Most of the commercial notes have a maturity of less than six (6) months. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, Xi’an TCH had outstanding notes receivable of $0 and RMB 4 million ($656,071), respectively.
Xi’an TCH was granted a subsidy by Xi’an City Science and Technology Bureau and Xi’an City Finance Bureau under Xi’an Hi-Tech Industry Development Special Project Fund. The special project fund for Xi’an TCH is for a three (3) years period, from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2014, with two criteria established to measure the performance of Xi’an TCH: (i) total accumulated sales in three (3) years should be RMB 320 million ($52.8 million), and (ii) total accumulated taxable income should be RMB 56.9 million ($9.0 million). In 2012, Xi’an TCH’s total sales were RMB 129 million ($20.5 million) and total taxable income was RMB 59.8 million ($9.5 million) under PRC GAAP. Xian TCH achieved total accumulated taxable income target of RMB 56.9 million ($9.0 million) in 2012 under PRC GAAP. In 2013, Xi’an TCH’s total sales were RMB 154 million ($24.9 million) under PRC GAAP; in the three (3) months ended March 31, 2014, Xi’an TCH’s total sales were RMB 45 million ($7.4 million) under PRC GAAP; as a result, Xian TCH achieved total accumulated sales target of RMB 320 million ($52.8 million) under PRC GAAP as of March 31, 2014, and therefore was fully entitled to the subsidy income. Total subsidy income for three (3) years was $499,000 (RMB 3.15 million) and Xi’an TCH paid third party consulting company fees of $149,700 (RMB 945,000), for services relating to project evaluation and audit, application document preparation, assembling and compiling, the net subsidy received was $349,300 (RMB 2.21 million), which was recorded as part of other income.
22. COMMITMENTS
Lease Commitment
On March 4, 2014, Xi’an TCH’s office lease expired. Xi’an TCH renewed this lease for an additional three (3) years with an 8% increase on rent upon renewal; the monthly rental payment was $18,000 before March 4, 2014 and is now $19,440 after Mach 4, 2014. In March 2013, Xi’an TCH leased an office in Jinan for a three (3) year term, expiring on March 22, 2016, with a monthly rental payment of $3,800, which amount will be increased by 5% each year. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the rental expense of Xi’an TCH was $402,374 and $275,500, respectively.
Future minimum annual rental payments required under operating leases as of December 31, 2014 were as below (by year):
| 2015 | $ | 392,000 | ||
| 2016 | 60,000 | |||
| Total | $ | 452,000 |
Construction Commitment
Refer to Note 1 for additional details related to lease commitments with Shanxi Datong, Chengli Boxing, Tianyu (and its subsidiaries Xuzhou Tian’an and Xuzhou Huayu), Rongfeng, and Zhongtai, and Note 8 for commitment on construction in progress.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
On February 16, 2015, the Company notified Goldman Kurland and Mohidin LLP (“GKM”), the independent registered public accounting firm of the Company, that the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company has decided to dismiss it as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, effectively immediately.
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GKM's audit reports on the Company's consolidated financial statements as of and for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2013, and December 31, 2012, did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles.
During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2013, and December 31, 2012, respectively, and in the subsequent interim period through February 15, 2015, there were (i) no disagreements between the Company and GKM on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of GKM, would have caused GKM to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreement in their reports on the financial statements for such years, and (ii) no “reportable events” as that term is defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.
On February 15, 2015, the Audit Committee of Board of Directors of the Company (the "Audit Committee") approved the engagement of MJF and Associates, APC. (“MJF”) as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm, effective immediately. The Audit Committee also approved MJF to act as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2015.
In deciding to engage MJF, the Audit Committee of Board of Directors reviewed auditor independence and existing commercial relationships with MJF, and concluded that MJF has no commercial relationship with the Company that would impair its independence. During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2013, and December 31, 2012, respectively, and in the subsequent interim period through February 15, 2015, neither the Company nor anyone acting on its behalf has consulted with MJF on any of the matters or events set forth in Item 304(a)(2) of Regulation S-K.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this report, we conducted an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)). Based on this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of December 31, 2014 our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our periodic reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and (ii) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure.
Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures will prevent or detect all errors and all fraud. Disclosure controls and procedures, no matter how well designed, operated and managed, can provide only reasonable assurance that the objectives of the disclosure controls and procedures are met. Because of the inherent limitations of disclosure controls and procedures, no evaluation of such disclosure controls and procedures can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected.
Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining a system of internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with US generally accepted accounting principles. All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations.
We conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of our system of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, the last day of our fiscal year. This assessment was based on criteria established in the framework Internal Control—Integrated Framework, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and included an evaluation of elements such as the design and operating effectiveness of key financial reporting controls, process documentation, accounting policies, and our overall control environment. Based on our assessment, management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of the end of the fiscal year to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with US generally accepted accounting principles. We reviewed the results of management’s assessment with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors.
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This annual report on Form 10-K does not include an attestation report of the Company’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the Company’s registered public accounting firm.
Changes in internal control over financial reporting
With the participation of the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the Company also conducted an evaluation of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting to determine whether any changes occurred during the Company’s fiscal quarter ended as of September 30, 2014, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Based on such evaluation, management concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, there have not been any changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the fiscal quarter to which this report relates that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Not applicable.
The information required by Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, pursuant to General Instruction G(3) of Form 10-K, will be set forth in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A relating to the Company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.
Information regarding our directors and executive officers required by this Item will be set forth under the captions “Proposal 1 — Election of Directors,” “Executive Officers,” “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” and “Information About Our Board of Directors and Corporate Governance” in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement and is incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
Information required by this Item will be set forth in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement under the captions “Information About Our Board of Directors and Corporate Governance,” “Executive Compensation” and “Director Compensation” and is incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS.
Information required by this Item will be set forth in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement under the captions “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” and “Equity Compensation Plan Information” and is incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.
Information required by this Item will be set forth in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement under the captions “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions” and “Information About Our Board of Directors and Corporate Governance” and is incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.
Information required by this Item will be set forth in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement under the caption “Information about Our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” and is incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
| (a) | Financial Statements and Schedules |
| (1) | The following Financial Statements are filed as a part of this report: |
| (i) | Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. |
| (ii) | Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. |
| (iii) | Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. |
| (iv) | Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. |
| (v) | Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. |
| (vi) | Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. |
| (2) | All schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the SEC are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and, therefore, have been omitted. |
| (3) | Exhibits. Please see the list of exhibits set forth on our Exhibit Index, which is incorporated herein by reference. |
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.
| China Recycling Energy Corporation | ||
| Date: March 23, 2015 | By: | /s/ Guohua Ku |
| Guohua Ku | ||
| Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer | ||
| Date: March 23, 2015 | By: | /s/ David Chong |
| David Chong | ||
| Secretary, Principal Financial Officer and | ||
| Principal Accounting Officer | ||
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Pursuant to the requirements of the Exchange Act, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on March 23, 2015.
Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Guohua Ku as his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, acting alone, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent, acting alone, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all said attorney-in-fact and agent, acting alone, or his substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.
| Signature | Title | ||
| /s/ Guohua Ku | |||
| Guohua Ku | Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer | ||
| /s/ David Chong | |||
| David Chong | Secretary, Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer | ||
| /s/ Yulong Ding | |||
| Yulong Ding | Director | ||
| /s/ Geyun Wang a | |||
| Geyun Wang | Director | ||
| /s/ Albert McLelland | |||
| Albert McLelland | Director | ||
| /s/ Chungui Shi | |||
| Chungui Shi | Director | ||
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EXHIBIT INDEX
The following documents listed below that have been previously filed with the SEC (1934 Act File No. 000-12536 unless otherwise stated) are incorporated herein by reference:
|
Exhibit No. |
Description | |
| 3.1 | Articles of Incorporation (filed as Exhibit 3.05 to the Company’s Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001). | |
| 3.2 | Fourth Amended and Restated Bylaws (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 25, 2009). | |
| 4.1 | Common Stock Specimen (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 dated November 12, 2004; 1934 Act File No. 333-120431). | |
| 10.1 | Securities Exchange Agreement by and among Boulder Acquisitions, Inc., Sifang Holdings Co., Ltd. and the stockholders of Sifang Holdings Co., Ltd., dated effective as of June 23, 2004 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 23, 2004). | |
| 10.2 | Share Purchase Agreement, dated January 24, 2007, between individual purchasers and shareholders of China Digital Wireless, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 11.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 26, 2007). | |
| 10.3 | TRT Project Joint Operation Agreement by and between Shanghai TCH Energy Technology Co. Ltd. and Xi’an Yingfeng Science and Technology Co. Ltd., dated February 1, 2007 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 8, 2007). | |
| 10.4 | Share Exchange Agreement by and among Hanqiao Zheng, Guohua Ku and a group of individual purchasers all of whom are stockholders of Xi’an Yingfeng Science and Technology Co. Ltd, dated February 22, 2007 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 21, 2007). | |
| 10.5 | Share Exchange Agreement by and among Guohua Ku and a group of individual purchasers all of whom are stockholders of Xi’an Yingfeng Science and Technology Co. Ltd, dated on August 22, 2007 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 21, 2007). | |
| 10.6 | Share Purchase Agreement by and between Guohua Ku and Hanqiao Zheng, dated on August 23, 2007 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 23, 2007). | |
| 10.7 | Assets Transfer and Share Issuance Agreement between the Company and Hanqiao Zheng, dated November 14, 2007 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 14, 2007). | |
| 10.8 | Share Purchase Agreement between Company and Hanqiao Zheng on November 16, 2007 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 16, 2007). | |
| 10.9 | Stock and Notes Purchase Agreement by and among the Company, Sifang Holdings Co., Ltd., Shanghai TCH Energy Technology Co., Ltd., Carlyle Asia Growth Partners III, L.P. and CAGP III Co-Investment, L.P., dated November 16, 2007 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 16, 2007). | |
| 10.10 | Amendment to Stock and Notes Purchase Agreement by and among the Company, Sifang Holdings Co., Ltd., Shanghai TCH Energy Technology Co., Ltd., Carlyle Asia Growth Partners III, L.P. and CAGP III Co-Investment, L.P., dated April 29, 2008 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 29, 2008). |
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| 10.11 | Form of 10% Secured Convertible Promissory Note issued by the Company to Carlyle Asia Growth Partners III, L.P. and CAGP III Co-Investment, L.P. (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 16, 2007). | |
| 10.12 | Form of 5% Secured Convertible Promissory Note issued by the Company to Carlyle Asia Growth Partners III, L.P. and CAGP III Co-Investment, L.P. (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 16, 2007). | |
| 10.13 | 5% Secured Convertible Promissory Note in the aggregate principal amount of $5,000,000 issued by the Company to Carlyle Asia Growth Partners III, L.P. and CAGP III Co-Investment, L.P. (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 30, 2008). | |
| 10.14 | Form of 5% Secured Convertible Promissory Note in the aggregate principal amount of $10,000,000 issued by the Company to Carlyle Asia Growth Partners III, L.P. and CAGP III Co-Investment, L.P. (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 30, 2008). | |
| 10.15 | Registration Rights Agreement by and among the Company, Carlyle Asia Growth Partners III, L.P. and CAGP III Co-Investment, L.P., dated November 16, 2007 (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 16, 2007). | |
| 10.16 | Stockholders Agreement by and among the Company, Carlyle Asia Growth Partners III, L.P., CAGP III Co-Investment, L.P., Hanqiao Zheng and Ping Sun, dated November 16, 2007 (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 16, 2007). | |
| 10.17 | Form of Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement - Manager Employee (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 4, 2008). | |
| 10.18 | 2007 Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 dated November 13, 2007).* | |
| 10.19 | Form of Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement - Non-Manager Employee (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 8, 2008). | |
| 10.20 | Stock Purchase Agreement by and among the Company, Sifang Holdings Co., Ltd., Shanghai TCH Energy Technology Co., Ltd. and Great Essential Investment, Ltd., dated April 15, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 20, 2009). | |
| 10.21 | Registration Rights Agreement by and between the Company and Great Essential Investment, Ltd., dated April 15, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 20, 2009). | |
| 10.22 | Note Subscription and Amendment Agreement between the Company and Carlyle Asia Growth Partners III, L.P. and CAGP III Co-Investment, L.P. (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 29, 2009). | |
| 10.23 | Form of 8% Secured Convertible Promissory Note for the aggregate principal amount of $3,000,000 issued to Carlyle Asia Growth Partners III, L.P. and CAGP III Co-Investment, L.P., dated April 29, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 29, 2009). |
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| 10.24 | Form of Amended and Restated 5% Secured Convertible Promissory Note for the aggregate principal amount of $5,000,000 issued to Carlyle Asia Growth Partners III, L.P. and CAGP III Co-Investment, L.P., dated April 29, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’ s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 29, 2009). | |
| 10.25 | Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement by and among the Company, Carlyle Asia Growth Partners III, L.P. and CAGP III Co-Investment, L.P., dated April 29, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 29, 2009). | |
| 10.26 | Supplementary Agreement by and between Inner Mongolia Erdos TCH Energy Saving Development Co., Ltd. and Inner Mongolia Erdos Metallurgy Co., Ltd., dated December 1, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 10.27 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009). | |
| 10.27 | Joint Operation Agreement by and between Xi’an TCH Energy Technology Co., Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and Inner Mongolia Erdos Metallurgy Co., Ltd., dated January 20, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2009). | |
| 10.28 | Short Term Loan Contract by and between Xi’an TCH Energy Technology Co., Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and Industrial Bank Co., Ltd., Xi’an Branch, dated April 13, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2009). | |
| 10.29 | Capital Trust Loan Contract by and between Inner Mongolia Erdos TCH Energy Conservation Development Co., Ltd. and Beijing International Trust Co., Ltd. (filed as Exhibit 10.29 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009). | |
| 10.30 | Non-Promissory Short-Term Revolving Financing Agreement by and between Citi Bank (China) Limited, Shanghai Branch, Xi’an TCH Energy Technology Co., Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and Inner Mongolia Erdos TCH Energy-Saving Development Co., Ltd., dated October 12, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 10.30 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009). | |
| 10.31 | Form of Independent Director Agreement. (filed as Exhibit 10.28 on the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10, filed on February 5, 2010).* | |
| 10.32 | Employment Agreement between the Company and Guohua Ku (filed as Exhibit 10.29 on the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10, filed on February 5, 2010).* | |
| 10.33 | Employment Agreement between the Company and Xinyu Peng (filed as Exhibit 10.30 on the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10, filed on February 5, 2010).* | |
| 10.34 | Form of Employment Agreement between the Company and David Chong. (filed as Exhibit 10.34 on the Company’s Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2010). | |
| 10.35 | Loan Agreement for Energy Saving and Emission Reduction between Xi’an TCH and Industrial Bank Co., Ltd., Xi’an Branch (filed as Exhibit 10.1 on the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2010). | |
| 10.36 | First Amendment to Convertible Promissory Note Transfer Agreement, dated July 24, 2012 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 on the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2012). |
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| 10.37 | Biomass Power Generation Asset Transfer Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 16, 2013) | |
| 10.38 | Biomass Power Generation Project Lease Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 16, 2013) | |
| 10.39 | Partnership Agreement of Beijing Hongyuan Recycling Energy Investment Center, LLP, dated July 18, 2013 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2013). | |
| 10.40 | Loan Agreement, dated July 30, 2013, by and among, Industrial Bank Xi'an Branch, Beijing Hongyuan Recycling Energy Investment Center, LLP and Xi’an Zhonghong New Energy Technology Co., Ltd (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2013). | |
| 10.41 | EPC Contract for Boxing CDQ Waste Heat Power Generation Project, dated July 22, 2013, by and between Xi’an Zhonghong New Energy Technology Co., Ltd and Xi’an Huaxin New Energy Co., Ltd (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2013) | |
| 10.42 | EPC Contract for CDQ Power Generation Project of Xuzhou Tianyu Group, dated July 22, 2013, by and between Xi’an Zhonghong New Energy Technology Co., Ltd and Xi’an Huaxin New Energy Co., Ltd. (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2013) | |
| 10.43 | Cooperation Agreement, dated July 22, 2013, by and between Xi’an Zhonghong New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. and Jiangsu Tianyu Energy and Chemical Group Co., Ltd (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2013) | |
| 10.44 | Project Cooperation Agreement, dated July 22, 2013, by and between Xi’an Zhonghong New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. and Boxing County Chengli Gas Supply Co., Ltd (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2013) | |
| 10.45 | Supplemental Agreement, dated July 2013, by and between Xi’an Zhonghong New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. and Boxing County Chengli Gas Supply Co., Ltd (filed as Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2013) | |
| 10.46 | Waste Heat Power Generation Energy Management Cooperative Agreement with Zhongtai (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K date.d December 17, 2013). | |
| 10.47 | CDQ Power Generation Energy Management Cooperative Agreement with Rongfeng (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 17, 2013). | |
| 10.48 | Early Repayment Agreement, dated December 22, 2014, by and between Xi’an TCH Energy Technology Co., Ltd. and Cinda Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. † | |
| 10.49 | Repurchase Agreement for the Waste Heat Power Generation Project of Zhong Gang Group Bin Hai Enterprise Co., Ltd., dated December 22, 2014, by and between Xi’an TCH Energy Technology Co., Ltd and Zhong Gang Group Bin Hai Enterprise Co., Ltd. † | |
| 14.1 | Code of Ethics (filed as Exhibit 14.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 2, 2009). | |
| 21.1 | Subsidiaries (filed as Exhibit 21.1 on the Company’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 dated November 12, 2004). | |
| 23.1 | Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. † |
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| 23.2 | Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. † | |
| 23.3 | Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. † | |
| 23.4 | Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. † | |
| 31.1 | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) certification of the Chief Executive Officer. † | |
| 31.2 | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) certification of the Chief Financial Officer. † | |
| 32.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350. † | |
| 32.2 | Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350. † | |
| 101.INS | XBRL Instance Document | |
| 101.SCH | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document | |
| 101.CAL | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document | |
| 101.LAB | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document | |
| 101.PRE | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document | |
| 101.DEF | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document |
* Management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement.
† Exhibits filed herewith.
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